I read an interesting article in the AJC last week about how the United States military is changing the way they approach the physical aspect of basic training. I have never really thought about it before, but hind sight makes this sort of a "duh" moment. The article, "Army drops bayonets, busts abs in training revamp", eludes to the fact that running long distances, a staple of army boot camps, is not very relevant when it comes to fighting a war.
These guys need to become warriors, not marathoners! I say the military could take it a step farther and take a few lessons from football strength and conditioning coaches. While coaching high school football, I went through my fair share of training in this matter. By no means do I claim to be an expert, but I have seen several experts in action. If we had a military made up of men and women that were in half the shape of the typical Division I or NFL football player, it would be even more of a superpower.
Don't get me wrong, I love our military, and I thank each and every one of you that serve our country! I just want us to maximize our ability to mold strong men and women! The military is maybe the only thing the Federal Government can proudly say they are in charge of!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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Unfortunately the military can't take half the team out of the game every few minutes. Soldiers actually have to have the ability to fight to the end not just until the ball goes over. One of UGA's players, the name escapes me, took the ROTC course involving PT and said it kicked his butt. Football players are short on stamina and can only go all out for a few minutes then the hand goes up and out they come. The only team sport that is worst is Ice Hockey where they change lines every 45 seconds.
ReplyDeleteI read that article too. It was Orson Charles, I believe. I remember it being a great piece! I'm not sure if you ever played football, but today's player definitely has stamina! I see your point though about needed to endure non-stop action.
ReplyDeleteReally? You're kidding right??!! Put ANY D-1 Football player in the Army's Best Ranger Competition and I doubt he makes it to the end of day 1. I'll take a well conditioned and disciplined Army NCO over any one you put up.
ReplyDeleteWell, I cannot speak from experience, having never participated in any type of Ranger training or competition. I have EXTREME respect for all military personnel, but NFLers don't make 5-20 million dollars a year for no reason. They are elite athletes. If given a few lessons about how to perform the competition you speak of, I'd bet on the side of them competing toe to toe with Rangers.
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