Gregory Chandler - Physical training in the modern military

I joined the United States Army in 1975. During my more than 34 years of military service, I notice that the military has changed along with the general society on the matter of working out.
During the 1970s it was common to run in combat boots instead of running shoes. It took the military a long time to realize that running in combat boots is a problem for service members, like me, who have flat feet (over-pronators).

Views of nutrition and diet have also changed. I still have vivid memories of the salt tablet dispenser being in the dining facility during Airborne School. Airborne students were, in the 1970s, encouraged to consume large amounts of salt to deal with the Fort Benning, Georgia heat. Today, it is realized that most individuals consume so much salt and sodium that salt tablets are not encouraged.

Today's service members are confronted with a mix of physical training from the past as well as modern ideas. In the 1970s, physical training was mainly running and calisthenics. The young service member of today might be amazed that weightlifting was not common 30 years ago.

Today's service members should keep the old base of running. At the same time, weightlifting should be incorporated into the service members' physical training. The service member should vary his or her physical training routines to ensure a good fitness foundation.