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National Guard Fitness Standards: Managing Weight and Enhancing Physical Readiness
Written By: Michael Laverriere, MS, CSCS, New Hampshire National Guard, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Physical Fitness and the National Guard
National Guard service members have the unique task of maintaining a level of health and fitness for job performance. While there are a wide range of roles and responsibilities in the National Guard, all must maintain some level of job readiness. Service members must pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and Army body composition standards. Passing both of these assessments serves as a snapshot of potential combat readiness. The ACFT measures multiple physical capabilities, such as strength, endurance, and power. Height and weight standards assess an individual's body composition, which predicts physical health. Failing either of these assessments insinuates that the service member is unfit for duty.
Advantages and Disadvantages for Full-Time and Part-Time Service Members
Full-time service members have a greater opportunity for success in meeting these standards. Service members are provided 1 hour of physical training within the workday. This is more than enough time to develop the physical skills that the ACFT measures. Most duty stations have facilities that can accommodate physical training on-site. Pair this opportunity with sound nutritional practices, and service members will pass assessments with ease.
Part-time service members are faced with more of a challenge. These individuals are not provided physical training time in their civilian work life schedules. It is up to them to create time outside of work and other life commitments to keep themselves in good physical condition. The biggest barrier to exercise adherence is time. It is a luxury that full-time service members commonly take for granted. In addition to time commitments, many part-time service members do not have easy access to facilities. Most resort to local public gyms or home gym setups, which can be less than ideal.
All National Guard members face the adversity that training, drill schedules, and deployments bring to the table. Time away places stressors on families, which are certainly not conducive to health and well-being. When there is a lack of time, people resort to things out of convenience rather than the best option. When physical fitness is not the priority, it will be the first thing people skip.
The Value of Physical Readiness for Performance and Resilience
Being physically fit is greatly important for job performance. An individual with a healthy body composition will be able to perform better at almost every task. Excessive skeletal mass increases the stress placed on the body throughout the day. The cardiorespiratory and muscular systems are forced to work significantly harder to perform tasks. If excessive weight is lost, an individual's relative strength increases. This is the strength-to-bodyweight ratio. This allows people to move their bodies more easily in tasks like running, pushups, pullups, and planks. While service members do not need to be Olympic-level athletes, they do need to be in good physical condition.
A physically fit individual will be more resilient to the stressors placed on the body. They can, on any given day, run, jump, carry, climb, and ultimately move with greater proficiency. Musculoskeletal injuries often occur when the activity or stressor is too much for the body to handle. A sedentary, unhealthy individual does not use their body dynamically, leading to an inhibition of movement capabilities. Muscles, tendons, and bones can become unprepared for physical activity, leading to preventable injuries. A greater level of general physical preparedness allows individuals to perform their jobs with a reduced likelihood of injury. Within the National Guard, the best service member ability is availability.
Dietitian and Strength Coach Support Improves Weight Management and Physical Readiness
SiteWell Solutions is dedicated to enhancing the mission readiness of the National Guard by providing on-site Registered Dietitians, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, and other wellness professionals. These experts are crucial in guiding full-time and part-time service members through tailored weight management programs that align with the physical demands of military service. These programs focus on achieving and maintaining optimal body composition standards, which are critical for passing the ACFT and ensuring long-term health and performance. In addition to improving ACFT pass rates in the short term, consistent dietary guidance and structured physical training help mitigate long-term health risks such as musculoskeletal injuries and chronic diseases, ultimately supporting career longevity and quality of life after service.
While the primary focus of these services is on the service members, SiteWell Solutions extends its nutritional and fitness support to their families, recognizing that family support is vital for the Guard's overall resilience. Through live and virtual programming and telehealth services, wellness initiatives are broadened to encompass not just the soldiers but their loved ones, too. This holistic approach ensures greater levels of success and sustainability for all involved, reinforcing the National Guard’s ethos that the strength of the force is deeply rooted in family support.
In conclusion, the National Guard's commitment to fitness and weight management standards is essential for the readiness and operational effectiveness of its members. With SiteWell Solutions' support, full-time and part-time National Guard members can overcome various challenges to meet their fitness goals, enhancing their performance and reducing the risk of injuries. This comprehensive support system ensures that all members are prepared and resilient, ready to fulfill their duties whenever called upon.
Learn more about SiteWell Solutions
SiteWell Solutions helps business leaders in high-risk industries unlock the potential of their workforce. We focus on preventing injuries, enhancing employee morale, and cutting unnecessary costs. Our specialized services include work hardening programs, occupation-specific conditioning, pre-habilitation, performance nutrition, and mental resilience training. We work collaboratively with businesses to fortify your workforce, boost productivity, and build a safety culture grounded in physical and mental resilience.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest in employee wellness and injury prevention. Contact us at info@sitewellsolutions.com to discover how we help your workforce maximize their potential.
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