The Army must systematically support a flexible program that can be applied throughout active duty and the reserve component. At the same time that the Army is increasing physical fitness standards, it is facing hurdles recruiting qualified individuals. Lessons from other countries suggest the Army should offer better resources for potential recruits prior to their arrival at training and better support and training for recruits and soldiers once serving in the Army. Otherwise, implementing a more comprehensive test will lead to higher injury and failure rates, rather than increased fitness, if soldiers are not prepared.

Emma Moore is a Research Assistant on the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at Center for a New American Security.

This article originally appeared at Task & Purpose. Follow Task & Purpose on Twitter. This article first appeared in 2019.

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