Physical Training Programs in Light Infantry Units

<p>This thesis studies whether light infantry physical training (PT) programs include the combat focus necessary to prepare soldiers for the rigors of combat. United States Army physical training doctrine stresses the development of PT programs that enhance military skills essential to effective combat and duty performance. Programs must integrate the interactive components of strength mobility and endurance. Unit mission essential task lists (METLs) provide a finite number of wartime tasks. Examination of light infantry METLs plus identification of supporting platoon and individual tasks revealed the physically demanding tasks an infantryman performs on the battlefield. These were then analyzed to determine the demand required regarding the physical readiness components. Surveys determined the frequency and types of tasks executed during unit physical training PT. Those tasks executed most routinely in units were analyzed to determine their physical readiness component demands. This facilitated comparison between light infantry combat tasks and tasks present in unit PT programs. Results indicate that although strength and endurance are integral parts of light infantry PT programs mobility is almost nonexistent. This critical component is the functional application of strength and endurance. Its omission from unit programs is a glaring weakness in preparing soldiers for the fluid and complex combat environment.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>