Fit to Serve: A History of US Army Physical Readiness by Whitfield B. East ISBN 9781737204626, 1737204622 instant download

Fit to Serve: A History of US Army Physical Readiness by Whitfield B. East ISBN 9781737204626, 1737204622 instant download

The purpose of this publication is to review and analyze the history of physical readiness training and assessment in the United States Army. Although the evolution of US Army physical readiness training (PRT) doctrine begins during the pre-Colonial period in America, in order to fully understand this evolutionary process, we must first understand the development of military physical training in Europe and its role in shaping the philosophy and doctrine of US Army PRT. 
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After a short review of the role of physical training in antiquity, we will review in depth the growth of military "gymnastics" in Europe, especially Prussia, during the 19th century and the pathways of this doctrine and training to the United States and the US Army. 
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We will then explore the extrinsic and intrinsic forces that have shaped US Army PRT doctrine since 1700 with particular attention to the influences of a changing economic, social, and political milieu and evolution of warfighter tactics and technology. Lastly, we will explore the transformation of US Army physical readiness training and assessment in the 21st Century with the advent of the Holistic Health and Fitness system and the Army Combat Fitness Test.