View this Free Essay in PDF format

This free essay has been submitted by: Guest User

A Soldier's Story

A soldier's performance in the Army can be greatly affected by his or her ability to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. Being physically fit is extremely important to a soldier for several reasons. One reason is because it is considered to be part of a soldier's job. Another reason is that a soldier's physical appearance will be reflected on the Army. The final reason is that physical fitness will affect a soldier's ability to survive in combat.

Pressed uniforms, clean footwear and shiny medals are all a part of a soldier's appearance. Along with the weekly haircut and daily shaven face a soldier must be in good physical condition, because it is part of the soldier's job. This is mostly true for Infantry Men.

Infantry Men are expected to complete the most physical duties in the Army. An Infantry soldier should be able to march long and challenging distances to survive in hash surroundings and have complete readiness for any obstacles that may lie ahead. It is important for a soldier in the Army to stay physically fit for the purpose of completing hid or her job and duties in the Army. There are many regulations on how a uniform is worn in the military. There are rules that prohibit certain behavior while a soldier is in uniform. These rules and regulations are in place to provide a certain level of professional appearance to a job that can be rugged most of the time. Over weight and out of shape soldiers have a negative affect on how civilians, other military branches and enemies view the U.S. Army. An out of shape poorly dressed soldier will not provide the professional appearance a soldier is required to have.

If a soldier does not maintain a certain level of physical fitness it will reflect negatively on the Army. People who come in contact with an out of shape soldier could confidence in their military. Other soldiers would not be able to depend on those whose physical fitness could get in the way of their survival during combat. A soldier's poor physical shape could be mistaken for a sign of weakness in the Army. Even enemies to our nation could view poor physical fitness in a soldier as an overall assumption of the U.S. Army as a whole. Being defenders of our country soldiers have to not only dress the part but also look the part. Showing all who would be quick to criticize the Army, both in a positive way or in a negative way, that soldiers are physically and mentally tough is vital to our purpose.

Physical fitness is most important when a soldier is out in the field. On a mission, when your well being and the well being of other soldiers around you is the most critical a soldier must be able to maneuver around with as much ease and speed as humanly possible. A soldier must be able to withstand harsh climates. Extreme humidity and heat can take its toll on any person but could have uncomfortable or deadly consequences for over weight soldiers. Being able to keep up with the rest of the soldiers is essential. By being out of shape one soldier could affect the success of the overall group. A soldier's physical fitness would also be critical in various terrains. Having to hike up mountains and maneuver in rivers could prove impossible to soldiers who do not meet the physical requirements of the Army. A soldier's weight and poor physical condition can and will greatly affect his ability to accomplish his duties while on a mission. Not only could it pose a problem to the soldier but it will also cause a health situation that could have been prevented for that soldier later on in life.

Being healthy is important to everyone. In the military it is part of our job. Unfortunately even poor physical fitness can reflect on other soldiers. It can affect how their peers and community view soldiers. When it comes to survival every advantage a soldier can have over the enemy, he should have over the enemy. It is very important for a soldier to stay physically ready for any and all challenges that may be ahead for him or her in the U.S. Army.
Some soldiers have an easier time maintaining their own overall physical health. For some it may be a little challenging. Everyone is different but in the Army soldiers should all be on the same level. When your job is this important soldiers can not afford to slack off on any of the requirements that this job demands.

Add a Review for this free essay

Name: Rate: Select 10 (Good) 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (Bad)

Comments Characters Left
Verify:*

Sticky Note Text....