It's that time of the year again where the Navy conducts it's bi-annual PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment), which consists of a weigh-in, 1.5 mile run, 2 minutes of sit-ups, 2 minutes of push-ups, and then (my personal favorite) the sit-and-reach.
If a person does not weigh-in within standards, then he/she is taped with a tape measur around the neck, the waist, and the butt (although the Navy CLAIMS it uses the hips, they do NOT) then they do some calculations to determine what the person's Body Fat Percentage is. If it is over 22% for men, then they are considered "fat," and if it is over 33% for women, then they are considered fat.
Because the Navy has their own set of standards while deployed that differ from what they are back in the States, my command has decided to create their own physical fitness standards (from thin air, I believe) and conduct a command weigh-in a few days after T'Giving. If we do not pass, then we will only get a "promotable" on our evaluations or fitness reports...which play a huge percentage if we are promoted or not.
There are several aspects about this entire process with which I have SERIOUS grievances, but I will not get into in this blog. My point is regardless of where I'm stationed, instead of "inspiring" us to workout, eat healthy, and drink lots of water the Navy-wide PFA program simply puts fear in us. People will do (and have always done) so many harmful things to their bodies to simply pass these physical fitness standards. These are people who want to be in the Navy...and will go to extremes to contort their bodies to the Navy's standards of health.
Instead of Sailors operating from a place of pride, they are operating solely out of fear and intimidation. This process does not motivate people after the PT test is over to stay in shape. The problem occurs between the bi-annual weigh-ins where physical fitness is on a decline.
It seems as if big Navy is operating out of the old statement, "Fear is the great motivator." This statement is true for some people; but for the rest of the population it can be harmful and dangerous.
I have five suggestions for big Navy for better PT scores and happier Sailors. Since the Navy has never asked me my opinion (duh!), I decided to use my blog to give anyone who reads this my opinion:
1. During the weigh-ins, use calipers! Tape measures are NOT effective or accurate! If you want to kick someone out at 22% or 33% body fat, then make sure they really are that percentage. The taping is also so subjective and no amount of instructions can cover for this.
2. Don't use sit-ups that are old and bad for your back, and then try to pass them off as "healthy." It drives me crazy that they Navy says this program is "healthy," but if you ask any doctor, nurse, or Corpsmen they all agree the sit-ups the Navy requires are bad for us...period.
3. A physical fitness instruction and program overhaul. Look at what the Air Force is doing; and take a cue from them (hey, we got our uniform cue from all the other services, why not the PT cue?!)
4. Have the CFLs (Command Fitness Leaders) undergo training that is comprised of MORE than what is just offered on NKO (Navy Knowledge Online). Part of this training should be in motivational techniques and "sensitivity." I know so many people who baulk at this word, but the judgmental crap you should hear that has come out of mouths of CFLs is ridiculous! Again, motivation by humiliation or fear does not work Navy! I have met only ONE CFL during my entire career that has inspired me. The rest have been condescending, heartless, and demotivational. That's NOT what I want in a CFL.
5. Whatever the Navy decides, then it needs to motivate people with something other than threats
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