Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT) (FM 3-22.20)

What is it?
FM 3-22.20 is an approach to training, consisting of an ordered and comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles, and methods that can be used to physically prepare Soldiers and units for operations. It provides a balanced training program that prepares Soldiers for successful task performance and provides linkage to other training conducted during the duty day. Injury control is woven into the fabric of the training by recommending exercise intensity, exercise volume, specificity, and recovery within its progressive training schedules.

What has the Army done?
Physical training is now directly linked to the Army’s operational concepts laid out in FM 3-0, Operations and the principles of training outlined in FM 7-0, Training for Full Spectrum Operations. The new doctrine also meets the intent of Army Regulation 350-1(training requirements) and the Army Campaign Plan while aligning with the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) process.

The Army shifted from training for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to training that focuses on combat specific tasks. The PRT system that consists of three types of training: on-ground, off-ground, and combatives. There are three fundamental components: strength, endurance, and mobility. Phased training is guided by the overarching principles of precision, progression, and integration.

The initial conditioning phase prepares future Soldiers for the physical demands of initial military training (IMT). During IMT, Soldiers undergo a toughening phase that develops the foundational fitness and fundamental movement skills. The sustaining phase develops a higher level of physical readiness appropriate to unit mission, Combat Mission Essential Task List (C-METL) and/or Deployment Mission Essential Task List (D-METL). After an injury or illness, Soldier’s go through reconditioning that restores their physical fitness levels and enables them to safely re-enter the toughening or sustaining phases.

What continued efforts does Army have planned for the future?
Once FM 3-22.20 is approved the concepts and methods will be introduced to the Army through the institutional and self-development domains. Comprehensive training support packages (TSPs) will be included in the Officer Education System (OES), Warrant Officer Education System (WOES), and Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES). These TSPs will contain lesson plans and sample schedules that commanders can use to improve their PRT programs. The support packages also contain DVDs a detailed description of all the exercises, drills, and activities that show leaders and trainers the proper way to train.

Why is this important to the Army?
Physical readiness is among the highest priorities for the Army. This FM provides leaders with sound guidelines for preparing Soldiers for combat is imperative to the Army mission.