FORT DIX, NJ. – Staff Sgt. Daryl Copeland of the 7th Signal Command (Theater) Headquarters recently graduated from the U.S. Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Integrator Course, class 26-005, where he earned the prestigious "Best Coach” Award for his exceptional performance.
H2F is changing the culture of health and fitness in the Army to help meet the demands of modern combat. H2F takes a holistic approach to fitness by addressing five readiness domains (physical, mental, nutrition, sleep, and spiritual), understanding that each domain impacts the others. The Army’s H2F program aims to educate Soldiers and provide them the resources needed to maximize their performance on and off the battlefield.
The H2F Integrator Course at Fort Dix, New Jersey covers all aspects of the H2F system through hands-on instruction, classroom learning and applied coaching exercises. Graduates are qualified to perform as unit advisors to their commanders on holistic readiness, facilitate unit training with H2F domain subject matter experts, and develop and implement physical training programming for both individuals and units.
The Army recently announced it is moving to expand the H2F program after data gathered from the initial fielding showed a decrease in behavioral health profiles, two times fewer substance abuse profiles, an increase in soldier retention and satisfaction, higher pass rates on the Army Fitness Test, increases in expert rifle qualifications, fewer medical boards, greater use of performance professionals and 140% fewer injury referrals.
By 2030, the Army anticipates a full H2F rollout, with integrated H2F teams in every brigade composed of strength coaches, athletic trainers, dietitians, physical therapists and cognitive performance specialists. This ensures Soldiers have access to expert guidance, scientifically grounded training plans, and early interventions to prevent minor issues from becoming career-limiting injuries.
Reflecting on his experience, Copeland remarked, “H2F at Fort Dix is not just training — it is transformation. It shifts the Army from reacting to injuries to building warriors who are physically dominant, mentally resilient, nutritionally disciplined, spiritually grounded and sleep-ready for the fight.”
Graduates like Copeland return to their formations equipped with the technical knowledge and leadership skills to mentor Soldiers, advise leaders and build a culture that prioritizes long-term health and peak performance. His recognition as Best Coach underscores the critical role of empowered non-commissioned officers in driving the Army’s H2F vision forward—one unit, one team and one Soldier at a time. Read more about H2F at https://h2f.army.mil/.
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