New Army Physical Readiness Training

By TRADOC for STAND-T0!June 3, 2010

New Army Physical Readiness Training

What is it'

The Army's overhaul of Initial Military Training (IMT) includes a new approach to physical-readiness training (PRT). Field Manual (FM) 21-20, Physical Fitness Training, has been revised and is now Training Circular (TC) 3-22.20, Army Physical Readiness Training. TC 3-22.20 also supersedes the IET Standardized Physical Training Guide dated Jan. 4, 2005.

What has the Army done'

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) conducted a holistic review of how it trained skills, values inculcation and physical training. Changes are informed by lessons-learned over eight years of war. But TC 3-22.20 goes a step farther; it contains a scientific approach to physical readiness, vice physical training, and provides a rational training progression that elicits the desired training effect without overreaching, overtraining and overuse - especially for those in the IMT base, as the youngest generation needs to strike the balance between improving physical capacity and preventing injuries.

Soldiers in Basic Combat Training (BCT), One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) A participate in the toughening phase. Advanced Individual Training (AIT), the latter phases of OSUT, BOLC B and a Soldier's first unit of assignment participate in the sustaining phase.

What efforts does the Army have planned for this initiative'

The revisions to basic training will be fully implemented at IMT installations by July. The U.S. Army Physical Fitness School (USAPFS) at Fort Jackson, S.C., is deploying mobile training teams (MTTs) at IMT sites to train drill sergeants, AIT platoon sergeants and cadre to conduct PRT activities. USAPFS is also developing an Army-wide PRT Leader Course for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 that will focus on pre-deployment, deployment and post-deployment PRT during Army Forces Generation (ARFORGEN).

Why is this important to the Army'

TC 3-22.20 guides leaders through a systematic approach to training, consisting of an ordered, comprehensive assemblage of facts, principles and methods for training Soldiers and units for full-spectrum 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 training's fabric by recommended exercise intensity, volume, specificity and recovery within its progressive training schedules. These sample schedules provide the commander a doctrinal template that can be applied to the unit's training needs.

Resources:

AKO log in required: TC 3-22.20 can be found under Physical Fitness Files channel in <a href=" https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/346316" target="_blank">USAPFS Portal</a>