JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (May 31, 2011) - Relevant, rigorous, and standardized training from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Initial Military Training were demonstrated for Gen. Robert W. Cone, the new TRADOC Commanding General at both Fort Monroe, Va., and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, on 31 May.
Hosted by Maj. Gen. Richard C. Longo, TRADOC deputy commanding general for IMT and IMT's Command Sgt. Maj. John Calpena, Cone's organizational visit kicked-off with early morning Physical Readiness Training led by TRADOC's Drill Sergeants of the Year and Platoon Sergeant of the Year.
"What we wanted to show the CG here today is that at TRADOC, at IMT, we are constantly 'doing.' We are constantly working to not just analyze and reassess training but to put better training initiatives in action now,"
said Longo. "IMT is doing something right now that is affecting our newest Soldiers."
This past year, IMT has led the change in the new physical readiness training program for the entire Army as well as the PT test.
"The emphasis in PRT is on precision and conducting standardized training that will help build our Soldiers in Basic Combat Training, [prevent] injuries, and improve our fitness throughout the Army," said 2010 Active Duty Drill Sergeant of the Year, Staff Sgt. Timothy Sarvis after the morning session.
Later in the day, Cone toured a Dining Facility that adopted IMT's Soldier Fueling standards, where performance nutrition reigns supreme.
"Fueling our Soldiers isn't simply about getting them to eat healthy, it's about changing their habits and getting them to think 'what's best for my body so that I can perform these tasks as a Soldier'," said Lt. Col. Sonya Cable, IMT's lead researcher and nutritionist, as she walked the commanding general through the DFAC line.
Cable highlighted the "Go for Green" labeling system, a three-level coding system (green, amber, red) that accompanies every item on the DFAC line, providing quick nutritional information for Soldier's to make the best decisions efficiently.
Following the DFAC, the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, led by director Frank Palkoska, demonstrated the proposed new Army Physical Readiness Test.
The test, currently being piloted in units throughout the Army, consists of five events: 60-yard shuttle run, standing long-jump, 1-minute of the rower exercise, 1-minute of the push-up exercise, and a 1.5 mile run.
"Previously we saw our Soldiers let the test dictate the training. They would go out run 2 miles, do sit-ups and push-ups for a few minutes and that was it. Now, our training, PRT, as outlined in the Training Circular 3.22-20 is dictating how Soldiers exercise," said Palkoska during the demo.
"PRT is how you prepare for the new PT test."
Throughout the day, members of IMT highlighted iPad and smartphone applications, or "apps," that reinforce training for Soldiers and improve teaching methods for trainers and cadre members.
Select IMT units are testing the hand-held devises and assessing their use in Army training as a part of TRADOC's Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications program. Among those apps highlighted include: the Soldiers Manual for Common Tasks, Land Navigation, Patriot Missile Training for Advanced Individual Training, Physical Readiness Training, and Army Values.
General Cone became the TRADOC Commanding General on April 29, 2011. Before commanding III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, he served as the special assistant to then-commanding general of TRADOC, Gen. Martin. E. Dempsey, focusing on IMT issues.
Related Links:
Twitter: Gen. Robert W. Cone, TRADOC commander
Photos: TRADOC and Initial Military Leaders perform Physical Readiness Training
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