Abstract
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Physical fitness training of military
recruits is an enduring focus of armies. This is important for safe
and effective performance of general tasks that anyone may have
to perform in a military setting as well as preparation for more
specialized training in specific job specialties. Decades of studies
on occupationally specific physical requirements have characterized
the dual aerobic and strength demands of typical military
tasks; however, scientifically founded strategies to prepare recruits
with a good mix of these 2 physiologically opposing capabilities
have not been well established. High levels of aerobic
training can compromise resistance training gains and increase
injury rates. Resistance training requires a greater commitment of
time and resources as well as a greater understanding of the
science to produce true strength gains that may be beneficial
to military performance. These are critical issues for modern armies
with increased demands for well-prepared soldiers and
fewer injury losses. The actual physical requirements tied to metrics
of success in military jobs are also under renewed examination
as women are increasingly integrated into military jobs
previously performed only by men. At the third International Congress
on Soldiers’ Physical Performance, a roundtable of 10
physiologists with military expertise presented comparative perspectives
on aerobic and strength training. These topics included
the physiological basis of training benefits, how to train effectively,
how to measure training effectiveness, considerations for the
integration of women, and the big perspective. Key discussion
points centered on (a) the significance of findings from research
on integrated training, (b) strategies for effective strength development,
and (c) injury reduction in training as well as the benefits
of improved fitness to injury reduction across the force.