From the Command Chief Warrant Officer

By Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Riti

108th Training Command (IET)

I recently read an article by Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey, the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army. In the article he spoke about the importance of physical fitness training and included his workout.

What really caught my attention was that he runs five to seven miles every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, rain or shine! By ending the sentence with ‘rain or shine’ is an indication that he does PFT no matter what. He ensures PFT is part of his daily routine and just as important as anything else that may be on his busy schedule. There shouldn’t be any excuses for anyone not doing PFT.

The Sergeant Major of the Army also mentions the fact that there are many Soldiers out there that are not doing PFT as often as they should and it shows. I too have visited some of our units and noticed several of the Soldiers in our formations that did not present the positive and professional image we are required to maintain as Soldiers in the U.S. Army. These Soldiers usually have the same excuse, ‘that they have too much work to do and will do PFT later’ but later never comes.

I suggest that you start your day off with PFT because when you do, everything else seems to fall in place. I can honestly say that I am at the gym as soon as it opens at 0500, five to six days a week. I do my best to ensure I always maintain a positive and professional image because perception matters.

I am bothered when I see Soldiers who are obviously out of shape because we should be enforcing standards and not allowing excuses. In fact, Soldiers should be disciplined enough to do PFT without being told to.

The last decade spent fighting wars has built up a lot of support from the American people and we don’t want it to end. Out of shape Soldiers, in uniform, in public puts a different perception on the way the American people view us. So let’s do as Dailey does and ensure we’re doing PFT at least five days a week.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our outstanding Warriors who make PFT part of their daily regimen. Scoring a 300 on an APFT is an outstanding achievement and it deserves recognition so, for all of the officers, NCOs and Soldiers that exceed the standard and score a 300 on their APFT, I commend you and am truly grateful you’re part of our formation.

Another thing that caught my attention a few weeks ago was during a Town Hall meeting that Maj. Gen. Leslie Purser and I had with Soldiers. One of the participants mentioned that they never have time to conduct NCODP or ODP with everything else they’re required to do during BA.

Our leaders are built by ODP and NCODP. Though it should be scheduled every month, it doesn’t have to appear on a schedule for professional development to be conducted. We should use every available minute to share our experiences and expertise with our Soldiers and continue to build them to lead Soldiers.

Stop saying it’s impossible to take care of everything we’re required to do during BA. Remember, nothing is impossible for a Soldier, especially when that Soldier is in a leadership position.

I suggest that you start your day off with PFT because when you do, everything else seems to fall in place. I can honestly say that I am at the gym as soon as it opens at 0500, five to six days a week. I do my best to ensure I always maintain a positive and professional image because perception matters.