Posted on Dec 15, 2015
Right or wrong officers are judged based on their running ability: do you agree?
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I was told that officers can lift and be really strong, but if they cannot run they are looked upon unfavorably. What are your thoughts on this?
Any history buffs out there that know when/why this started?
Any history buffs out there that know when/why this started?
Officers
Junior Officers
Physical Training
Command
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 35
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LTC (Join to see), I don't judge officers by how fast they run, but rather by which direction they run.
Do they run towards the smell of smoke and the sound of gunfire, or run away?
That is a much better criteria to determine the measure of the man than how fast they can go.
Do they run towards the smell of smoke and the sound of gunfire, or run away?
That is a much better criteria to determine the measure of the man than how fast they can go.
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Been doing this whole military thing since 1984. multiple deployments. Never once in the line of duty have I ever had to run more than 25-30 feet at a time. If you are in combat and you are running for more than 100 feet, you are in a world of hurt and it isn't gonna matter how fast you can run.
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LTC (Join to see)
I went through ADA OBC at 40. I was always last on the runs, by a wide margin. We did a 6 mile ruck march w/70 pound pack. I was the first one back and had time to smoke 2 cigarettes before the next guy crossed the line. Running, doing push-ups and sit-ups is a piss-poor way to determine/measure a Soldier's fitness. the Army continues to do it because it is cheap, quick and easy. I've known several "PT Studs" that max the APFT every time but couldn't carry a 50lb ruck more than a 1/4 mile without passing out.
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Physical Fitness is one of the most VISIBLE things a person can do.
Running, specifically speed and endurance are the most VISIBLE things within Physical Fitness.
Fall out of a run, and you will have "negative visibility." Can't keep up on a run, and you will have "negative visibility."
It hearkens back to the "Perception is reality" and the "Set the example" mindset.
Somewhere along the line we got it into our mind that Physical Fitness was a Leadership Trait as opposed to a skill that assists Combat Prowess. That mentality has hurt the force at large.
Running, specifically speed and endurance are the most VISIBLE things within Physical Fitness.
Fall out of a run, and you will have "negative visibility." Can't keep up on a run, and you will have "negative visibility."
It hearkens back to the "Perception is reality" and the "Set the example" mindset.
Somewhere along the line we got it into our mind that Physical Fitness was a Leadership Trait as opposed to a skill that assists Combat Prowess. That mentality has hurt the force at large.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
LTC Braxton Anderson - http://www.marines.com/m/being-a-marine/leadership
It isn't a TRAIT. It's a Skill that ASSISTS.
It isn't a TRAIT. It's a Skill that ASSISTS.
Marine Corps Leadership Traits
The Marine Corps could not be our nation's expeditionary force in readiness without Marines who are trained to respond faithfully, courageously and decisively. These are the leadership traits that enable Marines to lead with honor, on the battlefield and in the community.
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