How would anyone else go about convincing or motivating soldiers to do PT in the morning?

2019-10-04T08:56:11-04:00

Do to most of my unit being deployed. I fell into a squad leader position. After morning formation we get released to do morning PT. Everyone in my squad just goes back to their barracks to sleep or do whatever they want. I end up with 3 soldiers who actually do PT in the morning. Do to my rank as a pv2 I cant tell or make them stay. How would anyone else go about this to convince/motivate the other soldiers to do PT in the morning?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 9:40 AM

2019-10-04T09:40:06-04:00

You don't. Motivation is a lie. Instead, you rely on discipline. Discipline is habits repeated over and over again. Down the road you will be getting promoted over your peers who skipped out on PT. You can't force people to do better for themselves, but you can reap the consequences of your actions.
Continue to do PT. Even when you leave the Army your daily fitness will pay dividends in your mental and physical health and save you incredible amounts of money in health care costs over your life time.
Trust me on this, they're the only ones losing out here.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 4 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-10-04T16:28:53-04:00

Track who does PT with you and who doesn't. If the do not's fail a PT test, then show your log to him for consideration of a chapter. It is a bitch when you are that low on the totem pole. PT is an individual responsibility, but is conducted by the leadership.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2019 2:56 PM

2019-10-16T14:56:24-04:00

Talk with your NCOs about changing what you do for PT into something more worthwhile and fun. That does not mean flag football or sports, but Soldiers duck out of PT because it is conducted like work instead of being interesting and fun. Draw up some more interesting PT plans to share with your NCOs, show your interest in the welfare of the Team as well as knowledge on the topic. Ask your squad what they would rather do for PT, then use their input to design better workouts.
I haven't met many people who [honestly] like PRT. Try the Upper Body Round Robin as a suggestion, gives a hell of a workout and applies to Army stuff (it's the what ACFT is based off of - or what the ACFT ripped off).

Yes you don't have the power to force anything, but you can be the example and provide input and assistance to those that do.....though if your squad leaders are just letting this happen I have questions for them...

Remember, PT does not make a Soldier - PT makes a Soldier better.