What are your thoughts on discussing, THS, "Tiny Heart Syndrome," with Soldiers?

2015-03-03T00:58:29-05:00

What do you do when Soldiers can't even run two miles?

[ADDED 031353Z MAR 15]

I see a lot of comments about meeting the standard. This isn't so much about meeting the "standard," as it is Soldier just simply giving up on casual group runs or making the decision they just "dont feel like doing it today." I actually heard someone say that they other day at the 1st TSC run on Saturday [in Arifjan of course]. Kind of struck a nerve.

[ADDED]

040249Z MAR 15]

Leave it to the National Guard to vote that it either doesn't matter or it's bad leadership to talk about THS. Man, I miss the infantry.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 1:07 AM

2015-03-03T01:07:52-05:00

That is probably the Soldier that needs your leadership the most. You should do everything you can to help that Soldier be a Soldier, that's why you are a leader.

If you have exhausted all your resources, reconditioning PRT, counseling, flag, bar, etc. Then you have done everything in your power and the Soldier is not cut out to be in the military. Process for separation.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 1:23 AM

2015-03-03T01:23:21-05:00

Do not sugar coat it but finish the counseling with a development plan. This is the kind of thing that justifies positive NCOER bullets. Leading Soldiers, you will have to feel out what motivates the Soldier but do give up. At the same time hold the Soldier accountable. How? Just like CSM Private RallyPoint Member said.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 1:27 AM

2015-03-03T01:27:32-05:00

One other thing, quitting is a bad habit, once started it is hard to stop. The SM needs to make a decision either to quit or start trying.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 2:38 AM

2015-03-03T02:38:29-05:00

This should not be the everyone gets a trophy soccer team. If you can't hack it, I am going to tell you that you can't hack it. If you improve yourself then I am going to applaud the effort if not I will find someone else that will.

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 3 at 2015 4:11 AM

2015-03-03T04:11:58-05:00

IF a soldier can't move it is no different than a soldier who can't shoot or communicate. In each case a soldier's leader(s) need to identify the type of soldier they have and how best to motivate them. Whether that be mentoring, running advice, or mental imaging.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 4:28 AM

2015-03-03T04:28:55-05:00

I try to call it like I see it. If I can run 2 miles pretty easily at 46 years old there in no excuse why some 20 something should have trouble keeping up.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 6:53 AM

2015-03-03T06:53:05-05:00

Find out the LIMFACs that person has, typically motivation but may also be medical and help them to overcome as best you can. But first you have to call a spade a spade and they have to understand the failure to meet basic standards. Once that understanding is reached you can work towards improvement.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:50 AM

2015-03-03T08:50:10-05:00

Every Marine, Soldier, Sailor and Airman knows what the minimum standard is for his/her service. By the time he/she has graduated from boot camp they should be able to meet the standard. Maintaining the standard is both an individual and unit responsibility. Individually, you know what you need to maintain standards. As a unit, your weekly PT sessions should push your men and women. If a person fails to maintain the standard, then do not reenlist them and rate them appropriately. If that person his a staff NCO/PO/CPO etc, then fire them. In the Marine Corps that is why you have page 11 entries.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:00 PM

2015-03-03T20:00:47-05:00

Why can't they run the two miles? Are they getting over an injury? Do they just plain suck at running? Do they not care about passing the APFT?

If it's a legitimate issue, then mentoring (running clinics, extra training with them, tips and tricks, sending them to medical, etc) and additional encouragement should help. If they don't care, they can grab a straw and suck it up.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:27 PM

2015-04-16T21:27:07-04:00

The pain of the message is often in the delivery. There are many ways to communicate this point. One of the best ways is by leading by example and getting others to do the same. Currently my Company average for PT is 275. I also make sure I average much higher as to avoid hypocrisy and I demand the same of my Junior Officers and NCOs. Certainly some don't cut it and self select themselves out of the unit and some out of the uniform but this obstacle can definitely be breached.

One of the most important ways I address this is in my initial counseling when they first express interest in SF BEFORE they arrive at the unit. I make it very clear that the Army ARs will be adhered to and they will meet the standard or find another home. The day they walk into the unit they sign the counseling statement and take a PT Test (especially my officers!). The day one of my LTs arrived for an an informational interview she told me she was in shape so we went and did a PT test together on the spot. I did the same for my male XO (also a LT). They both have done marvelously and are still with the unit excelling as a leaders and Officers. Everyone over E5 gets an appointment with my 1SG and I where we explain the mantle of leadership and the expectation of modeling success and leading by example not by their words.
Then they get the opportunity to prove their words ...
What's the NCO creedo "Trust but verify"!