Ready, Set, FEP

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

12.27.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Glotzbach 

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

Sweat ran down his face, his eyes were stinging, his heart pounded more intensely with every step and his lungs were on fire as he raced towards the finish line. He realized he wasn’t going to make it, and his future in the United States Navy was now at risk.
No matter the reason a Sailor joins the Navy, whether for benefits or to serve their country, the premise of being kicked out because of a failed physical readiness test/body composition assessment (PRT/BCA) can be a scary thought. Nobody said it is going to be easy, and sometimes Sailors have to rely on themselves for motivation to implement changes to their lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to end their career.
“Back in the day, the Navy’s policy was two PFA failures and you’re out, no questions asked,” said Chief Air Traffic Controller Timothy Wall. “There came a point in my career where I had to make the decision to either change my eating and exercise habits or change my career path. Ultimately, the decision to change my habits to better my career and health is what I chose.”
There are times in both personal and professional life when Sailors will have to face adversity, and what they choose to do in the face of that adversity will determine their outcome. As Captain Cooper, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), always says, control what you can control: attitude, preparation, and effort. To some, that might just sound like a catchy mantra, but take a step back and think about it: who’s going to succeed? The person who consistently shows up with a good attitude, proper preparation and is willing to put forth the effort? Or the person who has already accepted defeat?
The Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) is intended to help Sailors who are at risk of being kicked out of the Navy for a failed BCA/PRT. Some Sailors fear being placed on FEP because they view it as a punishment. Instead of seeing it as a negative reinforcement, they should treat it as an opportunity to better themselves.
“FEP has affected me in a way that makes me want to be better and strive to be better as a Sailor,” said a Wasp Sailor currently on FEP. “It’s shown me pushing through and having that motivation is key in moments like these.”
As the military, the nation expects service members to be physically stronger and mentally tougher than America’s adversaries. While there may be a hundred justifications to not put in the work, there’s thousands more to push through, and believing in oneself is the first step on a long road to better health.
“No excuses, I won’t lie,” said Wall, “the weight did not come off easy or overnight. Start slow, but the key to success is you have to start. If you keep making excuses or putting it off until tomorrow, you’ll never get it done. Half of the battle of exercise is getting up. Once you’re there at the track or gym, the rest will follow. I started at 250 lbs. just walking daily, which turned into jogging, followed by running. Today, I’m back at my normal 195 lbs., and I run quite often to keep myself in shape and my mind at ease.”
Changing one’s lifestyle can be extremely hard, especially as a Sailor, but don’t do it alone. Find someone to ask for advice and to help guide you. Chief Wall is a great resource and has expressed that he is willing to offer advice and suggestions on how to implement those changes successfully. While perfection is a fleeting goal, reaching for the best version of oneself will always be honorable.

• Date Taken: 12.27.2022
• Date Posted: 12.31.2022 21:09
• Story ID: 435934
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US