Photo By Seaman Michael Prusiecki | NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash. (May 8, 2018) Sailors assigned to the aircraft...... read more read more
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A unique aspect of military service is an evaluated standard of physical fitness. Each year, the Navy administers two cycles of Physical Fitness Assessments (PFAs) and Body Composition Assessments (BCAs). These tests gauge a Sailor’s physical readiness compared to the standards set by the Department of the Navy, and it is a vital aspect of the Navy’s mission.
For Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the first cycle of the PFA is already underway. Official BCAs are being taken from April 30 until May 11, with stragglers being weighed-in from June 5-7. The official PFA will be administered from May 14 until June 1, with stragglers taking it from June 12-14.
In a Navy-wide effort to retain more Sailors, several changes have been made to the PFA and its standards.
For one, the use of the elliptical machines for the cardio portion is no longer an option. Another change is if a Sailor scores an overall excellent score on the previous cycle, including a good low or better on all categories and meets the BCA standards, they are then exempt from the following cycle.
Perhaps the most significant change says that two or more failures will not immediately terminate a Sailor’s time in service. Now, they are required to serve until their end of active obligated service (EAOS) unless they pass the most recent PFA prior to their EAOS. Upon passing that PFA, they are eligible to submit a request to their commanding officer for permission to re-enlist.
Other changes include failures being enrolled in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) and remaining so until passing an official PFA. Also, on January 1, 2018, all Sailors’ records of PFA failures were reset to zero, giving everybody a fresh start.
But just what are the best ways for Sailors to prepare for this assessment of physical fitness? Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Sean Valis, the command fitness leader, from Baltimore, suggests testing yourself prior to the official PFA. “I advise running a mock PFA every two weeks for at least 2 months prior to the PFA.”
He also says a healthy lifestyle is a key aspect.
“Cutting out the sugar in your diet, lowering your caloric intake, and maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercise routine with adequate rest are all essential tools that will benefit a Sailor preparing for the PFA,” said Valis.
Chief Valis is avid about physical fitness and has a lengthy record of being a constructive addition to the physical health of Sailors at his command.
“I have always been passionate about exercise and maintaining the standard of physical readiness. I’ve been doing this since 2008 and have been departmental and command fitness leader at multiple commands. I want to be a positive contributing factor to the command and the fitness of our Sailors,” Valis said.
This sentiment was echoed by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Terrell Conley, the command FEP leader, from Bainbridge, Georgia.
“The biggest thing I can say is start preparing early. Have constant fitness and preparation in your daily life,” said Conley. “Things like the food you eat, the amount of sleep you get, and even the company you keep can all have either very positive or negative impacts on your overall physical fitness.”
Being able to perform competently under demanding circumstances is vital to mission success, and proper fitness is a key aspect of being prepared and operational in today’s Navy.
“Fitness is a huge part of my life. The Navy, and the military in general, is a fitness culture and it is constantly evolving. Being the FEP coordinator is a way for me to help my fellow Sailors and further advance the constant evolution of the fitness culture that is so important in our Navy,” Conley said.
The PFA has long been an important part of the Navy’s mission as an instrument to maintain the standards of physical readiness that the nation requires. As employees of the Department of the Navy, Sailors must hold themselves to high standards, and recognize the importance and essentiality of physical fitness to the overall mission.
“These assessments are a crucial part of the Navy’s longevity. There is a clearly defined positive correlation between physical fitness and mission accomplishment. If Sailors aren’t physically fit for the fight, then bad things can happen on all aspects,” Valis said.
While it may be difficult at times, it’s essential to continuously improve your physical health. Sacrifices will have to be made, and that extra lap on the track, additional set of push-ups or the salad for dinner instead of a pizza can make a monumental difference in not only your physical readiness, but the overall accomplishment of the mission.
Nimitz is conducting a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
| Date Taken: | 05.09.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.14.2018 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 276953 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 421 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Being Fit for the Fight, by SN Michael Prusiecki, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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