Drawsko Pomorsikie, Poland - The United States Army implemented the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) which replaced the previous Army Physical Fitness Test in 2020. Beginning October 2022, Active Duty Component Army begins utilizing the ACFT in a phased approach as the fitness test for record, and the Reserve Components will begin October 2023. This will help transform the Army’s fitness culture, reduce preventable injuries and attrition and enhance mental toughness and stamina among Soldiers. To prepare for the ACFT, soldiers utilize a training modality called functional fitness. Functional fitness is intended to improve movement and prevent injuries. Therefore, military fitness centers are transitioning to functional fitness equipment.
Morale Wellness and Recreation (MWR) program is a quality of life program providing services such as physical fitness, educational, social programs for service members. Programs are prioritized based on their impact on Soldier readiness. The functional fitness sets in military fitness centers are provided by the MWR.
During deployment, training for the ACFT does not stop. Soldiers must continue to work on enhancing mental toughness and stamina to be ready to fight and win on any battlefield.
Recently, a final inspection took place of the new physical fitness center at Drawsko Pomorsikie Training Area (DPTA), located in Western Poland. Approximately two years ago, a new fitness center building was requested. Going through the proper channels of receiving approval for the building, receiving bids from contracting companies to build it, and having the final inspection, the building is full of functional fitness equipment. The next step of the process was to await Polish approval for the U.S. Soldiers to begin using the gym at the training area.
Following the final inspection, clearance was given to move the functional fitness equipment into the building. Soldiers assisted carrying the equipment in the building from crates outside and Life Fitness contractors worked many hours to install the equipment properly.
After a month of waiting, U.S. Soldiers are approved to use the gym at DPTA. Previously, gym equipment was in what was previously located in a maintenance tent. The gym is now a hard standing building with brand new equipment.
One Soldier said, “It is really nice to have brand new equipment in this new building. Everyone wants to take good care of it so we can continue to use it.”
“It is so much better than what we used to have,” another Soldier said.
With the new gym up and running, and the new functional fitness equipment installed, Soldiers are able to properly prepare for the ACFT. Having the new gym improves the desire to exercise, and improves the morale of the Soldiers to have a new fitness facility at their training area.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2022 10:26 |
| Story ID: | 429058 |
| Location: | DRAWSKO POMORSIKIE, PL |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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