Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper paid a special visit to 38th Infantry Division soldiers at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Friday, July 20.
Esper spoke openly with the soldiers during a town-hall meeting were he answered questions surrounding physical fitness, educational benefits, re-enlistment bonuses, employee rights, retention and more.
Esper made a point to emphasize the importance of physical fitness and its relation to military engagement as the Army moves to implement the new Army Combat Readiness Test.
“Physical fitness is the single most important thing you can do to remain competitive,” said Esper when asked about the best thing soldiers and units can do to improve their readiness.
Esper, a former Reservist and National Guardsman, spoke highly of Indiana National Guardsmen and their dedication to their duties, highlighting their willingness to perform “twelve-day weeks.”
Soldiers with the National Guard serve one weekend per month, including the five weekdays at their civilian jobs, before and after their drill weekends.
However, the town-hall was just one stop for Esper. He also exercised with Life-Fit soldiers, toured the grounds of Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and met with Indiana Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young.
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