21st Century U. S. Army Physical Fitness Field Manual

This is the latest edition of an important U.S. Army field manual (FM 21-20) about physical fitness, and exercise. The preface states: ?On 5 July 1950, U.S. troops, who were unprepared for the physical demands of war, were sent to battle. The early days of the Korean war were nothing short of disastrous, as U.S. soldiers were routed by a poorly equipped, but well-trained, North Korean People's Army. As American soldiers withdrew, they left behind wounded comrades and valuable equipment their training had not adequately prepared them to carry heavy loads. The costly lessons learned by Task Force Smith in Korea are as important today as ever. If we fail to prepare our soldiers for their physically demanding wartime tasks, we are guilty of paying lip service to the principle of ?Train as you fight.' Our physical training programs must do more for our soldiers than just get them ready for the semiannual Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). FM 21 -20 is directed at leaders who plan and conduct physical fitness training. It provides guidelines for developing programs which will improve and maintain physical fitness levels for all Army personnel. These programs will help leaders prepare their soldiers to meet the physical demands of war. This manual can also be used as a source book by all soldiers. The benefits to be derived from a good physical fitness program are many. It can reduce the number of soldiers on profile and sick call, invigorate training, and enhance productivity and mental alertness. A good physical fitness program also promotes team cohesion and combat survivability. It will improve soldiers? combat readiness.' Contents include: * Cardiorespiratory Fitness * Muscular Endurance and Strength * Beginning Exercise Program (illustrated exercise descriptions) * Advanced Exercise Program (illustrated exercise descriptions) * Flexibility * Body Composition * Nutrition and Fitness * Circuit Training and Exercise Drills * Obstacle Courses and Additional Drills * Competitive Fitness Activities * Physical Training during Initial Entry Training * Environmental Considerations * Injuries * Army Physical Fitness Test * Selecting the Right Running Shoe.U. S. Department of Defense Staff is the author of '21st Century U. S. Army Physical Fitness Field Manual', published 2002 under ISBN 9781931828499 and ISBN 1931828490.