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Coffee Time at the top of the Fellhorn Oberstdorf Ski Resort. From L-R. Maj Mark Galley, Brig Jim Taylor, Col Neil Wilson, Maj Carl Vickers
SO2 Physical Training Policy
Maj (MAA) W Pacter RAPTC
Do you want to be a force for good within your unit and the wider Army? If so, read on.
“The British write some of the best doctrine in the world; it is fortunate their officers do not read it” (Erwin Rommel).
This quote may imply good fortune for Nazi Germany but for the modern British Army has resulted, at times, in self-harm. Neglecting the small things will nearly always lead to large-scale failure, or negative outcomes. After being involved with numerous service inquiries it is evident that the main failure is that the basic principles of PT delivery are not being applied. It should be said that this does not apply to the majority, most of whom diligently apply safe and effective practices. However, it is still baffling that there are those – albeit in the minority – who do not read policy or apply common sense practices when they are responsible for overseeing or delivering physical activity. Shockingly, this includes the first principles of establishing the baseline fitness level of our soldiers and not completing a lesson plan and / or a risk assessment. The outcome is that we (Prof Dev) are continually directed by Director Safety Army to produce more policy, which ultimately does not solve
the problem. Essentially, the more that we understand and apply the basic principles of policy, the less of it we will need.
However, it would be convenient to suggest that we are busier now than before; that the responsibilities bestowed upon us are greater than ever; and we are expected to do more with less. This may well be true. It is also true that nothing is 100 per cent safe. However, everything must be done to mitigate any risk associated with physical activity to the best of our ability. This does not mean cancelling activity if it is too warm or making physical training any less demanding. It means that the emphasis must be on effective planning and ensuring that we do our best to reduce any risk by drawing on additional resources and extending timeframes to do so. Invariably, it is the spontaneous physical activity (i.e., where the has been little or no time for planning and preparation) that end badly and thus go under the intense spotlight of a service inquiry.
Linked with this is the necessity to ensure that the Chain of Command are aware of, and advised on, all aspects of physical training delivery. This includes ensuring there is a suitable OIC in place and that the risk has been clearly articulated and signed off by the activity risk owner. It is acknowledged that this can become challenging when the CoC is not engaged
with the process; however, it is our responsibility to persistently make sure they are. Equally, moral courage and appropriate challenge must be exercised throughout the CoC. Most specifically when it is instinctively or consciously known that the intended physical activity is unnecessary, or where risk cannot be mitigated effectively.
Noting that the Army seems to be busier than it has been for the past 10 years; that we live in a society driven by the fear of litigation, not continual improvement; and that our resources are stretched, there is no doubt that delivering safe and effective PT is becoming increasingly challenging. It seems for a minority that common sense, is not always common practice – and it is the actions of this minority that typically result in further policy constraints being imposed on us all. Therefore, it is critical that you avoid becoming this negative statistic by focusing on and getting the basics right. This means embracing our PT policy and not avoiding it (you do not need to know policy verbatim but where to find it). Furthermore, engaging with your CoC so there is a mutual understanding of the cause and effect linked with the physical activity you intend to implement. Most importantly, however, is that if you are unsure of anything, that you seek guidance and advice from anyone you deem appropriate, which includes the PD team in Army HQ.