Page 15 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

test must be scientifically validated against the most physically demanding tasks which they undertake. I Dev has been given the task of implementing the new fitness tests and introducing the Soldier Conditioning Review (SCR) which compliments both the APTS and the new fitness tests. The new tests and the SCR will help to maximise opportunities and reduce musculoskeletal (MSKI) as Ground Close Combat roles are opened, on a conditions basis from late Oct this year. The results of the PES work and associated studies have shown that the Army needs to re-balance its priorities on PT with more emphasis on strength whilst remaining cognisant of the physiological differences between age and gender groups and the risk of MSKI. To do so the RAPTC must adapt to this new approach with more personalised and intelligent training.
From a physiological standpoint, the discrepancy in strength between males and females is potentially the greatest barrier to the selection of females for, and their ability to safely and effectively perform tasks associated with, GCC roles. The review conducted as part of the Interim Health Report established that resistance training elicits similar changes in muscle strength in females compared to males. Once the discrepancy in strength (especially upper body strength) has been addressed, it appears that males and females may be treated equally in other aspects of physical training. Key points are:
1. Screening should be completed to identify women who are likely to make sufficient gains in physical ability following a 6-month period of concurrent resistance and aerobic training necessary for them to successfully complete the arduous training associated with GCC roles. Increasing upper body strength should be the primary goal of this training. The precise nature of the screening process would need to be developed.
2. Resistance training (RT) should continue throughout the careers of both male and female GCC soldiers. Individuals’ RT programmes should be designed, implemented, and reviewed by highly trained fitness professionals.
3. Whole body RT programmes should include a mixture of strength/power (lower repetition ranges: 3-8 repetition maximum; RM) and hypertrophy (higher repetition ranges: 8-12RM) training sessions. 3-4 RT sessions per week should be considered.
4. When access to RT equipment is limited, structured high- intensity callisthenic exercise programmes should be followed to offset detraining.
5. Needs analyses of fitness levels should be completed on a regular basis. The only way of adequately closing gaps in physical ability (underpinned by sex, or variation within sexes)
Maj Ian Phillips receiving his leaving presentation from Col Frazer Ross
is the implementation of individually tailored training methods matched to the occupational demands of GCC.
6. Performance of occupational tasks as part of physical training is vital, particularly in the case of load carriage. Training should mirror the demands faced in real-world scenarios. This includes carriage of representative loads and avoiding excessive use of endurance based load carriage. Given the high-intensity and intermittent nature of combat, soldiers should also perform high intensity interval training sessions whilst carrying load.
7. Long-duration (over 30 minutes) lower-intensity aerobic training should be limited to less than 4 occurrences a week to avoid interference with strength/power gains associated with RT.
8. High-intensity interval training is a viable alternative to traditional endurance training.
9. Lowering selection standards for females may result in greater differentials in physical ability between males and females within a given group (particularly regarding strength). This risk would be alleviated via females completing 6-months of concurrent RT and aerobic training prior to selection.
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Having taken over from Maj Steve Collinson in Jun 17, it has been a whirlwind 10 months of learning the interdependencies of policy development. To most, policy
is not an interesting subject but it is essential to provide clear direction and support to the CoC, it also is key to protecting the Army’s reputation. Along with Business as Usual (BaU) and without going into detail the following provides an overview of a few key working strands this year.
ACSO 3235 – Authorisation of Comparable Activities which are not Categorised as Adventurous Training or Sport has been developed and issued, this policy now provides guidance to the CoC for the governance of activities that sit between AT and Sport.
Army Sports SoTR Refinement Review is on-going; this review is linked to understanding the totality of sport across the Army and the future governance of this domain. This work strand has forged a close working relationship between IDev & HQ Army Sports Control Board, it will help with the governance and shape the future of sport in the Army.
After major update to JSP 419 ‘AT in the Armed Forces’ and refinement of other policy a major rewrite of AGAI Vol 1 Chap 11 ‘Army AT’ was necessary, at the time of writing these MBS Notes this policy rewrite is on-going with an aim to develop a user-friendly document with clear policy direction and guidance.
AT & SPORT POLICY DESK
Maj (MAA) Nick O’Shea RAPTC