Posted on 12/24/2017 10:57:30 AM PST by PROCON
Both criteria are based on a statistical average across an entire population that possibly includes international inputs. Imagine, for example a UN approved worldwide BMI standard based on a 6' somali averaged with a 6' German to judge what a 6' American should be.
Extreme cases I encountered while in the USAF were a bodybuilder in our shop that easily weighed 260 lbs and was 5'10". He didn't have an ounce of fat but had to have a waiver for his height/weight ratio after every physical. We had another troop that was 6'4" and 165 lbs soaking wet and also, not an ounce of fat. He had extreme troubles lifting a 50 lb tool box but was considered "fit".
That being said, walking around the mall you can see we have a problem with many grossly overweight people in this country. About 50% I saw this weekend were way over the top. Yet shouldn't they be driving the statistical "normal" used for medical evaluations?
But at any time battle conditions could require everyone on the ship to fight.
“....“Other major changes will include making sailors take a body fat test immediately after reporting to a new command and also making sailors who fail the fitness test ineligible for advancement or frocking,” the report said.....”
The above is the sanction remaining. There is some reason to shape up.
I saw lots of swabbies come on shore leave in Bangkok. Most of the chiefs were fat slobs. The lower enlisted looked normal for young men.
The SEALS of course were completely different. They were Rock hard and to drink with them was fun.
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, a jelly doughnut, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: A jelly doughnut?!
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, yes, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: How did it get here?
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, I took it from the mess hall, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: Is chow allowed in the barracks, Private Pyle?
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, no, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: Are you allowed to eat jelly doughnuts, Private Pyle?
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, no, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: And why not, Private Pyle?
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, because I'm too heavy, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: Because you are a disgusting fat body, Private Pyle!
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, yes, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: Then why did you hide a jelly doughnut in your foot locker, Private Pyle?
Private Gomer Pyle: Sir, because I was hungry, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: Because you were hungry.
Sailors spend all their time working on qualifications, collateral duties, volunteer hours, higher education, and standing watch, in addition to the job they were hired to do while being fed high-carb navy chow (on a ship even the veggies have bacon), and are given little time to work out on their own.
Now President Trump (MAGA) wants a bigger Navy. We need a bigger Navy! And we've shown the door to too many good sailors who knew their jobs and were qualified to operate the gear they used.
That’s true.
But what do you want to do about the guys whose jobs are less than helpful with their physical fitness compared to other jobs? Should they be penalized?
Bear in mind I’m asking questions I don’t have answers for. I’m just looking at the situation and seeing problems.
There was, you could still be overweight and pass the test, but fail the test then the weighing begins including BMI etc.
Passing the test wasn’t very hard if you practiced at least once.
I honestly don’t know if getting charged was something that happened at all commands or it was just the commands I was at.
Sounds like we got a bigger navy.
When they sail around the ocean, they sail AROUND the ocean.
he came across great on camera and the reporter did a good job showing respect. Although regrettably I am an Aztec fan.
That's called leading by example!
Fat people are more buoyant.
This is what happens, with no draft as a practical option to staff our military forces.
The further result is a great many in our population who are distant from the services, having no family members or friends in the military.
I believe the draft is good for our country.
Back in the days when we won major wars, which stayed won, we did have a draft. (I have seen all of the stats. Many enlistees for Vietnam did so to avoid the draft, get training/duty stations of their choice)
Full Metal Jacket
Unfit sailors contribute to readiness?
Sort of like an offshoot of the Cloward-Piven strategy.
Overwhelm systems until they do not have the capacity to respond.
Well, your experience makes me think of my Army days back in the 1980s.
I had a junior NCO denied reenlistment who was excellent at his administrative job but struggled with his weight.
As for myself, I managed to stay one step ahead of the authorities as I struggled with my own weight and fitness. I was a big, strong kid but very slow and not at all agile.
On the PT test, my scores for pushups and situps were good, but I always just barely managed to pass the run.
And it’s not like I didn’t hit the track regularly between PT tests.
The moral, I guess, is that after mighty efforts, I managed to achieve mediocrity.
Looking back more than 30 years later, I honestly believe that one of the biggest communication gaps in our culture is between those who love physical exertion and those not athletically inclined.
The media is so enchanted with fitness in all its aspects that we only get one side of this story.
Now, I think I’m gonna take a little afternoon nap.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.