Obesity: A Threat to National Security?
Abstract
In order to meet the strategic and operational demands placed upon the U.S. military as a joint war fighting force, service members must be physically fit. Obesity, poor physical fitness and health are seriously threatening the overall readiness and operational effectiveness of our U.S. military. Currently serving military men and women are increasingly overweight and out-of-shape while many of those who aspire entry into our Armed Forces are alarmingly, "Too Fat to Fight." The recent strategic implication of obesity within our Armed Forces is threatening the National Security of this nation. Currently, each branch of service has its own physical fitness and weight standards for both entry and longevity of service members' careers. The operational effectiveness of our military ranks is dramatically decreased as the number of overweight and obese service members within our ranks increase. The overall health and fitness for U.S. military men and women is paramount for a ready and trained fighting force. Regardless of current individual service fitness programs, each branch of the Armed Forces must show unity of effort and create a Joint Fitness Program that brings commonality to our force and helps to combat the obesity epidemic.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA547350
Entities
People
- Vanessa M. Gattis
Organizations
- United States Army War College