Leadership in a Culture of Fitness in the Chilean Army
Abstract
Members of a military profession, similar to elite athletes, must strive for and meet high physical standards to maintain their readiness to achieve success when called upon to prevail on the fields of battle or competition. However, while athletes may choose to maintain physical fitness and readiness depending on their next competition, the uncertainty and ambiguity of today's environment demands continual readiness by members of the military. A fitness mentality in any army has wide-ranging implications. In the Chilean Army, the fitness mentality, along with other competencies, allows it to fulfill its maxims of peace and war, "Dissuade" and "Win the War," respectively. In contrast, the lack of physical competence disrupts an army's ability to accomplish its unique mission of fighting wars and results in a waste of fiscal resources. In addition to their individual responsibility as soldiers, senior officers within the Chilean military are well positioned to set the tone, through their leadership, for instituting a fitness culture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 22, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561900
Entities
People
- Cristian V. Maceratta
Organizations
- United States Army War College