An initiative to retain reserve soldiers failing to meet weight and physical fitness standards: The Wisconsin Army National Guard experience

Abstract

This paper presents the Wisconsin Army National Guard's attempt to retain soldiers failing to meet weight and annual physical fitness test standards. Soldiers failing or at risk of failing weight and fitness standards attend a wellness program one weekend per month for three consecutive months. Instruction includes topics in exercise training, nutrition, general wellness, stress reduction, and motivational lectures. A total of 324 soldiers who completed the program were evaluated for retention rates. At 48 months, graduates of the program had a 55% retention rate. This program is cost effective and soldier caring.