Physical Qualities of a Soldier

[RichardN7]

Just wondering, I see guys in elite armed forces units doing some crazy shit. Days on end of marching, long distance runs (10 miles), obstacle courses and many of them powerlift (y tho) in their free time.
Makes me wonder, what are the most important physical qualities the soldier of today needs to possess? What exercises are most useful?

 

[deadshot138]

Cardio and an iron will. Run, push ups, sit ups and maybe a general strength program

 

[ens189]

Endurance, endurance, and more endurance. Once guys make it onto a team they tend to put on a decent bit of size but they remain cardio machines.

One underrated aspect is foot toughness. If your feet blister a few miles into a long ruck march you are fucked. I've got permanent nerve damage on my right foot from powering through a 10 miler with a 65lb pack.

 

[Genghiz]

1. Endurance
2. Strength-Endurance
3. Enough maximal-strength to support strength-endurance, prevent injury, carry loads

4. Pain tolerance, probably above all.

 

[Stoic1]

Discipline separates the elite from the slugs.

We've got some world class athletes but the overwhelming majority of soldiers just want to skip PT and sleep in. Discipline makes the elite train hard everyday and push past what we think is physically possible. Add that you aren't just doing it for yourself as an individual - you don't want to let your team down. Or get someone killed.

There is more at stake.

 

[BillytheFish]

Endurance endurance and more endurance- and good compound strength. The ability to keep going when your feet, legs and back feel like dogshit. Chances are if you are a v good long distance runner then you will have that 'elite' military fitness you're talking about. Then just add weight- which I wouldn't recommend as a civilian (unless you are preparing for a selection prior to joining the military).

 

[Bunk Moreland]

Just wondering, I see guys in elite armed forces units doing some crazy shit. Days on end of marching, long distance runs (10 miles), obstacle courses and many of them powerlift (y tho) in their free time.
Makes me wonder, what are the most important physical qualities the soldier of today needs to possess? What exercises are most useful?

Run or increase heart rate, bring up your weapon and engage the threat. Breathing. Repeat.

 

[Jack Handy jr]

When I was in it was marked by how much booze you could drink and how much you could fap to porn before morning PT. next day rinse, wash, repeat for four years. Hoah.

 

[LatFlare]

Run or increase heart rate, bring up your weapon and engage the threat. Breathing. Repeat.

In the gym? Lol

 

[Bunk Moreland]

In the gym? Lol

Especially the gym.

 

[LatFlare]

Just wondering, I see guys in elite armed forces units doing some crazy shit. Days on end of marching, long distance runs (10 miles), obstacle courses and many of them powerlift (y tho) in their free time.
Makes me wonder, what are the most important physical qualities the soldier of today needs to possess? What exercises are most useful?

A study in Canada found that a combination of a certain level of lower body/ posterior chain strength indicated by max back squat and vo2 max indicated by some running test or whatever significantly increased chances of completing their selection and training process. I don't know what the actual numbers are maybe you can Google it.