In 1983 we were contacted by the US Army. The 2nd Armored Division was facing a crisis and was looking for solutions that went beyond military discipline. Too many soldiers couldn’t pass the combat-ready physical fitness tests. Substance abuse was on the rise, as was crime in the barracks. Too many soldiers were on sick call. Too many were overweight and morale was dangerously low. Clearly, innovative approaches were needed.
We stepped in and worked with unit leaders who then worked with a brigade of 1,500. With the support of the Army, we deployed a program labeled “combat fitness.” It replaced traditional physical training with a unique combination of physical, mental, and team training. We covered new fitness methodologies, contemporary practices for team cohesion, diet, and nutrition.
Before we stepped in the Army had performed a survey on the state of the brigade. Another survey was done six months after we completed our work. These surveys detailed impressive results. Sick calls had decreased by 50%. Overweight soldiers had decreased by 66% and physical training test scores had increased by an average of 25 points. Substance abuse had decreased by 60%. Morale was higher than it had ever been. The unit went from a compromised brigade into one that was performing at its peak.
Over the years we have continued to work with various branches of the military to create groups that are combat ready. And, we have taken the lessons we have learned working with the military into the corporate world.