TC states “Army physical readiness is defined as the ability to meet the physical demands of any combat or duty position, accomplish the mission, and continue to fight and win” Physical fitness is a DUTY and a personal responsibility You are required to pass the APFT and meet height and weight requirements Physical (Mental Agility) - November Leader: Discuss these expectations with your Soldiers What is Physical Fitness?

Mobility – movement proficiency; the ability to move quickly and confidently, such as lifting an injured Soldier Strength – the ability to overcome resistance Endurance – the ability to sustain physical activity Physical (Mental Agility) - November Leader: Discuss these expectations with your Soldiers Components of Physical Fitness

Excessive eating, smoking, drinking alcohol Lazy lifestyle – being a “couch potato” and abstaining from physical activity Poor motivation – doing the minimum to pass the APFT standard and being unfit for combat Poor flexibility – never stretching before and during exercise Poor hygiene – not taking care of yourself by washing, grooming, brushing your teeth and daily physical regimen Poor body composition – staying at the edge of the Army body fat standard (“spare tire” syndrome) Drug use – use of illegal drugs or misuse of legal prescription drugs Physical (Mental Agility) - November Leader: Review unhealthy behaviors with your Soldiers Unhealthy Physical Fitness Behaviors

You are SGT Round. You recently returned home from deployment and started a new job. You are currently going to college part time at night and have found it difficult to maintain your physical fitness. You just failed your annual APFT and are now ineligible to be selected for promotion. You fell out of the last Company ruck march. You have gained 15 pounds since your last weigh in and are in danger of failing tape. You have been counseled by your platoon SGT and he told you that your performance was embarrassing. You think to yourself, “everything in my career is falling apart. I will never pass my APFT.” Leader: Read the following scenario Physical (Mental Agility) - November Unhealthy Physical Fitness Scenario

Bottom Line Up Front: “Problem Solving” is a skill that is used to help understand a problem so solution strategies can be found. In order to solve problems, we must first clearly understand them. There are many things that can get in the way of seeing the whole picture. One of these obstacles is called the confirmation bias. The confirmation bias causes us to only notice, remember and hold weight to the evidence that supports our thoughts and beliefs and not notice, remember or hold weight to evidence that does not support our thoughts or beliefs. Confirmation bias is not intentional or in our awareness. The stronger our beliefs, the stronger the confirmation bias. It can be both negative or positive thoughts (i.e. “I am a good leader” or “I am a bad leader”). You only see the evidence that supports your belief. Leader: Ask your Soldiers what they perceive the problem to be (discuss for 2 minutes and then proceed to discussion on “Problem Solving.”) Physical (Mental Agility) - November Scenario – The Problem

Problem Solving Steps: 1.Describe the problem objectively (who, what, when, where). 2.List your heat of the moment thoughts about what caused the problem. 3.Use the following questions to determine what you may have missed. a. How did others or circumstance contribute? b. How did I contribute? c. What specific behaviors contributed to the problem? 4.Using the factors that you identified in steps 2 and 3, list evidence for and against each factor. 5.Put a star (*) next to the factors that you can control or influence. 6.Based on your new and more accurate understanding of the problem, briefly ID strategies for solving it. Page 6 Leader: Go through the problem solving steps below. Physical (Mental Agility) - November Scenario – “Problem Solving”

1.SGT Round has gained 15 pounds since returning home. He failed his APFT and is ineligible for promotion. 2.“I don’t have the time to do PT.” 3.Other factors. a. I just got a new job and am going to college part time at night. b. I haven’t been dieting or doing PT. c. I have been eating late due to class schedule. 4.Find evidence. 5.Put a star (*) next to the factors that you can control or influence. 6.Wake up earlier to do PT. Prepare lunch and healthy snacks. Join a 24 hour gym. Use the gym at the college between work and class. Leader: Discuss how problem solving can be used to help SGT Round. Physical (Mental Agility) - November Scenario – “Problem Solving” FactorsEvidence ForEvidence Against #2 above *No time due to school & workI get out early some days. #3a *Job and school attendanceNo evidence against #3b*Poor eating habitsNo evidence against #3c *Eating fast food on way homeNo evidence against

SGT Round’s belief that everything in his career is falling apart is keeping him from addressing his physical fitness and weight issues. Once he clearly understands the real problems, he can take steps to correct them by using the resources available to him. “Problem Solving” helps to build upon the competency of mental agility because it requires you to be flexible and accurate in your perspectives to find solution strategies. Mental agility allows us to think outside the box and come up with new ways to solve problems. Physical (Mental Agility) - November Mental Agility Hunt the good stuff: Positive people think positively. Focusing on positive experiences leads to an optimistic way of thinking. Encourage your Soldiers to share a positive experience that they have had since last drill. (Open discussion)

What could you do as a Battle Buddy to help SGT Round? – Help him come up with a PT plan. – Schedule time to work out with him. What could you do as a leader to help SGT Round? – Help him set short and long term goals with a measurable outcome. – Establish PT program for drill weekends. Remember ACE * (any stressful situation can lead to suicidal behavior) – Ask what you can do to assist the Soldier in succeeding. – Care enough to listen and provide support. – Escort the Soldier to resources or be one yourself as a positive influence. DO YOU HAVE AN “ACE” CARD? * The ACE process guides us to assist the Soldier. Have the courage to act on behalf of a fellow Soldier. Never assume that everything is good to go until you have checked. Leader: Ask about responsibility of Battle Buddies and how they can assist in the situation and review ACE Physical (Mental Agility) - November Scenario – Battle Buddy Aid

Strive to meet and exceed the Army standard Treat injuries quickly; maintaining your body and health is as important as PT Eat well-balanced, healthy meals and plan for healthy snacks Exercise regularly (i.e. no less than three times per week) Stretch regularly throughout the day, including before and after exercise Use NYARNG/armory fitness equipment or join a gym Join a local sports team or get a workout buddy to keep you accountable and motivated Build a social circle around a physical activity (pick-up basketball, golf, hiking, kayaking, cycling, etc.) Leader: Ask your Soldiers to think of good physical fitness habits Physical (Mental Agility) - November Healthy Physical Fitness Behaviors

Physical (Mental Agility) - November Available Resources NYARNG Family Programs Office (877) or – Military OneSource (NYARNG Representative), (518) Military OneSource, (800) or Vets4Warriors peer support line, (855) / (855)VET-TALK), NYARNG/armory fitness equipment Unit Master Fitness Trainer (where available) Local gym, health and fitness clubs Your primary care physician through Tricare Reserve Select Leader: Reviews available resources and remind Soldiers that seeking them is not a sign of weakness but part of fitness