The role of physical fitness training programs in improving armed personnel’s tactical and combat readiness to secure land and borders

Abstract

Physical fitness is a fundamental tool for an effective soldier to maintain vigor, alertness, and stamina in operations, and in the performance of all assigned duties in tackling insurgency and insecurity across the nation. Through a review of past studies, this paper highlights the importance of physical fitness of soldiers for combat missions, and its efficacy in ensuring their combat readiness. It also highlights the role of commanders in ensuring that soldiers adhere to standardized physical training fitness programs. This paper concludes by recommending the importance of commanders, physical instructors, tactical unit leaders, coaches, and trainers in soldiers attaining the required physical professional standards in discharging their duties during missions and combat.

Keywords

• physical fitness
• combat readiness training
• continuous operational activity
• Nigerian army personnel
• soldier