FITNESS IN ARMY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 33, 9 February 1943, Page 3

FITNESS IN ARMY

PHYSICAL TRAINING

ADOPTION OF NEW METHODS

A. new scheme of physical training involving many revolutionary changes from present methods is about to be applied throughout the Army in New Zealand. The Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) said today the scheme came into operation in United Kingdom training camps a few months ago. Subject to minor modifications required by local conditions, it would be introduced here as soon as sufficient commissioned and non-commis-sioned officer instructors can be trained. The first class of officers and n.e.o.s selected for training as instructors would assemble at the Army School on Monday. "In conformity with the important principle tlfat the soldier must be fit in mind, body, and spirit, physical and recreational training takes an important place in Army training," continued Mr. Jones, "but the tremendous calls on physical and mental endurance made by the high speed warfare of today has made it apparent that physical training must be carried much further and must be related as far as possible to the duties the men concerned are likely to be called upon to do. / TOUGHER MEN. "The new' scheme'aims at'toughening the soldier to a considerably greater extent than has been previously attempted. It is divided into two main sections: (1) Basic physical training for use during recruit training and for troops working under static conditions, or who require 'reconditioning,' and (2) 'purposeful* physical training, which, as its name indicates, is. intended to prepare the soldier in every possible way to meet the great j physical stress of battle under all conditions. "The great importance of- physical and mental fitness cannot be overemphasised, and it is impressed upon every officer, n.c.0., and man that it is his duty, to be fighting fit. To, harden the. body is at the same time to strengthen the will. The battlefield is the supreme test of training, and only the fittest will survive. A man will fight as he trains; if he trains with vigour, resource, and determination he will, fight with the same qualities." DETAILS OF SCHEME. The Minister said the training would entail marching and running on roads and cross-coun#y in battledress and boots, scaling ropes, logs, trees, cliffs, walls, etc.. tugs-of-war, various exercises with heavy logs, jumping, obstacle courses, unarmed combat, "parachute landing" exercises, and tabloid sports. "Parachute landing" exercises comprised relaxed fallings and rolls and downward jumping from heights up to 10. feet. Obstacle courses, considerably more difficult than any yet provided in New Zealand camps, would be built for the scheme. ; As- a means of maintaining interest in the training special attention- would be given to tabloid sports. Instruction in boxing and swimming would also have an important place in the scheme, "The new scheme will involve much hard, work on the part of officers, n.c.o.s. and men, but it is anticipated that all concerned will realise that the whole object of the new training is to provide them with a still greater measure of self-protection for the field 3f.battle," added Mr. Jones. "Apart from the immediate needs of war the training of all troops up to the high standard of physical fitness now required must inevitably bring about an important and lasting improvement in the health and physique of the nation." i