Healthy and Fit Soldiers

Abstract

Healthy and fit soldiers are the most valuable asset for any countries as well as for Malaysian Armed Forces. Sol- diers are trained to carry out tasks in a wide range of situa- tions, terrains and climates. They are required to maintain high levels of fitness during deployments to ensure they are able to carry their personal gear, military equipment and conduct routine operations. Overall military perfor- mance is based on a combination of individual strengths that create a complex of productivity, both mentally and physically, so that soldiers who are in peak physical con- dition can contribute more to their teams than members who are in poor physical condition. This makes major physical and mental demands on individual soldiers. Sol- diers must achieve, and maintain, a state of physical and mental health and fitness which will enable them to carry out their duties in war or peace whenever needed with drive, determination and efficiency. In military, one of the principal cause of soldiers’ wastage during wars are due to individual’ sickness, not directly from wounds received in battle or other battle casualties. Therefore, it is very im- portant for a soldier to keep healthy and maintain their physical fitness in preparing themselves for unexpected events in the future.