The Army National Guard Health Promotion Program (NGR 600-63, Chapter 2)

3. Physical Fitness (see the Fitness Corner for more info)

Unit readiness begines with the physical fitness of soldiers and the NCOs and Officers who lead them! Physical fitness includes factors which allow people to function effectively in physical or mental work and in training or recreation, and still have energy to handle emergencies. It is the ability to cope within the physical demands of one's job, including the use of adequate reserves to cope with emergencies situations. this includes cardiorespiratory fitness; endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.

a. Soldiers.
(1) Commanders and supervisors will establish and conduct physical fitness programs for soldiers consistent with AR 350-1, FM 21-20, NGR 40-501 and the unit mission. Exercise periods are to be conducted with sufficient intensity, frequency and duration to maintain adequate cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility.
(2) All soldiers are expected to conduct physical fitness training year-round to maintain standards of personal fitness.
(3) Soldiers, age 40 and over are required to complete the cardiovascular screen program (CVSP) and Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) as prescribed in AR 40-501 and NGR 40-501 during the periodic physical examination done after their 40th birthday.

b. Civilians employed by the ARNG.
(1) Civilians employed by the ARNG are encouraged to engage in a regular program of exercise and other positive health practices.
(2) For employees engaged in an occupation that requires an above average level of physical strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance and/or flexibility and stamina for satisfactory performance, a physical exercise program may be a part of their jobs and may be conducted during duty hours.
(3) For other civilian employees, commanders are encouraged to emphasize changes in behavior which will cause a positive improvement in the employee's wellness.

c. Additional guidance and support for physical fitness aspects of health promotion may be obtained through Commandant, U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, Ft. Benning, GA and Director, Army Physical Fitness Research Institute, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA.