Physical performance or operation ability,
which approach for operational readiness?
Roger Schuler a
a Armée de Terre, DRHAT – Commandement de la Formation; Département Ressources Humaines
The purpose of physical and military training (EPMS) is to participate in the development of the operational capability of all components of defense. As a fundamental act formerly included in the general military training (FMG), the EPMS must enable everyone, whatever his place within the institution, to acquire a level of physical and mental fitness adapted to the specificities and constraints of his job and his missions.
The Chief of Staff of the French Army has thus given as an objective to his EPMS policy within the Army to «make all the personnel of the Army ready for full -spectrum operational engagement».
Thus, through these few words, we understand that the operational commitment is multifaceted and has very different and even divergent requirements, depending on the theater of operations, the individual and collective missions, but also that all, without exception from the general to the private, must be capable of the engagement and the mission given to them.
To do this, we also understand that a minimum common core of physical capacity, that is to say a sufficient level of physical performance, and mental fitness is required to perform any military function. Shall we nonetheless oppose physical performance and operational ability?
In conclusion;
Physical performance and operation ability
is the right approach for operational readiness.
Author
Colonel (FR AR) Roger Schuler
Chef du Bureau Continuum de la Formation
DRHAT – Commandement de la Formation Département Ressources Humaines – Formation
Boulevard Tours, R.D. 910
37076 Tours Cedex 2, France