Coast Guard Physical Fitness Standards: Case Study

1. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) does not have a service wide physical readiness test (PRT). The USCG requires members only to meet physical fitness standards during specified training environments, operational qualifications, and while on weight probation. Currently the USCG uses weight standards as the sole unit of measure for health and well being. While weight management is a valuable part of health and wellness, its focus is more imaged-based rather than providing conclusive data. Implementation of a PRT would not be flawless, but would increase the accountability of the health promotion program and promote readiness. A semi-annual test would provide accountability and encourage compliance. The Coast Guard must begin conducting
October 1, 2015, marked a major change of how physical fitness standards are enforced at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, NJ. The end result remains the same: All recruits must pass the boat crew standards outlined in ref. (b), but the progression of the results has changed. Recruits now have to meet a week one standard prior to forming with their prospective company. The week one standard is based on a point system similar to Officer Candidate School (OCS) with a minimum 1.5 mile run time. In accordance with reference (e) recruits that do not meet physical fitness standards have a greater risk for injury and discharge. While building a foundation early in a member’s career is paramount, maintaining the same values throughout one’s career is of equal importance.
3. The Coast Guard’s Heath Promotion program, which addresses health related fitness, is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of disease. While the program identifies the risk, states the benefits, and sets standards, it does not address physical related fitness. This proposal identifies the need for both factors to ensure the members of the USCG are able to perform any mission anytime regardless of a member’s job field or unit assignment. Even with mandates the results are unclear without a physical fitness
The step in Kotter’s Change Process that will be the most challenging would be forming a powerful coalition. Mission based mentality will be a huge hurdle to overcome. No matter what organizational change, some people will fight it regardless of the benefits or sense it makes. Depending on one’s position within the organization, it can have a bearing and be a major factor in a perceived vantage point. Those who are physically fit will most likely quickly conform, while those who are not will probably give resistance. This is a common reaction when dealing with the human element. The fact of the matter is when formulating a stance or recommendation one must have a broad vision and see beyond the inconvenience of