Majority of Reserve and Guard troops overweight, threatening readiness: Report
More than two-thirds of Reserve and Guard troops are overweight, posing a potential threat to readiness and their ability to deploy at a moment’s notice, according to a recent report by the American Security Project (ASP). The study estimates that 68% of the nation’s reserve forces are overweight, highlighting the urgent need for new policies to address this issue.
The ASP report emphasizes the importance of maintaining the health and fitness of reserve forces, especially in light of the increasing demands placed on the National Guard and reserves. Researchers warn that service members who are separated due to obesity and related health conditions are valuable personnel that the Armed Forces cannot afford to lose.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his concern over the high rate of obesity among Reserve and Guard troops, calling it “completely unacceptable.” He emphasized the importance of enforcing real fitness and weight standards to ensure that service members are fit for duty.
A previous ASP report from October 2023 revealed that two-thirds of active duty service members were also classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index. This places them at a higher risk for serious health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis, which can have life-threatening consequences.
The report highlights the need for better access to obesity-related healthcare for reserve forces, many of whom have day jobs and may not have easy access to military bases. It also calls for further research and tracking of obesity rates within these forces, as the most recent data from the Defense Department dates back to 2018.
In response to these findings, Hegseth initiated a review of grooming and physical fitness standards within the military. He raised concerns about eroding fitness standards and potential discrepancies in standards for men and women that could impact readiness. The review will assess existing standards set by the Military Departments and examine how they have evolved since 2015.
The military branches have made accommodations in recent years to address the recruiting crisis, including offering pre-boot camp training for recruits who do not meet physical fitness requirements. However, recruits are still expected to meet the same standards in order to graduate from training courses and serve in the military.
As the military works to address the issue of obesity and ensure that service members are fit for duty, it is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of Reserve and Guard troops. By implementing new policies and promoting a culture of fitness and wellness, the Armed Forces can better prepare their forces for deployment and ensure readiness in times of need.
