The Need for ‘Lifelong’ Fitness in Our Forces

Physical fitness is a fundamental requirement for entry into the police, defence and national correctional services.

These institutions place a strong emphasis on physical training, ensuring that when recruits graduate they are prepared for the physical demands of their roles.

However, the alarming reality is that this level of fitness often diminishes shortly after graduation: Many officers gain weight and lose their physical agility.

This raises an important question: What is the point of emphasising physical fitness during training if there are no formal programmes to help maintain it?

The training programme for these forces are physically demanding and transformative.

I have attended several graduation ceremonies over the years, and I have been impressed by the physical condition of the graduates, most of whom are young, energetic and appear to be at the peak of their fitness.

Yet, this impressive fitness seems to last only a few months after training. It seems many officers soon require larger uniforms because of gaining weight post-training.

This suggests a lack of a structured approach to maintaining their physical health. 

FEELING THE HEAT

When my brother joined police training a few years ago, I witnessed firsthand how rigorous the process can be.

About a week into his training, I received a request from one of his trainers to send a pain relief ointment for him.

I thought it was for an injury but when I saw him after three months, he said he had been using the ointment to soothe his aching body after the intense physical activities.

As funny as this was, I was impressed by his transformation. He had lost a significant amount of weight and looked incredibly fit.

Just a few months after his graduation, he had gained back all the weight.

This personal experience highlights a systemic issue: The absence of long-term fitness programmes at these institutions.

The lack of structured fitness programmes after graduation undermines the initial emphasis on physical training.

It is troubling to see officers, soldiers and correctional personnel who should be role models of discipline and strength, struggling with weight gain and physical inactivity.

Without the guns they carry, some officers might find it challenging to apprehend or restrain offenders.

In an era of growing security challenges, it is disconcerting that individuals responsible for national defence might struggle to meet the physical demands of their duties.

There should be regular, mandatory physical fitness tests for all personnel in these forces.

Rehabilitation programmes to regain fitness should be introduced for those who fail to meet the required standards.

This would not only ensure that fitness is maintained but also reinforce the discipline and preparedness expected of these roles.

At the same time, individuals must take personal responsibility for their physical health.

Signing up for gym, participating in boot camps, engaging in sport or even running in marathons could help them stay fit.

Recruits should be encouraged to develop a culture of physical activity as part of their lifestyle.

TIME FOR A RETHINK

Ultimately, the police, military, and correctional services need to rethink their approach to physical fitness.

It should not end at graduation. It must be a continuous process reinforced through institutional programmes and embraced as a personal responsibility.

Regular fitness assessments and rehabilitation programmes can help maintain the high standards of physical preparedness these roles demand.

Fitness directly affects the ability of officers and soldiers to perform their duties effectively and ensure public safety.

By cultivating a culture of sustained physical activity, these forces can uphold their integrity and readiness, while setting an example of discipline and commitment for the nation.

Physical fitness should not be seen as a one-off achievement but as a lifelong commitment, critical to the success of our forces.

• Asser Nakale is an assistant archivist in the Ministry of Education in the Oshikoto region. This article is written in his personal capacity. Facebook: Asser L N Nakase; Email: [email protected]