Physical Readiness Training Case Study

Whenever asked about leadership, the first thing that enters my mind is the Army definition: “Leadership is influencing people with purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization” (United States, 2012). As a Noncommissioned Officer, it is my duty to provide this leadership to my Soldiers while embodying the Army values, the values that form the foundation of an Army leader’s character. Although all of these values are important, I will concentrate on the value of respect and show how it can be used to lead and to shape future leaders. This essay will provide some real examples. I recently had a high functioning, physically fit Specialist complain to me that Physical Readiness Training (PRT) is an inefficient waste of time, only useful for out-of-shape initial-entry Soldiers. He argued that PRT actually degraded the muscular strength and endurance of Soldiers who were already physically capable. As a Non-Commissioned Officer and this Specialist’s first-line supervisor, this instance is a real example of where I needed to apply leadership.

This example shows mentorship while operating to accomplish missions and improving the whole organization. This Specialist is now also on-track to be a standard bearer, a leader of Soldiers, a Sergeant in the United States Army. I was able to enforce a standard while still showing respect for my Soldiers’ developing leadership abilities and high Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) score. I am training the trainer, leading the future