Factors Impacting Field March Performance of U.S. Service Academy Cadets

Abstract

Field march performance (FMP) is an important skill of ground combat forces. Aerobic ability, “GRIT”, overall strength & perhaps lean body mass are important factors influencing FMP. PURPOSE: Investigate factors impacting FMP in a military school selection process of U.S. Service Academy cadets. METHODS: 230 relatively fit subjects participated in a one-day military school selection tryout culminating with an ~8.5 mile FMP carrying ~35-lb load on terrain including several elevation changes each of at least ~500 feet. Specific multiple regression & frequency distribution analysis involved investigating the factors influencing the top & bottom 10% FMP (n = 46) of the larger sample. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that service academy career run time was the most potent factor impacting FMP; multiple R = .79, adjusted R2 = .62. Threshold measures appear present; 12:30 or faster 2MR (13 vs 0 subjects) and 2:38 or faster on an indoor obstacle course test (IOCT; 15 vs 2 subjects) reside in the Top 10% fastest FMP group. Body mass (adjusted R2 = -.02) and pull-ups (adjusted R2 = .02; a questionable surrogate for strength) did not impact FMP. Descriptive data:Table: No title available.*Data unavailable, institutional data reveals mean IOCT time of ~180 secs. DISCUSSION: With 35-lb load, body mass & pull-ups did not influence FMP, whereas aerobic ability was the most potent factor. A postulated “GRIT” factor, attaining a performance badge on the IOCT (<2:38 min:sec); although a high incidence of success attainment (15/23 top 10% vs 2/23 bottom 10%), did not increase the variance in a two- factor regression model. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, more robust strength measures were unfortunately not attained and future research should examine these and other physiological parameters. For soldiers desiring success on an 8.5 mile FMP with a 35-lb load, achieving & maintaining a career 2MR of at least 12:30 appears to enhance FMP and lead to a more enhanced physical profile related to military school selection criteria.