Reserve Officer Training Corps Research Articles

The Impact of Organizational Values Training on Leadership Development in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Military Trainees

Previous researchers have studied how organizational values guide both day-to-day decision-making and long-term strategic planning in various industrial sectors. Little previous research has documented the impact of organizational values within military environments nor the effect of training on organizational values in developing leadership attributes. In this study, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) trainees participated in a study of the impact of values training on perceptions of leadership. This research sought to determine whether a focus on organizational values during initial military officer training would impact self-assessments of various elements of leadership (leadership attributes and competencies). Analyses revealed that comprehension of organizational values had few significant relationships with perceptions of leadership competencies. However, application of organizational values was found to be positively correlated with multiple leadership attributes. The length of time exposed to organizational values was not found to be related to the leadership attributes included in this study, except for the leadership attribute delegation. Taken together, the results of this research suggest that higher individual cadet ratings of organizational value comprehension and the application of organizational values are connected with more positive perceptions of multiple leadership attributes. Organizational leaders, both military and civilian, can use these findings, along with the survey instruments created for the research, to support efforts to enhance and evaluate training programs focused on the development of leadership competencies.

Spiritual Fitness, Spiritual Readiness, and Depressive Symptoms in Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

Over the past decade, the United States military has taken an interest in addressing soldiers' spiritual fitness and readiness to help improve their mental health and resiliency. Similar efforts have not been applied within the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) population despite the mental health challenges these college students experience. To examine spiritual readiness, spiritual fitness, and depressive symptoms in ROTC cadets. Cross-sectional study. Web-based survey. We recruited ROTC cadets from 1 large southeastern university (n = 91 of 315, 28.9% response rate). The ROTC cadets (age = 21 ± 3 years; men = 68, 74.7%; women = 22, 24.2%; missing = 1, 1.1%) were mainly classified as juniors (n = 30, 33.0%) and in Army ROTC (ROTC branch: Army = 69, Air Force = 20, Navy = 2). The survey contained 3 validated instruments used to assess spiritual fitness (the Spiritual Fitness Inventory [SFI]), spiritual readiness (Spiritual Wellbeing Scale [SWBS]), and mental health via depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]). Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests to compare belief in God or gods with the dependent measures. A Pearson correlation was calculated to assess the relationship between the SWBS score and PHQ-9 data. In total, 85.7% (n = 78/91) of ROTC cadets stated that they believed in God or gods. Overall, the cadets were considered to have average spiritual fitness (mean = 75.04 ± 14.89) and moderate spiritual well-being (mean = 90.46 ± 18.09). The average PHQ-9 score was 4.22 ± 5.25. Individuals who believed in God or gods had higher spiritual readiness (believer = 94.44 ± 16.10, nonbeliever = 67.00 ± 9.35; P ≤ .01). No statistically significant differences were noted for symptoms of depression (believer = 3.38 ± 4.90, nonbeliever = 6.60 ± 6.90; P = .143) or spiritual fitness (believer = 76.12 ± 14.78, nonbeliever = 64.40 ± 12.68; P = .054) in ROTC cadets based on belief status. Overall, the ROTC cadets had moderate to average spiritual fitness and readiness, with typical depressive symptoms scores. Spiritual readiness was different for those who believed in God or gods, and existential well-being was significantly correlated with depressive symptoms.

RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) IN LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN METRO MANILA: A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

This study assesses the implementation of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in selected local colleges and universities in metro Manila, emphasizing regulations, regulations and directives, public relations advocacy campaigns, and unit goals/accomplishments. The research is focused on evaluating the level of ROTC implementation and distinguishing notable variations among institutions. It is limited to six respondent schools in Metro Manila, offering a detailed comparative analysis within this specific educational and geographic context. Data was collected using standardized questionnaires to assess compliance with regulations, public relations activities efficacy, and unit objectives achievement. The data was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) within a quantitative framework. The results show that ROTC programs effectively implement the variables studied. However, there are significant differences in implementation levels among institutions, indicating variability in program execution, possibly due to variations in institutional priorities, resource allocation, and ROTC leadership effectiveness. This study supports Huntingtons theoretical framework about the equilibrium between military professionalism and social integration, highlighting the difficulties of aligning military education with civilian expectations and norms. The results emphasize the need for specific strategies to improve the standardization and effectiveness of programs. It suggests sharing best practices and enhancing leadership training within ROTC units to address disparities and enhance the quality of training and community engagement in the NCR. KEYWORDS: Reserved Officers Training Corps, Local Colleges and Universities, Regulation and Directives, Public Relations Advocacy Campaign, Unit goal/accomplishment

Relationships Between Anthropometric Measures and Body Composition With Individual ACFT Event Performance Among Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

Thompson, MB, Lawson, DJ, Orr, RM, Lockie, RG, and Dawes, JJ. Relationships between anthropometric measures and body composition with individual ACFT event performance among army reserve officers' training corps cadets. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 749-754, 2024-The U.S. military commonly uses body composition as an indicator of a soldier's potential to meet the physical demands required of their occupation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant relationships existed between select body composition variables and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) performance among a cohort of university Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Twenty-six male (20.4 ± 1.6 years, 81.8 ± 8.5 kg, 178.3 ± 7.8 cm) and 12 female (19.9 ± 1.4 years, 64.2 ± 6.7 kg, 161.9 ± 4.9 cm) cadets voluntarily participated in this study. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and ACFT event scores were recorded by the cadre using the U.S. Army standard protocol and provided to the investigators. Pearson's correlations were used to identify relationships between body composition variables and ACFT event performance with an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05. Moderate to strong relationships were observed between total body water, dry lean mass, lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage and all event scores for the sample as a whole. Body mass index showed weak to moderate significant positive relationships with hand-release push-up and maximum hexagonal bar deadlift in the sample as a whole. No relationships were observed in the men of this sample. All body composition variables showed moderate, nonsignificant relationships with at least 1 ACFT event within the women of this sample. Considering the findings of this study, a multitude of variables could be useful to assess ROTC cadets as predictors for ACFT performance. Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs should emphasize attaining and maintaining functional lean mass, whereas reducing nonfunctional body mass (i.e., excess FM) among cadets to enhance health and performance across the occupational life span.

Influence of Body Composition, Load-Velocity Profiles, and Sex-Related Differences on Army Combat Fitness Test Performance.

Boffey, D, DiPrima, JA, Kendall, KL, Hill, EC, Stout, JR, and Fukuda, DH. Influence of body composition, load-velocity profiles, and sex-related differences on army combat fitness test performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2467-2476, 2023-The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) became the U.S. Army's mandatory physical fitness test in April of 2022. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between ACFT performance and both body composition and velocity profiles and to determine sex differences for these variables. Data were collected at 2 timepoints 4 months apart, from male (n = 55) and female (n = 17) Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Body composition was assessed with a bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy device, and cadets completed a hex bar deadlift load-velocity profile (LVP) and ACFT on separate days. Stepwise multiple regressions were used to explain the amount of variance in ACFT total score and individual event performance. Significance for statistical tests was defined as an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05. Muscle mass and body fat percentage accounted for 49% of shared variance of total ACFT score, and deadlift maximal power and maximal velocity accounted for 67% of shared variance of total ACFT score. The 3 repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-up, and sprint-drag-carry events favored cadets with more muscle mass, whereas the leg tuck was influenced by the body fat percentage and the 2-mile run was affected by fat mass. Sex had greater predictive capability for the 2-mile run than body composition. Men outperformed women on all individual events, with the greatest differences on standing power throw and sprint-drag-carry. It is recommended that Army ROTC cadets taking the ACFT maximize lower-body power production and increase muscle mass.

Non-traditional HIIT-style ROTC training elicits positive bone quality and performance adaptations

ABSTRACT Military personnel experience elevated bone injury incidence, partly due to arduous and repetitive training. Non-traditional High-Intensity Interval Training-style (HIIT) may benefit pre-enlisted Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet’s musculoskeletal health and performance prior to military service. This study investigated 16 ROTC (n = 12 males; n = 4 females) and 15 physically active sex-, age-, and body mass-matched Controls’ musculoskeletal health and performance from November to April. Total body, lumbar spine, and dual- hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and 4%, 38%, 66% tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans, blood draws (serum sclerostin and parathyroid hormone), and maximal muscle strength and aerobic capacity testing were completed. From November to April, ROTC improved bone density (DXA) of the dominant total hip and greater trochanter and non-dominant greater trochanter and 38% and 66% tibial total volumetric and cortical bone density (pQCT) similarly or more than Controls (all p ≤ 0.049). From November to April, ROTC also improved bench and leg press, and peak aerobic capacity (all p ≤ 0.013). From November to January, serum sclerostin increased (p ≤ 0.007) and remained elevated through April, while parathyroid hormone was unchanged. HIIT-style training induced positive musculoskeletal adaptations, suggesting it may be an excellent pre-service training modality for this injury prone group.

Examining the Relationship Between Healthy Eating Score and ACFT Performance in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets

Introduction: Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets must maintain military readiness by meeting physical fitness standards and passing the newly implemented Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Prior research established a positive relationship between nutrition and performance, however the relationship between diet and ACFT performance has not been studied. This study aimed to examine the relationship between diet quality and ACFT performance in cadets. Methods: ROTC cadets (n=52) completed the Healthy Eating Score-7 (HES-7) and an ACFT. HES-7 is a proxy for diet quality and scored between 0 and 35. The ACFT is a measure of performance with a maximum score of 600. The association of HES-7 score with total ACFT score was evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Models adjusted for body mass and physical activity as potential confounders. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The average scores for ACFT and HES-7 were 485.5±71.5 and 19.7±5.2 points, respectively. There was no significant association between HES-7 and ACFT (r=-0.213, p=0.088). The final regression model included HES, physical activity time, and body mass, and explained 10.4% of the variance in the ACFT score. Conclusions: Favorable dietary habits assessed by HES-7 were not associated with physical performance.

Comparing Body Composition Methods forAir Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets.

In special populations, such as Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, body composition is used not only as a predictor of fitness but for additional purposes such as qualification for enlistment, load carriage, and duty fulfillment. Body mass index (BMI) is the initial measurement recorded and is considered a representation of health and physical performance capabilities. Personnel exceeding threshold values of body weight based upon their height measurement are typically further evaluated using a circumference-based method that predicts the cadets' percent body fat. Military personnel who fail to meet these body composition standards may be penalized by being denied specific positions or promotions or risk being relieved from all military duties. In order to differentiate and accurately assess the components that constitute body composition, other methods of measuring body composition that provide greater accuracy should be explored. The purpose of this study was to compare multiple body composition methods, including the military's method of circumference-based measurement, in order to identify a suitable method for Air Force ROTC programs. Participants were recruited from an Air Force ROTC Detachment at a large university in the Midwest United States. Anthropometric (height and weight) and body composition measurements (air displacement plethysmography [ADP], bioelectrical impedance analysis, skinfolds, and circumferences) were collected for each participant. A repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to compare body composition measurement methods. A Bonferroni adjustment was utilized for multiple comparisons. BMI and circumference results were displayed as a percentage of compliance according to Air Force Instruction guidelines. The university institutional review board approval was established to ensure that the design of this study protected the rights of the participants. Twenty-four (21 males and 3 females) participants completed the study. A significant difference between skinfolds and bioelectrical impedance analysis occurred (P = .025). There were no other significant differences identified between other methods of body composition. Using the BMI and circumference compliant/non-compliant scale listed in the Air Force Instruction guidelines, a greater number of cadets fell into the non-compliant category according to BMI (n = 7) versus circumferences (n = 1). The circumference-based method underestimated body fat compared to the "gold standard" ADP. The findings from this investigation suggest that the circumference-based method can appropriately provide accurate body composition results among Air Force ROTC cadets. Results also determined that the military's circumference-based method underestimated body fat compared to the "gold standard" ADP. Although circumference-based measurements might be efficient for use in larger populations, Air Force ROTC programs should evaluate other methods of measuring body composition to best fit the needs of individual cadets. Further research should be conducted to identify body composition methods that are easy to implement and provide accurate results at the individual level.

Male Army ROTC Cadets Fail to Meet Military Dietary Reference Intakes and Exhibit a High Prevalence of Low Energy Availability and Poor Sleep Quality.

The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary habits, prevalence of low energy availability (EA), and sleep quality in a cohort of male army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, and to investigate the relationship between EA and sleep quality as well as EA and various body composition variables that are important for tactical readiness. Thirteen male army ROTC cadets (22.2 ± 4.1 yrs; BMI: 26.1 ± 2.3) had their EA and body composition assessed using diet and exercise records alongside bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cadets also completed a validated sleep questionnaire. Sixty-two percent of participants presented with clinically low EA (<30 kcal/kg fat-free mass [FFM]) and none met the optimum EA threshold (≥45 kcal/kg FFM). Dietary analysis indicated that 15%, 23%, 46%, 23%, and 7% of cadets met the Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRI) for calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, respectively. Additionally, 85% of cadets exhibited poor sleep quality. Significant associations between EA and fat mass/percent body fat were shown (p < 0.05). There was, however, no statistically significant correlation between EA and sleep quality. The present study found a high prevalence of low EA and sleep disturbance among male army ROTC cadets and that many were unable to meet the MDRIs for energy and macronutrient intake. Further, low EA was associated with higher percent body fat and fat mass but not sleep quality.

Musculoskeletal Injury Concealment inthe Reserve Officers' Training Corps: A Survey ofCadets' Reporting Behaviors.

Among service members, musculoskeletal injuries threaten military readiness and place a substantial burden on medical and financial resources. Emerging research suggests that service members regularly conceal injuries, especially in training environments. The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a critical training environment for future U.S. military commissioned officers. Training activities expose cadets to a high risk of injury while in the ROTC. The purpose of this study was to explore injury-reporting behaviors in cadets and factors associated with injury concealment. We invited Army, Air Force, and Naval cadets from six host universities participating in officer training to complete an online, self-reported survey regarding injury reporting and concealment. Cadets answered questions about pain or injuries experienced during officer training. Survey questions pertained to an injury's anatomic location, onset, severity, functional limitations, and whether or not the injury had been reported. Cadets also selected factors that influenced the decision to report or conceal injuries from predetermined lists in a "choose any" fashion. A series of χ2 tests of independence compared the relationship between injury reporting and other injury characteristics for each individual injury. One hundred fifty-nine cadets (121 Army, 26 Air Force, and 12 Naval) completed the survey. Eighty-five cadets disclosed a total of 219 injuries. Two-thirds of injuries (144/219) were concealed. Twenty-six percent of participants (22/85) reported all injuries, whereas the remainder (63/85, 74%) had at least one concealed injury. In relation to injury reporting/concealment, there was a weak association with injury onset (χ21 = 4.24, P = .04, V = 0.14), a moderate association with anatomic location (χ212 = 22.64, P = .03, V = 0.32), and relatively strong associations with injury severity (χ23 = 37.79, P < .001, V = 0.42) and functional limitations (χ23 = 42.91, P < .001, V = 0.44). Two-thirds of injuries went unreported in this sample of ROTC cadets. Functional limitations, symptom severity, and injury onset may be the largest factors that influence the decision to report or conceal musculoskeletal injuries. This study establishes the foundation for researching injury reporting in cadets and adds to the existing military evidence on the topic.

Benefits and Barriers Associated With Intention to Participate in Injury Prevention Programs in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadets

Identification of factors which may influence participation in exercise-related injury prevention programs within Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets is an important step in improving adoption and adherence rates. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with intention to participate in an exercise-related injury prevention program within ROTC cadets. Theory of planned behavior scale perceived benefits (B = 3.65, η2 = .36, p = .001) and Health Belief Model Scale perceived benefits (B = 3.46, η2 = .31, p = .01) had a large positive association with intention to participate. Theory of planned behavior scale perceived barriers (B = −2.28, η2 = .37, p = .001) had a large negative association with intention to participate. Implementation strategies for exercise-related injury prevention programs may need to focus on the benefits and barriers of participation to increase adoption and adherence.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps: A Case Study on The Aspiring Advance Officers

Reserve Officer Training Corps, aspirants struggled too much in training and academic requirements. This study explored the challenges and coping mechanisms encountered and employed by aspiring advanced ROTC officers in adhering to their training and academics. It was participated by the aspirants in Misamis University, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Interview responses were analyzed using Yin's 5-Step analysis approach to analyze the data and allow researchers to analyze textual data (Yin, 2009). This study generated four themes 1. Family, Relatives, and Peer Influence 2. Difficulties in coping with academic-related concerns 3. Gearing towards the achievement of becoming an officer 4. Positive Outlook. As a result, most participants face different challenges and coping mechanisms in responding to ROTC training and academic requirements. These challenges create an impact physically and mentally, which is extremely stressful during training and in dealing with academics. Given that participants in the ROTC program come from diverse backgrounds and have varying levels of experience and preparation for military training and academic requirements. ROTC programs must recognize these differences and tailor their training and support accordingly. This may involve providing additional resources and support to participants struggling with certain aspects of the training or academic requirements, as well as recognizing and accommodating the unique challenges faced by participants from different backgrounds and determining the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. ROTC participants who can develop effective coping mechanisms and strategies for managing the program's demands are more likely to succeed and excel in their training. By acknowledging and addressing the diverse challenges and coping mechanisms of ROTC cadets, the program can help build the resilience and adaptability of the cadets, which will be valuable in their future military endeavours. Further, the aspirants learned the use of managing their time wisely. This study highlights the importance of a positive outlook, time management, and resilience in dealing with challenges in training and academics.

The Perception of The Senior High Students in the Implementation of Reserve Officers Training Corps

In the Philippines, the National Service Training Program (NSTP) is a law that must be followed. This study explored the perception of senior high school students towards the implementation of the ROTC. It was conducted at one of the higher educational institutions in Ozamiz City, situated in Misamis Occidental in the Northern part of Mindanao during the school year 2022-2023. The study utilized the descriptive-correlational research design. Two hundred and fifty-six respondents were included in this research study; they were chosen at random by the researchers to participate in the survey using random stratified sampling. The researchers used adapted research questionnaires. The statistical tools used were mean and standard deviation and t-test. The quantitative study results revealed that the perception of senior high students towards the implementation of ROTC showed very high in terms of physical capabilities and psychological capabilities. And only high for extent knowledge and attitude. This only shows that the students tend to give more importance to the aspect of physical and psychological capabilities compared to having extent knowledge and attitude in the implementation of ROTC. Moreover, it shows that there is a significant relationship between physical and psychological capabilities toward attitude. But for extent knowledge and attitude, it has been shown that there is no significant relationship between them. It signifies that physical and psychological capabilities can impact the attitude of the students compared to the extent knowledge which shows that the students will be more focused or will give more attention to their academics than ROTC. The researchers recommend that in terms of administrative support, such as office, training ground, logistics, funding, and registration of grades and graduates, schools should continuously examine and enhance the ROTC program as part of their annual program.

Chronotype and Social Jetlag Influence Performance and Injury during Reserve Officers' Training Corps Physical Training.

Sleep and circadian rhythms are critically important for optimal physical performance and maintaining health during training. Chronotype and altered sleep may modulate the response to exercise training, especially when performed at specific times/days, which may contribute to musculoskeletal injury. The purpose of this study was to determine if cadet characteristics (chronotype, sleep duration, and social jetlag) were associated with injury incidence and inflammation during physical training. Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets (n = 42) completed the Morningness/Eveningness Questionnaire to determine chronotype, and 1-week sleep logs to determine sleep duration and social jetlag. Salivary IL-6 was measured before and after the first and fourth exercise sessions during training. Prospective injury incidence was monitored over 14 weeks of training, and Army Physical Fitness Test scores were recorded at the conclusion. Chronotype, sleep duration, and social jetlag were assessed as independent factors impacting IL-6, injury incidence, and APFT scores using ANOVAs, chi-squared tests, and the t-test where appropriate, with significance accepted at p < 0.05. Evening chronotypes performed worse on the APFT (evening = 103.8 ± 59.8 vs. intermediate = 221.9 ± 40.3 vs. morning = 216.6 ± 43.6; p < 0.05), with no difference in injury incidence. Sleep duration did not significantly impact APFT score or injury incidence. Social jetlag was significantly higher in injured vs. uninjured cadets (2:40 ± 1:03 vs. 1:32 ± 55, p < 0.05). Exercise increased salivary IL-6, with no significant effects of chronotype, sleep duration, or social jetlag. Evening chronotypes and cadets with social jetlag display hampered performance during morning APFT. Social jetlag may be a behavioral biomarker for musculoskeletal injury risk, which requires further investigation.

Perceptions Of An Interactive Concussion Education Platform Among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets

Effective concussion educational intervention concerning the clinical presentation and the benefits of concussion care-seeking is essential to allow for timely identification and treatment of concussions among reserve officers’ training corps (ROTC) cadets. PURPOSE: Explore perceptions of a novel, interactive concussion education platform in ROTC cadets. METHODS: As a part of a larger study, participants viewed a theory-driven, decision-based, interactive concussion education intervention. The current study used a consensual qualitative research tradition grounded in phenomenology. 20 ROTC Cadets (7 males, 13 females; mean age 19.95 ± 1.96) were interviewed. Cadets were recruited via convenience sampling until data saturation was met. Semi-structured in-person interviews were transcribed verbatim. The interviews addressed platform perception. A four-person research team of novice and expert qualitative researchers coded data into themes and categories before meeting to attain consensus on coding accuracy and comprehensiveness. An internal auditor reviewed results. RESULTS: Interviews highlighted two key themes concerning the educational platform: 1) platform impressions and 2) education considerations. The platform impression theme included categories for visual content, verbal content, decision point, general impressions, perceived benefits, and enhancements. Cadets discussed the relatable and straightforward visual content portraying training scenarios. The platform was described as a catalyst to reinforce previously attained concussion knowledge and influence concussion knowledge in those newly exposed. Educational considerations included categories considering implementation, source, channel, and message. Cadets discussed the need and desire for concussion education to be captivating and military specific. The interactive component and military context of the platform allowed them to relate to the material in a way conducive to learning. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that interactive education platforms that consider the ROTC specific audience are favored by cadets. This highlights that concussion education should be engaging and inclusive to foster buy-in from the targeted audience.

DIFFERENCES IN BASELINE FITNESS LEVELS OF NROTC MIDSHIPMEN BETWEEN FALL 2020 AND FALL 2021

College students in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs must meet physical fitness standards in order to commission as a military officer. While physical fitness training is required during the semester, cadets are expected to continue training during the summer break. However, nationwide closures due to COVID-19 during the spring and summer of 2020 may have impeded training abilities and thereby fitness status of incoming cadets in Fall 2020. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to compare fitness levels of Naval ROTC (NROTC) midshipmen upon return to campus in Fall 2020 (FA20) compared to Fall 2021 (FA21). METHODS: NROTC midshipmen completed a battery of fitness tests within one month of arrival to campus in FA20 (N = 70; Age = 21 ± 2; 89% male) and repeated testing in FA21 (N = 85; Age = 20 ± 2; 80% male). Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was calculated from height and weight metrics. Performance tests consisted of a countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) and the 20-meter shuttle run test to estimate VO2max. Linear mixed effects models were used to determine overall battalion differences in BMI, CMJ height, and VO2max FA20 compared to FA21 with an alpha level of 0.05 to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: While there were no differences in BMI (P = 0.25), 47.2% of midshipmen were classified as ‘overweight’ in FA20 compared to 43.6 % in FA21. CMJ height was significantly higher at FA21 than FA20 (±1.4 cm; P = 0.02) but there were no differences in estimated VO2max (FA20 = 48.8 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min; FA21 = 49.2 ± 5.4 ml/kg/min; P = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: While there were no differences in aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness appeared to be higher in FA21. While it is not possible to determine the direct impacts of COVID-19 on fitness levels, it is plausible that pandemic-associated closures prevented strength and power training due to lack of fitness facilities and associated equipment, leading to decreased peak power measured as CMJ height. ROTC programs across the country may need to adjust their training programs upon return to in-person activities to ensure all cadets meet the required fitness standards, especially those related to strength and power.

Chronotype, Social Jetlag And Injury Risk During Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Physical Training

Chronotype, Social Jetlag And Injury Risk During Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Physical Training

Army Combat Fitness Test Performance Sex Differences In Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets

Army Combat Fitness Test Performance Sex Differences In Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets

Eating disorders and disordered eating in servicemen and women: A narrative review.

Eating disorders (EDs) are mental illnesses impacting all aspects of an individual's life. Recent research has examined EDs and disordered-eating behaviors in the military, a population subject to body composition standards, fitness requirements, and extreme stress. The purpose of this narrative review was to investigate ED and disordered-eating prevalence and their risk factors in ROTC (reserve officers' training corps), active-duty, and veteran servicemembers. The secondary purpose was to provide policy recommendations to reduce the burden of these conditions in the military. PubMed and PsycINFO were reviewed for relevant articles. All studies including data on EDs or disordered eating in U.S. active-duty, ROTC, or veteran populations were considered. Results revealed a high burden of EDs and disordered eating with bulimic- and binge-type behaviors being the most common. Servicemembers exposed to trauma, including military sexual assault, and those with comorbidities like PTSD showed a higher prevalence. Body composition and fitness testing were also associated with a higher risk. Qualitative studies suggest these conditions serve as coping mechanisms for aspects of military life. The high prevalence of EDs and disordered eating in the military points toward the importance of identification, treatment, and prevention. Policy change is necessary to protect servicemembers.

Anthropometrics Impact Army Combat Fitness Test Performance in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets.

Fitness is a vital component in military success. The Army is in the process of implementing a new assessment for soldier fitness, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Success on the assessment is a major factor in job assignments and promotional opportunities. This generates questions related to modifiable (i.e., fitness and body composition) and non-modifiable (i.e., limb length and testing equipment) factors impacting performance. Currently, anthropometrics differences in ACFT performance have not been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of anthropometrics on ACFT performance in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets. Anthropometric measures and ACFT scores were collected from Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets (n = 105, age: 20.4 ± 2.4 years, body mass index: 25.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2, and M/F = 84/21). All ACFT events were evaluated by certified graders. Measurement locations were based on established anthropometric assessment standards and previous research (hand, lower arm, upper arm, upper leg, lower leg, and torso lengths). The study was approved by the Auburn University Institutional Review Board (protocol code #21-410). There were weak correlations between hand length and three-repetition maximum deadlift [0.393; P ≤ .001], standing power throw [0.399; P ≤ .001], sprint-drag-carry [-0.315; P = .002], and ACFT score [0.212; P = .035]. The lower leg had weak correlations with standing power throw [0.249; P = .013], sprint-drag-carry [-0.215; P = .033], and ACFT score [0.213; P = .034]. Hand and lower leg length impacted individual event performances when comparing shortest and longest limb lengths [all P values <.05]. Hand and lower leg length significantly impact ACFT performance. These results present practical information to individuals responsible for developing protocols and scoring for the ACFT. Reassessment of events and the equipment utilized are warranted to assure that event performance is not hindered by a non-modifiable factor that is not representative of fitness or occupational demands. Future work should investigate how different trap-bar and kettlebell handle sizes, as well as medicine ball sizes, impact performance on the ACFT.