FM 7-22: Holistic Health and Fitness

H2F establishes the Army’s doctrine for the readiness training of Soldiers

It is a full revision and expansion on physical readiness training doctrine. FM 7-22 presents individualized training and testing that builds peak performance in all Soldiers. It is the foundation of unit readiness.

The principal audience for FM 7-22 is leaders at all organizational levels. All leaders are trainers. Leaders include officers, warrant officers, noncommissioned officers, and those Department of the Army (DA) Civilians in leadership positions. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication.

Authority AR 350-1 | DODI 1308.1 | DODI 1308.3 | FM 7-22

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This FM is derived from DODD 1308.1 and DODI 1308.3. AR 350-1 directs the Army’s mandatory training requirements. Commanders and staff will establish training programs consistent with AR 350-1 and FM 7-22 and in consultation with their H2F teams and master fitness trainers (MFTs). Training that addresses both the physical and nonphysical aspects of Soldier readiness is considered by senior Department of Defense (DOD) leadership to be essential to mission success. This publication comprises the strategic underpinning of the Army’s H2F System.

This doctrine and the regulations that support it apply to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States and the United States Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated.

The proponent for this publication is the United States Army Center for Initial Military Training.

Running instruction has challenged the U.S. Army for decades. Running related (lower extremity, overuse) injuries are the most common concerns of Soldiers leaving IMT *.

FM 7-22 update released in October 2020 introduced the most significant change made in the last decade – Running Skill Training as part of the Physical Readiness training program.

The publication uses the Pose Method® as a method for the running skill program.

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LEADERSHIP RESOURCE

The H2F System has five critical elements: governance, program, equipment and facilities, personnel, and leadership education. Soldiers and their leaders must understand the foundations, standards, and rationale for the H2F System and requisite resources.

Commanders and staff will establish training programs consistent with AR 350-1 and FM 7-22. Training that addresses both the physical and nonphysical aspects of Soldier readiness is considered by senior Department of Defense (DOD) leadership to be essential to mission success. All leaders are trainers. Leaders include officers, warrant officers, noncommissioned officers, and those Department of the Army (DA) Civilians in leadership positions, trainers and educators throughout the Army.

GOVERNANCE

This is a critical holistic health and fitness element that includes the policies and regulations that define objectives, allocate resources and implement quality controls to deliver performance readiness.

When properly designed, governed, and adopted, the H2F System creates a performance readiness platform that prevents physical and nonphysical stress from overwhelming the Soldier. The most important component of the governance process is compliance.

Link to: Running Skill Live Training

IN-PERSON RUNNING SKILL TRAINING

Group Running Training On-Location

Live on-location training seminars are scheduled on-demand. Our skill development training is a scientifically supported process designed to create a lasting impact on musculoskeletal (MSK) injury prevention and ultimately lead to performance improvement.

Pose Tech is the sole source provider authorized to teach Pose Method Running Skill training seminars.

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Link to: Human Performance Optimization: Pose Running Skill Training

ONLINE RUNNING SKILL TRAINING

Individual Running Skill Training Course Online

Live on-location training seminars are scheduled on-demand. Our skill development training is a scientifically supported process designed to create a lasting impact on musculoskeletal (MSK) injury prevention and ultimately lead to performance improvement.

Pose Tech is the sole source provider authorized to teach Pose Method Running Skill training seminars.

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WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This course is intended for all soldiers. It teaches running skill (technique) – the foundation of running without injuries, running any distance(s), and running faster (than before).  This course provides flexible and adjustable tools that can be scaled as needed.

INDIVIDUALS: Most of us were never taught how to run. Learning how to do something is where it all begins with most things in life. Learning how to do it is also usually step #1 in any sport – other than running! Learning a skill is the foundation. Learning how to run is the most basic and direct way to get better at it and prevent injuries. Physical readiness starts with learning how to do physical movement so you could do it better, longer and without getting injured. This training course will take you from start to finish of running skill development so when it’s time for evaluations and tests – you excel! And because this course never expires, you can return to review and continue training and improving.

GROUP LEADERS: This training course provides an efficient solution for leaders looking to train their teams and units quickly and effectively. From sets of running drills, running specific strength conditioning exercises, to video analysis instructions, you get a set of tools to effectively instruct in running technique and provide immediate feedback for continued progress. Most technique drills and strength exercises can be easily integrated into any physical training session, while flexibility routine can become an effective cool-down part at the end of any training.

CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATES: This course is the most complete resource available to those interested in earning the Certified Running Technique Specialist credential. This international credential empowers its holders to teach running skill (technique) at the highest level. If you are in a position of leadership, this training and certification exam to earn the credential (10 promotion points) are a must.

LIVE TRAINING

This online course is supported by live training available on request. To request a live training for your unit click below.

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INJURY PREVENTION

Learning a skill and preventing injuries are naturally connected. When you know how to do something correctly, you will do it better and will be less likely to get injured. An overwhelming majority of running related injuries are the result of moving incorrectly. These musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are not related to how many miles you run, but are the direct result of how you run those miles.

PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION

To optimize means to achieve more while doing less. To optimize your performance, it is important to first learn how to execute the basics correctly. In any movement, or any athletic event, the basic level is technique.

The two main differences between elite athletes and recreational ones are talent (genetic) and skill (technique). While there is nothing that can be done about genetics, you can absolutely improve your skill and move with the same technical quality as elite athletes. Elite athletes’ technique has a distinct quality of precision in execution, i.e. they don’t waste effort on unnecessary commotion. This quality can be learned. For recreational athletes, this simply means learning to be precise in their movement, learning to make less extraneous moves.

As the result of optimizing your technique, your efficiency will improve as well and you will perform better overall.

ACFT | EVALUATIONS

The Pose Method of running helps military personnel improve their speed, agility, balance, and endurance – all important factors for success in the armed forces. By learning proper running technique, servicemen can reduce the risk of injury while increasing their speed and endurance. This will help them excel in physical training evaluations as well as the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

DEPLOYMENT | COMBAT

In addition to helping soldiers prevent musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and prepare for the ACFT, mastering the Pose Method will provide an advantage during deployment and combat scenarios. Improved reaction times due to better control over body movements can give soldiers an upper hand in high-pressure situations such as battle or pursuit operations where milliseconds are critical. The increased efficiency of movement that comes from mastering this technique enables soldiers to run and move better and faster while carrying heavy loads for longer distances and minimizing the potential of injury.

DODI 1308.03: PHYSICAL FITNESS/BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM / SECTION 1: 1.2. POLICY (b)

The Military Services will implement and monitor physical fitness programs to ensure all Service members maintain a level of physical readiness necessary to successfully perform their duties in a manner that reduces the risk of fitness-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries.

(Effective March 10, 2022 DOD INSTRUCTION 1308.03)

* RESEARCH AND PUBLISHED ARTICLES

  1. The Musculoskeletal Imperative: Enhancing Combat Capability through Effective Injury Management. Col. Charles Blake, PT, DPT, U.S Army, Maj. Christopher W. Boyer, PT, DPT, U.S. Army, Maj. David R. Hourani, MD, U.S. Army. Army University Press, Military Review Sept-Oct 2024
  2. Musculoskeletal injuries in military personnel—Descriptive epidemiology, risk factor identification, and prevention. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Vol 24, Issue 10, Oct 2021, pp 963-969 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2021.03.016
  3. Musculoskeletal injury in military Special Operations Forces: a systematic review. Stannard J, Fortington L. BMJ Mil Health 2021;167:255-265. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001692
  4. Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in the military: a qualitative systematic review of the literature from the past two decades and a new prioritizing injury model. Sammito, S., Hadzic, V., Karakolis, T. et al. Military Med Res 8, 66 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40779-021-00357-w
  5. Musculoskeletal Injuries and United States Army Readiness Part I: Overview of Injuries and their Strategic Impact. Joseph M Molloy, PT, PhD, Timothy L Pendergrass, PT DSc ATC, et al Military Medicine, Volume 185, Issue 9-10, Sept-Oct 2020, pp e1461–e1471 https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaa027
  6. Musculoskeletal Injuries and United States Army Readiness. Part II: Management Challenges and Risk Mitigation Initiatives. Joseph M Molloy, Timothy L Pendergrass, et al, Military Medicine, Volume 185, Issue 9-10, Sept-Oct 2020, pp e1472–e1480 https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaa028
  7. Combat and Noncombat Musculoskeletal Injuries in the US Military. Grimm, Patrick D. MD; et al Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review 27(3):p 84-91, September 2019. DOI: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000246
  8. Incidence of Musculoskeletal Injury in US Army Unit Types: A Prospective Cohort Study. Deydre S. Teyhen, Stephen L. Goffar, et al Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2018 48:10, 749-757 https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2018.7979
  9. Underreporting of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the US Army: Findings From an Infantry Brigade Combat Team Survey Study. Smith L, Westrick R, Sauers S, et al. Sports Health. 2016;8(6):507-513. doi:10.1177/1941738116670873
  10. Physical Training Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury in Female Soldiers. Tanja C. Roy, SP USA, Thomas Songer, PhD, et al. Military Medicine, Vol 179, Issue 12, Dec 2014, pp 1432–1438, https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00164