PERCEPTION OF MILITARY SPECIALISTS ON PHYSICAL PREPARATION IN THE ARMED FORCES

Abstract

This work analyzes the perception of military specialists in Physical Education on how physical preparation is implemented and could be optimized in the Armed Forces. It is a quantitative, descriptive study (N = 227) having created an ad hoc questionnaire to collect these perceptions. The results indicate that the facilitators believe that: i. The current physical preparation and its evaluation bear little relation to the possible operational contexts; ii. Health and military instruction are perceived as the main training objectives; iii. The traditional training methodology does not seem to be the most suitable to achieve the operational objectives of the Units; iv. The most relevant physical qualities are swimming skill, strength, and endurance; v. The training contents during the mesocycle are still based mainly on running and calisthenics, performed at a moderate intensity; vi. Specific preparation before, during and after Operations should be increased.