Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes Command Fitness Leaders (CFL) and fitness specialists have completed another cycle of Physical Fitness Assessments (PFA) Mar. 12.

As they complete the process of entering individual scores of this group in the Physical Readiness Information Management System (PRIMS) they will be pulling the next PRIMS report to schedule 500 to 600 students for the next PFA.

An individual student’s Physical Readiness test can take between two to three weeks to complete. It usually takes about a work week to pull all the reports and a Body Composition Assessment (BCA) is completed on each student before they take the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) is conducted.

“What makes student PFA testing unique, as opposed to staff bi-annual testing, is ensuring that these accession sailors comprehend the importance of PFA performance and consequences of not being prepared,” said Ms. Barb Roth, CFL program manager at TSC Great Lakes. “This is the only test you do not have to study for but you do need to always prepare for. As the saying goes ‘always ready is mission ready.’”

On average, CFL and Assistant CFL staff hold more than 4,000 tests per year. TSC staff and students attached to the command for at least 10 weeks, or are in a permanent change of station, are required to complete an official PFA within the required time frame of the previous Cycle.

The physical readiness program is designed to ensure the health and readiness of U.S. Navy personnel on ship and shore. Personnel that fail to remain in standards are placed on a fitness enhancement program (FEP) to assist them in getting back in standards.

CFL members also hold daily Physical Training ensuring students are maintaining their PRT goals in addition to providing endurance training. This is available to any member that needs assistance, not only those that need remedial assistance.

“Our CFL team is an amazing group of people,” Roth said. “We are all involved in meeting the mission. Everyone plays a role in preparation whether it is in creating the PFA roster, processing the service member through the BCS, facilitating the PRT test, time keeping, enrolling service members into FEP or stand as a safety as a safety observer.”

Currently staffed at 11 people, the CFL team does a lot more than give tests, hold student physical training and run command FEP.

“Working with those that have the determination to work hard to get the results is very rewarding,” Roth said. “Seeing the transformation and progress made day in and out is a win for everyone. TSC CFL’s are driven to firmly establish a culture of fitness especially at the student level.  It is critical that these Junior Personnel realize that physical readiness is key in being the most efficient Navy combat team.”

All the tools, training and knowledge is provided to Sailors. The CFL along with a Sailor’s ownership and accountability in incorporating a lifestyle that includes daily physical activity and proper nutrition can contribute to their success.

"Our Command Fitness Leaders (CFL's) play an integral part in the overall fitness and readiness of our Sailors.  CFL's have a tremendous responsibility coordinating Physical Fitness Assessments and providing physical training to over 13,000 Sailors and students each year," Capt. David Dwyer, commanding officer at TSC Great Lakes. "They are responsible for the health and readiness of TSC. They are tasked with helping Sailors improve their PFA scores and health by using a variety of physical training methods including strength training, endurance training and nutrition education. I am proud of the work they do."

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