Last month’s issue looked at how troops can up their fitness to be ready for war. Here, Army basketball player SSgt Alex Rees (R Signals, pictured) tells us about the almost-endless benefits of sport in the mission to be become a better soldier.
“Getting involved in sport not only improves your physical strength, endurance, and agility – all of which are critical to demanding military tasks – but it aids your flexibility and coordination, which reduces the risk of injury in the field too.
Competitions help you perform under pressure, by mirroring the stress of combat situations. And strategic and tactical games enhance decision-making and adaptability, which are vital skills to have in dynamic combat environments.
Team sports teach us to work effectively with others – a skill essential in coordinated military operations.
They also foster leadership qualities such as motivation and communication – key to operational success.
Games are great for unit cohesion, strengthening the bonds that exist between soldiers and creating a supportive environment with enhanced ‘esprit de corps’.
Mastering a new discipline also provides that sense of achievement and enjoyment, which can improve overall morale.
Attendance at training instils punctuality, self-discipline, respect, rule-following and a strong work ethic – qualities directly transferable to military service.
And it also mitigates stress and anxiety by giving us a healthy outlet for emotions that can reduce psychological strain.
All these benefits translate to improved performance, readiness, and an ability to work cohesively under pressure – making Army sport a vital aspect of our training as Service personnel.”
