The United States Army Comprehensive Soldier Fitness: A Critical Look

Since 2003, the protracted conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have had an enormous impact on the mental health of the Army. To respond to the increased stress on the force resulting from multiple deployments and a high operational tempo, the Army developed the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) program. Designed to improve Soldiers resiliency and psychological fitness, the CSF is built on four pillars: individual assessment through the Global Assessment Tool (GAT); individual online training through the Comprehensive Resilience Modules (CRMs); establishment of a cadre of instructors through the Master Resilience Trainer program (MRT); and institutionalizing training through the Army professional military education system. As it is now implemented, the Army believes the CSF program has been successful, but some experts question the supporting research and contend that the program is not achieving the desired effects. Army CSF studies provide minimal evidence of success. An independent study of CSF is recommended and suggestions for changes in education, accountability and recruitment are offered to help ensure CSF is benefiting the Soldiers, unit readiness and the Army.