Not much of a point/counterpoint except in regards to your own opinions on the weight program.

I have seen plenty of coasties put on the probationary status but have yet to see or hear of anyone who was discharged for not making weight.

On a similar note, I've seen guys who lift weights a lot become victims of this program. Despite the fact that they can bench more than they weigh, it seems like either people are misunderstanding the policy, or it just doesn't account for people that do a lot of weight training.

yep "i" saw it enforced.

Yes.

I think they need to come up with a better way to check the body fat percentage or something. Some people are wicked fat(no muscle) but pass the wt. standards, and others who work out and gain muscle weight do become victims of the current calculation.
I would much rather have a team of HUGE muscular coasties, rather than a bunch of skinny twigs or fluffy people to save me when I get into trouble in the seas. Just my opinion. hahha

I have seen it enforced... but I've also seen it brushed under the rug. Depends on what connections you have.

Twice

Up here is Sector Northern New England, it is taken very seriously. All units in the AOR have to report to the Commanding Officer of Military Personnel upon completion of weigh-ins and status of members. We have kept members from going to schools, off advancment list, and processed them for discharge. Believe me I have seen it all, but at least here it is taken seriously.

I would say in most cases, procedures are followed. Remember, that this involves both personnel and in some cases, medical information. Both of those are nobodies bussiness but the member's and the command's. Cases which may appear to be someone having 'connections' may actually be cases of medical exemptions. In other cases, as a matter of centuries old laws, it is more difficult to seperate people who have commisions than those that do not.

I've seen a handful 'thrown out' but it wasn't as if they weren't aware of the program. Ya know, here's a solution.

MANDATORY MORNING PT for all (O's, W's, E's; all ratings, ranks, units, genders, etc). Most of the other branches of service do it. Our son (a Soldier) gets up at 0430 and musters with his unit to run and do cals everyday minus Sunday. Nothing like seeing a UNIT together running together singing cadence. Oftentimes though, they will have organized team sports (soccer, football, water polo, etc.) to break up the monotony and keep everyone interested in 'physical fitness'. I realize those on small afloat units have limitations but there's no excuse really other than that.

For those who are medical status or profile, that doesn't preclude you from participating. So ya got a bad leg? Still can go to the gym and do cardio with your arms or lift weights to strengthen your upper body. Got a bad back? How about walking. Got a bad arm or shoulder? You still can go walking. Of course, with Doctor's orders.

So really, its not about being 'fat', its about being 'fit'. If you're fit, greater chances are that you will not be fat in the long run, you'll have more stamina, be stronger and live a longer healthier life;. Then we wouldn't be having this conversation often.

But, the question remains, who's going to organize it? Where are the 'wellness coordinators'? Are the wellness coordinators also working with the FS's/Galley to coordinate a plan of good healthful eating?

As well though, wouldn't it be nice to have nutrition classes to get educated on PORTION SIZES, how to read labels, how to compare fat grams vs. calories, etc?

In otherwords, its got to be an 'all or nothing' program, but, its gotta start from the top (ie. Leaders).

I have not seen anyone thrown out. The members came back within compliance. I read a report of one member who was on the program. The member had several other ongoing personal issues at the the time. The member ended up committing suicide. Pretty sad that was the end result.

quote:

Originally posted by semperparatus81:
yep "i" saw it enforced.

"ME" too.... but it seems like I'm the only one around here.

quote:

Originally posted by SigNuCoastie:

quote:

Originally posted by semperparatus81:
yep "i" saw it enforced.

"ME" too.... but it seems like I'm the only one around here.

You're definitely not the only one who's seen it enforced, and it's enforced a lot more often than some people seem to believe. Just for the sake of clarity and accuracy, here are the separation numbers on the enlisted side (I can't speak for officers, as I'm only responsible for enlisted separations):

FY04 - 40
FY05 - 79
FY06 - 65
FY07 - 93
FY08 - 38 (Accurate as of 1130, 28 Mar 08)

CG

PT is a great idea but my question is, when is the coast guard going to move foward in PT standards. The navy has 5 different ways of doing a PT test. In the coast guard many people devolop medical conditions over time, like bad knee's bad backs, and ect. So running isn't always a great idea. Beside's that how far can you really run on a cutter or doing a boarding. We are not a combat service, I still think everyone should be responsible for there own health. My personnel opinion is as long as your staying healty and getting the job done what is the big deal, pass your weight and do your job. I've seen plenty of good workers get in trouble because they can't pass a PT test. Just because a person can pass a PT test doesn't mean anything if the work isn't getting done. And yes I have seen people get kicked out because of weight standards, but i've seen more people work around the system and not get kicked out.

Interesting Article on the subject:

http://www.cgblog.org/2008/03/uscgs-not-so-standard-physical-fitness.html

quote:

FY08 - 38 (Accurate as of 1130, 28 Mar 08)

.... almost sounds as if you have a 1135 meeting scheduled and a file open on your desk Cdr......

Lets all just pass the Boat Crew Qualifiation test, it adjusts for age and has alternatives for physical limitations.

The Commandant has authorized 3 hours a week for PT how many commands actually use that time? How many commands have gotten someone trained as a HPC to run the program for them?

quote:

Originally posted by clgow:

quote:

Originally posted by SigNuCoastie:

quote:

Originally posted by semperparatus81:
yep "i" saw it enforced.

"ME" too.... but it seems like I'm the only one around here.

You're definitely not the only one who's seen it enforced, and it's enforced a lot more often than some people seem to believe. Just for the sake of clarity and accuracy, here are the separation numbers on the enlisted side (I can't speak for officers, as I'm only responsible for enlisted separations):

FY04 - 40
FY05 - 79
FY06 - 65
FY07 - 93
FY08 - 38 (Accurate as of 1130, 28 Mar 08)

CG

Thanks for posting sir. I remember seeing the numbers from Mr. H's ppt in January. Do you guys have it broken down by unit type, ie....afloat, ashore, etc?

MC

quote:

Originally posted by FlynnPatrick:
Lets all just pass the Boat Crew Qualifiation test, it adjusts for age and has alternatives for physical limitations.

The Commandant has authorized 3 hours a week for PT how many commands actually use that time? How many commands have gotten someone trained as a HPC to run the program for them?

For the enlisted folks, that BCQ is already an E2 EPQ.

BigDog. Not a combat service? What does your ID card say? A lot of the older vets here might take exception.

quote:

Has anyone actually seen the CG weight program enforced?

Yes! The only negative Page-7s I ever received during my career involved being a few lbs over the alloted standard - that and some Ensign wrote me up saying that he thought I had too much of an intimidating personality toward Junior Officers. Imagine that!