Purpose: To create, present and implement a "doable" Wellness Program for all the troops in the GSDF, using the 1 BDE MEDDET as the example unit and as Coaching Commanders, and to provide the state of Georgia with the most physically adapt men and women to serve in time of need. The "March to Fitness" will consist of three major components: fitness, nutrition, and health.

Implementation: Participation in this interactive program will require a contract of intent, selection of a "Cadence Comrade", performance routines and documentation, ongoing self-evaluations and last but not least, commitment to change and improve one’s wellness. Each soldier involved will need to have Internet access, obtain a pedometer (required in the 3-day pack), be able to WALK (with medical approval if necessary) and be willing to change bad habits and improve individual life styles. Participants may do as little or as much to change and improve their wellness in the areas of health, fitness and nutrition but keep in mind the Unit that shows the most improvements in these areas will RULE and receive the coveted "Fitness Force" award. HOOAH!

The Command Center for "The March to Fitness" program will be MEDDET’s newly created web site http://wellness.meddet.com This site will be the official "Cadence Call" of information. It will be a loud, get the troops motivated, jam-packed site of new and updated weekly information such as instructions for 1LT Fritzy Fitness’s 10,000 steps a day endurance plan and other weight and flexibility regimes, SGT Nanny Nutrition’s good eating strategies and recipes, and CPT Harry B. Healthy’s facts about staying well and healthy. Soldiers will discover while exploring the web site opportunities to earn "award points" that can be added to their unit’s fitness score. The Wellness site will also offer links to other reputable sources of information.

Coaching Commanders will be each and every soldier in 1 BDE MEDDET and embedded medics in other units. They will be knowledgeable of the "March to Fitness" materials and will be able to assist other soldiers with accessing the web site, navigating the information, tracking award points and implementing the physical fitness programs. Coaching Commanders will be tasked to be responsible for providing information (documenting their sources) in their assigned areas of expertise to the Command Center on a regular schedule, or assisting in tabulating award points submitted by squad leaders and or Unit leaders, and managing the web site. Coaching Commanders with exemplify the benefits and positive results of living a healthy life style. 1 BDE MEDDET will set the example. It takes just one "Unit" to lead the GSDF to fitness! 1-2-3-4- MEDDET is there for….YOU!

Cadence Comrades will be soldiers in the same unit or squad who "buddy" up, spar, set goals, track award points, and confide in while participating in the "March to Fitness" program. Comrades will keep in touch by e-mail, phone or at drills on each other’s progress. Keep your comrade marching to fitness!

Award Points may be earned in any of the three components of this program: fitness, nutrition and health. If a soldier is unable to participate in physical endeavors, due to medical conditions, there will still be ways for him or her to earn Award Points in other areas. Of course, ideally it would be best to earn points in all the areas of Wellness. A start date will be determined, as well as a designated run time for accumulating award points for each squad or unit for the calendar year 2006. Tabulation of points earned will determine the unit that carries the FITNESS FORCE flag, or wears the patch or pin in recognition of winning the honor.

"March to Fitness" Handbooks will be designed and dispensed by 1 BDE MEDDET. These handbooks will provide necessary information about the Wellness program as well as space for the individual soldier to record their individual progress.

Orientation to "March to Fitness" may be done at monthly drill at Confederate Ave, at IET weekends and or individually to each Battalion or Detachment at monthly drills.

Areas to develop:

• Design or obtain a flag, patch, or pin that the winning FITNESS FORCE can proudly display
• Continue development of web site to accommodate signing in (the contract to commit), tracking points, and displaying materials in a fun and exciting manner
• Detail specifics of the 1LT Fritzy Fitness’s 10,000 steps a day plan
• Gathering ideas for weight training, flexibility, and stretching plans
• Incorporating "Wellness" into all activities of the GSDF, such as food choices and exercising at every gathering of forces
• Establishing a Smoking Cessation program for the individual soldier and GSDF
• Establishing start and stop dates for unit competitions
• Wellness Handbook

Coaching Commanders areas of service:

• Web design and maintenance
• Nutrition information
• Fitness information
• Health education and information
• Award points tracking and tabulation
• "Cheerleaders" to present and orient other soldiers to the program
• Committed participation in March to Fitness!