To many civilians, Army fitness may appear to focus entirely on running, lifting weights and preparing for a physical fitness test. However, the Fit2Fight facilitator course at Fort Bliss, Texas, showed that military readiness involves much more than physical strength.

The course was hosted by the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade’s Holistic Health and Fitness team for soldiers from the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and 1st Armored Division.

The Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness system, commonly known as H2F, takes a broader approach to preparing soldiers. The system connects physical fitness with mental readiness, nutrition, sleep and spiritual readiness. These areas can affect a soldier’s performance, recovery and ability to complete military duties.

Fit2Fight helps extend those lessons beyond the H2F staff by preparing soldiers to serve as facilitators within their units.

“Fit2Fight is our extender course,” said Luke Propst, an H2F coach. Propst explained that trained facilitators can carry H2F principles back to their organizations and make the information available to more soldiers.

The course supports the framework established in Army Field Manual 7-22, which outlines the Army’s approach to physical and nonphysical readiness. The Army uses H2F specialists in areas including strength and conditioning, physical therapy, nutrition and mental performance.

Sgt. Kennith McEvers discussed the course from a leadership perspective. His comments emphasized the responsibility leaders have to care for their soldiers and support their overall well-being rather than focusing only on physical fitness scores.

Pfc. Dustin Brown provided the perspective of a junior soldier. Brown discussed lower-risk workouts and injury-prevention practices that soldiers could apply during regular unit training.

The Army describes H2F as a soldier readiness system intended to improve performance, reduce injuries and support recovery. For civilians, Fit2Fight offers a closer look at how the Army prepares its people for demanding responsibilities. Strength and endurance remain important, but readiness also depends on recovery, nutrition, sleep, mental preparation and leaders who understand how those areas work together.