Why do they stress pushups so much in the army?

Question

it's not like soldiers get in alot of hand to hand combat right? and being muscular doesn't exactly stop bullets.

Answer 1

It provides overall physical fitness. Often most military (not the paper pusher end) are subjected to physical work everyday. Having the necessary tools to do the job (muscles) will help you do it faster and better. Bullet Proof vests and Kevlar helmets are for stopping bullets.

Answer 2

Pushups are an effective way to develop and maintain upper-body strength and endurance without using any equipment. Upper-body endurance is crucial for ensuring that a soldier will be effective in combat over a long period of time. Also, there are many tasks that soldiers do such as moving equipment that require this type of strength.

Generally, a physically fit soldier will be better equipped to handle the stresses of combat. In that environment, physical fitness supports mental fitness. Both are critical in order to fight and win.

Answer 3

If you were to get into hand-to-hand combat, and you were never physically conditioned (as they do in basic training), and your enemy was, your enemy would have a physical advantage over you. You wouldn't have the stamina.

Combat is the most grueling, stressful, and dangerous job anyone can possibly have. That is why during basic training, they instill in you, teamwork, physical fitness, and quick thinking. How can you carry a 90lb. rucksack if your shoulders and arms aren't conditioned? How can you carry your rifle for long marches? You're trying to dig a foxhole when artillery starts to come in. If your conditioned, you could build one faster, making your chances of survival greater.

It's about survivability. The strongest and smartest always win.

Answer 4

You can need upper body strength. The 2 soldiers pulled from Humvee got into hand to hand combat. You need to be able to carry your gear which is at least 40 lbs & run with it in case of being over run by enemy.

Answer 5

because the army sucks