Physically unfit soldiers

Poor physical condition among the troops is the biggest problem in the American military. In 1996, 20% of their troops under age 21 were overweight.

Physical training procedures followed by the American military have become less strenuous since 1987: lightweight shoes instead of boots are worn for training and the physically most demanding parts of some forced road marches and drills have been excised.

The American lifestyle outside the military ill-prepares would-be soldiers for active combat: food portions in restaurants and shops are large; ever more time is spent watching television and operating machines that replace human labour.