In a groundbreaking development at Fort Dix, NJ, 26 soldiers have been certified with the Holistic Health and Fitness Integrator (H2F1) additional skill identifier (ASI) by Instructors from the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Command. This certification marks a significant shift in the approach to soldier health and fitness for combat.
The H2F1 course, previously known as the Master Fitness Trainer course, focuses on combining all aspects of physical and non-physical human performance to enhance soldier readiness. The course emphasizes five key domains: mental, sleep, spiritual, nutritional, and physical readiness.
Master Sgt. Kimberlee Hilliard, the H2F1 course manager at Joint Base Dix McGuire, highlighted the holistic nature of the course, stating that it goes beyond just improving scores on the Army Combat Fitness Test. The spiritual aspect of the course, often misunderstood as religious, involves activities like nature walks to foster bonding and meaningful conversations among soldiers.
Notably, the H2F1 course is not limited to Army personnel, as demonstrated by the participation of Staff Sgt. Alex Potts from the United States Air Force. Potts, an Emergency Management Specialist, emphasized the importance of bringing the knowledge gained from the course back to his unit to enhance overall readiness.
The certification of these 26 soldiers with the H2F1 ASI represents a significant step towards a more comprehensive and integrated approach to soldier health and fitness, transcending traditional physical training methods. The impact of this certification is expected to ripple across military units, fostering a culture of holistic well-being and readiness.