Transforming the RMR Soldier into a Warrior Athlete
Article written by Sergeant (ret’d) Chung Yu, member of Branch 14 (RMR Association).
Editor’s note: This article supports the donation of fitness equipment made by Branch 14 (RMR Association) to the serving members of the RMR in order to facilitate the continued improvement of physical robustness of RMR soldiers. Kettle Bells, weighted sandbags, Rowing Machine, and numerous weighted plates were donated.
Westmount, Quebec – 28 April 2024: Since the end of the Cold War, the Canadian Army has deployed to many conflict zones around the world, and this trend is expected to continue. As a reserve unit, we have augmented operations, sent soldiers to NATO exercises, and provided candidates for some of the toughest training the Army has to offer.
“The Role of the Infantry is to close with and destroy the enemy – regardless of day, night, weather, terrain or any other conditions.”
Every soldier who enters the RMR, regardless of their trade, will hear this phrase: “The Role of the Infantry is to close with and destroy the enemy—regardless of day, night, weather, terrain, or any other conditions.” Many past, present, and future RMR soldiers will experience this reality through grueling exercises, tough selections, and real-world deployments. This job is tough and demands discipline, persistence, and mental and emotional fortitude.
The individual soldier’s fitness level is a key factor in determining success or failure. A soldier’s fitness will either support or fail him. You can fake many things in the army, but when a soldier is injured and you need to fireman carry him on harsh terrain or hump a C6 and ammo, you can’t fake endurance and strength.
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of fitness. The journey to physical excellence is not just a test of the body but a forging of the mind and spirit.
“The Warrior Athlete views their training not simply as a separate time of day where they work and sweat, but as a necessary component of life that merges body, mind and soul”
Brass Ring Fitness
It is highly encouraging to see members of the active battalion preparing for deployments, training new recruits, and most importantly, maintaining their ability to perform the demanding challenges presented by the RMR and the army at large. We encourage our members to consistently and constantly pursue excellence as soldiers, which must be based on physical and mental toughness, discipline, solid habits, and persistence.
Mental toughness, the bedrock of discipline, is the ability to push through challenges and to persevere when every fiber of your being screams for respite. It is the mental fortitude that transforms routine into ritual and exercise into a form of meditation. It allows an individual to view their training not as a chore but as a privilege.
Habit is the daily battleground where discipline is won or lost. It is the consistent repetition of actions that forge the chains of discipline. As Musashi wisely stated, “Mastering one thing allows you to master all things.” The mastery of daily fitness habits is a microcosm of the discipline needed to achieve greatness in any endeavor. Each push-up, each run, each disciplined choice is a step towards mastering the art of self-control.
Persistence is the fuel that keeps the flames of discipline burning. It is easy to be disciplined when motivation is high, but true persistence involves continuing the march towards fitness goals even when the initial excitement has waned. It is the quiet determination that underpins every success story in fitness and beyond.
Discipline itself is the culmination of mental toughness, habit, and persistence. It is the unwavering commitment to a lifestyle that prioritizes fitness. Discipline is what turns the dream of a healthy body into reality. It is the silent partner in every athlete’s journey, the unsung hero in the narrative of physical achievement.
“Fatigue makes cowards of all men”
Vince Lombardi
When we are physically or mentally worn out, our ability to face challenges and act bravely is diminished. Fatigue will cloud our judgment, weaken our willpower, convince us to avoid difficult situations, or simply give up. We must be aware that all of us are susceptible and must constantly strive to improve the quality of our mental and physical health.
Transforming RMR soldiers into warrior athletes will build pride, discipline, and excellence.
