Army Secretary Mark T. Esper told an audience at a Fort Drum, N.Y., town hall meeting that he will focus his tenure upon improving the quality of life for soldiers and their families. For their part, the 10th Mountain Division soldiers stationed at Drum had specific questions about areas they felt could use improvement.
One soldier asked Esper what could be done to reduce time spent indoors, taking online training. The soldier felt that it took away from field training. Esper promised that Army leadership would address the issue and others of its ilk as they implement training reforms aimed at improving readiness and lethality.
Esper also addressed the decision to adopt the Army Combat Readiness Test, to replace the Army Physical Fitness Test. The new test measures muscle strength, power and endurance, and other areas – and would enhance the focus upon reducing injuries and improving nutrition as well.