Moms on the Move, Soldiers Training Ability Readiness Spirit, Healthy Beginnings, Mother Wellness Soldier Fitness, Pregnant Soldier Wellness - all are local names for the Army's fitness program for pregnant and postpartum Soldiers.

The Army Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training Program is a specialized Army physical training and education program developed with Soldier-moms in mind. The PPPT Program is designed in accordance with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, and safely addresses the specific fitness needs of Soldiers during pregnancy and postpartum. Enrollment and participation in the PPPT Program is mandatory for eligible Soldiers required to go to unit PT, once clearance has been given by their health care provider.

A daily exercise session focuses on the components of fitness using a variety of activities that can be adjusted to the fitness level appropriate for the individual Soldier. Consistent participation in PPPT helps pregnant Soldiers make the transition from a combined 15-month pregnancy/postpartum profile to successful reintegration into unit physical training, achieving physical fitness and weight standards and remaining in the Army.

Without a standardized installation PPPT program, pregnant Soldiers have no exercise guidance and are left to train on their own, which perpetuates unit and individual readiness issues. Currently, programs exist both in the continental United States and overseas. There are also PPPT Program materials for Reserve Component Soldiers and Soldiers assigned in geographically remote locations.

In July 2008, the Army's deputy chief of staff for operations (G-3) issued an Armywide message assigning responsibilities for the PPPT program-a significant step in Armywide program implementation. Local program execution is a partnership between senior mission commanders as the functional proponents, the medical treatment facility for medical oversight and education, and the garrison for adequate facilities and equipment. U.S. Army Medical Command is responsible for policy and doctrine, and the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine provides the Train-the-Trainer Leader Course and a training technical guide.

Good news stories abound from PPPT Program participants. After the birth of her third child, Sgt. Delores Gordon said it took her three attempts to pass her APFT, with 30 days between each test. Gordon, who had her first two children while enrolled in PPPT at Fort Hood, Texas, said that the transition back to unit PT was much easier because it kept her in shape.

"I learned how to modify the push-up and ways to work your abs (while pregnant)," Gordon said.

The program isn't just about PT and keeping in shape; it is also about helping expectant mothers prepare for their babies. Weekly educational classes led by subject-matter experts cover a wide range of topics including nutrition, basic child care, day care choices, infant dental care and postpartum birth control.

The PPPT Program serves an additional function: "It's not just PT, it's a support group," according to Sgt. Miki Williams, who is expecting her second child.

The release of the Armywide message is expected to bring about an influx of participants to local PPPT classes. To assist local PPPT Programs with adequately trained PPPT leadership, the Train-the-Trainer Leader Course schedule is posted on the CHPPM Web site for registration.

For more information, visit http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw/readiness/pppt.aspx.