Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program Extended to Family Members

By Army News on January 22, 2010

Family members play a significant role in a Soldier's life by supporting their resilience and well-being. This is why family members now have the opportunity to participate in the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) program by taking the Global Assessment Tool and self-development modules.

CSF is a holistic fitness program for Soldiers, family members and Army civilians that are designed to enhance performance and build resilience. Participation in the CSF program begins with the Global Assessment Tool (GAT), an online, confidential survey that measures a person's level of strength in four dimensions: social, spiritual, emotional and family.

The GAT is available to family members now by visiting Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Web site. Once the GAT is complete, family members will be able to immediately access the tools and training designed to enhance their resilience. 


What is Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF)?
The program, based on 30-plus years of scientific study and results, uses individual assessments, tailored virtual training, classroom training and embedded resilience experts to provide the critical skills our Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians need.

To be able to take the GAT will do need to have an AKO account. As military spouses we are allowed to obtain an AKO account. Your sponsor is able to sponsor your account-if you don't have one already. 

Why is this important for family members?

Though not mandatory for family members, it is strongly encouraged for them to participate in the CSF program in conjunction with their Soldier in order to maximize the benefits to the entire family. The online training in the dimensions of strength will enhance and optimize one's personal resilience as well as one's relationship with others. These attributes will better prepare them to meet the ambiguous and unpredictable challenges of their personal and professional lives, and help restore balance to the Army and our Army families.

CSF and Family Members 

Why participate in the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program?

The Army recognizes the increased sacrifices our Family members make on a daily basis. The CSF program is designed to provide Family members with the thinking skills and coping strategies needed to take care of themselves and their Soldier. The program helps link them with resources and tools available in the military community that can build resilience.

The 5 Dimensions of Strength are:

Physical
Performing and excelling in physical activities that require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, healthy body composition and flexibility derived through exercise, nutrition and training.

Emotional
Approaching life's challenges in a positive, optimistic way by demonstrating self-control, stamina and good character with your choices and actions.

Social
Developing and maintaining trusted, valued relationships and friendships that are personally fulfilling and foster good communication including a comfortable exchange of ideas, views, and experiences.

Family
Being part of a family unit that is safe, supportive and loving, and provides the resources needed for all members to live in a healthy and secure environment.

Spiritual
Strengthening a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain a person beyond family, institutional, and societal sources of strength.