Here are some recent changes that I learned will be affecting soldiers at some point in time.

• NCOs and soldiers that are simply average performers will find it difficult to progress let alone remain in the Army.  Having things like poor NCOERs (Noncommissioned Officer Efficiency Report), DUI, or Article 15 will become very prohibitve to one's progress in the Army.  

The second point below is the one that gives me considerable pause.  Four freakin' miles?!?!?!?  Shoot, I'm not going to lie, I'm still trying to master 2 mile continuous run under 15 minutes!

• The new APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) is under review.  The SMA (Sergeant Major of the Army) stated that the run will not be 1.5 miles, but would like to see it changed to 4 four miles.  Additionally, he is reviewing two new events:  the broad jump and the shuttle run. 

•  He is very concerned about the large number of overweight NCOs/soldiers in the Army.  Out of all the armed forces, the Army has the highest tolerances for body fat percentage.  Personal apperance while in uniform will see changes in AR 670-1 (Army Regulation) that will be released in six months.