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By: Maria McConville, MS, RDN, CPT*
Each branch of the Armed Services has a whole-health component in their fitness regimen. The Army now has a Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) initiative, which incorporates much more than physical readiness. How does spiritual fitness fit into H2F?I had the privilege of speaking with Chaplain (MG) Tom Solhjem, Army Chief of Chaplains. We spoke about the Army’s H2F initiative and how the entire force is affected when leaders focus on holistic health.
Maria McConville (MM): Chaplain Solhjem, you came into the Army a number of years ago as an enlisted Soldier. Now you’re a Senior Officer. Back then, the focus was solely on physical fitness for health. Now we know the importance of whole health. How did the concept of H2F come about, and what do you believe are its strengths?
CH Solhjem (CHS): The combat environment of the last 2 decades has shaped much of our understanding, education, and application of “human performance” to readiness. Holistic health and fitness steps in at a crucial time and reminds us that we must integrate all elements of what keeps us healthy, highly functioning, resilient, and ready. The Army recognizes 5 domains—physical, nutrition, sleep, mental, and spiritual—as scientifically proven and evidenced-based essential elements to Soldier readiness. When we pay attention to these 5 domains as a part of everyday life and integrate accountability into the process, we will begin to get left of center of the harmful behaviors and negative outcomes, and create a culture of health and fitness that puts people first. Most importantly, this builds a strong Soldier and family—strong in spirit—who can fight, and win, in combat and in life. The result is resilience and strength as they face life’s challenges, struggles, and hardships.
MM: As the Army’s Chief of Chaplains (CCH), how did you help shape the spiritual component of H2F?
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MM: You’ve partnered with behavioral health professionals in the military. For the past 2 years, you have traveled to Army installations to educate Soldiers and families on the importance of the relationship of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of wellness. How are spirituality and mental health related?
CHS: The CCHs partnered with the Surgeon General and the Chief of Behavioral Health to take a holistic approach in educating and integrating all elements of H2F. The science shows us that, just as the physical aspects of our lives are constantly in development or change, so are the mental and spiritual domains of our lives. IQ, for example, is 60% innate and 40% environmental. The Spiritual core is 30% innate in every person and 70% environmental. There is a biological surge in the 18–25-year-olds, and this is no less true of the spiritual domain. The science shows us that spiritual life is the docking station for physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Spiritual life, the path that you are on, the religious and non-religious practices that you believe and engage in, the people you associate with, the person you are, and the sense of meaning and purpose in life are predominant facets of spiritual life that inform worldview, faith, beliefs, and values. One’s spiritual outlook and development can play a huge role in mental and physical outcomes in life.
MM: The Army, along with CHAMP and USASOC, created a spiritual assessment tool that can be accessed through unit chaplains. What have the results of that assessment shown?
CHS: The Spiritual Fitness Assessment (SFA) provides a baseline of spiritual readiness that can be measured in individuals, units, and organizations across the Army. Chaplains provide the SFA to their Soldiers and help them develop a spiritual path, practices, people connections and relationships, and a spiritual plan for growth. This really empowers the individual to be accountable for their spiritual well-being and share it communally with others. The SFA has helped identify Soldiers who might be at risk in one of the domains, and it provides ways to mitigate those risks and become stronger spiritually.
MM: As one of the most senior leaders in the Army, how important is holistic health to military leaders? What impact does senior-leader whole health have on the force?
CHS: It’s absolutely critical. Leaders are people too. When you create a culture where leaders and their families are cared for, everyone else in the organization benefits. A leader who understands the importance of H2F for themselves and their family is a leader who will ensure that all Soldiers and families have access and are held accountable for their respective health and fitness. Honestly, we can—and must—do better in this area as an Army. A healthy people-first strategy is built on a foundation of observing the behaviors and practices of leaders as it relates to H2F.
MM: Thank you, Chaplain, for your invaluable insight.
For more information on Total Force Fitness and H2F, visit HPRC’s website.
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