FORT JACKSON, S.C. — First lady Michelle Obama said Thursday that the military’s push to turn recruits into health-conscious warriors could be a model for making people across the U.S. more focused on fitness and nutrition.
Obama, who has made battling childhood obesity one of her s
ignature causes as first lady, visited the Army’s largest training post at Fort Jackson outside Columbia to see what the Army has done, from more rigorous training drills to fat-free milk in its mess halls.
“I’m very excited,” Obama told Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who has worked to overhaul both the soldiers’ diets and exercise programs. “I am fascinated by what you’re doing.”
A lack of fitness is “not just a health issue but a national security issue,” she said, and the military’s health initiatives could be a model for youngsters elsewhere.
Hertling gave the first lady a military-style briefing, accompanied by colorful slides beamed on three large screens hung on the walls, that detailed how the nation’s obesity problems create problems for the Army.
Kids are spending too much time in front of TV and computer screens, not getting enough exercise and drinking too many sugary soft drinks, Hertling said. He said that makes their bones too fragile for military lifestyles.
New soldiers are given exercises for core body strength and stamina. Mess halls now feature more dark greens, whole grains and no-fat milk, he said.
Fort Jackson’s commander, Maj. Gen. James Milano, said the first lady’s visit would be a big boost for military families, particularly those who have endured years of deployments and separations.
“It’s a huge benefit for us, to have her come here and visit. This is a great day, a chance for her to come and talk directly to Army soldiers and their families,” Milano said.
Also Thursday, Obama appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to urge Americans to support the struggles of U.S. military families. The first lady said she and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, plan to launch a campaign in March to support military families.
Three days ago, President Barack Obama announced programs meant to support military families, including initiatives to prevent suicide and homelessness.
“There are things as a nation we can do big and small,” the first lady said during her television appearance. “And it’s not a difficult thing to do.”
Obama was to address the latest group of training graduates, about 1,100 soldiers.
Fort Jackson trains more than 60,000 soldiers annually, including more than half the Army’s female soldiers.
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