Photo by Staff Sgt. Micheal Sizemore
Boise Recruiters Open School Doors With PE Program
May 1, 2014
By Cathy Pauley, USAREC, Sacramento Battalion
Boise Recruiting Company hit roadblocks with teachers when approaching them for opportunities to present Army programs to students during classroom time. So Company Commander Capt. Mark Gerasimas and his NCOs regrouped and contacted the school’s physical education teachers with Physical Education Class Assistance Program (PECAP).
“The intent of the PECAP is to challenge the students, and create a fun atmosphere,” Gerasimas said. “The NCOs develop a class that demonstrates the type of physical readiness training a student will execute on an average day if they enlist in the Army.”
PECAP is adapted for high school students from Field Manual 7-22. The physical training is normally in the form of competitive exercise and team-building events.
“The company created a memorandum from the company commander outlining restrictions and limitations placed upon the program,” he said. “This increases the credibility of the NCOs as well as instilling a sense of security for the faculty.”
The Rocky Mountain High School head cross-country coach appreciates honesty when recruiters talk to his students.
“The Army recruiters have been open and honest with our students and very informative with facts pertaining to the Army,” Coach Krista Fritz said. “Through this program our students have continued to learn the importance of structure, respect, and good work ethic.”
“We have had several members of the U.S. Army instruct our fitness classes multiple times this year,” said Jake Taylor, Rocky Mountain High’s baseball coach. “I believe it has been an extremely beneficial avenue for our military and high school students alike to interact in an environment that has been motivational, informational, and rigorous.”
Boise Center’s Staff Sgt. Christopher Davis said one of his favorite activities is running the students through a series of relays.
“The students become highly motivated and competitive racing against the other lines,” Davis said. “It is also rewarding to watch them come together as a team to attempt to be the first one to finish.”
Students do not dread the recruiters' arrival, but look forward to the physical training, dispelling the negative perception of a recruiter. The program’s focus instills the image of a member of the community who is knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely cares about the students beyond gaining an enlistment.
Staff Sgt. Michael Watson said the first day they conducted PECAP in one of his schools, the students thought it was going to be an easy day.
“After the first 20 minutes of a 90-minute class, we could see the look on their faces,” Watson said. “It was the look of, ‘Wow, I am out of shape.’ ”
The Nampa Center recruiter said 95 percent of the students seem enthusiastic about the program.
“Oddly enough, the students who complain the most are the athletes,” he said.
Initially started by Nampa Recruiting Center, PECAP is in its second year and conducted in 21 of its high schools. The center increased quality senior production by 325 percent Regular Army (RA) and 300 percent Army Reserve (AR) from FY2012 to FY2013.
For this recruiting year, the company implemented PECAP as the primary face-to-face method of engagement in its high schools. Accordingly, the company’s production continues to climb with quality senior production increasing 78 percent RA and 300 percent AR year-over-year.
Commanders with questions or requesting a more in-depth brief can contact Gerasimas at (208) 377-2154 or email mark.c.gerasimas.mil@mail.mil.
Guidelines for PECAP
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Physical Education Class Assistance Program (PECAP)
I. PURPOSE: The training objectives outlined herein designate the guidelines by which all recruiting NCOs of Boise Recruiting Center, Nampa Recruiting Center, Twin Falls Recruiting Station, La Grande Recruiting Station, and Elko Recruiting Station will execute the Physical Education Class Assistance Program.
REFERENCE: Department of the Army Field Manual 7-22, Army Physical Readiness Training, October 2012.
3. SITUATION: In accordance with the 6th Recruiting Brigade pillar of ambassadorship, Boise Recruiting Company examined ways to positively impact communities throughout Idaho. Analysis of important challenges facing the state revealed the child obesity rate in Idaho is as high as 33 percent according to the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. All Army recruiting noncommissioned officers (NCOs) receive certification to teach and lead Army Physical Readiness Training during the Advanced Leader Course. These NCOs each led and physically developed between 8 and 40 Soldiers for extended periods of time prior to assignment to recruiting duty. The expertise and motivation of our NCOs can serve as a valuable asset to the state of ldaho through assistance in our high schools' physical education and fitness classes. We designed the Physical Education Class Assistance Program to minimize disruption of state mandated curriculum, assist in reducing child obesity rates in Idaho, and provide opportunities for the community to interact with our nation's heroes.
4. ADVANTAGES: The Physical Education Class Assistance Program provides great benefit to schools that elect to participate. The program brings a new and exciting perspective to physical fitness not previously experienced by the students. The Army trained and certified each of our instructors in the skills necessary to execute a physical fitness plan. The school's physical education instructors retain full control over their class and review, adjust, direct, and approve all classes taught by our NCOs. School instructors also direct the frequency of the visits. The manual used for NCO led exercises follows the Army Physical Readiness Training program, which fitness experts designed to be low impact and greatly reduce the rate of exercise related injuries. Teachers have the ability to establish professional relationships with the NCOs to assist in proctoring standardized tests, serve as guest speakers in history classes, assist in school initiatives (for example, anti-bullying campaigns), and facilitate faculty team-building events outside of the classroom.
5. GUIDELINES: Classes often range in size from 20 to more than 100 students. Accordingly, the company provides two NCOs for each class. NCO led fitness will abide by the school's lesson plan. If given the initiative to direct the day's instruction, NCOs will ensure all exercises are within Army policy to minimize the risk of injury to participants. Prior to execution, NCOs will identify all participants with an injury or physical disability (asthma, for example), make a determination in conjunction with the school instructor whether the exercise is appropriate for that individual and monitor throughout the class. In addition to physical fitness classes, NCOs also have the ability to assist in nutrition/wellness class presentations. The company commander circulates throughout the different school districts and monitors the program to ensure the NCOs execute classes in accordance with the school's restrictions and guidance. Interaction with students relating to recruiting efforts will only occur at the end of class with the school instructor's permission or between classes. Any recruiting efforts will be limited to a short description of job or college opportunities (not to exceed five minutes) during the aforementioned period.
6. POINT OF CONTACT: The point of contact for this memorandum is Capt. Mark Gerasimas at 208-949-8124 or mark.c.gerasimas.mil@mail.mil.
Boise Recruiters Open School Doors With PE Program
May 1, 2014
By Cathy Pauley, USAREC, Sacramento Battalion
Boise Recruiting Company hit roadblocks with teachers when approaching them for opportunities to present Army programs to students during classroom time. So Company Commander Capt. Mark Gerasimas and his NCOs regrouped and contacted the school’s physical education teachers with Physical Education Class Assistance Program (PECAP).
“The intent of the PECAP is to challenge the students, and create a fun atmosphere,” Gerasimas said. “The NCOs develop a class that demonstrates the type of physical readiness training a student will execute on an average day if they enlist in the Army.”
PECAP is adapted for high school students from Field Manual 7-22. The physical training is normally in the form of competitive exercise and team-building events.
“The company created a memorandum from the company commander outlining restrictions and limitations placed upon the program,” he said. “This increases the credibility of the NCOs as well as instilling a sense of security for the faculty.”
The Rocky Mountain High School head cross-country coach appreciates honesty when recruiters talk to his students.
“The Army recruiters have been open and honest with our students and very informative with facts pertaining to the Army,” Coach Krista Fritz said. “Through this program our students have continued to learn the importance of structure, respect, and good work ethic.”
“We have had several members of the U.S. Army instruct our fitness classes multiple times this year,” said Jake Taylor, Rocky Mountain High’s baseball coach. “I believe it has been an extremely beneficial avenue for our military and high school students alike to interact in an environment that has been motivational, informational, and rigorous.”
Boise Center’s Staff Sgt. Christopher Davis said one of his favorite activities is running the students through a series of relays.
“The students become highly motivated and competitive racing against the other lines,” Davis said. “It is also rewarding to watch them come together as a team to attempt to be the first one to finish.”
Students do not dread the recruiters' arrival, but look forward to the physical training, dispelling the negative perception of a recruiter. The program’s focus instills the image of a member of the community who is knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely cares about the students beyond gaining an enlistment.
Staff Sgt. Michael Watson said the first day they conducted PECAP in one of his schools, the students thought it was going to be an easy day.
“After the first 20 minutes of a 90-minute class, we could see the look on their faces,” Watson said. “It was the look of, ‘Wow, I am out of shape.’ ”
The Nampa Center recruiter said 95 percent of the students seem enthusiastic about the program.
“Oddly enough, the students who complain the most are the athletes,” he said.
Initially started by Nampa Recruiting Center, PECAP is in its second year and conducted in 21 of its high schools. The center increased quality senior production by 325 percent Regular Army (RA) and 300 percent Army Reserve (AR) from FY2012 to FY2013.
For this recruiting year, the company implemented PECAP as the primary face-to-face method of engagement in its high schools. Accordingly, the company’s production continues to climb with quality senior production increasing 78 percent RA and 300 percent AR year-over-year.
Commanders with questions or requesting a more in-depth brief can contact Gerasimas at (208) 377-2154 or email mark.c.gerasimas.mil@mail.mil.
Guidelines for PECAP
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Physical Education Class Assistance Program (PECAP)
I. PURPOSE: The training objectives outlined herein designate the guidelines by which all recruiting NCOs of Boise Recruiting Center, Nampa Recruiting Center, Twin Falls Recruiting Station, La Grande Recruiting Station, and Elko Recruiting Station will execute the Physical Education Class Assistance Program.
REFERENCE: Department of the Army Field Manual 7-22, Army Physical Readiness Training, October 2012.
3. SITUATION: In accordance with the 6th Recruiting Brigade pillar of ambassadorship, Boise Recruiting Company examined ways to positively impact communities throughout Idaho. Analysis of important challenges facing the state revealed the child obesity rate in Idaho is as high as 33 percent according to the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. All Army recruiting noncommissioned officers (NCOs) receive certification to teach and lead Army Physical Readiness Training during the Advanced Leader Course. These NCOs each led and physically developed between 8 and 40 Soldiers for extended periods of time prior to assignment to recruiting duty. The expertise and motivation of our NCOs can serve as a valuable asset to the state of ldaho through assistance in our high schools' physical education and fitness classes. We designed the Physical Education Class Assistance Program to minimize disruption of state mandated curriculum, assist in reducing child obesity rates in Idaho, and provide opportunities for the community to interact with our nation's heroes.
4. ADVANTAGES: The Physical Education Class Assistance Program provides great benefit to schools that elect to participate. The program brings a new and exciting perspective to physical fitness not previously experienced by the students. The Army trained and certified each of our instructors in the skills necessary to execute a physical fitness plan. The school's physical education instructors retain full control over their class and review, adjust, direct, and approve all classes taught by our NCOs. School instructors also direct the frequency of the visits. The manual used for NCO led exercises follows the Army Physical Readiness Training program, which fitness experts designed to be low impact and greatly reduce the rate of exercise related injuries. Teachers have the ability to establish professional relationships with the NCOs to assist in proctoring standardized tests, serve as guest speakers in history classes, assist in school initiatives (for example, anti-bullying campaigns), and facilitate faculty team-building events outside of the classroom.
5. GUIDELINES: Classes often range in size from 20 to more than 100 students. Accordingly, the company provides two NCOs for each class. NCO led fitness will abide by the school's lesson plan. If given the initiative to direct the day's instruction, NCOs will ensure all exercises are within Army policy to minimize the risk of injury to participants. Prior to execution, NCOs will identify all participants with an injury or physical disability (asthma, for example), make a determination in conjunction with the school instructor whether the exercise is appropriate for that individual and monitor throughout the class. In addition to physical fitness classes, NCOs also have the ability to assist in nutrition/wellness class presentations. The company commander circulates throughout the different school districts and monitors the program to ensure the NCOs execute classes in accordance with the school's restrictions and guidance. Interaction with students relating to recruiting efforts will only occur at the end of class with the school instructor's permission or between classes. Any recruiting efforts will be limited to a short description of job or college opportunities (not to exceed five minutes) during the aforementioned period.
6. POINT OF CONTACT: The point of contact for this memorandum is Capt. Mark Gerasimas at 208-949-8124 or mark.c.gerasimas.mil@mail.mil.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Micheal Sizemore
Staff Sgt. Michael Watson leads Rocky Mountain High School PE students in the "Clapper." |
Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Watson
Staff Sgt. Micheal Sizemore motivates Rocky Mountain High School PE students with his warm-ups. |
Photo by Staff Sgt. Micheal Sizemore
Staff Sgt. Michael Watson engages students in push-ups during the Rocky Mountain High School PE class. |