By Deborah Naa Aku Allotey
Tema, Feb. 28, GNA – Some national service personnel have backed the government initiative to make military training part of the service scheme to ensure fitness.
They believed that military training would enhance fitness, teamwork, and leadership skills, which is valuable in professionalism.
Miss Priscilla Manu, a national service person, said: “Being fit leads to healthy living, so the proposed military training is a good idea.”
She mentioned that if the initiative is implemented, it would aid most NSS personnel to be active and perform well in their assigned departments.
She emphasised that certificates for military training should be awarded alongside the NSS certificate at the end of the service.
Ms Benedict Senoo Adjo, another service personnel, said military training incorporates well-organised fitness routines, including running calisthenics and strength training.
She explained that these activities would improve muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and overall physical fitness, which would benefit service personnel.
Mr. Jerry Abaah, a NN person, said the NSS programme was designed to ensure that personnel work from 8 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, making them get home late, which provides little or no time to exercise.
He explained that military training would not only focus on physical fitness but also build their mental toughness to help them cope with stress and overcome challenges.
He emphasised that the government should be ready to improve the monthly allowance and provide food and housing when implementing the military training proposal, saying, “Training needs a lot of food.”
Ms. Serwaa Agyemang, another NSS personnel, on the other hand, expressed concerns about the intensity and nature of military training, saying, “Military training might be too rigorous and not suitable for everyone, especially for people who may not have a background in physical training or sports.”
She mentioned that military training needs time commitment, which would interfere with their other responsibilities during their service.
GNA