National Military Fitness and Wellness Month: U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Initiative

Introduction: Commemoration of National Military Fitness and Wellness Month

November is officially recognized as National Military Fitness and Wellness Month, an initiative spearheaded by M&F’s Senior Military Editor, the Honorable Rob Wilkins. The month’s core mission is to amplify awareness of the paramount importance of fitness and wellness for servicemembers, veterans, their families, and supporters.

Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F): Army’s Five Pillars of Readiness

Fitness has long been a cornerstone of U.S. Army culture, with the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program institutionalizing this commitment. H2F is structured around five foundational pillars of readiness: physical, mental, nutrition, sleep, and spiritual well-being.

The program’s progress is driven by leaders like Lieutenant General Johnny Davis and Command Sergeant Major Shade Munday, who champion its implementation and strategic purpose.

Key Leadership: Davis and Munday’s Advocacy and Service Legacies

Lieutenant General Johnny Davis

With over 30 years of service, Lieutenant General Davis has deployed to global theaters including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. A recipient of numerous honors, he was appointed the first commanding general of the elevated U.S. Army Recruiting Command in January 2025.

Emphasizing H2F’s centrality, Davis stated, “H2F has been a big component” and underscored fitness as the “key to flexibility in serving one’s country.” He further noted, “Fitness is really the key to having the flexibility to do all the things you need and want to do in service.”

Command Sergeant Major Shade Munday

Command Sergeant Major Munday, who enlisted in May 1995, boasts an extensive record of assignments and honors (e.g., Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal). Appointed senior enlisted leader for U.S. Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox in March 2023, Munday emphasized H2F as a lifestyle: “It’s really about a lifestyle. I’m an avid runner and run 25-30 miles a week.”

H2F’s Impact: Retention and Recruitment Success

Both leaders attribute improved retention rates to H2F and prioritizing soldier well-being. Davis explained, “If you’re doing well in the units, then soldiers tend to stay. We are seeing some historically high retention rates.”

A critical recruitment breakthrough is the reinstatement of the iconic “Be All You Can Be” campaign, which rekindled excitement for joining an elite fighting force. Munday credited the slogan for rejuvenating interest: “Everybody is wanting to be a part of a winning team.” Davis echoed this, noting the campaign “brought a lot of awareness to what we do each and every single day.”

This strategy yielded tangible results: daily recruitment now averages nearly 300 enlistments—a figure Davis likened to “a small battalion,” marking a significant upward trend.

Preparing for Military Service: Advice from Davis and Munday

Davis and Munday advise prospective recruits to prioritize pre-enlistment preparation: “Running, focusing on pushups and pull-ups, proper nutrition, and recovery” are critical. Munday emphasized, “Fitness really is the cornerstone. You have to be disciplined and ready to get after it.”

Veterans’ Role: Sustaining Army Momentum

Munday and Davis highlighted veterans’ value as recruiters, noting their wisdom “carries over” to the next generation. Davis reminded veterans, “Being a warrior and fit is our brand. That carries whenever you are in uniform or not.”

Conclusion

The U.S. Army’s H2F initiative, paired with strategic leadership, has transformed military health and recruitment. Davis and Munday exemplify the “warrior lifestyle” both in service and beyond, urging all to embrace fitness and wellness as lifelong commitments.

For additional information on the U.S. Army, visit [official resources].

M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.

Note: The initial mention of “28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan” appears contextually disconnected and has been omitted as it does not align with the core content on military fitness and wellness.