Asymmetric Military

But now, troops gain an average of 10 pounds on deployment, Brooks said, and a recent study that has not yet been released showed that troops’ cholesterol levels are going up after just 12 months in the war zone.

Once again, I'm above average. I gained about fifteen pounds during my deployment. Before I make my point, let me say that some soldiers do take advantage of their time and hit the usually readily accessible weights (some take time to improve oneself mentally or spiritually as well.). The food's actually pretty good and probably healthier than back in the states, although many buy (or, receive from home) junk food.

In addition to the article's reasons ("looking forward" to food, stress, etc. which are all very valid), I'd say, like almost anything else, weight gain during deployment occurs because of a lack of motivation. This may be offensive to some, but here it is:

Being deployed is like being happily married. No, I'm not saying running down "bad guys" is equivalent to being with your better half; I'm saying that when I was deployed, the last thing on my mind was staying in shape, and, consequently, I let myself go. I didn't have to impress anybody (with my thin waist, at least). I wasn't going to parties. I just did my "job," and engaged in some hobbies (movies, Stargate, and reading were mine. If I knew what blogging was in 2005, I would have done that.). It helped that I worked on the airfield and didn't have to engage in strenuous activity day in and day out.

In addition, many commanders, recognizing the soldiers' stresses and preferring to concentrate on the tasks at hand, choose not to nag soldiers on their weight, etc. I figure that that's most of it.

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