When Demi Moore when to Boot Camp in “GI Jane”, the physical training looked tough and brutal to everyone. Likewise, none of the footage I’ve seen of actual soldiers training in the initial phases of Boot Camp has looked anything but tough, which is why I’m a little skeptical about the Navy’s possible use of the Wii Fit as part of their Boot Camp training for new recruits.

According to a recent article in the Navy Times, the Navy is considering using both the Wii Fit and Dance, Dance Revolution as part of the “endurance” training for new recruits in their branch of the military. The reason for the possible change is that an increasing majority of the new recruits lack the physical endurance to get through Boot Camp.

Additionally,  the Navy Surgeon General is considering the change to the Wii Fit due to claims that women in Boot Camp are suffering from more injuries relating to Bone Density issues that he believes the use of Video games such as the Wii Fit or Dance, Dance Revolution could help prevent.

I have to question why the Navy is allowing more members into its ranks who lack the physical training necessary and am concerned how recruits trained by the Wii Fit as part of their boot camp would actually fare in actual warfare or when needing actual physical strength for their duties as soldiers.  I believe this is a legitimate concern as the United States is currently engaged in combat in the middle east at the moment, which definitely increases the likelihood of deployment to dangerous areas.  Shouldn’t the Navy require a certain level fitness before allowing new recruits to enter the Navy?

According to this, there have been studies regarding the Wii Fit which indicate that it is not as useful as a gym membership and that it is not as effective in getting children enough exercise. To me, this indicates that it might not get a soldier in good enough shape for Boot Camp either, which is something I am guessing that the Navy Surgeon General is highly aware of.

I’m wondering if the reports about the possible use of the Wii Fit for Boot Camp training are just going to be used in order to recruit more soldiers who have no idea about what they are about to get into as far as their physical training is concerned.