Central Missouri Proves Need for ROTC Athletic Trainers

Courtney Cameron Headshot
A UCM athletic trainer checks for lower-extremity injuries common to cadets completing endurance training in heavy boots. [Photo by Bryan Tebbenkamp, UCM photographer]
A UCM athletic trainer checks for lower-extremity injuries common to cadets completing endurance training in heavy boots. [Photo by Bryan Tebbenkamp, UCM photographer]

The U.S. Army has high standards for fitness — and no one knows that better than the individuals tasked with treating soldiers' injuries. Rachel Brown is an instructor/ROTC athletic trainer at the University of Central Missouri, where a flourishing ROTC program prepares a battalion of roughly 125 cadets annually. Her ultimate goal: to ensure that every cadet passes a monthly regimented Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) without incurring a debilitating or chronic injury.

UCM's ROTC cadets undergo a rigorous daily Physical Readiness Training (PRT) comprised of an Army-standard warm-up, followed by a series of workouts designed to help maximize their scores on the APFT — including push-ups, sit-ups, burpees and endurance running — and a cool-down. These daily 6 a.m. workouts and monthly timed tests provide the framework for a continuous athletic season — one that leaves many cadets open to injury from overuse.

Log in to view the full article
Sponsored
DynaDome Transforms Outdoor Pool Into Year-Round Paradise
DynaDome Retractable Enclosures
DynaDome Transforms Outdoor Pool Into Year-Round Paradise
Page 1 of 469
Next Page
AB Show 2025 in San Diego
AB Show is a solution-focused event for athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals.
Nov. 5-8, 2025
Learn More
AB Show 2025
Buyer's Guide
Information on more than 3,000 companies, sorted by category. Listings are updated daily.
Learn More
Buyer's Guide