By Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

Being physically fit is a job requirement to be a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and the CAF has a collective responsibility to cultivate and sustain a culture of health and fitness in the military. In order to achieve this goal, CAF leadership has decided to challenge members to attain a higher level of fitness, and to reward that success through a new program called FORCE Rewards.

The FORCE Rewards Program uses material rewards to recognize CAF personnel who achieve higher levels on their FORCE Evaluation fitness tests, either Silver, Gold or Platinum zones on the Fitness Profile. The program aims to connect with a military member’s personal reasons for achieving their fitness goals, as well as tapping into a member’s sense of pride for that accomplishment.

The Force Rewards Program was developed in consultation with members in uniform, and relies on scientific evidence about what motivates people. Over 15,000 questionnaires and seven focus groups were undertaken to determine what CAF members would find motivating. The findings demonstrated that rewards provide a sense of accomplishment for attaining their fitness goals, as well as instilling the pride of being recognized by their colleagues for their achievement.

The rewards are predetermined and based on the FORCE Profile level achieved. The reward for achieving Silver is a t-shirt, Gold is a long sleeve hoodie, and those achieving Platinum will be presented with a long sleeve hoodie, a pin to be worn on the dress uniform and a certificate.

The FORCE Rewards program officially begins January 1, 2019 but information is already available to help prepare members meet their fitness goals and potentially be rewarded for it. Fitness is a way of life in the military, and fit and healthy military members make healthy, active role models in their communities.

For more information about the FORCE Rewards program, visit www.cafconnection.ca/FORCErewards for more information.