The investigation of the efficiency of the organization of physical training in Greek army

The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire and estimate its validity and reliability, so that it can be employed effectively to ascertain the efficiency of the organization of Physical Training (PT) in the Greek Army. The parameters of the questionnaire were twofold: (1) Factors affecting the effective planning of Army Physical Training (APT) programs, and (2) Aims of APT. The questionnaire was developed in three stages (a) pertinent information from the appropriate literature were reviewed for determining the research parameters, (b) a preliminary questionnaire was drafted after suitable research steps, and (c) the final questionnaire was piloted to two sample groups to (i) cadets of the Hellenic Military Academy (HMA) (n = 226) and (ii) permanent personnel of the Hellenic Army (HA) (n = 2.864). The following parameters can be examined using this questionnaire: (a) The organization and implementation of APT: (i) Instructor, (ii) Conditions which have a negative effect on the implementation of PT programs and on the participation of trainees, (iii) Training programming, (iv) Sports facilities, (v) Auxiliary means of training, (b) The aims of APT: (i) Biological, (ii) Kinetic, (iii) Lifelong physical activity, (iv) Social, (v) Cognitive. Results showed that it was a suitable and reliable instrument for assessing the effectiveness of the planning of the PT in the Greek Army. The overall Cronbach’s α was for the 1st Sample (cadets of HΜA, α = .939) and for the 2nd Sample (permanent personnel of the HA α = .977) which can be considered as excellent.