FORT JACKSON, S.C. • The Army has instituted a new physical-training program at five basic training posts that handle 145,000 recruits a year.

The official goal is to reduce injuries and better prepare soldiers for the rigors of combat in rough terrain like Afghanistan. But as much as anything, the program was created to help address one of the most pressing issues facing the military today: overweight and unfit recruits.

"What we were finding was that the soldiers we're getting in today's Army are not in as good shape as they used to be," said Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who oversees basic training for the Army. "This is not just an Army issue. This is a national issue."

This year, a group of retired generals and admirals released a report titled "Too Fat to Fight."

Although the Army screens out the seriously obese and completely unfit, it is still finding that many of the recruits who reach basic training have less strength and endurance than privates past.

It is the legacy of junk food and video games, plus a reduction in gym classes in many high schools, Army officials said.