Army to Suspend Morning PT in Pilot Program Focused on Caffeine-Based Readiness
In a new pilot program under the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness initiative, select units will suspend morning PT in favor of caffeine-based readiness protocols.
Leaders say the move aims to optimize alertness and morale. Critics call it a slippery slope.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Army has announced a 90-day pilot program at select installations that will suspend mandatory morning Physical Training (PT) in favor of evaluating caffeine-based readiness protocols, according to a newly released guidance from Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
The initiative, dubbed “Operation BEANLINE,” falls under the Army Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) framework and seeks to explore alternative methods of achieving alertness, cohesion, and operational output without traditional group PT.
“We’re not saying caffeine is a full replacement for physical conditioning,” said Colonel Matthew Landry, H2F program lead at the Center for Initial Military Training. “But the data is showing significant performance upticks in cognitive response, decision-making, and morale—especially in early morning operations.”
Pilot Locations and Scope
The suspended PT initiative will launch at Fort Bragg, Fort Cavazos, and Fort Carson starting June 1, 2025. Participating units will implement a Caffeine Accountability Formation (CAF) in lieu of standard unit-level PT.
Under CAF protocol:
• Formations will occur at 0630 in company areas
• Soldiers must report with a filled mug or authorized energy beverage
• Platoon sergeants will conduct visual checks for alertness, hydration, and caffeine dosage compliance
• Morning safety briefs and op updates will proceed as normal
Failure to participate or “dry show” (arrive without caffeine) will result in remedial hydration counseling per company SOP.
Supporting Studies
The initiative follows a 2024 Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) study that found double-caffeinated intake prior to simulated combat operations reduced response time by 23%, increased marksmanship consistency, and “elevated platoon morale to post-dining facility cinnamon roll levels.”
Unit commanders also reported a reduction in late arrivals, decreased barracks disturbances, and increased voluntary completion of online SHARP modules.
“This is about warfighting readiness,” said SGM Travis Bledsoe, 1st BCT, 4ID. “If a Soldier with two cups of coffee can clear a building faster than a PT hero with a Fitbit, we need to adapt.”
Criticism and Concerns
Not everyone agrees. Some senior leaders worry the move signals a drift from Army fundamentals.
“You can’t build lethality on lattes,” said CPT Olivia Hanes, Master Fitness Trainer. “Endurance, resilience, and cohesion are built in formation. You can’t pre-workout your way to esprit de corps.”
Army Public Health Command has also raised concerns regarding long-term impacts of elevated caffeine reliance, particularly when mixed with nicotine and energy drinks. An ALARACT warning was issued last quarter after a spike in caffeine-induced syncopal events during land nav at Fort Benning.
What's next
If successful, Operation BEANLINE could see integration into H2F Phase II doctrine by FY26, with potential modifications to ACFT prep guidance and future FM updates.
In the meantime, Soldiers participating in the pilot are encouraged to track their caffeine intake via DTMS and avoid unauthorized stimulant combinations unless cleared by medical personnel.
Editor’s Note: As of press time, a Specialist at Fort Bragg was reportedly counseled for attempting to inject cold brew intravenously during layout.
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