Drop And Give Me 50 Virtual Pushups, Sailor!

If the Microsoft Project Natal or PlayStation Move prove to be a failure with casual gamers, there could be a new market for them: the military. Incoming US Navy recruits are too soft in the gut and require a bit of Wii Fit or Dance Dance Revolution to help get them into shape.

US Navy Surgeon General Vice Admiral Adam Robinson believes that video games, used in combination with real physical activity, could help new sailors into fighting shape.

“I have no doubt that today’s youth and the people that we’re talking about are capable of becoming physically fit,” said Robinson. “But I think that there has been a definite difference in the amount of time that people have devoted to physical activity, and I think that is a manifestation of physical education in the school systems in America.”

The lack of pre-service physical activities also contributes to the number of women suffering bone injuries in boot camp. According to Robinson, those new to the service aren’t use to standing and running in training.

“There have been more fractures and femur fractures and long-bone fractures in some of our young female recruits, and that’s related to the amount of activity and a sedentary lifestyle that they’ve had before they’ve entered the service and then the uptick in physical activity after they’re in the service,” said Robinson.

[NavyTimes via GamerTell]