Military Leadership Under Pressure: The Role of Physical Activity in Decision-making

Abstract

This study analyzed how participation in physical-practical activities throughout a nine-week leadership course with Latin American officers conducted in San Antonio-Lackland (USA) contributed to improvements in decision-making under pressure and observable leadership behaviors among trainee officers. A quasi-experimental pre-post design with Likert-type scales was applied to students (n = 12) and instructors (n = 5), evaluating speed, accuracy, confidence, situational awareness, communication, conflict resolution, adaptability, and teamwork. In the Decision-Making Index, students reported a +36% improvement, while instructors perceived a +14% improvement. In the Leadership Index, students registered a +28% increase, and instructors estimated a +27% improvement. Overall, the data confirm that the integration of physical and cognitive dimensions substantially strengthens critical command and leadership competencies under operational pressure, from both internal and external perspectives. However, the small sample size and the absence of a control group limit the generalizability of the findings.