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Recovery Drill 2023

  • The Recovery Drill (RD) exercises do not require a verbal cadence.
  • Transition into the starting position and each exercise position occurs upon the PRT leader’s commands.
  • During the toughening phase, hold each exercise position for 20 seconds, and during the sustaining phase of recovery, hold for 20-30 seconds.
  • The leader does not vocally count the seconds.

Army PRT Recovery Drill

The Army PRT Recovery Drill has 8 exercises:

  1. Overhead Arm Pull
  2. Rear Lunge
  3. Extend and Flex
  4. Thigh Stretch
  5. Single-Leg Over
  6. Groin Stretch
  7. Calf Stretch
  8. Hamstring Stretch

New Recovery Drill Exercises

  1. Groin Stretch
  2. Calf Stretch
  3. Hamstring Stretch

This is how he conducts recovery exercise 1, overhead arm pull:

Exercise 1: Overhead Arm Pull

Command to Begin:

  • PRT leader: “THE OVERHEAD ARM PULL.”
  • Soldiers’ response: “THE OVERHEAD ARM PULL.”

Move to the starting position:

  • PRT leader: “Starting Position, MOVE.”
  • Soldiers transition to the starting position, adopting a straddle stance with hands on hips.

Initiating the Stretch (Left Side):

  • PRT leader: “Ready, STRETCH.”
  • Soldiers follow by:
    • Raising the left arm overhead.
    • Placing the left hand behind the head.
    • Grasping above the left elbow with the right hand.
    • Pulling to the right and leaning the body to the right.
    • Maintaining this position for 20-30 seconds.

Return to the starting position:

  • PRT leader: “Starting Position, MOVE.”
  • Soldiers return to the starting position.

Initiating the Stretch (right side):

  • PRT leader: “Change Position, Ready, STRETCH.”
  • Soldiers proceed by:
    • Raising the right arm overhead.
    • Placing the right hand behind the head.
    • Grasping above the right elbow with the left hand.
    • Pulling to the left and leaning the body to the left.
    • Holding this position for 20-30 seconds.

Return to the starting position:

  • PRT leader: “Starting Position, MOVE.”
  • Soldiers revert to the starting position.

Concluding the Exercise:

  • PRT leader: “Position of Attention, MOVE.”
  • Soldiers promptly assume the position of attention.

Recovery Drill

The recovery drill exercises:

  1. Overhead Arm Pull
  2. Rear Lunge
  3. Extend and Flex
  4. Thigh Stretch
  5. Single-Leg Over
  6. Groin Stretch
  7. Calf Stretch
  8. Hamstring Stretch

The Army Recovery Drill is designed to help soldiers cool down and recover after rigorous physical activities. 

Here’s an overview of the exercises:

Overhead Arm Pull

  • Purpose: Stretches the muscles of the shoulders and the lateral torso.
  • Execution: Raise one arm overhead, place the hand behind the head, and gently pull with the opposite hand on the elbow, leaning to the side.
Overhead Arm Pull PRT Exercise
Overhead Arm Pull PRT Exercise

Rear Lunge

  • Purpose: Stretches the hip flexors and the muscles of the anterior lower leg.
  • Execution: Step back with one foot and bend both knees, lowering the back knee towards the ground while keeping the front shin vertical.
Rear Lunge PRT Exercise
Rear Lunge PRT Exercise

Extend and Flex

  • Purpose: Stretches the muscles of the lower back, obliques, and hip flexors.
  • Execution: From a seated position, extend one leg out and flex the opposite knee. Reach towards the extended foot with both hands.
Extend and Flex PRT Exercise
Extend and Flex PRT Exercise

Thigh Stretch

  • Purpose: Stretches the quadriceps muscles.
  • Execution: From a standing position, bend one knee and bring the heel towards the buttocks, holding the ankle with the hand.
Thigh Stretch PRT Exercise
Thigh Stretch PRT Exercise

Single-Leg Over

  • Purpose: Stretches the muscles of the hips and lower back.
  • Execution: From a seated position, place one foot on the opposite knee. Gently press down on the raised knee while leaning forward.
Single Leg Over PRT Exercise
Single Leg Over PRT Exercise

Groin Stretch

  • Purpose: Stretches the adductor muscles.
  • Execution: Sit down and bring the soles of the feet together. Gently press down on the knees using the elbows while leaning forward.
Groin Stretch PRT Exercise
Groin Stretch PRT Exercise

Calf Stretch

  • Purpose: Stretches the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.
  • Execution: From a standing position, step one foot back and press the heel into the ground, keeping the leg straight.
Calf Stretch PRT Exercise
Calf Stretch PRT Exercise

Hamstring Stretch

  • Purpose: Stretches the muscles of the posterior thigh.
  • Execution: From a seated position, extend one leg out and bend forward at the waist, reaching for the toes.
Hamstring Stretch PRT Exercise
Hamstring Stretch PRT Exercise

Recovery Drill Exercises

George N.