Fort Dix, NJ. – Staff Sgt. Daryl Copeland of Headquarters, 7th Signal Command (Theater) recently graduated from the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Integrator Course, Class 26-005, where he earned the prestigious “Best Coach” award for his exceptional performance.
H2F is changing the culture of health and fitness in the Army to help meet the demands of modern warfare. H2F takes a holistic approach to fitness by addressing five readiness domains (physical, mental, nutrition, sleep, and spiritual), understanding that each domain impacts the others. The purpose of the Army’s H2F program is to educate Soldiers and provide them with the resources they need to maximize their performance on and off the battlefield.
The Army’s overall health and fitness initiative integrates physical, mental, spiritual, nutritional and sleep preparation to improve the overall health of Soldiers and reduce injuries.
view original
The H2F Integrator Course at Fort Dix, New Jersey covers all aspects of the H2F system through practical instruction, classroom learning, and hands-on coaching exercises. Graduates are qualified to serve as unit advisors to their commanders on overall readiness, facilitate unit training with H2F domain subject matter experts, and develop and implement physical training programming for both individuals and units.
The Army recently announced that it is going to expand the H2F program, as data collected from the initial fielding includes reduced behavioral health profiles, two times lower substance abuse profiles, increased Soldier retention and satisfaction, higher pass rates on the Army Fitness Test, increased specialist rifle qualifications, fewer medical boards, greater utilization of performance professionals, and 140% fewer injury referrals.
By 2030, the Army expects a full H2F rollout, with every brigade having integrated H2F teams composed of strength trainers, athletic trainers, dietitians, physical therapists and cognitive performance specialists. This ensures that Soldiers have access to expert guidance, scientifically based training plans and early intervention to prevent minor problems from becoming career-limiting injuries.
Reflecting on his experience, Copeland commented, “H2F at Fort Dix isn’t just training – it’s transformation. It shifts the Army from reacting to injuries to building warriors who are physically effective, mentally resilient, nutritionally disciplined, spiritually strong and sleep-ready for the fight.”
Staff Sgt. Daryl Copeland receives the Best Coach Award at the conclusion of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness Integrator Course, Fort Dix, NJ, Feb. 20, 2026.
view original
Graduates like Copeland return to their formations equipped with the technical knowledge and leadership skills to mentor Soldiers, mentor leaders, and build a culture that prioritizes long-term health and peak performance. His recognition as the best coach underscores the critical role of empowered noncommissioned officers in advancing the Army’s H2F vision – one unit, one team, and one Soldier at a time. Read more about H2F https://h2f.army.mil/.
