Mandatory PT

[FraterBob]

As an older Greek alumni "lurker", I am somewhat amused by the suggestion of pledge physical training. I preface my comments with reflections that I was in a fraternity when aggresive hazing was the norm in all Greek organizations. No doubt hazing was excessive by todays standards, but it bothers me that my fraternity now seems to distribute membership badges in much the same way which K-Mart sells jewelry, and in a way I am disturbed that membership is no longer earned.

Pledge physical training was the "centerpiece" of our pledge discipline program. Starting with the first week of school, there was always a midnight pledge line-up, at the conclusion of the pledge class meeting. A minimum of 15 or 20 minutes of pledge calisthenics set the stage for whatever night time tasks had been selected for the pledge class.
Admittedly, the exercise sessions occasionally got carried away. We had "sweat parties" where-in the radiators were turned on full, and the pledges performed an hour or so of "healthy exercises" while the actives drank beer and encouraged the pledges to "get strong" . In fact, the house pledge uniform was basically a PE uniform.

Looking back, other than some sore muscles and a bit of lost sleep, I don't find any ill effects from our "pledge fitness" program. All underclassmen were required to attain certain physical fitness levels both for required PE and ROTC classes, and the pledge programs merely gave Greeks the advantage from additional practice.