Physical standards didn't carry as much weight when the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq first broke out.

The army needed people to fill platoons and brigades as soon as possible.

But now, things are changing all across the board and here at home.

Fort Bliss says they are leading the way when it comes to physical fitness.

"The drawdown has allowed the army to put a little bit more teeth into its physical fitness standards," said Major Joseph Buccino, spokesperson for Ft. Bliss.

The army kicked out 1,625 soldiers for being out of shape in the first ten months of this year alone.

"Our goal on Fort Bliss is to have the most fit, healthy and resilient community in the entire army," said Buccino.

But every post -- no matter the standards -- faces challenges.

"About 16 percent of the soldiers that in process Ft. Bliss arrive overweight," said Buccino.

Major Joseph Buccino says that number drops dramatically within the first 90 days because of the intense, one of a kind program that's not being done anywhere else within the Army. Soldiers are put through a rigorous course as soon as they get on base.

"We do a one hour class, one hour instruction on nutrition, on running stride, on footwear, on hazards of energy drinks," said Buccino.

The soldier then does a three hour physical readiness exam, capped off by a one mile run. Then a complete breakdown of their body composition. However some soldiers already on post are taking their fitness into their own hands.

"They usually come in by referrals from previous members that are already coming here," said Daniel Alvarado, owner of PUSH Fitness & Athletic Training here in El Paso.

Alvarado said he's seen a large influx of soldiers coming into his gym. Ones who want a change of pace -- and are looking for help to meet their fitness goals -- especially now.

"I think the main thing that they see is how we are able to accommodate to them so much with their schedule, deployment, with our flexibility of our hours," said Alvarado.

Major Buccino says commanders on post will tailor a program and work with soldiers -- and do their best to get them where they need to be.

"However, if they cannot get within physical fitness standards, it allows the commander to remove a soldier who is not physically fit," said Buccino.