Five-mile runs also nixed in first changes to regimen in 30 years
FORT JACKSON, S.C. - At 5 a.m. on the Army's largest training base, soldiers grunt through the kinds of stretches, body twists and bent-leg raises that might be seen in an "ab blaster" class at a suburban gym.
Adapting to battlefield experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Army is revamping its basic training regimen for the first time in three decades by nixing five-mile runs and bayonet drills in favor of zigzag sprints and honing core muscles.
Trainers hope the switch will better prepare soldiers physically for the pace of combat, with its sudden dashes and rolling gun battles.
They also want to toughen recruits who are often more familiar with Facebook than fistfights.
I have seen articles where the Army is incorporating a "cross-fit" type regiment into training.
Overall doesnt it make sense to train soldiers who are strong and fit and can do more than just jog? A stronger soldier can carry gear more easily and have a better change to drag their injured buddy to safety for example.
Re: Army Training: Bayonets Out, ‘Ab Blasters’ In
Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:45 am
by Appaholic
Franks Tanks wrote:I have seen articles where the Army is incorporating a "cross-fit" type regiment into training.
Overall doesnt it make sense to train soldiers who are strong and fit and can do more than just jog? A stronger soldier can carry gear more easily and have a better change to drag their injured buddy to safety for example.
Yes, but they should make them wear leg warmers.....maybe Jane Fonda could be a drill sergeant....
Re: Army Training: Bayonets Out, ‘Ab Blasters’ In
Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:51 am
by ASUG8
Appaholic wrote:
Franks Tanks wrote:I have seen articles where the Army is incorporating a "cross-fit" type regiment into training.
Overall doesnt it make sense to train soldiers who are strong and fit and can do more than just jog? A stronger soldier can carry gear more easily and have a better change to drag their injured buddy to safety for example.
Yes, but they should make them wear leg warmers.....maybe Jane Fonda could be a friendly fire target....
FIFY
Re: Army Training: Bayonets Out, ‘Ab Blasters’ In
Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:56 am
by danefan
Franks Tanks wrote:I have seen articles where the Army is incorporating a "cross-fit" type regiment into training.
Overall doesnt it make sense to train soldiers who are strong and fit and can do more than just jog? A stronger soldier can carry gear more easily and have a better change to drag their injured buddy to safety for example.
Sounds to me like they are incorporating what most soldiers do on their free time into their required PT.
Somewhat OT, but this is my bro-in-law, who is currently in the Army Special Forces training program. It highlights some of the crazy shape these guys are in from their workouts outside of PT.
He enlisted out of high school, did a tour in Afghanistan and then went back to JMU for a degree. He graduated and is now finishing up Army Special Forces training after going through the 18X program. Dude is in some ridiculous shape.
Re: Army Training: Bayonets Out, ‘Ab Blasters’ In
Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:10 pm
by ASUG8
Dane, that's more proof that you don't need to spend 2-3 hrs in the gym like some guys I see in order to get fit. That's an insane workout, but clearly very effective.
I bet he can throw the hell out of a purple streamer. (don't tell him I said that..... )
Re: Army Training: Bayonets Out, ‘Ab Blasters’ In
Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:24 pm
by Appaholic
danefan wrote:
Franks Tanks wrote:I have seen articles where the Army is incorporating a "cross-fit" type regiment into training.
Overall doesnt it make sense to train soldiers who are strong and fit and can do more than just jog? A stronger soldier can carry gear more easily and have a better change to drag their injured buddy to safety for example.
Sounds to me like they are incorporating what most soldiers do on their free time into their required PT.
Somewhat OT, but this is my bro-in-law, who is currently in the Army Special Forces training program. It highlights some of the crazy shape these guys are in from their workouts outside of PT.
He enlisted out of high school, did a tour in Afghanistan and then went back to JMU for a degree. He graduated and is now finishing up Army Special Forces training after going through the 18X program. Dude is in some ridiculous shape.
Wow, that brings back the memories......reminds me of myself a couple years ago.....I've long been a fan of the "Ab-Blaster"....
Re: Army Training: Bayonets Out, ‘Ab Blasters’ In
Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:27 pm
by danefan
ASUG8 wrote:Dane, that's more proof that you don't need to spend 2-3 hrs in the gym like some guys I see in order to get fit. That's an insane workout, but clearly very effective.
I bet he can throw the hell out of a purple streamer. (don't tell him I said that..... )
Re: Army Training: Bayonets Out, ‘Ab Blasters’ In
Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:41 pm
by dbackjon
Ok - video ended too soon. Got him with his shirt off, but what about the post-workout shower?
(don't tell him I said that..... 
)