Fitness II.

This is coolbert:

"'go-to-war' mobility that needs to be at 4-7 mph-level with useful combat load in hand if we are to be a world-class mobile infantry force that can out-maneuver irregulars on the modern non-linear battlefield."

Here with selected extracts from a web site article with the title of: "FITNESS SHOULD BE COMBAT-ORIENTED"

It is intuitively understood - - by even the most casual of observers - - that soldiers, to properly perform their mission, must maintain a certain level of physical fitness. It is generally recognized too, that there exists three distinct levels of physical fitness, as found in militaries throughout the world.

* A general level of fitness that all soldiers must adhere to.

* An enhanced level of fitness for combat arms troops.

* An even more advanced level of fitness for those troops that perform special operations missions.

Recognizing at all times that the American soldier carries a LOAD into battle. Depending upon the situation, a load consisting of either the:

* Fighting load. A standard load borne by ALL soldiers, regardless of duty and mission, consisting of the uniform with helmet and boots, load bearing equipment [web belt, suspenders, full canteen, two ammo pouches, first aid kit, entrenching tool, rifle with four loaded magazines [120 rounds], bayonet, four hand grenades. The fighting load normally encumbering the troop with thirty five pounds of gear.

* Existence load. Anything carried in excess of the fighting load. A backpack with shelter half, rations, sleeping bag, etc. The two loads [fighting, existence] combined not weighing more than sixty five to seventy pounds AT A MINIMUM!

The current regimen of U.S. Army physical training [PT] does NOT properly prepare the combat arms troop for combat? PT done while wearing gym shorts, a "tee" shirt, and running shoes is not adequate.

Chasing after an irregular combat foe, such as the Taliban, through the mountains of Afghan, requires a much more deliberate and pronounced fitness program. It is necessary for the troop to accustom themselves to rigorous physical effort - - ALL THE WHILE WEARING COMBAT UNIFORM AND GEAR!!

"COMBAT PT TRAINING"

"Instead of running around in shorts we could do PT in the actual BDU uniform and LBE that we will use in combat. While ruck marching for time":

* "Carry a stretcher with a designated Soldier on it and rotate during the march use rigid and non-rigid litters"
* "Carry 5 gallon water cans" [a two-man buddy team carrying the 5 gallon "jerry" can of water in addition to their combat load.]
* "Push a HMMWV simulating a disabled vehicle"
* "Sandbag vehicles for technical skill/upper body strength"
* "Tow a 120mm Heavy Mortar a distance (U.S. Army Ranger 3-man squad towed a 716 pound mortar for 30 miles"

This too, speed marching, is an excellent technique for combat arms troops to prepare for the rigors of combat? Can be done with uniform and boots to begin with, adding progressive amounts of gear as warranted?

"Speed Marching - - the basic technique is an alteration of pace between running and marching."

March a mile at quick time, run a mile, alternate until the desired distance achieved.

Here is an excellent YouTube video showing British Royal Marine Commandos practicing speed marching.

"Speed marches gave maximum development to lungs and legs . . . On one occasion during the training in speed marching, the Rangers [U.S.] flew across ten miles in eighty-seven minutes"

coolbert.