U.S. Forces Fitness

Story by Maj. Kimberly Burke Western Air Defense Sector Running one marathon in a day isn’t enough for two Western Air Defense Sector members.  1st Lt. Krosby Keller and Bruce Robie challenged their athletic limits by jointly running the equivalent of more than six marathons during the Joint Base Lewis-McChord 24-Hour POW/MIA Remembrance Run Sept. 18-19, 2018. Keller, who is an air battle manager assigned to the 225th Air Defense Squadron, ran 100 miles in the 24-hour period.  He is considered an ultra-marathon runner.  Prior to this event, Keller participated in two 100-mile ultra-marathons, the High Lonesome 100 in Colorado and the San Diego 100 in California. The High Lonesome 100 is a high altitude race with an average elevation of 11,000 feet and over 52,000 feet of vertical climb and descent through the Sawatch Mountain Range.   “It is a brutal course through a gorgeous part of the country were 35% of the field did not finish, some even dropped out after just six miles,

Story by Scott Sturkol Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office Members of Fort McCoy’s Army Ten-Miler team have been training for months to prepare for the race in October. The team’s coach, Lt. Col. Mark Woommavovah with the 181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade (MFTB), said the team is looking good and is ready to compete. “Our team is looking good as we get closer to the 2018 Army Ten-Miler,” Woommavovah said. “Our vision, purpose, and goal are all coming together.” Fort McCoy will field two teams of eight runners for the 2018 Army Ten-Miler, which will be held at 8 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Pentagon. “All teams contain a combination of both male and female runners (six male and two female),” Woomavovah said. The coach said everyone has learned to be adaptable to one another. “We know each other every well, and we have learned that it is important to support one another,” Woommavovah said. “No two runners are alike. As a result, we are a united team, and we constantly focus on

Story by Airman William Tracy 50th Space Wing Public Affairs Schriever Airmen honored the sacrifices of POW/MIA service members during POW/MIA Remembrance Week Sept. 17 – 21. POW/MIA recognition has been a part in U.S. military history since the first officially documented cases during World War II. In 1979, Congress passed a resolution establishing POW/MIA recognition day the third Friday of every September. Sept. 21 was the 39th anniversary of the event. “It is our duty to pay the utmost respect to our fellow service members and their families,” said Master Sgt. Damion Parris, superintendent of operations with the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron and event lead. “Many are still continuing to pay the ultimate price and have endured things most of us can't even imagine.” The week began with a ceremonial reveille and opening ceremony in which the POW/MIA flag was raised alongside the U.S. flag in front of a formation. This was followed by a 24-hour run, where Airmen from

Story by Robert Lingley 1st Space Wing Public Affairs In order to perform at maximum capacity, Airmen need to be in top mental and physical condition. Dietitians at the Fitness and Sports Center on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, provide personal help to their patients to make positive lifestyle changes by implementing personal nutrition plans. Two of the programs offered are the Group Lifestyle Balance program and the 5-2-1-0 (eat, reduce, play, limit) class for children. Laura Moore, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron health promotion dietition, conducts personal assessments for Airmen and their families so they can make proper decisions, allowing them to stay healthy, focused and active. “5-2-1-0 is a children’s healthier lifestyle campaign,” said Moore. “If you would like your children to be more active, eat better and learn healthier lifestyle habits, make an appointment with us. We’re going to be going out to the Youth Center, the Child Development Centers, Tierra

Story by Ilka Cole   Eglin Air Force Base     During a deluge of rain, 21 explosive ordnance disposal technicians from seven bases across the Air Force ran a mile and a half to the gym and completed a timed 1,000-meter row. That was just the beginning of their 36-hour fitness test and assessment. The 96th Civil Engineer Group’s EOD flight recently hosted and participated in the beta test for the Air Force’s prototype of the new EOD ‘Tier 2’ physical fitness test based on job demands Sept. 10 – 12, 2018. “Working in very close coordination with EOD technicians, we developed the test components and standards from EOD-specific physical requirements and the tasks they perform on operational missions,” said Dr. Neal Baumgartner, Air Force Exercise Science Unit chief. The new physical standards and acclimation period are scheduled to go into effect in 2019 and are tailored to ensure EOD Airmen are fit to accomplish the strenuous demands of their mission. “This will b

Photo by Sgt. Melissa Marnell Office of Marine Corps Communication Story by Lance Cpl. Marcos Alvarad Defense Media Activity - Marines Marine Corps MARADMIN 539/18 announced three major changes to MCO 6100.3A affecting the standard Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests, beginning January 1, 2019 (PFT) and July 1, 2019 (CFT) to increase the Corps’ overall physical fitness and combat effectiveness. The first change will be to the rest times between CFT events. Instead of no less than five minutes of rest between events, three minutes will be the new rest period. This is to decrease the time it takes to complete the test and make the CFT more challenging. The minimum passing score for both the PFT and CFT has also changed. Marines need to meet more than the minimum requirement in at least one event in order to receive a passing score. The minimum passing score has increased and will now be 150 for both tests. Scoring the minimum in all categories will no longer result

Story by Sgt. Michelle Reif 9th Marine Corps District ST. CLOUD, Minn.— Marines have always shared a special bond with wrestlers. Their values of dedication, hard work and perseverance make for a perfect partnership. The Officer Selection Team from Fargo, North Dakota, demonstrated to the St. Cloud State University Wrestling Team how implementing these values at practices can improve their team during a Leadership and Cohesion Exercise, Sept. 18, 2018. “We do these events because we are able to take our Marine Corps leadership model, how we train, and fit it into a college atmosphere,” said Capt. Kyle Randow, the Officer Selection Officer in Fargo. “We take them out of their comfort zone and then they can go back and fit how we train and practice into their daily routine.” The Marines pushed the athletes through a series of physical exercises, such as buddy carries, burpees and sprints, designed to test their mental strength and force them to push each other as a team. “I

Story by Sgt. Joseph Abrego Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s gates opened to Japanese locals who participated with service members in the 31st MCAS Iwakuni Triathlon at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 16, 2018. The triathlon afforded Japanese athletes and MCAS Iwakuni personnel an opportunity to compete at a higher level while enjoying a physical activity that transcends the boundaries of language and culture, providing a positive experience for all parties. “Events like this build morale, allows participants to test their fitness and provides us the opportunity to build a relationship with the local Japanese community,” said Woneata Stallworth, the assistant athletic director with Marine Corps Community Services. The triathlon drew in 164 participants who competed for various reasons, not including the many others who volunteered to help, spectate and encourage participants throughout the race. “I’ve been a lifeguard for many triathlons bac

Story by Bradley Hicks Arnold Engineering Development Complex / Arnold Air Force Base Tony Pennington couldn’t wait to give it a go. “I guess there’s always a voice inside my head asking me if I have what it takes to meet whatever challenge, so the Alpha Warrior event was a perfect opportunity to answer that voice,” he said. Pennington, program manager in the Test Support Division Engineering Section, was among the Airmen and DOD personnel at Arnold Air Force Base to try his or her hand at the Alpha Warrior Battle Rig during its Aug. 28 visit to Arnold. The Alpha Warrior Battle Rig and members of the Alpha Warrior team came to Arnold as part of an ongoing worldwide tour of Air Force bases. According to its website, Alpha Warrior provides training and obstacle fitness for civilians and military around the world. The Air Force previously partnered with Alpha Warrior to establish the Alpha Warrior program through which the rigs are brought to the numerous bases. Alpha War

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Harmon 1st Marine Aircraft Wing U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Lowery, an F/A-18D pilot and Sgt. Austin Jagodzinski, an ordnance technician with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, maintain a perfect score of 300 for their Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT), at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Lowery and Jagodzinski are two of the Marines in their squadron who achieved a perfect score in both their PFT and CFT. Marines in the squadron typically work 12-hour days varying from days to nights, and have to conduct physical training on their own. “I make going to the gym my priority and when something’s your priority, you’ll find time to squeeze it in,” said Jagodzinski, who works nights. “Being in the air wing, we have really long working days, so I normally like to go and get my workout done before my workday begins so I don’t have to worry about it -- it’s out of the way. I’ll make that my first prior

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Courtesy Story MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Fitness enthusiasts tested their physical endurance during the 19th annual Sprint Triathlon/Relay, Aug. 18, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The triathlon put participants through a rigorous course consisting of a 400-meter swim, a 10-mile bike ride, and a three-mile run. The triathlon is intended to bring together all levels of athletes in the local Cherry Point community. “This is a great place for people who are in good shape or are trying to get in good shape,” said retired Lt. Col. Rodolfo Quispe. “People from different athletic backgrounds were able to participate and it is great for the community.” Around 80 participants came out to give it their all in the searing North Carolina sun. According to Quispe, he came out to have a good time and enjoy the weather, terrain and the company of other competitors. “It’s a melting pot of different military

Marine Corps Base Hawaii Story by Lance Cpl. Matthew Kirk U.S. Marines with various units aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii participated in the second day of Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructors Course at the football field, MCBH, Sept. 11, 2018.  The 30 Marines in the course conducted a 9/11 homage style workout by first finding a partner and then conducting nine exercises that included 11 different carries.  One of the six Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructors Trainers for the course, Sgt. Manuel Mejia, a supply clerk with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, said he made the workouts to show that even during the hardest of times, Marines should still persevere through the pain.  “A lot of these Marines were young during Sept. 11 and didn’t understand it,” Mejia said. “My goal was to let them know about the heroes that sacrificed their lives.”  Mejia talked to the Marines following the event about former a soldier that sacrificed his live to save his workers.  “The soldier

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN Courtesy Story III Marine Expeditionary Force The sun has barely peeked over the horizon but the Marine noncommissioned officers in the Force Fitness Instructor course at Camp Hansen are already on the move. They’ve gathered at the running track to do their daily morning workout. After receiving a quick brief on the circuit workout, the NCOs lead their groups of Marines to their first exercises. The frogs and cicadas singing in the distance are quickly drowned out by shouts of motivation. A little over half of the sun has made it over the horizon, but the temperature is already rising quickly. It’s hot and humid, typical for the tropical island of Okinawa, Japan. The NCOs taking the six week FFI course are barely fazed by the heat as they continue to motivate the Marines in their groups to push themselves. Soon, sweat mixes with the dew on the grass as the Marines finish the first round of the workout. Sgt. Justin D. Boetger, a food service sp

Story by Staff Sgt. Justin Norton 302nd Airlift Wing Thirty-two. Thirty-three. Thirty-four. Thirty-five -- time’s up. Somewhere in Texas a senior airman failed his fitness test. He couldn’t complete the minimum requirement for abdominal crunches. Dragging himself back to his car, ashamed and furious with himself, he realized that he was now one of those Airmen he looked down on for failing their fitness tests. Worse yet, he was deploying in two weeks and his gut sank as he thought of delivering news of his failure to his supervision. That senior airman was me in 2014. I also found out I wouldn’t be promoting to staff sergeant earlier that day either, making this the second year in row I missed the mark for a promotion. At this point, I was certain my leadership would tell me I’d blown my opportunity to deploy. I’ll never forget the half hour sitting in the parking lot, full of shame, staring out at the flight line before facing my supervisors. I did end up going on

Friday, September 7, 2018 Story by Staff Sgt. Felicia Jagdatt 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs EL PASO, Texas -- A Soldier is someone who puts on a combat uniform every day and fulfills the nation’s call, but behind every Soldier is a man or woman who is unique and has abilities beyond honorable service.                 Spc. Michael Nickerson, an armor crewman and the brigade executive officer’s driver for 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team 1st Armored Division, does more than your average Soldier.                Nickersonis a boxer at Terry Green’s Boxing Academy in El Paso and credits his training there for being a better Soldier and leader.                 “When you’re in a match or training, you have to control everything,” Nickerson explained. “As a leader, you also have to control everything. You have to control your emotions, body language when there’s a conflict. You have to respect the conflict just like you respect the opponent, whi

Story by Carmen Judge Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Friday, September 7, 2018 Service to country is a lifelong commitment for every U.S. Marine and the moral compass inspiring one Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) Atlantic employee and veteran to use fitness to educate thousands on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a computer scientist for SSC Atlantic, Robert Powell spends his work days impacting the wider Department of Defense through his responsibilities with the Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology Services Enterprise Information Systems upgrade (MCEITS EIS). This program provides IT services and network information assurance to Marine Corps users through a portal framework. Off-duty, however, Powell’s passion for the military community continues through his work as a fitness instructor and volunteer advocate for PTSD support for veterans and their families. “As a Marine, our motto is ‘Semper Fidelis,’ always faithful,” said Powell

Graphics by Michael Voss  U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Video: https://youtu.be/WHpkSBc04aA

U.S. Army Central Story by Spc. Adam Parent Friday, August 31, 2018 KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, Kuwait (August 31, 2018) – Early in the morning U.S. Army Soldiers stationed across Kuwait came together at Kuwait Naval Base to participate in the first Diver Fitness Challenge hosted by the 74th Engineer Dive Detachment. Dozens of competitors in 14 teams of six Soldiers each raced between stations with different challenging exercises meant to test their physical capabilities. What had originally been planned as a competition meant to stay internal to the 74th EDD quickly turned into a larger event for other Soldiers to face new challenges and build morale, said Staff Sgt. Royce Clark, a squad leader with the 74th EDD and the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Diver Fitness Challenge. The circuit of events the Soldiers had to complete without any breaks began with a one mile run, followed by a 200 meter swim, 100 pull ups, 250 squats with an air tank, 200 hand release push ups, 10