Greywolf adrenaline junkies conquer rock climbing through Warrior Adventure Quest

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bridson | Pfc. Prudhvi Yalamanchi, with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, repels from a balcony at Boulders Sport Climbing Center in Harker Heights, Texas, as part of Fort Hood’s Warrior Adventure Quest, Jan. 31, 2012.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

01.31.2012

Story by Spc. Sharla Lewis 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participated in Fort Hood’s Warrior Adventure Quest, Jan. 31.

Studies at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have proven that troops exposed to high-intensity combat scenarios are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors upon their return to the United States.

The Warrior Adventure Quest introduces soldiers recently returned from a combat tour to high-adrenaline activities as a safe alternative to more dangerous options.

Before visiting Boulders Sport Climbing Center in Harker Heights, Texas, the soldiers attended a resiliency class at the Fort Hood Resiliency Campus to learn about the affects of deployments on the mind and body.

“This program provides a good team building environment,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Davis, with the Warrior Adventure Quest, “because they may be scared of heights but they have their battle buddies here to push them through.”

Davis said that the program provides an avenue for soldiers to vent their energy.

At the climbing center, staff gave classes on climbing technique, safety and equipment use. Donning harnesses and climbing shoes, soldiers practiced climbing short distances without ropes before they progressed to rope climbing.

Quickly, webs of arms, legs and ropes snaked their way up the walls of the building as soldiers scaled the routes like spiders. Competitions developed between friends as they calculated their next move and stretched high toward the next handhold.

Soldiers said the activity was motivating and provided good team building opportunities.

“This helps get your mind off of Iraq,” said Spc. Tyler Meier. “We’re just out here having fun with the people we work with.”

The program gives a healthy alternative to high-risk behavior after combat deployments. Staff Sgt. Chad Fox, who helped organize the participants, said it breaks the monotony of work.

“This gives them confidence to overcome their fears,” he said.

• Date Taken: 01.31.2012
• Date Posted: 02.21.2012 16:22
• Story ID: 84125
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US