Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alexander Burnett | Staff Sgt. Veronica Zannotti, a platoon sergeant assigned to the 178th Signal Company,...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. - All American Week is steeped in tradition for past and present Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. In the four days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, Fort Bragg is home to visiting veterans, regimental rivalries and a celebration of all things Airborne. However, this year the Division is starting a new tradition in the form of a Combat Fitness Test.
In place of some sporting tournaments traditionally hosted during All American Week, such as basketball and volleyball, the Division pitted every battalion against each other with a sporting event designed to test a Paratrooper’s functional fitness. The idea behind this test was to conduct a physically challenging event more related to what Paratroopers are trained to do.
“It’s a great idea to do something challenging, exhilarating and outside most people’s physical comfort zone,” said 2nd Lt. John McQuade, a platoon leader in Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div. “This is the Army, not the Navy and we aren’t starring in ‘Top Gun.’ I would much rather do Paratrooper-related events than play volleyball.”
The test consisted of a half-mile timed run, overhead press with 30-pound ammunition cans for two minutes, and an obstacle course that included a high-crawl, several sprints, buddy drag, fireman carry, grenade throw, push-ups and ammunition can carries with two 30-pound cans. Each competitor received little to no time in between events, ensuring they could not catcher their breath.
“This event is extremely challenging and gives a more accurate representation of a Paratrooper’s physical fitness than the Army Physical Fitness Test does,” said Pfc. Justin Hern, an infantryman assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., after completing the Combat Fitness Test. “Even though it leaves you absolutely exhausted when you’re done, it was still fun.”
Paratroopers, who registered for the event as part of a battalion team, received a total grade based on their half-mile time, how many ammo-can raise repetitions they conducted and their time on the obstacle course. These scores are averaged and provide an overall battalion score. The battalion with the highest score will be announced at a later time.
“I am out here competing with six other members of my company,” said Hern. “We are having fun out here, but we still want to win.”
After completing the course, several All Americans noted that this kind of activity is not for everybody.
“Anyone can throw a basketball or hit a volleyball over a net, and those sports do take skill,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Williams, a weapons squad leader assigned to C Co. 2nd Bn., 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment. “To come out here and prove you are among the best Paratroopers… that takes a different kind of skill, determination and resiliency.”
Many Division Paratroopers would like to see this event return during next year’s All American Week due to the challenging nature of the Combat Fitness Test.
“This is something that challenges your whole body and forces you to pace yourself to ensure you complete the event,” said Staff Sgt. Veronica Zannotti, a platoon sergeant assigned to the 178th Signal Company, 82nd Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade. “I really hope they have this event again next year.”
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.24.2016 15:34 |
| Story ID: | 198949 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 813 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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