Tactical athletes tackle ‘Iron Cottonbaler’

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Brian Ducote (left), commander of 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, congratulates Maj. Timothy Decker (right), executive officer of 2nd IBCT, for his performance during an “Iron Cottonbaler” fitness competition May 26, 2016 at Fort Stewart, Ga. Decker scored the most points throughout the competition earning him the title of “Iron Cottonbaler.” (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jose Rivera / Released)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

05.26.2016

Courtesy Story

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Jose Rivera, 3-7 Inf., 2IBCT UPAR

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division competed in an “Iron Cottonbaler” physical competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 26.

The purpose of the “Iron Cottonbaler” competition is to build esprit de corps and cohesion within the unit while recognizing the most physically fit Soldiers in the battalion.

“Being physically ready is about being able to survive on the battlefield and being able to push ourselves to the utmost of our abilities to accomplish a given mission,” said Lt. Col. Brian Ducote, 3-7th Inf. commander. “To do that you need to be physically ready and that is where we want our Cottonbalers to be.”

In order to earn the required 500 points, Soldiers must complete 77 push-ups in two minutes, 82 sit-ups in two minutes, a four-mile run under 28 minutes, seven pull-ups, and 15 dips. However, those vying for the coveted “Iron Cottonbaler” title must exceed the standard, reaching a minimum of 550 points.

“At the end only a handful of individuals actually earned this award,” Ducote said.

It took grit and determination to make it through each obstacle.

“Competitive spirit pushed me through this challenge,” said Sgt. David Miller, a team leader of Company A, 3-7th Inf. “Competitions like these show me where I need to improve. I also like challenging my physical abilities. Throughout the competition everyone pushed themselves, competed, and had fun!”

Following the event, sweat-drenched Soldiers began preparing for the next competition.

“I plan to increase my workouts and work on my sit-ups” Miller said. “Sit-ups were definitely the hardest for me.”

Ducote explained, once a Soldier earns the “Iron Cottonbaler” title, he or she can then become a grader or improve your score.

“The idea is to continuously push people to earn this title, and that is something people should strive for,” Ducote said.

• Date Taken: 05.26.2016
• Date Posted: 05.31.2016 18:40
• Story ID: 199611
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US