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    New River holds Tactical Athlete Competition

    New River holds Tactical Athlete Competition

    Photo By Cpl. Mark Watola | Marines stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River execute kettlebell swings...... read more read more

    NC, UNITED STATES

    06.24.2016

    Story by Cpl. Mark Watola 

    Marine Corps Installations East       

    Marines from Marine Corps Air Station New River gathered at the air station High Intensity Tactical Training Center to compete in the Tactical Athlete Competition June 24.

    The competition served as the qualifying competition, where top male and female Marines from each installation would have the opportunity to compete for the finals at Miramar.

    "A Marine is different than the typical athlete because with an athlete everything is already predetermined," said Raymond Anderson, air station HITT Center program coordinator. "When you train the tactical side of things they have to have multiple qualities and abilities. They have to sprint fast; they have to be able to run for a very long time; they have to be explosive; and they have to be strong."

    Competitors put their skills to the test in three events: the performance assessment, the 400-yard tactical shuttle and burpee kettlebell challenge.

    The assessments tested competitors’ speed, agility and explosive upper and lower body power.

    In the tactical shuttle, Marines carried ammo cans and kettlebells for 100 yards each and then used a fireman’s carry and bear hug to carry a sandbag for 100 yards each, with exercises in between transitions.

    The final event was the kettlebell burpee challenge, where competitors executed 10 kettlebell swings after a set of burpees, increasing by one until finishing with a final set of 10 burpees.

    "I’ve done better than what I thought I was going to do," said Staff Sgt. Jason Tanner, division chief for ground support element with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29. "I know there’s always something you can always work on, but know yourself and seek self-improvement and that’s what I’m came out here to do."

    Not only did Marines push their physical limits, they were able to bond and cheer each other on during the events, and help their fellow Marines to continue to mentally withstand the physical pain.

    "I don’t know any of these guys personally but you come out here and you get to compete against them and you get to know them," said Tanner. "You get to understand who they are and how they think and make somebody push past their limits"

    The first place female for the competition was Cpl. Davonn Vong from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272.

    The first place male for the competition was Sgt. Matthew Martin from Marine Aviation Logistics 26.

    "Anybody can come out here and do it," said Tanner. "Don’t come out here think that you have to win, it’s not just about that, it’s about camaraderie and knowing yourself, where you fall short and what you need to work on."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.24.2016
    Date Posted: 07.06.2016 07:50
    Story ID: 203164
    Location: NC, US

    Web Views: 47
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN