Photo By Spc. Jose Rivera | Major Jason Wingeart, executive officer for 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 2nd...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division competed in a quarterly physical competition known as the “Iron Cottonbaler” at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Friday.
There are no badges or points toward promotion here. Esprit de corps, unit cohesion, competitive spirit and the rare opportunity to claim the title “Iron Cottonbaler” are reasons Soldiers put their bodies through this rigorous event.
“The competition goes back to the full spectrum of readiness. There is a physical, mental, maintenance, and training component, but this really gets at the physical component to be as ready as possible for whatever we are called upon to do,” said Lt. Col. Brian Ducote, 3-7 Inf. commander. “The competition also focuses on the mental component of readiness because our minds push ourselves to the highest level we can possibly reach physically and is important, especially in combat.”
The Cottonbalers held the same event just a few months ago, leaving some motivated to come back stronger.
“It pushes me to my limit!,” said Pfc. Jorge Cuevas, Delta Company infantryman. “This is my second time participating at “Iron Cottonbaler” competition and giving it my all."
Since the previous Cottonbaler event, Soldiers had time to improve their physical fitness to meet the minimum requirements and tell others about the competition.
“I have seen more people earn the “Iron Cottonbaler” this time. Also, more people tried out, which is even more important. The fact that they’re voluntarily stepping into the competition and saying I want to compete, and I want to earn this award, and I hear more people talking about the “Iron Cottonbaler” and their plans to earn it, so it's encouraging to me,” Ducote said.
Soldiers must complete a minimum of 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 to move on to the next event. These numbers add up to only 500 points, which is not enough for the overall qualification. They must exceed each minimum to earn the competition’s required 550 points.
Out of approximately 50 competitors, only nine managed to earn more than 550 points. There are five events, as opposed to three in the Army Physical Fitness Test, which makes it even more challenging.
“The toughest category, physically, was the four mile run under 28 minutes. Everyone did great, but it was the longest and most physically demanding part of the competition,” said Ducote. “The four mile run is completed after maxing out on pushups and sit-ups.”
Not every Soldier shared the same sentiment.
Cuevas said, “My biggest challenge was the sit-ups. I always struggled with that. Last time I failed because of the sit-ups, and I pushed myself throughout the last three months to make sure I passed this time.”
The competition is not just for Soldiers of 3-7 Inf. It is available to all who are eager to compete.
“All are welcome,” said Ducote. “The event is conducted once every quarter and is open to anyone wishing to join our team and meet the folks that make up this great infantry battalion.”
The event serves as a test for individual readiness, while leaving Soldiers with confidence and goals to improve for the next competition.
“It means a lot and shows that hard work pays off,” Cuevas said.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2016 18:31 |
| Story ID: | 207188 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Hometown: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,267 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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