Physically Trained Makes Mission Ready

Photo By Maj. Gretel Weiskopf | Army Cpl. Steven Jones, a Soldier with Joint Task Force Guantanamo's 525th Military Police Battalion, is tested in the two-minute push-up event for the Army Physical Fitness Test, July 29, 2008. The 525th conducts physical training tests four times a year to make sure all Soldiers have a current test. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

08.01.2008

Story by Sgt. Gretel Weiskopf 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - The sun isn't up, the street lights are the only things shining in the sky and yet Soldiers all over the world are crawling out of bed and into their black shorts and grey shirts both with the reflective Army on them. By squads, platoons or companies, Soldiers are meeting before the sun comes up to do one thing – physical training.

Here in Guantanamo Bay, Soldiers from Joint Task Force Guantanamo's 525th Military Police Battalion join their battle buddies around the world in doing early morning PT. Not only because it is required, but also because it makes them ready for their mission.

"Physical training is important to our Soldiers because they can be spending their entire 18-hour day on their feet and good physical conditioning helps with the hours, the stress and helps them look like a professional military police unit," said Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Fowler, command sergeant major, 525th MP Battalion.

Five days a week, except for when mission-related training interrupts, 525th Soldiers are meeting for PT. Some in the morning, others in the evening for those who work the night shift.

Not all of the Soldiers just go out and meet for PT though. For some, each PT session is an opportunity to excel, an opportunity to improve their physical fitness in order to achieve a perfect score on the Army's physical fitness test. The test is comprised of three events: the push-up, the sit-up and the two-mile run. To "max-out" the PT test, Soldiers have to score 100% in each event, a quantity or time, based on their age and gender.

Soldiers are also enticed to score at least 90% in each event to earn the Army Physical Fitness Badge, an actual badge Soldiers can wear on their PT uniforms to display their accomplishment.

With 15 Soldiers meeting or exceeding the maximum 300 score and about 44 Soldiers eligible to wear the Army Physical Fitness Badge, the PT regime the 525th is using might be working.

For one Soldier in the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 525th MP Battalion, working to achieve a 300 on her PT test applies to her oath as a non-commissioned officer.

"It makes me feel good to be able to set an example for others," said Army Sgt. Jocelyn Thomas, chaplain's assistant. "Also, for my job, I have to be able to provide security for another Soldier, a Chaplain, and that is important to me."

Doing PT five days a week, every week could get mundane to even the most enthusiastic Soldier, so for that reason Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Moreira, platoon sergeant, HHD 525th MP Battalion, allows the Soldiers to pick the exercises they are going to go each day.

"We give guidance for what kind of PT we are doing that day [cardiovascular or muscle failure] but they choose what they want to do to work in those areas," said Moreira.

Soldiers in the 525th MP Battalion hold many different positions within the JTF. The majority of the Soldiers work as guards in the detainee camps, but there are also Soldiers working in the many support services for the battalion.

"The only time we are together is when we are training or doing PT," said 1st Sgt. Rodney Sanchez, HHD 525th Battalion. "And doing things as a company does improve morale so we will keep it that way."

Soldiers also find time within their demanding work schedule to make it to the gym on their own time to make sure they are mission ready.

"I like to go to the [G.J] Denich Gym because they have a bag for boxing," said Spc. Michael Hempfield, supply specialist, 193rd Company, 525th MP Battalion. "I took third place in the 2008 All Army Boxing Competition before coming here, so I'd like to keep that up. Plus, being fit means I can do what ever these guys ask of me with my supply job. Long hours or whatever, it is good to know you're ready."

http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/

• Date Taken: 08.01.2008
• Date Posted: 08.04.2008 12:52
• Story ID: 22099
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU