Sky Soldier Brandishes Battle Axe During Special PT Event

Photo By Lt. Col. John Hall | A battle axe is hoisted in the air to mark the finish line for paratroopers as they complete a 2.2 mile full combat load run for morning PT as team members scramble to put their weapons systems into operation as they prepare for battle.  

ITALY

04.04.2018

Story by Capt. Joe Legros 

173rd Airborne Brigade

VICENZA, Italy - It was a rainy, dismal morning. Some would say it would have been better to stay inside. Those thoughts were completely destroyed this morning by the heaping cup of internal motivation the following Soldiers possess. These warriors were not thinking about comfort. No. Destroying the enemy takes effort. It means starting the day with a satisfying plate of Physical Training (PT). Enter Paratrooper PT.

While it may have been a muddy, humid morning at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, that did not stop a battalion full of Paratroopers from bursting forth to converge for a unique PT competition. A sludge-infested field made for the perfect workout spot.

As the rain beat down, battalion leaders blasted motivation from a sound machine. Company leaders shouted orders while gunners assembled crew served weapons in front of the formation. Those same weapons would soon be hauled all around Del Din’s perimeter in a grueling race against time and man.

The PT event was designed in an effort to simulate battle situations, and included pre-combat inspections, troop movement and accountability, as well as running while carrying an increased load.

“Doing tough things as units is extremely important,” said Able Company’s 1st Platoon Leader, 1st Lt. David Grossman. “It builds unit cohesion and camaraderie.” Most of the time, this training is provided through field training exercises. It is more rare to receive it from morning PT.

However, these were Sky Soldiers from 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, “The Rock.” Battalion leadership prepared a special type of PT on Wednesday, April 4th, 2018. The rain and sludge just made for a tougher, more realistic training environment.

The majority of Soldiers throughout the Army participate in PT while wearing Army-issued shorts and T-shirts. Morning runs mainly take place on a nicely groomed track or roadway. That kind of PT is essential and should be performed regularly. However, no matter the workout or motivation level, many Soldiers get stuck in a rut or hit a plateau. It can be rewarding to mix things up and can often lead to greater gains.

“If we haven’t tested ourselves in harsh environments, then we can’t expect our men to win,” added Grossman. Sometimes regular PT does not reach the harsh category.

Today was a special day with a different kind of people. Today’s PT event reflected the battalion’s inner beast.

Warriors entered this morning’s arena, the base’s drenched football field, receiving at least a 30 pound boost to their weight by donning full combat equipment consisting of an improved outer tactical vest with bullet proof plates, a fighting load carrier, and combat helmet. For some, it even included the added pleasure of a 27.6 pound 240B weapon system and tripod.

An oval track would not be sufficient for this group. Rain, dirt, grass, darkness. How about a little mud? Yes please. But these Soldiers still needed something else: a competition.

About 500 Paratroopers representing each company within the battalion battled for supremacy in multiple events to include a 2.2 mile loop around the post. Companies raced against each other to be the first with 27 Paratroopers to finish the morning run.

To attain victory, a “minimum fighting force” of 27 Paratroopers was required to carry all company gear, finishing with at least two seven-man squads as well as a company level leader, a platoon level leader, and a machine gun with tripod.

Prior to the race, Battle Company boldly declared their shot. While other companies loudly protested, Battle claimed that victory was imminent. According to them, they could not be stopped. However, as the warriors cleared the field and shot like a cannon onto the Del Din Loop, each and every company was focused on the win.

Sprinting was intense. Sweat streamed from everywhere; shouts, cheering, and battle cries rang out all along the course. This motivation continued even after the initial rush.

More than a mile into the sprint, Paratroopers strode confidently under the weight of equipment and weapon systems, their faces clearly showing the intensity of the effort. Rain that had been a nuisance earlier was now a welcome shower. Obstacles? What obstacles?

As Paratroopers stormed the football field on their return trip, the only thing missing was the standing ovation from a Coliseum crowd. However, their reward this morning came in the form of completing a job well done. The journey, the PT competition itself was the reward, along with a heaping scoop of increased unit cohesion and morale.

To end the morning’s contest, 2nd Battalion Commander, Lt. Col Jim Keirsey hoisted Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Wahlenmeier on his back in a fireman’s carry, and sprinted across the football field. Upon finishing this "victory carry" before his paratroopers, Keirsey called the event, “just another Wednesday for the battalion.”

Keirsey named Battle Company the overall winner of the PT competition. Backing up their earlier brazen prediction, Paratroopers from Battle Company proudly displayed their battle axe for all other companies to see.

Keirsey put a finishing statement on the morale-boosting morning, declaring, “This is how ‘The Rock’ does PT.”

• Date Taken: 04.04.2018
• Date Posted: 04.04.2018 15:49
• Story ID: 271762
• Location: IT