Photo By 2nd Lt. Cody Kellum | Sgt. Sterling Schultz, 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 8th...... read more read more
Physical fitness is one of the most important aspects of the U.S. Army’s commitment to being a lethal, combat ready force capable of protecting the United States, as well as it’s NATO partners and allies. In order to ensure the physical conditioning required for that commitment, soldiers have been training for the upcoming ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test) that will become the official test of record this Fall 2020.
The ACFT is the new Army physical fitness test that is replacing the long antiquated APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) that was previously implemented over forty years ago. The ACFT is designed to better improve soldier physical readiness, reduce preventable injuries, enhance mental strength and stamina, and contribute to increased unit readiness.
Soldiers, and their families, are undoubtedly facing difficulties and uncertainties due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Many installations are no longer conducting group exercise or holding formations due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
Fortunately, many soldiers view physical training and exercise as a reprieve from the current gloomy conditions.
“I’m making sure I stay focused on my physical fitness during these stressful times,” said Spc. Matthew Waldhelm, 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Armored Combat Brigade (ABCT), 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB). “Regularly going to the gym gives me inspiration and a sense of accomplishment. I passed my APFT with a decent score, but I know I can do even better on the ACFT if I put forth the dedication.”
Spc. Walhelm performs physical training five days a week alongside his immediate supervisor and co-worker, Sgt. Sterling Schultz, 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd ABCT, 8th BEB. Together they participate in a workout regimen that incorporates elements of both the old APFT and the new ACFT. This training matrix provides a unique blend of both muscle building and fat loss.
Some of the exercises included in their routine are the deadlift, hand release push-ups, leg tuck, sled pull and sprints. Additionally, they also have a daily warm-up drill that consists of 75 body weight squats, 50 push-ups and 15 pull-ups.
“Warm-ups prepare our bodies and muscle groups for the exercise routine,” said Schultz. “We created a fusion of both APFT and ACFT elements in order to achieve a balance of strength and cardiovascular endurance. It’s been very successful for us, and we look forward to taking the ACFT in the coming months.”
The ACFT consists of six individual exercise events performed in a specific order. It commences with the three-repetition strength deadlift, then the standing power throw, arm extension push-ups, a 250-meter sprint-drag-carry, the leg tuck and ends with a two-mile run. All events are performed on continuous clock and takes approximately 50-54 minutes to individually complete.
Training and preparation for the ACFT requires a strong level of determination and commitment from a soldier that easily overcomes any obstacles put up by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spc. Waldhelm and Sgt. Schultz’s team leader, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Darren Teasley, has no doubts in the pair’s commitment and dedication towards maintaining physical fitness.
“They are very motivated soldiers,” said Teasely. “Both of them perform great work as professionals in the intel field, and always go above and beyond my expectations. It’s no surprise that COVID-19 is not hurting their morale in the gym, nor the workplace.”
| Date Taken: | 03.28.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2020 03:32 |
| Story ID: | 366103 |
| Location: | POZNAN, PL |
| Hometown: | FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FORT RILEY, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 299 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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