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    786th CSSB prepares for transition to the ACFT during the COVID-19

    786th CSSB prepares for transition to the ACFT during the COVID-19

    Photo By Sgt. Deneesha Smith | Staff Sgt. Kareem Henley, 631st Engineer Company, illustrates the deadlift, with the...... read more read more

    The Virgin Islands National Guard, 786th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion continues transitioning towards the Army Combat Fitness Test with new equipment and plans to establish a testing site geared to connecting fitness with a combat-ready force, St. Thomas.

    Pending further guidance, the highly contagious coronavirus forced the Army to put all physical fitness testing on hold in March. However, 786th CSSB continues to prepare for the transition, which will transform the Army’s fitness culture.

    “The ACFT is a major shift in physical fitness and may cause an initial impact upon its implementation, but it will improve with time and self-discipline,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Sheryll Luciana. “The biggest thing is to ensure that all Soldiers are aware of the transition. Secondly, help them understand which scoring scale they will fall into based on their MOS.”

    The ACFT will help the service members train to perform the exercise using proper form to prevent injury and inform them of the guidelines that would terminate a record attempt while testing.

    “Three locations close to the SFC Leonard B. Francis Armory have been identified as a possible testing site to administer the ACFT,” said Sgt. 1st Class Raynard Francis, ACFT project manager.

    Each ACFT set has one “lane” of equipment, which costs approximately $2,054 per lane. “In May, 786th CSSB received equipment for 20 lanes; however, only 16 lanes are required for a battalion,” said Luciana. “One set of equipment is equal to one lane.” “The lane will have one nylon sled with strap, two 40lb kettlebells, one pair of barbell collars, one 60lb hexagon bar with specified bumper plates, one 10lb medicine ball, and a 30mm measuring tape.”

    Using the train the trainer method, teams from the Army Physical Fitness School certified Master Fitness Instructors for the ACFT. “Currently, there are 19 graders for the ACFT within the VING, which accommodates the standard of 16 lanes with four Soldiers per lane,” said Francis.

    A renewed emphasis on fitness and additional resources provide minimal risks to Soldiers. Currently, 786th CSSB has a fitness program created by the MFT, where Soldiers conduct PT sessions with the MFT targeting events for the ACFT. “The test is made to pass, not to max,” said Francis. “It is advised for everyone to create an ongoing PT program in order to achieve the level of fitness needed to successfully complete the ACFT.”

    VING ensures mission readiness while supporting local, state, and federal partners to remain ready, relevant, and a responsive force sustained for any fight.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.09.2020
    Date Posted: 06.11.2020 09:18
    Story ID: 371772
    Location: ST. THOMAS, VI

    Web Views: 138
    Downloads: 0

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