Photo By Capt. Kevin Waldron | Maj. Kent Greiner, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center operations manager, and...... read more read more
After years of preparation, the Iowa National Guard is set to unveil new fitness training areas.
Prompted by the changes to the Army Physical Fitness Test, now known as the Army Combat Fitness Test, Iowa National Guard leaders set out to enhance fitness training areas on Camp Dodge and throughout the state to meet new Army standards.
Two track and field facilities are being constructed; one just west of the Freedom Center and another west of the 185th Regional Training Institute on Camp Dodge. Once completed, both sites will be able to host hundreds of service members at any given time and house the necessary equipment to complete the new six-event test.
The new asphalt running track west of the 185th RTI will be 600-meters long and will include ACFT lanes on the infield. This training area will be available in late October 2020.
The new soccer field west of the Freedom Center will be available for use in 2021. This new facility is collocated with the existing one-mile fitness track.
Maj. Kent Greiner, Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center operations manager, has overseen these project developments. Greiner’s team considered many different factors when deciding what the track facilities should look like and where they would be located.
“We look at trying to zone specific areas of Camp Dodge to specific functions,” said Greiner. “Within those zones we try to do projects that are cost effective and meet the needs of the Army National Guard.”
Armories throughout the state are also set to receive new fitness equipment. The fitness center on Camp Dodge will go through a remodel in the coming months to provide space for a high-intensity workout area.
“We are trying to provide the best facilities we can, as quickly as we can,” said Col. John Perkins, director of Construction and Facilities Management.
The Iowa National Guard fielded a total of 282 sets of ACFT equipment to be distributed throughout the state. Each set weighs nearly 800 pounds, which includes drop weights, kettle bells, drag sleds and hex bars.
“There has been a lot of teamwork to ensure that they are available as soon as possible,” said Perkins. “We have really scrambled to ensure that the Soldiers have the right facilities to be successful.”
Additional training areas have also been identified on Camp Dodge. At these sites, pullup bars were installed by the 831st Engineer Company.
Perkins acknowledged the concern for conducting the ACFT during the Iowa winter months and said there may be future projects which will help address those concerns.
Army Soldiers who complete the ACFT will face challenging new testing methods. The ACFT is intended to enhance the Army’s physical readiness program, reduce preventable injuries, and enhance mental and physical stamina to keep up with the demands of modern warfare.
The ACFT consists of six events: deadlift, standing power throw, hand release pushup, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run. A service member must complete all of these events within a 90 minute period.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2020 16:37 |
| Story ID: | 379673 |
| Location: | JOHNSTON, IA, US |
| Web Views: | 989 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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