Go the distance: CLB-5 takes on 7-mile hike

Photo By Cpl. Timothy Childers | Lt. Col. Robert T. Meade, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group, speaks with his Marines after a combat conditioning hike. The 7-mile hike was planned to condition the Marines for the battalion’s upcoming deployment.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

08.25.2011

Story by Pfc. Timothy Childers 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - It’s still dark as Marines arrange their packs beside a convoy of trucks, whose diesel engines rumble, breaking up the quiet dawn. They’ve packed all their gear tactically inside their bags. This morning is like most cool early mornings here, a blanket of fog obscuring the distance. All the Marines are waiting patiently to load up the trucks. The Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 5 are about to condition themselves.

Marines from CLB-5, 1st Marine Logistics Group, completed a 7-mile hike as part of a pre-deployment conditioning exercise here, Aug. 25.

“We’re going to do a seven mile conditioning hike to develop and increase our physical fitness in preparation for combat operations,” said Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, the battalion Sergeant Major of CLB-5, 1st MLG, “It’s very unique in the logistics world to do hikes.”

The hike is part of CLB-5’s pre-deployment physical fitness conditioning program. The unit has a very comprehensive physical fitness conditioning programs from battalion to platoon levels, said Black, from Louisville Ky. CLB-5 conducts battalion level physical fitness sessions monthly; this month was a seven mile hike. The program will increase the distance of the hikes as the deployment time approaches.

During the hike, Pfc. Saundrina K. Marriott, a field radio operator, CLB-5, 1st MLG, said the hike was tough, especially the hills. The hike was worth the effort because it will help fellow Marines build endurance for their upcoming deployment, said Marriot, from Louisville, Texas.

The hike went very well, said Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Langlois, the training chief of S-3, CLB-5.

Langlois, 25, from Bridgeport, Pa., said he had a good time, and felt the battalion was more prepared for its mission overseas.

• Date Taken: 08.25.2011
• Date Posted: 09.01.2011 18:23
• Story ID: 76321
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US