MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The 2nd Marine Logistics Group top Marine enlisted advisor recently started a weekly-workout regimen that has become quite popular here.
Sgt. Maj. George W. Young Jr., a Danville, Va., native, created the “Pain Train” in an effort to increase the overall physical fitness of Marines in 2nd MLG.
“It’s what leaders do,” said Young. “No matter how much you progress you should never be too busy to physically train with young Marines.”
The workout takes place every Friday and consists of circuit training followed by a four-mile run. Participants do push-ups, squats, flutter kicks, jumping-jacks, steam engines and more – with few breaks.
Young said he hopes it will help raise fitness test scores during a critical time in the Marine Corps.
The Commandant of the Marine Corps recently published a message explaining the plan to shed 20,000 active-duty members in the next four years. Re-enlisting in the Corps will be harder due to the new tier system, which ranks Marines into four categories based on their proficiency and conduct marks, rifle range scores, and combat and physical fitness tests.
These circumstances make physical fitness a necessity for those wishing to remain in the Corps, said Young.
“I’ll pick a specific rank or unit to come out so we can PT together,” said Young. “It gives me a chance to hear from them. They appreciate a sergeant major that enjoys working out with them.”
His way of thinking seems to be popular with servicemembers as there was a multitude of ranks, branches, and body types present at the latest training session.
Lance Cpl. Eddy D. Tineomateo, an administrative specialist with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd MLG, who attended the “Pain Train” April 5, said it was challenging and inspirational all at once.
“For a sergeant major to want to workout with all of us and to push us that hard was very motivating,” said Tineomateo, a Staten Island, N.Y., native. “The run was great because it challenged you, and it let everyone see where they were at physically.”
At the end of the session, Young takes the opportunity to discuss with the Marines and sailors other ways of self-improvement.
“He talked to us about furthering our education,” said Tineomateo. “He explained the [United Services Military Apprenticeship Program], which is on-the-job training for active-duty Marines.”
The training sessions are open to all Marines and sailors within the 2nd MLG, and Young encourages everyone to join, whether they are looking for physical training or a dose of weekly motivation.