DUBLIN, Calif. – During the last dog days of summer, the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command conducted the finals for their command’s Combat Fitness Challenge at the Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training Area September 7-9.
Brig. Gen. David E. Elwell, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding general, who created this new challenge, introducing “The Year of Fitness,” was not only present to observe but to also participate in some of the activities, leading the way.
During the preliminary rounds, Soldiers from the 650th Regional Support Group, 653rd RSG and 304th Sustainment Brigade were sent to compete, within their own footprint. Now, the best of the best Soldiers from those brigades have come to Camp Parks for a final competition.
The 311th ESC’s CFC is an extreme challenge that tests the Soldiers both physically and mentally. The event tested their resolve and was uniquely different because it gave junior enlisted, NCOs, and officers an opportunity to participate in the same competition.
“The level of fitness, determination and frankly sheer grit demonstrated by our Combat Fitness Challenge competitors is amazing. These have been three days of the most challenging athletic competitions that I have ever seen in my life,” said Brig. Gen. Elwell. “I can tell you that we have some very fit and ready warriors in the US Army Reserve. These soldiers can contend on any level in the Army and be competitive and I am very proud of all of them.”
The design of this event is based on ancient training philosophies with current physical and mental challenges. To be a competitor in the CFC the Soldier must have scored a 270 or better on his Army Physical Fitness Test, and be green in Medical Readiness.
The CFC competition was conducted over three days. During the first day, competitors performed an APFT with pushups, sit-ups and a mile run. Another one mile run for time in an ACU uniform was performed. In the afternoon, competitors ran a 10 kilometer run for time.
Also, in between the individual events, there were also brigade challenges, where Soldiers from each brigade, with men and women teams, went head to head. These events that included Battle Ropes and Tire Flips may have been the most challenging portion of the competition because they were thrown into a busy schedule, giving the Soldiers an even more mental challenge.
Not missing an opportunity to train, Capt. Justin Maroney, 103rd ESC antiterrorism and force protection specialist, conducted a Combatives training session. All of these challenges put a physical strain on all of the competitors, making sure the fittest won.
During the last two days, competitors participated in a series of events, testing them both mentally and physically, including a large range obstacle course. In the last day, competitors completed a 10 kilometer ruck march with a 35 pound ruck for time.
Lt. Col. Paul Tieszen, 311th ESC chief of operations, and Sgt. Maj. Donald Seay, 311th ESC operations sergeant major, along with other staff members, planned and executed the event and ensured the event lived up to all of the hype and challenges.
The female winner was 1st Lt. Amanda Bromell, 806th AG Detachment deputy chief, and the male winner was Sgt. William Voss, 420th Movement Control BN motor sergeant, who were the first winners of this new event. The 650th RSG won the brigade portion of the challenge.
“It was definitely challenging, both physically and mentally, but we all had a "why" that kept us pushing through the pain and mine was 1st Lt. Kathryn Bailey. She was killed when her Blackhawk went down off the coast of Oahu three weeks ago,” said Bromell. “I just feel honored to have been given the opportunity to compete alongside such talented and motivated Soldiers. I want to set the example for my Soldiers and I definitely have something I can bring back to my home unit.”
Physical fitness is one of the cornerstones of combat readiness because being physically fit enables the Soldier to be mission ready. At the 311th ESC, the focus is on fitness being a condition of service in the Army Reserve so that one is ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
The CFC competition will set a new standard and promote change that can help Soldiers who will commit to health as a lifestyle.
“I would love to see this competition adopted by the entire Army. This challenge is very unique. I don't think that anyone is doing something as demanding and on the scale of the 311th ESC Combat Fitness Challenge,” said Brig. Gen. Elwell. “The Soldiers loved the competition. As an Army, we need to do more to highlight our Combat Warriors and give them opportunities to excel. This challenge is like American Ninja Warrior on steroids.”
The 311th ESC introduced the Combat Fitness Challenge as a means to recognize those who excel in fitness. Distinguishing, while challenging, those combat physically fit leaders to be examples for fitness readiness and role models of their units.