HOHENFELS, Germany- As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, Brig. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commander of the U.S. Army 7th Army Training Command, has restricted U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach and U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria footprint from leaving post starting March 17, 2020 in order to remain a safe and strong community in Europe. With the restriction put in place, only soldiers living off post are allowed to travel to and from their home and installation. For the junior enlisted Soldiers living in the barracks, this means they are looking for ways to combat the enemy of boredom while maintaining their fitness and health.
Pvt. Kasper Messer a Soldier assigned to Charlie Company, 1-4 Infantry Regiment states that his focus remains on finding a good way to maintain health and fitness.
“Being restricted isn’t bad, It gives you time to catch up on personal needs and physical training. People should stay hydrated and take care of yourself and just take a little bit of extra precaution,” stated Messer.
Pvt. Tyler Jolley expressed that being ""stuck on base"" has not really change much for him on a day to day basis besides the newly implemented social distancing practices.
“Me personally being here (in the barracks) hasn’t really change much for me,“ said Jolley. "I just get to work out in more condensed groups of two, enjoy meals and prepare for what comes next.”
Other Soldiers of 1-4 IN said the recent restrictions have given them the opportunity to focus on higher and military education.
"All that being restricted to the post has meant to me is a lot more useful study time for things like the board and time to catch up on college course work," said Spc. Tyler Creighton a Soldier assigned to Charlie Company.
With all that is going on with the movement restrictions on Hohenfels, Soldiers are still making sure they maintain a healthy life style and a positive outlook on the future.