1,2,3,4, Marine Corps!

Preamble:

Every six months, the U.S. Marine Corps uses the following combat fitness test (CFT), to keep Marines ready for the physical rigors of contemporary combat operations. The time had come to see how the PAX of Nirvana faired when it came to individual readiness in several areas.  With a 400 yard asphalt track, a prescribed agility course laid out using small cones on a grass infield, (2) 30 pound ammo’ cans (filled with inert material) and a “grenade” [Jr. sized football], not to mention a generous warm-up period, we began.

Warm-O-Rama:

left-side karaoke around parking lot lap, right-side karaoke around parking lap, butt-kickers around parking lot lap, high knees around parking lot lap, SSH’s (IC), cotton pickers (referred to some as ‘weed’ pickers), mtn climbers and hillbillies: all at 15 reps each.  Then head to QIC’s truck parked next to steps leading to track to pick-up some gear.

The Thang:

USMC TEST: Run 880 yards simulating movement to contact in battle dress uniform (long “utility” pants and 8 inch boots, or, “boots ‘n ute’s”), fast.  Nirvana PAX ran 800 yards for time in workout shirts, shorts and running shoes.

USMC TEST: Lift a 30-pound ammunitions can overhead from shoulder height for max reps for two minutes. Nirvana PAX performed identical test.

USMC TEST: Perform a maneuver-under-fire simulated event, a timed 300-yard shuttle run in which Marines are paired up by size and perform the following tasks:

• Leg 1: sprints, agility course, high crawl, low crawl, body drag, fireman carry
• Leg 2: ammo can carry (2 X 30 pounds each), push-ups and grenade [football]  throw, ammo can carry.

Nirvana PAX ran identical agility course but had modification option of dragging 70 pound sandbag w/chain instead of body drag and fireman carry. Both legs of this test were run consecutively with no break in between each time a PAX underwent his turn.  See illustration for course layout.

In all, 2/3 of Nirvana PAX  scored 1st class for all events combined.  Here’s a link to see standards for male and female Marines to give you an idea of how scoring works: https://www.fitness.marines.mil/PFT-CFT_Standards17/

COT:

We thanked our Maker for the strength to start a new day with the energy and strength to test our selves and literally carry each other.  Announced Halpha Day at Rubicon AO 21-22 April.  Coffeeteria at Pops Coffee Co. ensued.

Naked-Man Moleskin:

The strength, stamina and agility every man gains from taking part in F3 workouts can be used in the service of others.  Today’s test served as a reminder to remain ready to help others in times of crisis (and non-crisis).  Always an honor to lead such fine men, Oorah! Sprocket out.