[Jack Moroney (RIP)]

I have been reading a lot of these threads with some amusement, not that I think any of you are not genuine in what you are seeking. However, the bottom line is that you need to understand exactly what it is that you are going to be required to do. What tasks are you going to have to perform, to what standard and under what conditions. Once you do that I think you will be able to answer most of your questions yourself. There is no magic bullet, no special machine, no one program that will meet each and every one of your needs. There is a basic goal, and that is total fitness. I have known and worked with many folks of all abilities under a variety of conditions and while they could all meet whatever standards were required for the various physical fitness tests and measurements each brough to the effort different levels of fitness in different areas. Warrior-Mentor has done an excellent job in removing a lot of the "unknowns" on how to prepare for selection but that is not necessarily your "program for life". Each of you are physiologically different, are different ages, have different strengths and limitations: use what works, work on those areas that need improvement, and develop a program that provides strength, endurance and that can be followed, maintained, and improved upon as you progress to meet the needs of your profession.

As far as how important being able to "bench press a lot of weight" is concerned, that too has its place. For those of you that see yourself as leaders and wish to accept that mantel, then understand that leaders lead from the front and need to set the example for everything and that includes physical fitness. It doesn't mean that you are the most fit, but it does mean that you are maximizing your potential, are able to perform your reponsibilities without dragging down your organization, are not the weak link, and are performing to the level that ensures your folks can perform to theirs without being concerned about your physical limitations. There may be instances where you are going to be the only one in "Dodge" that is able to step up to the bar because you have the ability to heft a bunch of weight . While I cannot guarantee you that it will come for you it has come to me on several occassions and you best be up to the challenge for the sake of your mission and the men who are looking to you for leadership or reaching out to you for help. You see, at this point, it is not longer about failing yourself but it is about failing your team and that is one failure that is unforgiveable. For those of you that are into other folks' quotes and need a little inspiration to drive you to excell Vince Lombardi defined well. He said,"Fatique makes cowards of us all".