Professional Soldiers ® - View Single Post - Train-up for Nov.21 SFRE.

07-21-2011, 20:41

I agree to a point. Sure, some strong guys will struggle w/2-minute pushup and situp tests if they don't train for them. Fit guys who can carry a ton of weight and ruck forever might struggle to run 14:24 if they don't train for it. But so what? No such thing as one "best way" to train. The best way to train involves asking and answering a whole bunch of questions that will usually start with "What's the athlete trying to accomplish?" If he's attempting to pass an indoc of some kind, he'd better train to pass the specific tests, regardless of their significance to overall strength and fitness.

Sitting in the dayroom one Saturday afternoon reading Phase II assignments, writing, etc., Bob Howard sticks his head in the door and asks if anyone was interested taking a short ruck with him.

I said sure, as well as three other students. He said, "grab your boots, rucks, wear what you want", (shorts, PT gear or BDUs), the choice was ours. He was in 107s and Jungle Boots, I opted for shorts and brown T-shirt.

Departure time was 1pm, we made it all the way to Camp Mackall just after 7pm, taking a short break at some midway point, (30 minutes).

The four of us rucked as a tight group, 2 x 2. The talk was relaxed and easy, most of the dialogue were questions from Maj Howard, where we were from, what we did back at home, that sort of thing. I was too innocent to realize what an opportunity I had to ask a bunch of Vietnam questions, his MOH, the legends of CCN, CCC, CCS, who was who, where are they now, so I just kept my mouth shut and made comments like, "...nice sunset, who wants another cigar?"

Once at MacKall, he excused himself to talk to Phase I students and Cadre. He told us to eat in the Camp DFAC, and get in the truck for a ride back to post, "thanks for rucking with him", he said, he "enjoyed the company" and shook our hands, saying "good job, good job", to each of us.

Next morning, I was walking to chow, (Sunday), he was just returning back, and yes, he walked it again. Must have been up all night, leaving just after midnight.

He sat at his table, talked to TAC Cadre, and went home. Bet a buffalo nickel he walked there too.

I'm telling this story to make a point. Feeling confident about ones physical ability is great, feeling relaxed, and accepted by Bob Howard feels even better.

Keep rucking, get confident in you own abilities and above all, have a good time with your PT.

The big green tick on your back is your best friend, become one.

07-21-2011, 20:41	#53
wet dog Guest Posts: n/a	A personal history lesson from a young PFC in the "Q" I agree to a point. Sure, some strong guys will struggle w/2-minute pushup and situp tests if they don't train for them. Fit guys who can carry a ton of weight and ruck forever might struggle to run 14:24 if they don't train for it. But so what? No such thing as one "best way" to train. The best way to train involves asking and answering a whole bunch of questions that will usually start with "What's the athlete trying to accomplish?" If he's attempting to pass an indoc of some kind, he'd better train to pass the specific tests, regardless of their significance to overall strength and fitness. Sitting in the dayroom one Saturday afternoon reading Phase II assignments, writing, etc., Bob Howard sticks his head in the door and asks if anyone was interested taking a short ruck with him. I said sure, as well as three other students. He said, "grab your boots, rucks, wear what you want", (shorts, PT gear or BDUs), the choice was ours. He was in 107s and Jungle Boots, I opted for shorts and brown T-shirt. Departure time was 1pm, we made it all the way to Camp Mackall just after 7pm, taking a short break at some midway point, (30 minutes). The four of us rucked as a tight group, 2 x 2. The talk was relaxed and easy, most of the dialogue were questions from Maj Howard, where we were from, what we did back at home, that sort of thing. I was too innocent to realize what an opportunity I had to ask a bunch of Vietnam questions, his MOH, the legends of CCN, CCC, CCS, who was who, where are they now, so I just kept my mouth shut and made comments like, "...nice sunset, who wants another cigar?" Once at MacKall, he excused himself to talk to Phase I students and Cadre. He told us to eat in the Camp DFAC, and get in the truck for a ride back to post, "thanks for rucking with him", he said, he "enjoyed the company" and shook our hands, saying "good job, good job", to each of us. Next morning, I was walking to chow, (Sunday), he was just returning back, and yes, he walked it again. Must have been up all night, leaving just after midnight. He sat at his table, talked to TAC Cadre, and went home. Bet a buffalo nickel he walked there too. I'm telling this story to make a point. Feeling confident about ones physical ability is great, feeling relaxed, and accepted by Bob Howard feels even better. Keep rucking, get confident in you own abilities and above all, have a good time with your PT. The big green tick on your back is your best friend, become one. Last edited by wet dog; 07-21-2011 at 21:07.