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COMBAT READINESS TRAINING
The old adage, “When the going gets tough – the tough get going” is especially true for those who serve in the U.S. military. For soldiers being well-prepared is key to having confidence. When it is time to engage in battle there is no time for uncertainty, weakness, inexperience or fear. In March 2011 it was reported that the U.S. Army’s physical fitness testing has been overhauled. According to Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, “We needed to come up with a program for the incoming young soldiers who were not as focused on health, fitness and nutrition.”
Children in church often sing, “I’m in the Lord’s Army”. Christians are aware that it is important from an early age to be ready for spiritual combat. However, too often Christians remain like young soldiers and don’t TRAIN from an early age for the spiritual challenges they will experience. In much the same way that soldiers need to have mobility in every joint and avoid strength pleateaus the strong Christian needs to regularly exercise every spiritual aspect in his or her life to avoid injury and be more resilient and energized to serve.
THE COMBAT READINESS TRAINING PROGRAM
“PT [Physical Training] is training time for war” and should produce “disciplined, combat ready, battle-focused units” (Leslie, 2007). The best tool for combat training, aside from the troops’ own body weight, is the kettlebell. Kettlebells are easily transported to and used in the AOR (Area of Operation) because of their compactness. The kettlebell’s fat handle, as well as unique swing and get-up drills, cater to troop tactical needs.
Numerous troops spend time “outside the wire” and actively engaged in the stressors of combat only to return to desk jobs in the states. This program enables individuals to be combat ready year-round, (regardless of state-side duties), and can be utilized in the AOR for strength, endurance, injury reduction and tactical skill maintenance.
The Kettlebell Protocol for Combat Readiness program developed by Sara Cheatham, an Air Force Wife, incorporates joint mobility as a means of “threat inoculation” to the troops’ central nervous system; which prepares vulnerable joints and tissues for the rigors of combat. This mobility training introduces sudden and unanticipated maneuvers mirrored in the demands of combat.
Are you a soldier that is ready for battle? Maybe you are or maybe you’re not. Either way, it is time to have some fun and train hard. Print the Kettlebell Protocol for Combat Readiness program developed for Faith & Fitness Magazine readers then go to a gym or church fitness facility that has kettlebells or order your own for in-home use.
Combat readiness training is a great way for you to build confidence physically and spiritually. Try it now and wear it well.
Sara Cheatham, is an Army Brat and a dedicated Air Force wife. She has found kettlebells to be beneficial for preparing and maintianing deployable troops' needs as well as being handy for women on the home front to get & stay in shape right in their own homes. She has used kettlebells since 2004 and pressed the 16kg in her 9th month of pregnancy. Sara’s blog offers a wide range of support for your training.
Jason Rhymer, is the Training Department editor for Faith & Fitness Magazine. He is the president of Rhymer Fitness and a Z-Health Level IV Trainer. Drawing on science, faith, creativity and his personal fitness background, Jason meets the physical, spiritual and social needs of our reader. He leads Christian Fitness Bootcamps at two church locations and served during the summer of 2010 in Brazil doing ministry with Myers Park United Methodist Church.CONTACT JASON with training questions or ideas for our Training Department. For more training ideas read Jason’s Blog.
