TACP specialists use CrossFit to stay in shape

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In the ever-changing landscape of the battlefield, service members are presented with more challenges and changes as time goes on. While technology and tactics advance into futuristic gear and apparel, physical fitness remains a staple to everyone wearing a uniform.

On a small forward operating base in Afghanistan, several Airmen have adapted to the requirement of higher fitness standards by using a methodology called CrossFit.

"There are many benefits of using CrossFit to stay in shape while deployed to a FOB," said Master Sgt. Wesley Bloechle, Tactical Air Control Party specialist currently deployed to Afghanistan. "The workouts only take a few minutes to perform and minimal equipment is required."

CrossFit is a constantly varying functional fitness regimen performed at a high intensity. It utilizes three aspects of fitness, which directly correlate to the duties of a TACP speclialist, Bloechle said.

The methodology uses weightlifting, cardio and gymnastics to engage the entire body in each workout. All the movements are natural and lead up to the mission and the workouts can be accomplished in five to 20 minutes, Bloechle said.

"The condensed workout time and the practical applications of the methodology make it really easy to stay in top shape while I'm at the FOB," said Senior Airman Brian Walters, TACP specialist currently deployed to Afghanistan. "It prepares me to be physically and mentally ready. It also helps me handle stress better."

The mission of a TACP specialist is to provide air support to Soldiers in the deployed environment. The Airmen at the FOB regularly go on patrols with Soldiers to perform their duties.

"Our workout regimen plays a major role in keeping the pace with Soldiers," Bloechle said. "As TACP, we carry all the same equipment a regular Soldier in the infantry carries, plus an additional 40 to 50 pounds of radio and marking equipment."

While pushups, sit-ups and a mile run are good ways to measure physical fitness, they do not help Airmen in combat as much as the CrossFit methodology does, Bloechle said.

"When we are out on patrols and come in contact with hostiles, I am not going to need to run a mile and a half; it will be a quick sprint to cover," Bloechle said. "Pushups and sit-ups are good, but I need to train to be able to lift up my wingman if he falls and carry him to safety. The traditional ways of performing physical training will not get me ready to carry a 200 pound Airman with all his gear."

While the increased work capacity and abilities are a benefit, cost and mobility are major factors that make CrossFit such a good fit for the TACP specialists.

"With only a set of bumper plates, a wall ball and a pull-up bar I can perform 90 percent of the CrossFit workouts," Bloechle said. "The equipment is easily deployable and takes up a small space. I can set up a workout at any base, no matter how austere, or even in a hotel parking lot."

The money saved has made a notable difference as well, Bloechle said. For the same price of six treadmills, Bloechle was able to purchase enough equipment to support 40 Airmen at his home station.