Norfolk, Va. (Feb. 19, 2015) --
CAMP
ALLEN, Va. – The Marine Corps is well known for its challenging physical standards
and offers a variety of training programs in order to maintain operational
readiness, body composition and physical appearance.
One program, High Intensity Tactical Training,
is on the rise throughout the Marine Corps because of its diverse, advanced
exercises.
Connie Bechtel, a HITT instructor
trainer at Camp Allen, conducted a week-long course Feb. 9-13 at Hopkins Hall
Gym teaching Marines how to properly and effectively instruct exercises
associated with the three modules: Combat, Warrior and Athlete HITT.
“By implementing the latest cutting edge
training methods and fundamental scientific principles, the HITT program
focuses on enhancing athleticism for today's tactical athlete, the United
States Marine,” according to the Marine Corps’ Fitness Readiness Guide.
These modules are based on physical
conditioning with each consisting of different developments and utilizing a
variety of gym equipment including kettlebells, battle ropes, suspensions
trainers and more.
In order to participate in the
instructor certification process, Marines are required to be a sergeant or
above, or a unit physical training leader. If the Marine is of lesser rank, he
or she must have a waiver in order to become an instructor. A first-class
physical fitness test and combat fitness test are also mandatory.
The training better prepares Marines for
combat and field training, said Bechtel.
“It’s built so that it’s progressive and
helps individuals improve their performance goals as opposed to their usual ‘biceps
on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,” said Bechtel.
The core of HITT begins with
learning the correct form of each exercise to decrease chances of injury to a
Marine.
“A hurt Marine does nobody any good,” said
Bechtel.
This training program can be
personalized and used by all Marines whether they are leaders seeking
development for their unit or an individual seeking self-improvement.
Emphasis of the HITT program is on key
components with relation to superior speed, power, strength endurance and
overall combat readiness while reducing the likelihood of injury and ensuring
that all Marines are physically prepared for combat.
Staff Sgt. Tyrone Kyle Baugh,
the
substance abuse control officer with Marine Forces Command, attended the
training because he wanted to learn a better way to instruct his Marines with
physical training.
“It’s a different kind of PT than the
usual running, push-ups and pull-ups,” said Baugh. “It engages different types
of gear and overall it’s just different and more enjoyable. It will make a
Marine well-rounded and assess their functional fitness and conditioning.”
Bechtel said HITT is becoming
increasingly popular and Marines are becoming more aware that PT is more than
the status quo workout which mirrors a Marine Corps physical fitness test.
“People don’t know about it when they
first come in here and it’s really great to see them getting really interested
and wanting to incorporate this and use it because it’s different,” said
Bechtel, “The old-school mentality for
the Marine Corps is ‘get out there and run.’”
Bechtel said something she enjoys about
her job is seeing Marines get out of that mentality and realize how beneficial
HITT can be.
To find out more information about HITT
visit the website: https://fitness.usmc.mil/.