US Army Warrior Fitness Team
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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A recruit's physical fitness levels are an important factor when applying to the US Army.
Recruits must undergo Occupational Physical Assessment Tests, otherwise known as OPATs, to determine their level of fitness.
During these tests, soldiers must perform several physical exercises, including a seated throw with a 4.4-pound medicine ball and the deadlift with a Hex-Bar. They must complete six repetitions of each movement.
CrossFit Games success
A US Army Warrior Fitness Team member, Lt. Col. Anthony Kurz, competed at the 2019 CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin.
As a member of the team, he competed in the Men's Masters (40-44) Division. He completed three rope climbs and sixty double-unders, and he was very proud to represent his service.
After college, Cuneo joined the US Army to earn his degree. He grew to love the discipline, and after a few years, he started working out at the gym with fellow Army warriors.
A couple of years ago, he competed in the CrossFit Quarter-Finals in Knoxville, TN, and narrowly missed making it to the Semi-Finals.
In addition to competing in the CrossFit Games, Cuneo also enjoys teaching other people about the benefits of CrossFit.
OPAT
The OPAT for US Army warrior fitness is a physical fitness test that is used to evaluate new recruits.
It consists of a series of exercises designed to measure strength and endurance. Recruits are required to pass each exercise with satisfactory results, and passing the OPAT will help them advance within their service branch or MOS.
The OPAT measures cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and explosive power. It also evaluates speed. It has four individual tests, including the standing long jump and the seated power throw.
The standing long jump is designed to test lower-body power, while the seated power throw measures upper-body power. Each test requires 6 repetitions.
Interview process
When you're applying to be a US Army warrior fitness team, there are several requirements to meet.
Most recruiters will want to know your strengths and weaknesses, but they're also interested in seeing your commitment to continuous improvement.
They'll ask you to balance your weaknesses with positive statements to show how committed you are to improving.
During the interview process, you'll be asked to show them some video footage of you performing exercises, such as lifting heavy weights, and demonstrating strength.
You'll also be asked to submit a resume and your workout score. If your results look promising, you'll be sent on a tryout. If you pass the tryout, you'll be placed on a temporary duty assignment.
Depending on how you perform, you'll be reassigned to the US Army Recruiting Command for a period of two years. However, if your performance isn't up to par, they may shorten your assignment.
Reloading of team
The Army's Warrior Fitness Team is looking to hit the road this spring. It has narrowed down the field of potential recruits to eight men and seven women who were all selected through a tryout at Hard Knox CrossFit in Radcliff.
The applicants were asked to perform various physical challenges, including walking on hands, lifting weights, and climbing ropes.
The team is already known to the public thanks to its success in strongman competitions.
Their member SFC Anthony Fuhrman was crowned World's Strongest Man in 2018, and their member SGT Justin Loy placed 11th.
The team has a large social media following and has been active in sponsoring several fitness-related events.
