Otis launches new tactical fitness program

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kerri Cole
  • 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs
OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. --  Base leaders took a groundbreaking new stride in combat fitness training capability February 14, with the launch of the first tactical fitness class here.

The tactical fitness program brings a flexible, intense, team-based capability to the Air National Guard's most important asset, its Airmen, and is designed to better prepare them for AEF operations, as well as domestic operations. The program also supports the 102nd Intelligence Wing's goal of "Airmen fit and ready" with a new capability that will complement current Air Force physical fitness training policy.

The fitness area in building 158 was slightly renovated by the 102nd Civil Engineering Squadron to meet the greater demand for this tactical fitness training. The re-make of the area brought in new rubberized weights, jump boxes, a pull-up station, and a variety of workout stations modeled after higher-intensity programs such as the well-known CrossFit.

"The program is based on CrossFit, which is a core strength and conditioning program for all fitness levels. It is a broad, general, and inclusive fitness regime that is designed to prepare you for the unknowable," said Col. Patrick Cobb, 102nd Intelligence Wing commander. "Whether you are in a combat situation, need to get yourself out of a rolled-over vehicle, or are helping someone get out of a boat safely after a flood, for example."

Running, jumping, punching and throwing all originate at the core. The program looks to develop athletes from the inside out (core-to-extremities), which is how good functional movements recruit muscle, according to Crossfit.com. The specialty of the program is not specializing; its optimizing fitness by constantly varying movements performed at relatively high intensity.

"With this high intensity program, we are teaching movements that you are doing in normal life anyway, such squatting to pick something up, or lifting something over your head. This helps us not only in our federal mission, but our state mission as well because you could be out there filling sandbags, or removing large pieces of debris after a natural disaster," said Cobb. "The program offers a safe, well-rounded workout."

Tactical fitness classes are available three times per day, Monday -Friday (minus AWS Mondays and holidays) at 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3 p.m. and are 1 hour long with warm up, workout, then cool down. The classes are open to all current 102nd Intelligence Wing personnel who have access to the fitness facility in building 158, including contractors. The classes are also offered twice per day on UTA weekends: Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays 6:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

All classes are led by a certified instructor who has been taught to understand the concept behind high-intensity training and how to perform the exercises safely and determine the proper intensity level for different people.

For more information about the tactical fitness program, contact your unit fitness monitor.



"The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree not kind. Our terrorist hunters, skiers, mountain bike riders and housewives have found their best fitness from the same regimen." -Crossfit.com