Status of Forces Agreement personnel participate in High Intensity Tactical Training

Photo By Sgt. Douglas Simons | Participants of a High Intensity Tactical Training class pose for a photo May 18 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of HITT is to enhance operational fitness levels and optimize combat readiness and resiliency for Marines by performing exercises that are commonly utilized in a combat scenario. The class consisted of exercises such as lunges, squats, pushups and side-steps. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Douglas D. Simons/Released)  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

05.18.2016

Story by Cpl. Douglas Simons 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

There are many ways for Marines to stay fit, but some Marines on Okinawa believe lifting weights in the gym does not really condition you for the rigors of combat.
Lifting weights will make you strong, but the only thing that will help in an intense situation is a high intensity workout that mimics certain maneuvers you may have to perform in combat, according to Lance Cpl. Juan C. Bustos, a combat photographer with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan.
“I am never going to have to bench press in a combat situation,” said Bustos, a Salt Lake City, Utah, native. “That is why I do High Intensity Tactical Training. Train like you fight, fight like you train.”
HITT is a type of training that conditions the body to withstand stressful situations by adding weight and rapid revolutions to exercises such as running, squats, pushups, and core exercises according to Shane Gallagher, a fitness coordinator for Marine Corps Community Services, Okinawa, Japan.
“HITT is geared toward making Marines more efficient in the field. Most people like to gain strength in a gym, but they cannot effectively carry that over to the field,” said Gallagher. “HITT training turns Marines into combat athletes.”
Some people have their doubts about HITT, but once you try it, you will see results according to Yoshie Villarie, an administrative specialist for MCCS, Okinawa, Japan.
“Many of my co-workers are HITT instructors, so I finally decided to try it,” said Villarie, an Okinawa, Japan, native. “I can already feel myself getting stronger. I do yoga, and I’ve noticed it has become easier for me to hold certain positions, such as the plank, longer since I started HITT.”
To find more information about HITT, contact your local MCCS.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2016
• Date Posted: 05.24.2016 01:37
• Story ID: 198851
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP