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By Lance Cpl. Robert C. Medina
1st Marine Logistics Group
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Staying ahead of Marine Corps' new standards that could be in effect by mid-June, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, has implemented is own standards here to prepare their Marines.
The new fitness regulations leave more up to the Marines' chain of command, letting them decide what's fit and what's not.
"Everybody has a different body type, but as Marines, we should all be in shape," said Cpl. Jeffrey C. Radcliff, battalion training non-commissioned officer, Headquarters and Support Company, CLB-1.
When CLB-1 first stepped on deck, battalion commander Lt. Col. David Nathanson wanted to get a head start on his Marines' physical fitness.
"He made it like a competition to see who could lose the most weight," said Radcliff, from Independence, Kan.
It was named, "The Biggest Loser Competition," after the popular TV show.
To help Marines stay in shape, each section has its own time to use the gym. A buddy program was put in place so Marines could help manage each other's eating habits.
"There is not one Marine that has not made a significant improvement on their way to a healthier lifestyle," said Radcliff. "We run mock physical fitness tests to see our improvement."
Nathanson said it takes more than a PFT to be combat effective. The key physical fitness points he emphasizes are strength, cardio, nutrition and rest.
"The goal is to be ready for combat," said Nathanson, from Jacksonville, N.J. "The new gym that was built by the engineers, gave attention to fitness and made the Marines here interested."
Nathanson said he believes it's important to have a gym close and accessible for Marines to use.
"We try to make no excuse not to PT in a high-tempo work environment," said Nathanson.
The Biggest Loser competition is an incentive-based program where the winner receives a 96-hour liberty pass to use when they return to the states, along with the combat leave Marines accumulate while on deployment.
"It has always been a priority of mine to stay in shape," said Nathanson. "I'm glad the Marine Corps feels the same."
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2008 14:21 |
| Story ID: | 20395 |
| Location: | FALLUJAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 156 |
| Downloads: | 53 |
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