3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment starts monthly battalion runs

Photo By Spc. Alisha Hauk | Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, finish strong during the first of what is expected to be a monthly battalion run on Forward Operating Base Normandy, located in the Diyala province of Iraq, Feb. 5.  

IRAQ

02.17.2009

Story by Pfc. Alisha Hauk 

14th Public Affairs Detachment

By Pfc. Alisha Nye
14th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE NORMANDY, Iraq - Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, participated in the first of what is expected to me a monthly battalion run at Forward Operating Base Normandy, located in the Diyala province of Iraq, Feb. 5.

"I felt that there was a need to do a battalion run regardless that we're in combat because it helps in building cohesion, morale, esprit de corps and it brings us together one time a month to get out there and do a fun run," said Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Crump, 3rd Bn. 21st Inf. Regt.

Crum said the soldiers did considerably well on the run, which was 3.1 miles, with the limited amount of physical training they have done since deploying in September.

"The pace was a little slow but, basically, we just wanted to make sure everyone had the chance to get together and run out there," Crump said. "It went very well. We're very pleased."

Now that the days are getting longer, said Crump, exercising will be easier for the soldiers in his battalion to get out there and do.

"The cold weather is starting to get behind us and the warm weather is coming up," Crum said. "The days will be getting longer so we should be able to get out there and do more PT."

The length of missions Soldiers go out on as well as the early hours of darkness have played a role in the level of PT they have done since deploying, said Crump.

"Some of it is a mind game," he said. "when they come back in, it may only be 18:00, but it's dark, so they're already thinking they want to go to chow, refit for the next day and then go to sleep. Now that there'll be a bit more light and [as] it gets to be a little warmer at night, soldiers will go out there and do a little bit more PT in between their missions."

Overall, Crump said, the run was a success.

"I'm very pleased on the run," he said. "The Soldiers were all into it. They didn't give up, no one walked. Everyone finished the run, even if they didn't finish with their companies. I've very proud."

• Date Taken: 02.17.2009
• Date Posted: 02.17.2009 03:57
• Story ID: 30101
• Location: IQ