Photo By Lt. Col. Jean Kratzer | New York Army National Guard Sgt. Katie Roskoff competes in the " All Guard Endurance"...... read more read more
Nine New York Army National Guard Soldiers put their strength and endurance to the test during the National Guard’s All Guard Endurance Team competition in Austin, Texas on Jan. 15.
They were among 140 Army and Air National Guard members from 35 states and two territories, competing for the 42 male and 17 female slots in the team.
The New York Soldiers were the largest time competing. Six of them made the All Guard Endurance Team, and two won awards in the age group competitive division.
"It was an incredible experience, and I am honored to be a part of the team, said Sgt. 1st Class Travis Muhlnickel, a member of the 10th Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment.
The All Guard Endurance Team began as an idea to expand the existing National Guard Marathon Program, which promotes the Army and Air National Guard both locally and nationally while bolstering the National Guard Retention Program by instilling physical fitness, self-discipline, and esprit de corps among National Guard members.
The competition revolves around using ten exercise machines designed by Spartan, a company which hosts competitive marathon and fitness events.
The system is known as DEKAFIT, from the Greek work for ten. Each machine tests endurance and strength in different ways.
“The combination of speed, strength, and endurance required to complete the DEKAFIT makes it the perfect test for the National Guard Endurance Team," Muhlnickel explained.
"It was incredible competing with my other New York teammates, and I learned that I have a lot more training to do and what I need to work on more," he added.
The event was based on age group, gender, and time the service members took to complete ten zone events. Before getting on the machines, each athlete ran 500-meters, the equivalent of a 5K run.
All zones were designed to challenge competitors ranging from elite athletes to first-time participants. DEKA wanted to create an inclusive race that is empowering and allows for every person to "earn their mark" by completing the race. The zones are:
• ZONE 1 - RAM Alt Reverse Lunge
• ZONE 2 - 500M Row
• ZONE 3 - 24" Box Jump / Step Overs
• ZONE 4 - Med Ball Sit-Up
• ZONE 5 - 500M Ski Erg
• ZONE 6 - 100M Farmer's Carry
• ZONE 7 - 25 kcal Air Bike
• ZONE 8 - Dead/Slam Ball Shoulder Over
• ZONE 9 - 100M Tank Push/Pull
• ZONE 10 - RAM Burpees
The New York Soldiers who took part in the competition were:
•Maj. Nick Whaley, 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st place in the age group 40-44, All Guard Team
•Maj. Andrew Miller, 10th Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational Detachment (MCPOD), 3rd place in the age group 35-39, All Guard Team
•1st Lt. Nick Trentanelli, 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, All Guard Team
•Sgt. 1st Class Travis Muhlnickel, 10th Infantry Division Main Command Post Operational, All Guard Team
•Staff Sgt. Ian Turner, 2nd Civil Support Team, All Guard Team
•Sgt. Katie Roskoff, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, All Guard Team
• Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Blount, 427th Brigade Support Battalion
• Sgt. 1St Class Chad Gilmore, 204th Engineer Battalion
• Staff Sgt. Nicole Scibelli, 1-258th Field Artillery Battalion
While most competitors have been training for the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), this competition also focused on running and obstacles.
"I appreciate the support of our chain of commands and the state for allowing us to compete this weekend. This allowed our team to be successful," Whaley said.
The individuals named on the All Guard Team will have the opportunity to compete on behalf of the National Guard at various Spartan Races, DekaFit, and other obstacle course racing events over the next two years.
Typically the team will hold six events per year to spread the message of the National Guard and enhance recruiting efforts.
This team is designed to encourage and enhance the National Guard retention program by instilling physical fitness and self-discipline amongst National Guard members, and we want more people to continue to try out for the team," Whaley added.
| Date Taken: | 01.18.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 01.18.2022 16:44 |
| Story ID: | 413043 |
| Location: | AUSTIN, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 598 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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