"Are you Combat Fit?"

 I shamelessly cribbed this from "Art of Manliness".  I had heard of the "Old Style PT" test when I joined the Army in 1985 and running in boots, but they went away from that because of the injuries they caused, sure it was "Hardcore", but it caused a lot of injuries and it did effect unit readiness so they changed the standards.   When I was in the service, the standard was 40 pushups. 40 situps and 2 miles in 18 minutes was the minimum standard for the 18 through 25 year group.  I wasn't a sprinter, but I was a long distance runner, I ran 10K's every day just for fun so the 2 mile run was a piece of cake for me.  I wasn't the fastest runner because I wasn't built that way but I could run for a long time.  I quit running when I tore my knee for the 2nd time in 1993, and it never healed right.  I tore it the first time in desert Storm, during a nigh-time movement and got a lot of scar tissue in it and the 2nd one kinda put a fork in it especially when I was too macho and rushed the physical therapy due to the pressure of my job at the time.  I miss running and now I am told that I will need knee replacement surgery, the price of being really fat at one time for many years and working on concrete for many years.  Now I have lost a bunch of weight, triple digits stuff, but the damage is done.....

Are You Combat Ready?

 

As we detailed earlier this year, the Army’s physical training test has gone through several iterations over the decades, and swung between two different areas of emphasis: combat readiness and physical fitness.

In the years during and after WWII, the Army’s robust PT test aimed to test all-around functional fitness and consisted of 5 events: pull-ups, push-ups, squat jumps, sit-ups, and a 300-yard run.

But the Korean and Vietnam wars showed the military that the test was still lacking; while it gauged physical fitness, it didn’t sufficiently correlate to the kinds of physical tasks required of soldiers in combat.

So in 1969, the Army codified a new test in FM 21-20: Physical Readiness Training. As the name of the field manual implies, the emphasis of the new test was on combat readiness; in addition to gauging soldiers’ strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic/anaerobic capacities, the Physical Combat Proficiency Test (PCPT) was also designed to assess their agility, coordination, and ability to actually perform what the Army calls “warrior tasks.” It didn’t just test physical fitness, but physical skill. The test involved 5 events: low crawl, horizontal ladder, dodge/run/jump, grenade throw (substituted with a man-carry for combat support personnel), and a 1-mile run, and participants had to complete the events in their uniform pants and boots.

In the years after the introduction of the PCPT, an emerging emphasis on aerobic fitness in the wider culture (see: jogging), a concern over rising obesity rates in new recruits, and the integration of women into the military, led the Army to create a new PT test. Introduced in 1980, the Army Physical Fitness Test required just 3 events: sit-ups, push-ups, and a 2-mile run, and could be completed in a PT uniform of shorts and sneakers. As is reflected in the name change, the APFT was designed only to assess general fitness and health, and was thought to introduce greater parity for male and female soldiers.

The APFT has come in for plenty of criticism, and the PCPT is still considered by many to be the high-water mark for the Army’s physical training tests — a true assessment of all-around functional fitness and physical skill.

If you’d like to take the Physical Combat Proficiency Test yourself (combat boots optional), below we offer a condensed version (sans the manual’s administrative details). It does require some equipment (another reason it was done away with) — 4 obstacles (simple to make, or borrow a few sawhorses) for the run, dodge, jump event and a target for the grenade throw. But it’s a fun, interesting test that will give you an idea as to whether or not you’re “combat ready.”

If you take the test, let us know how it went and how you did by sharing a photo and/or your score with @artofmanliness on Twitter or Instagram!

The Physical Combat Proficiency Test 

The Physical Combat Proficiency Test is the primary Army Physical Fitness Test and is the standard test for the measurement of physical fitness and selected physical skills. To successfully complete this test requires agility, coordination, strength, and endurance. There are two versions of the Physical Combat Proficiency Test as follows:

a. For all personnel to be tested other than those undergoing individual training the skills tested are crawling, traversing, throwing, dodging, jumping, and running. These skills are measured by five events including the 40-yard low crawl; horizontal ladder; dodge, run and jump; grenade throw; and 1-mile run.

b. For personnel undergoing BCT, AIT, and CST these same skills are measured with the exception of throwing. Weight carrying is substituted and the 150-yard man carry is used in place of the grenade throw. This version of the test is known as the Physical Combat Proficiency Test — Modified.

40-Yard Low Crawl – Test Event No. 1

Instructions. The 40-yard low crawl tests your ability to crawl rapidly and is a measure of your endurance.

You are to assume a prone position at the starting line with your elbows and chest resting on the line. When I give you the starting signal “GO,” you are to crawl the length of the course, and when you are near enough to the end line of your lane, reach out and touch it with your hands; and immediately turn around by spinning on your stomach and crawl back to the starting line. Time is measured from the word “GO” until your hand touches the finish line. You must crawl low, keeping some part of your trunk on the ground at all times. This means either your hips, your stomach, or your chest on the ground. You are allowed to choose your own method of crawling, as long as the form used permits ground contact with at least one part of the trunk throughout the crawl and a low silhouette is maintained.

You can be stopped for breaking ground contact, for failure to maintain a low silhouette, and for diving or lunging at the start, on the turnaround, or at the finish. You will be warned by the scorer if you commit a violation. After the third warning you will be halted and required to rerun the course. Should you again be warned three times, you will be disqualified from the event and receive no score.

Horizontal Ladder – Test Event No. 2

Ladder dimensions: height, 9 feet; length, 20 feet; width, 16 feet.

Instructions. The horizontal ladder tests the shoulder girdle area and general body coordination.

Upon my signal step up unto the supports and grasp the first rung with both hands using the forward grip. On the command “GO” swing your feet off the support and at the same time begin forward progress grasping the next rung and propelling your body forward, you must alternate your hands grasping each rung of the ladder. When you reach the end of the ladder, turn around and come back. Continue to traverse the ladder until you hear the command “STOP” at the end of a one-minute period. The lapse of time will be announced at 15-second intervals. You will be scored on the distance traversed or “walked” on the ladder during the one-minute period. If you tire and desire to stop before the expiration of the one-minute period, you may do so. In order to receive credit for the last rung, you must actually have your body weight suspended from it, rather than merely touching the rung. If you accidentally lose your grip and fall off during the first trip down the ladder, to include the act of turning around, you will be stopped and permitted to go to the end of the line to attempt the event a second time. On the second attempt the rung count starts at zero. If you fall off a second time, at any place on the ladder, no further attempts are permitted and you are scored with the number of rungs from your second attempt.

You will be stopped and required to rerun the event if you use the supports at either end of the ladder to assist you in turning around, or use the starting blocks to rest, or as a stop to secure a better grip. On the second attempt, should you again use the supports or the footrests, you will be stopped and receive the score achieved to that point.

Dodge, Run, and Jump – Test Event No. 3

Instructions. The dodge, run, and jump tests your ability to rapidly change directions while running and to jump a six-foot-wide ditch.

On the starting command “GO” begin running from the starting line as fast as possible. Run between the first two obstacles following the directional arrows. Jump the ditch and run between the last two obstacles circling completely around the last obstacle. On the return, follow the directional arrows, continuing to weave in and out between the obstacles, jump the ditch, negotiate the last two obstacles, circle the last obstacle, and start your second trip. Follow the same route as on your first trip. At the end of your second complete round trip, you will finish at the same line from where you started. Make your run as fast as possible. You cannot use your hands to assist by grasping the obstacles and you must jump the ditch. Directional arrows appear on both sides of the obstacle. Go the way the arrows point. You will be scored on your ability to rapidly dodge and run around the obstacles and to jump the ditch.

If you intentionally touch any of the obstacles, fail to clear a ditch, or run out of the pattern, you will be stopped and required to rerun the course. Should you again commit one of these offenses you will be disqualified and receive no score. Time ends when you cross the finish line on your last trip.

Grenade Throw – Test Event No. 4

Instructions. The grenade throw tests your ability to throw both for distance and accuracy.

You are to throw seven grenades at the target which is 90 feet from the throwing line. The first two grenades are for practice and will not count on your score. The remaining five grenades will be scored. At my signal you are to throw one grenade at a time, attempting to have each grenade hit the center of the inner circle. You must throw from the kneeling position. In throwing, you may use any overarm motion desired. When it is your turn to throw, assume the kneeling position and watch me. I will be stationed in rear of the target area with this flag. Watch the flag signal; when the flag goes up, secure a grenade; when I drop the flag, make your throw. In throwing, take time to aim. Each of your grenades will be scored as follows:

• 8 points for hits in the inner circle
• 7 points for hits in the inner middle circle
• 6 points for hits in the outer middle circle
• 5 points for hits in the outer circle
• 1 point if your grenade hits inside the square but fails to hit inside the circle area

A grenade hitting on any line will score the next higher value.

The 150-Yard Man-Carry – Test Event No. 4a

This event is used in place of the grenade throw for BCT, AIT, and combat support training in USATC’s.

Instructions. You are now paired with a man of approximately your own weight. Do not change ranks or partners. The starting commands are: mount, get set, and go. On the command to mount, you are to lift your partner using the carry position of your choice. When ready, you may place your lead foot on the starting line. At the command “GO” move to the finish line at the far end of the course as fast as possible. If you fall, drop your partner, or he becomes unbalanced, you may pick him up or rebalance your load and continue the event. If this action is necessary, move rapidly as you are being timed. When you finish the event, lower your partner to the ground and both move behind the ready line and reassemble in rank order. The odd number ranks will carry their partners down the course, and after all the odd numbered men have completed the event, then even numbered men will carry their partners back up the course.

One-Mile Run – Test Event No. 5

Instructions. The one-mile run tests your endurance and your ability to make a prolonged run.

You will run in a group of 36 men. Another group of 36 men will start at the same time on the opposite side of the track. At the start, all runners will be to the rear of the starting line. At the command “GO” each man will start running around the one-quarter-mile track; each man setting his own pace and running to the right of the stakes marking the track. Four laps around the track equal one mile. You will start at this line, and after running four laps around the track, you will finish at this same line. As you complete each lap, an official will announce the number of laps remaining to be run. Try to pace yourself and do not run all-out on the first lap. You will be scored on your ability to run the mile in the shortest possible time.

Scoring the Test

In the use of Part I of the scorecard, to convert raw scores to point scores, go down the proper event column until the actual performance in time or rungs is reached. The point value to be awarded is opposite in the first column at the extreme left of the card.

The minimum total point standard for all users of the PCPT is 300 points. Personnel in the following categories are required to attain 300 points and the additional minimum event point scores as follows:

1. Combat and combat support. A minimum of 60 points in each of the five events (Fig. 1). Failure to attain these standards on any one event constitutes test failure regardless of total score.
2. Combat service support. A minimum of 45 points in each of the five events (Fig. 2). In order to score a total of 300 points it will be necessary to score more than 45 points on some or all events. Failure to attain these standards on any one event constitutes test failure regardless of total score.

 

The journey of a Boeing 757.

I am writing this story about an airplane...And those that read my blog know that besides 2nd Amendment stuff, the idiocy of the Federal government, President Obama and the bottom swilling, communist,Godless heathen Democrats and their antics, I also blog about things that I like since this is my blog, they include cars, and of course .....Airplanes!  I work in the aviation field here in Atlanta and I followed the journey of a particular airplane..Airplanes are just aluminum and wires but we who are around them imbue them with personalities and meaning.  I have a favorite airplane here at Delta and this one is my favorite,a Boeing 757-232.  The breakdown of this is as follows.  the airplane is Boeing 757-200 series and the 32 is the Customer Code that Boeing uses to designate Delta Airlines.  This particular aircraft was purchased and entered service on May 25 1988 and she wore the following colors;

This was ship N638DL as she looked back in 1988 with the traditional livery of Delta Airlines.   Here are some specs on this Boeing 757-232.  She was equipped with PW 2037 and Delta was the launch customer for this type of engine.  She flew with the traditional colors until late 90's when there was the first change in Delta Livery in 30+ years.  She was repainted with this color what Delta called "The Ron Allens"   The pic used is that of a Boeing 767 since I couldn't find one of N638DL in that color.

Ship 638 soldiered on flying routes in the United States, Puerto Rico and many other destinations from coast to coast.  She underwent another livery change to the "flowing" or as we called it the"crap" livery.  There was no "widget" as Delta people call the Delta emblem on the tail.

She flew under this emblem until Delta started "Song" airline...basically fly for a "song" marketing strategy.

Song, LLC was a low-cost airline within an airline brand owned and operated by Delta Air Lines from 2003 to 2006.  Song's fleet consisted of 47 Boeing 757 narrow-body, fitted in a 199 seats, all-economy class, more-legroom configuration and painted in a lime-green livery and one Boeing 757 narrow-body (N610DL) in pink to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. After Song was dismantled, this aircraft became the Delta Pink Plane from 2006 until 2010 when it was repainted into standard Delta livery when a new pink Boeing 767-400ER (N845MH) was introduced. Song aircraft were the first in Delta's fleet to carry onboard satellite television equipment for passenger entertainment before being introduced into the mainline fleet, including all Boeing 737-700 and domestic 767-300, and select Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Song's main focus was on leisure traffic between the northeastern United States and Florida, a market where it competed with JetBlue Airways. It also operated flights between Florida and the West Coast, and from the Northeast to the west coast.
Song's aircraft were fitted with leather seats and free personal entertainment systems at every seat, with audio MP3 programmable selections, trivia games that could be played against other passengers, a flight tracker, and satellite television (provided by the DISH Network). Song offered free beverages, but charged for meals and liquor. Both brand-name snack boxes and healthy organic meals were offered. The flight safety instructions were sung or otherwise artistically interpreted, depending on the cabin crew. In addition to crew uniforms designed by Kate Spade, customized cocktails created by nightlife impresario Rande Gerber and an in-flight exercise program designed by New York City fitness guru David Barton, the airline created its own distinct mark in the industry. The airline operated more than 200 flights a day and carried over ten million passengers.
Song's last flight took off on April 30, 2006. Service shifted to mainline Delta on May 1, 2006.
On January 1, 2008, Delta began repainting the last aircraft bearing the Song livery into mainline Delta Air Lines colors.
     This is where I come into the picture.  I was laid off from Ford Motor Company when they closed the Atlanta Assembly Plant that built the Tauruses and Sables.  I was a car paint sprayer.  We used the Electrostatic paint system to paint the cars.  I basically painted whatever the robots couldn't get.  Well it was on my resume that I had on various websites and Delta airlines were looking for painters and I was hired based on the experience I had at Ford Motor company. I was happy to be hired by a company with a good reputation.  My confidence had taken a beating when Ford shutdown and I was looking everywhere for a job and the constant rejections sucked.  I was delivering Pizza and working at Scotts lawn service as a night auditor part time.  I was worried on how I was going to support my family. 
    Well I had walked into the hanger where I saw the ship 638 for the first time in the spanking new colors.  The Widget was back! and the plane looked awesome. Ship 638 was the first plane painted in the new livery.  She was unveiled the the media and I was there when she was pushed outside for the first time.  The plane represented the restoration of my pride and confidence in myself after the long job search when I was mentally beaten down by the constant " no's that I had received in my job search.   Delta was emerging from Bankruptcy and I was feeling pride for the first time since I was told that Ford was closing the Atlanta Assembly plant in January of 2006 and the plant will be shuttered in October 2006.

There was great pride at Delta, we were emerging from bankruptcy, and had beaten back several hostile takeover attempts from U.S. Airways, there were a bunch of "keep Delta my Delta" floating around as Delta reorganized during the bankruptcy.      Our CEO at the time was Gerald "Jerry" Grinstein.  
      Grinstein came to the position in 2004, after CEO Leo F. Mullin stepped down amid a controversy over executive retirement and cash bonus plans that were deemed excessive. He is succeeded by Richard Anderson, a former Northwest Airlines executive, although Grinstein expected one of his two deputies for the top job. Grinstein and his wife Carolyn live in Seattle, Washington.
     Grinstein also set about regaining the trust and confidence of Delta's rank and file employees, most of whom still harbored a great deal of resentment over the previous management's actions. He promised open, honest communications and granted himself an annual salary of $450,000 with no bonuses or stock options of any kind, well below the multimillion dollar compensation packages accepted by Mullin and his top executives at a time when Delta was losing billions of dollars. Mr. Grinstein's mix of almost grand-fatherly demeanor and his down-to-earth communication approach enabled him to be singularly able to restore the family atmosphere at Delta despite tremendous external pressures. Grinstein was successful in attracting several highly talented executives to Delta who played critical roles in the company's survival despite the airline's precarious financial position. And Mr. Grinstein actively sought the input of employees by maintaining consistent communication with the Delta Board Council, frontline employees, and the councils and forums assembled to represent them.

    
In November 2006, US Airways launched an unsolicited hostile takeover bid for Delta which Grinstein and his executive team led by Jim Whitehurst and Edward Bastian successfully fended off by supporting the employee-led Keep Delta My Delta campaign. Grinstein retired in the Summer of 2007.
Unlike his predecessor Mullin who collected in excess of $13 million despite Delta's profuse bleeding upon his forced exit from Delta in 2003, Grinstein instead directed the company to use his allotted bankruptcy emergence stock grants to establish a scholarship fund for Delta employees and their children and a hardship fund for Delta families.
     This information I used above came from "Wiki".  I do know that many Delta airline employees considered "Jerry" as the best CEO that Delta could have had during those trying times.   The reason I mention this in association with my airplane article is that this plane was dedicated to "Jerry"
     Here is a pic of my son under this dedication.  I took this pic when I had taken him to the hanger so he can look around because he loves airplanes and "raid" the MD-88's for a drink and munchies. and I saw that she was in for another maintenance check.  I took this pic a year ago.

Because of what this plane signified to us here at Delta I kept my eye on her when ever she flew in for maintenance.

 Well I was working the ramp and I saw this plane on the ramp a few weeks ago at night and stood up on a golf cart and took this picture.   We at Delta are still proud of what Jerry did and how the airline is improved for what he did.

     Well I saw a Boeing 757 on the ramp and her colors were painted out.  That means that the plane is retiring and flying to Victorville in California.  That is where planes go when they have reached their operational life at a U.S. carrier.  I took a picture of the plane from a distance:

   I decided to go closer for a look and see what the ship number was: N638DL

  "My" 757 was retiring....  I had mixed emotions when I saw this.  I know that the 757's and older Airbuses are being phased out in the next 5 years and being replaced with Boeing 737-900ER's.  I was hoping that she would be the last one to go as befitting a good plane.  After 25 years of service, she is retiring.
    I took some more pics of her on the ramp

   Here she is facing me

The dedication is painted out.
  

Her ship number is painted out.
     I took another pic of the airplane in her entirety.

      I took the last pic of her before I had to go back to work;

She is lined up with her bretheren on the line...for the last time.    I know that time marches on and things change and objects become obsolete or "old" and the newer stuff is coming that is more fuel efficient, more comfortable, ete,ete.  I still have a soft spot for certain airplanes and I will miss seeing "my" 757 when she comes roaring into Atlanta.
    

  The pics are compliments of www.airliners.net, and my droid.