July 15, 2015 --
More than 20 Marines competed in the first High Intensity
Tactical Training athlete competition hosted by Marine Corps Community Services
at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 15, 2015.
The objective of the United States Marine Corps HITT is to improve
operation fitness levels and overall combat readiness while reducing the
likelihood of injury and ensuring that all Marines are physically prepared for
combat.
On the Annex Field Marines participated in seven preliminary
events. Each drill was scored based on time: the fastest time was awarded ten
points, second-six points, third-three points and all other finishers were
awarded one point.
“The main focus to prepare for this competition was mainly
endurance and stamina on a daily basis for at least an hour and a half because
I knew this was not going to be an easy task,” said Cpl. Raymond Guzman, Colors
Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, H&S Company.
The first event was
the HITT combine challenge which was five events. The Marines competed in the prone
three cone drill, the prone pro-agility drill, the kneeling power ball throw, the
standing broad jump, and a prone 25-yard dash. Each of the events was a test of
agility, change of direction, body control, upper body coordination, strength
and power.
The second event was the 400 yard tactical course for time
that consisted of a 100-yard sprint, 100-yard tire flip, 100-yard fireman’s
carry and a 100-yard sandbag bear hug carry. The aim of this course is to
measure anaerobic and muscular endurance.
“It was more physical than I expected and the course definitely
tested my athletic abilities,” said Lance Cpl. Ruben Cruz, team leader, Guard
Company..
The last event was the kettle-bell and burpee challenge.
Marines performed 10 kettle-bell swings using two hands, followed by burpees.
The number of burpees increased by one after every set of kettle-bell swings,
the series of exercises ended at 10 burpees.
This was the first time for most Marines here at the
Barracks to participate in HITT.
The competition definitely tested my abilities physically
and the fireman’s carry portion of the 400-yard tactical course allowed me to
evaluate myself to figure what I need to work on after being physically wore
out, said Sgt. Michael Williams, Mess Hall Quality Assurance Evaluator, H&S
Company.
The top male finisher, Lance Cpl. Brian Evans’, Alpha Co.,
overall score was 30 points and the top female finisher, Cpl. Alexis Lindsey’s,
protocol section, H&S Co., overall score was 70 points.
Both Evans and Lindsey will travel to Marine Air Ground
Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. to compete in the HITT Ultimate
Tactical Athlete finals in September. In the event that the top finisher is
unable to attend the finals, the second place finisher will take their place.