ROBERTSON BARRACKS, Northern Territory, Australia -- Marines with Marine Rotational Force–Darwin competed for two spots in an Australian Combat Fitness Leadership Course July 30 during a barrier test at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia.
The test consisted of several grueling exercises designed to measure physical fitness, including a rope climb, a maximum set of push-ups in two minutes, a 2.4-kilometer run and a 50-meter swim.
“We use these exercises to determine the initial physical abilities of someone looking to be a combat fitness leader,” said Australian Army Cpl. Todd Hayes, a physical training instructor. “You need to have a high level of physical ability to attend the course.”
Although the course provides service members with the skills necessary to lead physical training efficiently within units of the Australian Defence Force, it does not mean they will earn the title of physical training instructor.
“This course is only the first step in becoming a physical training instructor,” explained Hayes. The Marines with this rotation are the first to take part in the Australian CFLC barrier test.
“We are 100 percent excited to have the Marines participate in the course,” said Hayes. “It gives our guys a chance to see how other services conduct physical training. I think it will be challenging for both the Americans and the Australians.”
Because the MRF-D Marines have never participated in the Australian CFLC barrier test, they found some of the exercises particularly challenging.
“The swim was the hardest part for me,” said Lance Cpl. Francisco Deleon, a radio technician with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, MRF-D. “Your muscles are tired from doing the rope climb, push-ups and all the other exercises. After all that, it takes its toll on you to swim 50 meters in cammies.”
Physical fatigue aside, Deleon said he is excited for the prospect of becoming a combat fitness leader.
“I hope I get to move on to the actual course,” said Deleon. “I’ll get to interact more with the Australian Army and create some lasting bonds of friendship.”