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NEWS | April 23, 2014

USAPFS brings MFT course to Eustis

By Senior Airman Teresa J.C. Aber 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

For the past four weeks, 50 U.S. Army Soldiers could be seen in the early morning hours across Fort Eustis, performing exercises and stretches as part of the Army Physical Readiness Training Master Fitness Trainers Course, in hopes of becoming master fitness trainers.

Mobile training teams from the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, Fort Jackson, S.C., travel to various installations to train drill sergeants, Advanced Individual Training platoon sergeants and other cadre to conduct PRT activities.

"As MFTs, we act as the liaisons between commanders and Soldiers to ensure everyone understands the PRT program," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dennis Botsch, 358th Transportation Detachment, 10th Trans. Battalion, 7th. Trans. Brigade (Expeditionary) transportation coordinator. "By having more trainers certified, we ensure more Soldiers are performing PRT properly to prepare them for warrior tests and battle drills."

The course included hands-on training that incorporated basic military skills associated with PRT, such as marching, running, swimming, jumping, vaulting, climbing, carrying, lifting and load carrying. Classroom training focused on exercise physiology, anatomy, injury prevention, exercise science and Army physical training regulations and doctrine.

"We incorporate a multitude of training techniques to enhance physical readiness among Soldiers," said 1st Lt. Amy Tang, USAPFS Mobile Training Team 6 leader. "By teaching all the different aspects of the course, we ensure Soldiers are exercising properly to reduce injuries and live a well-rounded, physically fit lifestyle."

The course teaches Soldiers more about the new PRT program, a total body workout that incorporates traditional Army strength and endurance exercises, such as the eight-count pushup and the squat bender, with new drills such as the back bridge and medial leg raises.

"Before taking the trainer course, I really didn't see much difference with the new PRT program," said Botsch. "I have realized how important it if for us to implement the right exercises in order to make the program effective."

Upon graduating the course, the new MFTs will return to their units to provide a balanced training program that prepares Soldiers for successful task performance and provides a connection to other training conducted during their day-to-day tasks.

Once the course is completed, the USAPFS mobile training team will travel to a different installation, with the goal of having a certified MFT in every company across the Army by 2017.

For more information on the USAPFS or the MFT course, visit www.jackson.army.mil/sites/usapfs.