“It was a great workout and an even better experience getting to see firsthand how the athletes at WCAP train throughout the day.”
— 1st Lt. Alexa Kann
By 1st Lt. Giovanna Camacho
4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Capt. Kelly Kaim, left, nutritionist, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, discusses the importance of nutrition with 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st SBCT, leadership after a Total Soldier Enhancement Training session at the World Class Athlete Program training facility Jan. 26, 2017. (Photo by 1st Lt. Giovanna Camacho)
Soldiers and leaders across the Army are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the readiness of their teams, to include physical fitness.
Leaders from 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, partnered with the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) Jan. 26, 2017, to learn and implement the Total Soldier Enhancement Training (TSET) model.
WCAP Soldier-athletes developed the program designed to teach Soldiers exercising methods that will increase their level of readiness and resilience in a kinetic battlefield.
“TSET is peer-led training, which is what makes it successful,” said Sgt. 1st Class Reyes Marquez, WCAP boxer. “Various ranks, both female and male, are represented, from private to officer, creating a program that is relatable to any Soldier.”
One of the components of the program is that WCAP Soldier-athletes train a specific skill they have used to be successful both in the Army and in their sport. The elite level Soldier-athletes trained leaders in methods they must hone in order to encapsulate the true meaning of a total Soldier.
WCAP wrestlers and boxers pushed 4th BSB leaders through Bulgarian bag workouts, speed/power bag drills and agility footwork. The workout demonstrated the importance of imagery/visualization, mental agility, attention control, energy management, tactical breathing and deliberate recovery.
“It was a great workout and an even better experience getting to see firsthand how the athletes at WCAP train throughout the day,” said 1st Lt. Alexa Kann, executive officer, Company A, 4th BSB.
Following the workout, Capt. Kelly Kaim, 1st SBCT nutritionist, discussed the importance of hydration, proper meal planning and encouraged leaders to monitor Soldiers who use supplements daily. She emphasized how the body is fueled directly affects a Soldier’s performance.
The training session will have a lasting impact for one young leader.
“Working with the Soldiers and NCOs of WCAP was a great opportunity to receive a block of strenuous exercise and outstanding instruction,” said 1st Lt. Abram McIntire, executive officer, Company B, 4th BSB. “I believe that all units could gain from a session with this outstanding Army organization.”
Soldiers with the World Class Athlete Program pose for a photo with officer assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Sryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, following a Jan. 26, 2017, training session that provided the leaders with insight on the importance of physical fitness readiness. (Photo by 1st Lt. Giovanna Camacho)