Combat Conditioning Course trains unit reps to teach others

The old Marine Corps adage “train like you fight” is emblazoned in the heart of every Marine, since their first hike or from sighting in for their first shot on the rifle range. The same is true for physical training; a time when it’s especially vital for the motto to be on the forefront of Marines’ minds.

For more than three years now, Semper Fit, a division of Marine Corps Community Services, holds a quarterly training called the Combat Conditioning Course, a two-day course designed to teach Marines and sailors all-encompassing techniques for enhanced physical performance, showing Marines the logistical side of “train like you fight.”

“We use lectures and practical application to instill performance, nutrition, injury prevention, speed and agility, plyometrics and traditional workout concepts into our students,” said Joe Artino, fitness programs supervisor, Semper Fit, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Students are encouraged to take the lessons learned back to their commands and serve as a combat conditioning unit representative, designing custom-fit training regimens for their Marines and sailors.

Semper Fit instructors and representatives from all over Camp Pendleton come to hold demonstrations for the class, which can accommodate up to 55 Marines and sailors.

“It’s an overall, comprehensive idea of how to run physical training,” said 1st Lt. Justin Griffis, groundside training officer for Marine Air Support Squadron – 3, and student of the course. “It’s a lot of different classes on how to put together training circuits for the Marines and what kind of physical training you should include. The idea of it being comprehensive in nature will eventually affect us on the battlefield because in combat, you’re using every muscle group, so short bursts of speed and long-term strength and conditioning are equally important.”

The concept of the course follows closely in line with the Corps’ recent implementation of the Combat Fitness Test, a more field-oriented way to train Marines to succeed on the battlefield.

“We kind of tie everything into combat fitness,” Artino said. “It all goes back to making the Marine into the tactical athlete.”

Camp Pendleton’s next course is slated for July 25-26. Questions can be directed to (760) 763-0657.