GALLIPOLI BARRACKS, Australia - On a cool morning, six I Corps Soldiers conducted physical training, lifting truck tires, full water cans, and three-foot steel bars. It could have been any PT session, but this one had a bit of a twist.
This session was led by several soldiers from the Royal Australian Army and served as an icebreaker before the start of Talisman Sabre 15.
Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise, consisting of U.S. and Australian forces with a contingent of 30,000 participants. I Corps is using this exercise to validate as a Combined Forces Land Component Command.
"Part of the goal of this exercise is to get to know each other better," said Australian Maj. Steve Young, Camp Commandant, 1st Signal Regiment. "Putting each other under physical stress is a great way to learn about each other and our strengths and weaknesses."
The group started the session by warming up before breaking down into several teams, each with both U.S. and Australian Soldiers. The teams had one goal; make it to a top of a hill with a litter, three 1-liter water cans, a 3-foot steel bar and a truck tire.
"The great thing about hill walking is basically anyone can walk, even if they can't carry a lot of weight or run," Young said. "This stuff really stresses everybody."
The hill was not much of a challenge at first, as the Soldiers were laughing and joking with each other. As the hill continued though, the laughing stopped and the breathing became more and more labored.
"I was not expecting the hill to be that tall or steep," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Abonis Fabian Diaz, a human resources technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, I Corps. "This hill was unique and challenging. It was tiresome but a good team building experience."
After reaching the top, Young told the teams they were not finished yet. After a quick breather he introduced "Sally," his newest PT tradition.
"I had a surprise waiting for them at the top of the hill," said Young. "Sally came about when a corporal did squats to the song 'Flower' by Moby during my first PT session as squadron commander. I liked it so I made it my own."
Even the Australian soldiers who participated in similar sessions before, like Lt. Michael Corvalan, found the workout a challenge.
"First time we did 'Sally,' we had no idea what was going to happen," said Corvalan, electrical mechanical engineering officer with 1st Signal Regiment. "After carrying the gear up the hill, people were more fatigued so the 'Sally' workout hurt a bit more. But the Americans kept up with us the whole time."
With "Sally" complete, the teams were on their own back down the hill. This time, each took the paved road to the bottom, still steep, but a little easier.
"It was very challenging PT session," said Fabian Diaz. "As our Australian brothers and sisters would say, 'it was fantastic.' I am looking forward to doing it again."
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