Blackjack Soldiers get stronger on deployment

By Sgt. David DasilmaSeptember 4, 2010

TF Blackjack works out
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

COB ADDER, Iraq - For 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, also known as Task Force Blackjack, fitness has become contagious during its current deployment.

While this shouldn't be a surprise within an Army task force, the intensity with which Soldiers are training their bodies might be. Cross Fit, P90X, Insanity, and spin classes have become regular workouts, along with old-fashioned weight training and long-distance running.

Fitness goals vary among the Blackjack Soldiers. Some, like Warrant Officer John Boseman of Rock Mount, N.C., work out to maintain their size and mass.

Others, like Pfc. Michael Krowski of Milwaukee, an information management specialist, started their deployment workout regimen with a focus on weight loss. Krowski has lost 40 pounds since arriving in Iraq.

Krowski said his success has come by adopting a new lifestyle, not just controlling bad habits.

"I think Soldiers fill the void of being away from friends and family with weight training," Boseman said. "Out here they get a chance at a new beginning. They don't have the party life around to mess [their bodies] all up."

Maj. Norberto Menendez also leads TF Blackjack staff officer workout sessions on Thursday mornings. Once a week, staff officers participate in innovative and extreme workouts during the first 30-minute block, followed by an hour-long game of Gatorball, a variation of Ultimate Football and Soccer.

"The other day, Maj. Menendez had us doing 400 meters of lunges," said 1st Lt. Jeffrey Wolfe, medical platoon leader.

Whether it's P90X, Cross Fit, Insanity, or executive officer workouts, one fact remains constant: today's TF Blackjack is most definitely harder, better, faster, and stronger.

(Sgt. David Dasilma is assigned to the 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Inf. Div. currently attached to the 1st Infantry Division as part of United States Division-South in southern Iraq.)

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