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Written by Josh
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Thursday, 09 March 2006 |
Recruits faced their fear of heights as they dangled
above the Slide for Life obstacle’s cold water during a chilly day on
the depot physical training field March 6.
The recruits, two at a time, climbed up the wooden structure and
positioned themselves in front of two cables stretching from the top of
the obstacle vertically to the ground, over a pool of water covered
partly by a net for safety.
Once on the cables, the recruits slid off the platform with a single
foot wrapped around the cable. Using their arms and bodies to stabilize
themselves they stopped on two parts of the cable, positioned
themselves to move in opposite directions and continued to slide
further down.
This obstacle is designed to help the recruits overcome fears in
general, not only the fear of heights, but the feeling that they cannot
accomplish certain tasks. The pool is also a symbol of consequences for
not accomplishing the mission, according to Staff Sgt. Jose L. Soliz,
drill instructor, Instructional Training Company.
Although the mental aspects of the obstacle are strenuous, the actual
technique and ability to follow directions is very important to the
accomplishment and understanding of the task.
“It is important for training and safety for the recruits to listen to
their drill instructors when they tell them how to maneuver correctly,”
said 1st Lt. Richard J. Stinnett, series commander, Company M. “It also
teaches them how to negotiate through an obstacle with heights and
water.”
A few recruits plummeted into the chilly water, walking away cold and
wet to the barracks, while others finished untarnished from the
training.
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