Low-crawl drills add tactical training to PT - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Navy Times

Low-crawl drills add tactical training to PT

There is nothing more basic and essential to combat operations than the low crawl.

Since the invention of the firearm, it has been the first and most effective lifesaving maneuver a service member can perform.

Remaining hidden, after all, keeps you from becoming a target. Likewise, moving to a position that gives you the upper hand without being seen or shot is often possible or advisable only by low-crawling.

It is a combat fundamental, and it must be practiced.

But when was the last time you low-crawled, especially during physical training? I'll wager that it has been quite a while.

There are some who take this seriously. I know some people in one federal agency who are particularly hard-core about it.

They carry M4 carbines loaded with paintball ammo as they walk behind their trainees on a 100-meter low-crawl course. If a head or butt comes up at any time, it gets shot. It's rare this motivational measure has to be repeated.

You may not want to go that far with your unit, but bringing the low crawl into your PT regimen is a good start.

When low-crawling during PT, you should perform the exercise for time or distance; 100 meters is a good standard distance. After mastering technique, you should develop time standards for various distances. Keep in mind that in many cases, stealth is far more important than speed -- both need to be practiced.

How it works

1. To begin, the PT leader should yell, "Go!" or "Down!" Upon this command, you drop to the ground as quickly as you can and assume the prone position with your head turned to one side and an ear pressed to the ground. You may move your head if necessary, but the ear must stay in contact with the ground at all other times. Never raise your head to look around. (The PT leader can also order the direction of the crawl -- to the front, rear, right or left -- if desired.)

2. To perform the crawl, start by bringing a leg up along the side of your torso. I like to touch my elbow with my knee, or get as close as I can. Your opposite arm moves forward above your head, with the arm bent at 90 degrees.

3. You then transfer your weight to the cocked leg and forward elbow and push yourself ahead until your forward arm comes in contact with your body and your legs are even and extended.

4. Repeat with the other leg and arm.

5. Continue for time or distance.

Between drills, rest well and shake it out to relieve tension; hard exhalation can help speed your recovery during both the drill and rest periods. I recommend incorporating low-crawl training into your PT regimen twice a week.

Nate Morrison is an Air Force pararescueman staff sergeant. He is a military fitness expert and founder of an online fitness magazine.