CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

U.S. Army Sgt. Marco Rolon, left, human resources noncommissioned officer (NCO) with the 224th Sustainment Brigade, California Army National Guard, performs a sit-up before his grader, Sgt. Kevin Rivas, center, during the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) at Long Beach Armory in Long Beach, California, Feb. 24, 2019. The APFT is designed to test Soldiers’ muscular strength, endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Ramelb)

More than 500 rising high school students covered Daly Field for an early-morning physical training session on May 31. The exercise included the traditional Army staples of stretches and pushups and situps. With the help of a motivated cadet cadre, the students’ competitive spirit was activated during an enthusiastic series of relay races. SLS is a weeklong program developed by West Point Admissions in 1976 for rising high school seniors to experience a week at West Point. It was originally designed to capture the academic experience for students but gradually covered the full spectrum—from the classroom to field training and athletics. During the weeklong session, students learn about West Point from cadet cadre, senior military leaders, instructors and coaches. More than 1,000 students will experience West Point this summer, from a field of about 4,000 candidates. More than 350 cadet candidates who attended SLS last year will return to the academy June 27 for Reception Day. Photo by Mike Strasser, West Point Public Affairs

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

131025-M-NV693-041

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – Cpl. Omar K. Fuentes strives for one more pullup during a reconnaissance physical assessment test Oct. 24 at Camp Hansen. "By running the RPAT, these (Headquarters and Service Company) Marines are demonstrating that they are adhering to our high standards of physical training and proving they can handle a combat patrol,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Froio. Fuentes is a mechanic with H&S Co., 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Froio is the training chief for the battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

A contestant participating in the Marine Physical Fitness Challenge at the New Embassy Compound Aug. 26 hangs above the bar during the pull-up portion of the competition. The competition consisted of three events, pull-ups, sit-ups, and a three-mile run. (By Army Spc. Timothy R. Koster, United States Forces - Iraq Public Affairs)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

Situp guard done by Mason.

Hit the gym in our apartment complex today. After our shirtless capoeira performance this weekend at the Bayou Arts Festival here in Houston, I kinda got a reality check. Nothing like running around on stage, jumping up and down without your shirt on to remind you of all those times you said "I'll do pushups tomorrow" or "I'll start doing situps next week". The mythical future date that never seems to arrive.

I was kinda caught off-guard this weekend at the event. New group, new rules, right? Who knew they (the males in the group) perform shirtless?? I don't intend to be surprised like that again. I'm training capo Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat. I'm running Tues, Thurs and Sun. Don't need to look ripped (I wouldn't mind it, but that's a wee bit unrealistic for me, I think.) I just need to get rid of the beer-belly and look presentable to the public should some other stunt get pulled on me.

So, running it is.

Plus, it'll be great for building my endurance, and keeping me in the roda longer! WoOt! I'm an old man. I'll take whatever advantage I can get to keep up with the other young whipper-snappers in my capoeira classes.

Ran 3.31 miles tonight. That's the longest I've run consistently since leaving the military. Not bad for my first time back, eh? :)

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

Hanging shoes.

More than 500 rising high school students covered Daly Field for an early-morning physical training session on May 31. The exercise included the traditional Army staples of stretches and pushups and situps. With the help of a motivated cadet cadre, the students’ competitive spirit was activated during an enthusiastic series of relay races. SLS is a weeklong program developed by West Point Admissions in 1976 for rising high school seniors to experience a week at West Point. It was originally designed to capture the academic experience for students but gradually covered the full spectrum—from the classroom to field training and athletics. During the weeklong session, students learn about West Point from cadet cadre, senior military leaders, instructors and coaches. More than 1,000 students will experience West Point this summer, from a field of about 4,000 candidates. More than 350 cadet candidates who attended SLS last year will return to the academy June 27 for Reception Day. Photo by Mike Strasser, West Point Public Affairs

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

[19:38] arwen Eiren looks over to adagio"me promise be a good girl and to listen to you and mara."

[19:41] Amara kneeled on the carpet, carefully resting her weight on both hands in preparation for her pushups. These she liked more than the situps. "Good to know you're happy, sweetheart. And even better to know you'll be a good girl, Arwen. No more bath tub chases yes?" She had every expectation that she'd be chasing the girl up and down Main Street for some other reason, but the knowledge that bathtime would not be a production was nice.

[19:42] arwen Eiren grins then nods"okays..."she giggles rmeembering the bath chase after her adventure.

[19:43] Adagio: just smiles a little bit turning back around wiping the last vestiges of her tears from her eyes. she'd break into a slight smiel seeing amara doing pushups. "Do those with teh real arm and we'll see how many you can do." she'd just laugh gently joining Amara on the floor after removing the jacket and necklace.

[19:48] arwen Eiren decides just to dance though she starts to yawn a little as she does

[19:50] Amara rolled her eyes at the challenge. "Don't get cocky with me. I'm working my right arm so it can be as fast as my natural one." She was all too happy to switch arms and show the clear difference between muscle and machine. "See? It's slower on my right. I can't work the arm this quickly, it doesn't respond that fast." Arm exercises, Amara was comfy with.

[19:52] Adagio: nods a little bit spotting the difference. "it's not tuned to be fast Amara. I don't need you destroying your arms every few fights. But Good you're working out anyway."

[19:55] Amara nodded, returning to her artificial limb. "I know it's not tuned to be fast, but it's odd when my natural reaction times are faster than my arm can manage." She glanced at Adagio's legs. "Adagio…Are you doing pushups at 100 miles per hour…in pumps?!"

[19:57] Adagio: just chuckles a little bit. "yes actually, it forces me to stabilize my lower body more when I workout with shoes on, besides, this was spur of the moment. and I hate saying this amara, but you'll have to get used to that arm being slower unless you want it weaker."

[20:02] Amara sighed. "I know I can't expect it to be any faster than it was designed to be, but a few seconds shaved off the processing time is good enough for me. For a while, I could only manage three or four on this arm before the area by my shoulder would go numb…like the phantom limb stuff." As if on cue, Amara started to feel her nerves falling asleep. She stopped, moving to her other arm before she sat on the floor. "Okay. One hour…that's enough for me."

Continuing a tradition since 1663 when the Lords Proprietors were first granted permission by the Carolina Charter, North Carolina National Guard Soldiers kept ready to deploy in defense of friends, family and neighbors during May Drill at headquarters in Raleigh and at Camp Butner in Stem, North Carolina. Pushups, sit-ups, 2-mile runs, pistol and rifle qualification were the order of the day for students, business owners, professionals, stay at home parents, Citizen-Soldiers all. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan / Released)

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

030131-N-8209D-007

San Diego, Calif. (January 31, 2003) -- As an instructor monitors a training evolution, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) Class 244 receives instructions on their next exercise.

US Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate Third Class John DeCoursey

Asian Fat girl and her trainer take out door exercise for her slim and healthy, this photo can use for fitness, sport , yoka and coach concept

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

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More than 500 rising high school students covered Daly Field for an early-morning physical training session on May 31. The exercise included the traditional Army staples of stretches and pushups and situps. With the help of a motivated cadet cadre, the students’ competitive spirit was activated during an enthusiastic series of relay races. SLS is a weeklong program developed by West Point Admissions in 1976 for rising high school seniors to experience a week at West Point. It was originally designed to capture the academic experience for students but gradually covered the full spectrum—from the classroom to field training and athletics. During the weeklong session, students learn about West Point from cadet cadre, senior military leaders, instructors and coaches. More than 1,000 students will experience West Point this summer, from a field of about 4,000 candidates. More than 350 cadet candidates who attended SLS last year will return to the academy June 27 for Reception Day. Photo by Mike Strasser, West Point Public Affairs

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Joint Force Headquarters, South Carolina National Guard, take the Army Physical Fitness Test Oct. 26, 2019, at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina. Soldiers participate in pushups, situps and either a two-mile run or 2.5 mile walk to test the physical endurance and status of each Soldier. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Erica Jaros, 108th Public Affairs Detachment)

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and their families from the Camp Zama community kicked off Army Birthday Week with sports, games and tournaments designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout U.S. Army Japan Command. For five days dozens of units from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will compete in various challenges to test their cumulative strength, speed, endurance and dexterity. From team sports, golf scrambles and swim relays to bowling tournaments, relay races and free throw competitions, the Army Birthday Week events offer a variety of team competitions and individual contests that maximize appeal across the entire sports spectrum.

The “Not in My Squad” challenge offered the most unique competition appearing in this week’s lineup. Nine representatives from Camp Zama’s Army and Air Force units endured a series of physically draining events spread along a three-mile route. The teams worked together to carry five-gallon cans of water to each event where they performed various exercises comprising hundreds of pushups, situps, pullups, tire flips and kettle bell curls. The challenge concluded with a role-play scenario that tested the teams’ cumulative knowledge about how to handle a sexual harassment incident.

A unit that wins first place in a specific event earns five points, while second and third place finishes earn three and two points respectively. Every unit that participates in an event earns one point.

As of June 15, 2016, U.S. Army Aviation Battalion maintains the lead with 35 points. The 441st Military Intelligence Battalion holds second place with 29 points and Medical Department Activity-Japan pulled into third place with 27 points. U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) remains in fourth place with 23 points. Since Monday USARJ has earned third place in the soccer tournament, second place in the "Not in My Squad" challenge, and first place in the swim relay.

On Friday, June 17, all teams will convene at the Camp Zama High School sports complex to compete to foot races and cheer on their comrades in the annual tug-of-war bout and soccer match between the JGSDF’s Central Readiness Force U.S. service members stationed Camp Zama.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, U.S. Army Japan

Leslie McNamara, a contestant in the Marine Physical Fitness Competition at the New Embassy Compound, Aug. 26, participates in the sit-up portion of the competition. (By Army Spc. Timothy R. Koster, United States Forces - Iraq Public Affairs)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

Photo taken at the Battle Mountain High School Football Field.

SSgt Gibson had come out to give my son, Chris Johnson his Physical Fitness Test for Devil Pup Camp.

Devil Pup Camp is a 10 day camp held at Camp Pendelton, CA. It is open to all teenage boys and girls.

More than 500 rising high school students covered Daly Field for an early-morning physical training session on May 31. The exercise included the traditional Army staples of stretches and pushups and situps. With the help of a motivated cadet cadre, the students’ competitive spirit was activated during an enthusiastic series of relay races. SLS is a weeklong program developed by West Point Admissions in 1976 for rising high school seniors to experience a week at West Point. It was originally designed to capture the academic experience for students but gradually covered the full spectrum—from the classroom to field training and athletics. During the weeklong session, students learn about West Point from cadet cadre, senior military leaders, instructors and coaches. More than 1,000 students will experience West Point this summer, from a field of about 4,000 candidates. More than 350 cadet candidates who attended SLS last year will return to the academy June 27 for Reception Day. Photo by Mike Strasser, West Point Public Affairs

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Tennessee

Memphis is a city along the Mississippi River in southwestern Shelby County, Tennessee, United States. The 2019 population was 651,073, making Memphis the largest city on the Mississippi River, the second most populous in Tennessee, as well as the 26th largest city in the United States. Greater Memphis is the 42nd largest metropolitan area in the United States, with a population of 1,348,260 in 2017. The city is the anchor of West Tennessee and the greater Mid-South region, which includes portions of neighboring Arkansas, Mississippi, and the Missouri Bootheel. Memphis is the seat of Shelby County, Tennessee's most populous county. One of the more historic and culturally significant cities of the southern United States, Memphis has a wide variety of landscapes and distinct neighborhoods.

The first European explorer to visit the area of present-day Memphis was Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto in 1541 with his expedition into the New World. The high Chickasaw Bluffs protecting the location from the waters of the Mississippi was then contested by the Spanish, French, and the English as Memphis took shape. Modern Memphis was founded in 1819 by three prominent Americans: John Overton, James Winchester, and future president Andrew Jackson.

Memphis grew into one of the largest cities of the Antebellum South as a market for agricultural goods, natural resources like lumber, and the American slave trade. After the American Civil War and the end of slavery, the city experienced even faster growth into the 20th century as it became among the largest world markets for cotton and lumber.

Home to Tennessee's largest African-American population, Memphis played a prominent role in the American civil rights movement and was the site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1968 assassination. The city now hosts the National Civil Rights Museum—a Smithsonian affiliate institution. Since the civil rights era, Memphis has become one of the nation's leading commercial centers in transportation and logistics. Its largest employer is the multinational courier corporation FedEx, which maintains its global air hub at Memphis International Airport, making it the second-busiest cargo airport in the world. In addition to being a global air cargo leader, the International Port of Memphis also hosts the 5th busiest inland water port in the U.S., with access to the Mississippi River allowing shipments to arrive from around the world for conversion to train and trucking transport throughout the United States, making Memphis a multi-modal hub for trading goods for imports and exports despite its inland location.

Memphis is a regional center for commerce, education, media, art, and entertainment. It has long had a prominent music scene, with historic blues clubs on Beale Street originating the unique Memphis blues sound in the early 20th century. The city's music has continued to be shaped by a multicultural mix of influences: the blues, country, rock n' roll, soul, and hip-hop. Memphis barbecue has achieved international prominence, and the city hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which attracts over 100,000 visitors to the city annually.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland

Graceland is a mansion on a 13.8-acre (5.6 ha) estate in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, once owned by singer and actor Elvis Presley. His daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, has been the owner of Graceland since his death in 1977. Graceland is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in the vast Whitehaven community, about 9 miles (14 km) from Downtown and less than 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the Mississippi border.

It was opened to the public as a museum on June 7, 1982. The site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1991, becoming the first site related to rock and roll to be entered therein. Graceland was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006, also a first for a rock singer. Graceland is the second most-visited house in the U.S. after the White House, with over 650,000 visitors a year.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), also known simply as Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King". His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, led him to great success—and initial controversy.

Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African-American music to a wider audience. Presley, on rhythm acoustic guitar, and accompanied by lead guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage him for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number-one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll.

In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts, however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood films and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate at the age of 42.

With his rise from poverty to significant fame, Presley's success seemed to epitomize the American Dream. The best-selling solo music artist of all time, he was commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, R&B, adult contemporary, and gospel. He won three Grammy Awards, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame. Presley holds several records; the most RIAA certified gold and platinum albums, the most albums charted on the Billboard 200, and the most number-one albums and number-one singles on the UK Albums Chart and UK Singles Chart, respectively. In 2018, Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN