Climbing Drill 2 is a higher intensity drill than Climbing Drill 1.
Soldiers conduct Climbing Drill 2 in the Sustaining Phase to prepare Soldiers for critical tasks under a fighting load such as climbing, traversing a rope, and pulling the body up on a ledge or through a window.
Soldiers increase resistance by performing Climbing Drill 2 wearing the Army combat uniform (known as ACU), load bearing equipment or load bearing vest, improved outer tactical vest, and advanced combat helmet, and carrying an individual weapon.
Due to the heavier load placed on the exercising Soldiers, spotters need to be ready to assist much earlier in Climbing Drill 2.
The goal is to perform 5–10 repetitions of all five exercises unassisted.
Except for the first exercise, Flexed-Arm Hang, the five exercises of Climbing Drill 2 are the same as Climbing Drill 1.
The Climbing Drill 2 exercises consists of the following exercises:
- Flexed-Arm Hang
- Heel Hook
- Pull-Up
- Leg Tuck
- Alternating Grip Pull-Up
FLEXED-ARM HANG
The Flexed-Arm Hang is the first exercise in Climbing Drill 2.
This exercise develops the Soldier’s upper body muscular endurance, enabling him or her to sustain the Up position.
Figure 6-7 breaks down the exercise as Soldiers conduct it with two spotters to assist:
Starting Position
The starting position for the Flexed Arm Hang is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed overhand grip.
Spotter Position
● If the Soldier states, “No spotter needed,” the two spotters are not required.
Otherwise, the spotters assume the Straddle Stance position with staggered legs in the front and back of the exerciser.
● The front spotter places palms toward the exerciser at chest height to support the exerciser if his or her grip fails.
● The rear spotter holds the exerciser’s feet against his or her thighs or abdomen to support the movement up.
Once the Soldier is up, the rear spotter stops assisting.
Commands
● On the command, “UP,” flex the elbows to pull up, raising the head above the bar.
Hold this position for a count of 5 seconds.
● On the command, “DOWN,” return to the starting position.
Additional Guidance
● If the Soldier cannot hold the up position for 5 seconds, he or she will return to the starting position.
● A longer duration hold is appropriate in Soldiers who can perform all the Climbing Drill exercises for 5 repetitions to standard without assist.
● The spotters may assist in guiding the exerciser to the foot pegs after the command “DOWN” prior to the command “DISMOUNT.”
Figure 6-7. CL2.1 Flexed-Arm Hang
HEEL HOOK
The Heel Hook is the second exercise in Climbing Drills 1 and 2.
This exercise develops the Soldier’s ability to pull up and hook the legs onto a ledge, rope, or rail.
Figure 6-2 breaks down the exercise as Soldiers conduct it with two spotters to assist:
Starting Position
The starting position for the Heel Hook is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed overhand grip.
Spotter Position
● If the Soldier states, “No spotter needed,” the two spotters are not required.
Otherwise, the spotters assume the Straddle Stance position with staggered legs on either side of the exerciser.
● Each spotter prepares to assist by positioning one hand behind and off the back of the knee and the low back.
They will be prepared at all times to assist in the movement and catch the exerciser if his or her grip fails.
Commands
● On the command, “UP,” flex the elbows, knees, and hips to raise both feet above the bar, crossing one ankle over the other.
● On the command, “DOWN,” return to the starting position.
Additional Guidance
● The spotters may assist in guiding the exerciser to the foot pegs after the command “DOWN” prior to the command “DISMOUNT.”
Figure 6-2. CL1.2 Heel Hook
PULL-UP
The Pull-Up is the third exercise in Climbing Drills 1 and 2.
This exercise develops the Soldier’s ability to pull up without using the legs.
Figure 6-3 on page 6-4 breaks down the exercise as Soldiers conduct it with two spotters to assist:
Starting Position
The starting position for the Pull-Up is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed overhand grip.
Spotter Position
● If the Soldier states, “No spotter needed,” the two spotters are not required.
Otherwise, the spotters assume the Straddle Stance position with staggered legs in the front and back of the exerciser.
● The front spotter places palms toward the exerciser at chest height to support the exerciser if his or her grip fails.
● The rear spotter holds the exerciser’s feet against his or her thighs or abdomen to support the movement up.
Once the Soldier is up, the rear spotter stops assisting.
Commands
● On the command, “UP,” flex the elbows, raising the body in a straight line until the head is above the bar.
● On the command, “DOWN,” return to the starting position.
Repetitions
● Repeat the exercise 5–10 times.
Additional Guidance
● The spotters may assist in guiding the exerciser to the foot pegs after the command “DOWN” prior to the command “DISMOUNT.”
Figure 6-3. CL1.3 Pull-Up
LEG TUCK
The Leg Tuck is the fourth exercise in Climbing Drills 1 and 2.
This exercise combines upper body and abdominal strength to develop the Soldier’s ability to hang while moving the legs into different support positions for climbing.
Figure 6-4 breaks down the exercise as Soldiers conduct it with two spotters to assist:
Starting Position
The starting position for the Leg Tuck is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed alternating overhand grip.
Spotter Position
● If the Soldier states, “No spotter needed,” the two spotters are not required.
Otherwise, the spotters assume Straddle Stance positions on either side of the exerciser.
● Each spotter prepares to assist by positioning one hand behind and off the back of the knee and the low back.
He or she will be prepared at all times to assist in the movement and catch the exerciser if his or her grip fails.
Commands
● On the command, “UP,” flex the elbows and hips raising the legs until the thighs touch the elbows.
● On the command, “DOWN,” return to the starting position.
Repetitions
● Repeat the exercise 5–10 times.
Additional Guidance
● The spotters may assist in guiding the exerciser to the foot pegs after the command “DOWN” prior to the command “DISMOUNT.”
Figure 6-4. CL1.4 Leg Tuck
ALTERNATING GRIP PULL-UP
The Alternating Grip Pull-Up is the final exercise in Climbing Drills 1 and 2.
This exercise develops the Soldier’s ability to pull up and hook the legs onto a ledge, rope, or rail.
Figure 6-6 on page 6-6 breaks down the exercise as Soldiers conduct it with two spotters to assist:
Starting Position
The starting position for the Alternating Grip Pull-Up is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed alternating grip.
This positions the Soldier perpendicular to the bar.
Spotter Position
● If the Soldier states, “No spotter needed,” the two spotters are not required.
Otherwise, the spotters assume the Straddle Stance position with staggered legs in the front and back of the exerciser.
● The front spotter places palms toward the exerciser at chest height to support the exerciser if his or her grip fails.
● The rear spotter holds the exerciser’s feet against his or her thighs or abdomen to support the movement up.
Once the Soldier is up, the rear spotter stops assisting.
Count
● On count 1, flex the elbows, raising the body up so that the head moves to the side of the bar.
● On count 2, return to the starting position.
Repetitions
● Repeat the exercise 5–10 times.
Additional Guidance
● The spotters may assist in guiding the exerciser to the foot pegs after the command “DOWN” prior to the command “DISMOUNT.”
Figure 6-6. CL1.5 Alternating Grip Pull-Up