Military

5th SFG (A) Challenge Elite CrossFit Athletes

October 29, 2019Sgt. Matthew Crane
Professional CrossFit athlete Noah Ohlsen, along with members of the U.S. Army Warrior Fitness Team, meet with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldiers at Fort Campbell, Ky., Oct. 25 2019. Green Berets held multiple events throughout the day to show the physical fitness aspect of a special operations unit.

Professional CrossFit athlete Noah Ohlsen, along with members of the U.S. Army Warrior Fitness Team, meet with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldiers at Fort Campbell, Ky., Oct. 25 2019. Green Berets held multiple events throughout the day to show the physical fitness aspect of a special operations unit.

This article was originally published on Oct. 25, 2019, by the 5th Special Force Public Affairs Office.


FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Two organizations partnered on Friday, Oct. 25, when 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) hosted a fitness challenge for the United States Army Warrior Fitness Team at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Among the attendees were two of the top 20 CrossFit athletes in the world. Noah Ohlsen, who placed 2nd at the 2019 CrossFit Games, and the U.S. Army’s own Capt. Chandler Smith, who placed 15th.


Fitness can be paramount when you’re a member of one of the most elite fighting forces in the U.S. Army. While CrossFit has gained much popularity in today’s military, it is widely used throughout the special operations community.




Capt. Chandler Smith, a member of the U.S. Army Warrior Fitness Team, hangs from a tower while conducting the 5th Special Forces Group obstacle course at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Oct. 25, 2019. Green Berets held multiple events throughout the day to show the physical fitness aspect of a special operations unit. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Crane/5th Special Force Public Affairs Office/U.S. Army.

“We wanted to show the physical fitness aspect of a Special Operations unit and how it is similar to some top athletes in the world,” said a Green Beret Master Sergeant, who helped coordinate the event.


Green Berets of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th SFG (A) supported the event and participated with the CrossFit athletes. Throughout the day they engaged in multiple physical and tactical challenges.


“We wanted to bring together these two separate groups of people because we share very similar values,” said Maj. James McNally, company commander. “You have these elite level athletes on one hand, and our elite Special Forces performers from 5th SFG (A) on the other.”


Capt. Chandler Smith, a member of the U.S. Army Warrior Fitness Team, along with professional CrossFit athlete Noah Ohlsen learn how to properly shoot handguns at the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) indoor shooting range, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Oct. 25, 2019. The Green Berets held multiple events throughout the day to show the different aspects of a special operations unit. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Crane/5th Special Force Public Affairs Office/U.S. Army.

Soldiers demonstrated different activities that have been incorporated into their tactical training regimen. Ohlsen, Smith, and two other members from the U.S. Army Warrior Fitness Team were challenged in strength, agility, and speed during a series of exercises. Included was a Special Forces obstacle course, the Army Combat Fitness Test, and participants even took part in a marksmanship challenge where they were tested to shoot, move, and communicate.


“I was truly impressed with the Special Forces soldiers and its leadership. I really saw how they live the Army Values and their pursuit across physical, technical, and military expertise,” said Smith.


Special Forces has been known for its innovative and expanded training opportunities, and encompass the character and attributes of those willing to go further within the U.S. Army.


“We are here to help people understand that we are actively looking for committed people,” said McNally. “Those who are focused on operating at the peak of their capacity, both physically and intellectually, while committed to doing something truly exceptional.”




Sgt. Matthew Crane
Sgt. Matthew Crane

For more content like this, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/news

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
From the Team Room to Team Room Design: An Operator’s Creative Journey

BRCC partners with Team Room Design for an exclusive T-shirt release!

Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved