Vilseck Warrior Transition Unit 1st Sgt. John Silva, left, and Sgt. David Ryan do physical training at Vilseck. New training helps wounded get ready for combat again By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 18, 2009
VILSECK, Germany — Warrior Transition Unit officials have introduced two new training programs aimed at returning injured troops to their regular military duties.
Wear Gear is an eight-phase program that gets injured soldiers used to the sort of heavy protective equipment that they must wear in combat, according to Vilseck WTU 1st Sgt. John Silva.
The program, which started in April, starts with a soldier walking a short distance in body armor without its heavy bullet-proof plates, Silva said.
“By the time they finish, they are walking two miles in full gear that weighs 48 pounds,” he said.
The other program recently introduced is called Fit For Duty.
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