A student in Sgt. Jacob Klinger's Military Science class successfully lift the heavier of two deadlift apparatus.
Lucerne Valley Middle High School’s Military Science students got a preview of what it’s like to enlist in the U.S. Army during a special Field Day on Thursday, May 15.
Three members of the United States Army Recruiting Office in Victorville, SSG Brandon Tucker, SSG Timothy Cannon and Private Marcus Brooks, administered a physical challenge, which was designed as a replica of the Army’s physical fitness test. It gave the middle and high school students a hands-on opportunity to experience the standards firsthand.
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“My goal was for each student to confront the challenge head-on, to realize that the test is not as intimidating as it may seem, and to recognize that their effort throughout the year has paid off,” said Sgt. Jacob Klinger, LVMHS Military Science teacher. “From my perspective, this event tests more than just physical strength—it challenges mental resilience as well. I consistently emphasize that the most demanding aspect of the military is the mental fortitude it requires. My hope is that this experience helped the students see that they are capable of far more than they may have believed.”
Consisting of six events, the fitness test closely mimics physical tasks and stresses Army recruits may face in real life combat and designed to measure speed, power, balance, agility and aerobic endurance. The test was administered on the high school’s football field under sunny skies.
The Lucerne Valley Military Science students first performed three deadlifts using a hex-bar three times. Next, the students performed as many “hand release” push-ups within two minutes as they could. The push-ups were followed by “Sprint-Drag-Carry” in which the students began in the prone position and then they sprinted up and down a 25 meter area of the grass, and then they dragged a 90-pound “sled” up and down the grass strip. They performed laterals up and down the strip, carried 40-pound kettlebells and finished with a sprint. Previously, the students had tested themselves over a two-mile run, so the day’s final element was holding a plank position for as long as possible.
“I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the event. My high school students performed exceptionally well—two of them not only met the standards for their age group, but also achieved scores high enough to pass if they were enlisted in the military.
“However, it was the middle school students who truly stole the show,” Sgt. Klinger said. “Of the 28 participants, 20 successfully passed every event they took part in—a remarkable accomplishment that highlights their hard work and determination.”
