The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

Training for SkiingA high skill level is essential if use of skis is contemplated. Under most operationalconditions, cross country skiing provides the highest degree of non-mechanized mobilityfor travelling over snow and ice. Skiing becomes a very efficient form of man-poweredtransportation during long transits over flat terrain. However, the advantages of skiing onlybecome apparent after acquisition of specific skills and fitness.It is extremely easy to sustain a serious immobilizing injury while skiing heel freein non-release bindings and floppy loose boots. The potential for injury is magnified furtherwhen the skier is loaded down with gear. Thus, the operator participating in winter warfaremust be a competent skier.The overall fitness level of SEALs may be adequate for cross country skiingbecause fitness from running and aquatic training carry over to skiing. However, differentmuscle groups are used; thus SEALs should strive to customize their training programs inanticipation of winter warfare. Use of a ski machine does confer training specificity andassists with developing the coordination and muscle adaptations needed to ski efficiently.Other real training issues for skiing are skills and technique. There are several operationalconsiderations to consider:" Need to be able to stop and turn efficiently in a variety ofsnow and ice conditions." Need to be able to ski safely with a pack and weapons." Need to be familiar with gear modifications for maximumefficiency.Turns, Stops, and TechniqueSafe skiing with a pack demands aggressive unweighting and the use of parallel skitechniques. Forget about telemark turns while you are wearing a pack; the slow forwardlunge required to initiate a turn in back-country snows while wearing a pack puts the skierin a vulnerable body position. This is an invitation to sustain a serious knee injury to thelead leg, particularly because of the extra weight transmitted to the leg due to wearing apack.Telemarking is useful when used to stop while traversing a hill. Instead ofextending the uphill leg to initiate a downhill turn, extend the downhill ski and drift up intothe hill. This maneuver is easy to control and is a useful tool for checking downhill speedwhile skiing heel free and wearing a pack.236 Other Training-Related Issues