Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Obstacle Course
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
The World War II-era Obstacle Course was part of the Army’s effort to physically train and prepare recruits for the rigors of combat. The Army’s physical training regimen consisted of different activities including military drill, calisthenics marching, rifle exercises, swimming, personal contests and group athletics. The Obstacle Course was the primary method for developing a recruit’s abilities in running, jumping and climbing.
An Instructor would demonstrate the correct method for overcoming one obstacle. The unit would practice the obstacle 3 or 4 times, and then run 100 yards. This process was repeated each day on a different obstacle until all the obstacles on the course were covered. Once the unit had received training on all obstacles, the Soldiers would run the full course. As they developed proficiency, the soldiers would run the course against time, and eventually carry equipment through the course including rifles and light packs.
In a memoir held by the U.S. Army Military History Institute Charles E. Bennett as a Sergeant with the Reconnaissance Platoon, 82nd Infantry Division (82nd Airborne Division) during World War II:
“Once in a while on the obstacle course I was heartened to see our commanding general, Omar Bradley, and his assistant and successor, Gen. Matthew Ridgeway, take the course in their stride.”
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. 40° 12.233′ N, 77° 9.563′ W. Marker is near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is in Middlesex Township. Marker can be reached from Army Heritage Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Training Centers (here, next to this marker); Drummer Jarvis Hanks (within shouting distance of this marker); A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carlisle Forge (within shouting distance of this marker); A Soldier Story (within shouting distance of this marker); A Century of Protection (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A New German Offender: The PAK 43/41 (about 300 feet away); The Army's War Horse (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 1, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on March 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on July 1, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.