Soldiers show off their strength

BEN CURRAN/The Manawatu Standard

ROPED UP: Sapper Adrian Velich climbs the rope net during the confidence course competition at the Linton Military Camp.

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Soldiers displayed speed, strength and endurance during a gruelling confidence course competition at the Linton Military Camp.

About 100 soldiers scaled walls, climbed ropes and dragged themselves through tunnels during the Individual Confidence Course Challenge yesterday.

Taking off at three-minute intervals, the men and women in the competition were supervised by eight physical training instructors – led by Regional PT adviser Warrant Officer 2 JJ Lloyd.

Warrant Officer Lloyd said the soldiers were very competitive during the individual challenge, which tested their cardiovascular fitness and strength endurance.

"They've all had four days' rest [since the unit-based Skill at Arms competition] so the individual is definitely about bragging rights."

The PT instructors kept time, checked for safety and handed out time penalties to soldiers who failed to complete obstacles.

Warrant Officer Lloyd said most soldiers found the chicken wire and incline obstacles the hardest, but it often came down to the makeup of the individual.

Injuries were minimal, with ankle injuries being the most common, he said.

"They use the course quite often. It's more of a conditioning course than anything."

The fastest man was Lance Corporal James Faber with a time of 5 minutes 58 seconds. The fastest woman was Corporal Summa Goodall with 8min 7sec.

- © Fairfax NZ News