Nice Shirt. Shout out to Ronnie B

Ok, so this is a complete shot in the dark here, but I’m hoping that somewhere out in the Crossfit community, I might find somebody who can help. I’m a senior at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and I’ve been Crossfitting for around four years. It’s become a total way of life for me, as it has for a lot of others out there. I’m sure you all understand. This January, I’m trying to put together an academic internship as a way of getting off campus for the month, while not sacrificing graduation requirements. I had other plans lined up, but they fell through just a few days ago. I’ve been thinking about it, and I can’t think of a better way to spend the month of January (really only three weeks or so), than studying the workings of a Crossfit gym somewhere out in the world. Like I said at the very beginning, this is a real shot in the dark, but I’m looking for any affiliate owners, or people who would be interested in hosting a college student at their gym for a little while, and let them be a part of the business. I know it’s hard to trust an online request, but if you can, believe me when I say that I’m a very normal guy and I’m just very interested in going hard with a new group of athletes, while learning what I can along the way. I’m not looking for any kind of certification, just a chance to observe, and help out in any way, whenever it might be needed. There’s plenty more to say and explain, but I don’t want to waste too much time on the comments page. Please, if there’s anybody out there willing, or even just intrigued by the idea, and interested in speaking with me, shoot me an email at tkquinn17@gmail.com and we’ll set something up. I appreciate any help. And, so it’s clear, I don’t care if it’s East, West, North or South, the further away, the bigger the adventure. But I will say that one of the original Cali locations would be pretty awesome. Thanks all.

Sorry if this gets posted more than once, I'm having some troubles with the computer.

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sex_news_sports_funny/the_truth_about_crossfit

Anyone seen this article?

Opinions?

Tyler,
Shoot me an email, we'll talk.
Is that Greg the star of the May 12th 2008 episode of "Dirty Jobs"?
Awesome

Hello Big Spoon.

Not saying I agree with the article, just thought I'd post it for others to view.

The T-Nation article is old news. Being discussed in the message board. The author and Chad Waterbury have recently signed up over there.

Watch your back! With Perez Obama you might also have to sell t-shirts to buy tanks and guns...

Cool shirts and a great cause...I will take two!

Opn Phoenix. Wow.

Re: the article
The weighted vest should stay on for the duration of "Murph"

What a great idea to outfit the whole marine corps. I hope that includes teaching the crossfit method also. One of the things I love about crossfit is that you can do it pretty much anywhere without much equipment. When I was in the Corps no matter where I went there was always stuff to work out with. Pullup bars everywhere, always somewhere to run, gear to carry, even weapons or packs to do overhead squats with. And as far as being functional, there's better to practice lifting and throwning around than your own gear, ammo cans, and your fellow marines.

On another note, I liked the video but the song in the background sucks. I like working out to most of rise against's music, but that song "hero of war" is some bullsh*t. It does nothing but bash the military and degrade our heros. It doesn't fit in at all with operation pheonix.

OK this is a great idea. So my brother is going leaving in the 13 MUE (if not 31 MUE) in Jan. so I will probably get him some of those shirts to take with him or send them to him when he gets there or en route. Op Phoenix great idea,and the rest day too.

Just ordered my shirt. Also just sent out an email blast to all my friends about this project. Good luck guys!

awesome awesome awesome and just in time for the Ball. I might just be giving these out as birthday presents on Nov. 10th. Errrrrr.

The Marines have got it going on. My hope is that the Army follows suit.

Regarding the article, it was very well writen and if read by an outsider it should be taken as unbiased. I have personally drunk the CrossFit Cool-Aid and LOVE IT, but it has been said many times before for many differant things, "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

I mostly lurk on the comment page but I read all the articles I come across regarding others opinions of crossfit and their opinion of Coach. I personally think it's the most well rounded fitness program out there and if anyone has read the programming journal they would know that it's not entirely random. And I've never seen more detailed and clear instructions on how the lifts and exercises should be performed.

Anyway I thought it would be interesting to see what people think the main role of Coach Glassman is. I not trying to start a fight or get people all upset at the opinions of others. Just curious.

I personally think his main role with regard to crossfit is to maintain the integrity of the program. What I mean by that is the quality of certs and seminars is held to the highest level, that the program continually address all 10 aspects of fitness as previous described in the journals and that the affiliates are representing the Crossfit moniker at the highest level. This can even include introducing new concepts, i.e. Pose running.

That's all I'm going to say on the matter.

Thank you.

This "Operation Phoenix" is a great idea, especially when obama cuts funding to our military.

Great idea - We have issues over here with the way our troops are looked after and compensated after injury. I contribute to that so would urge everyone to help in their own way.

#3 Regarding the article in T nation:

Well written, but I thought his attacks on the founder were a bit over the top. Reminded me of -

You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
Winston Churchill

Comment #2

St. Olaf like form the Golden Girls tv show?

I am tired as hell after this week. Tomorrow morning I sleep in, go eat a big breakfast and watch college football.

#2, why on earth would you want to leave MN for J-term. I went to GAC, I know how it is. Get out, lib arts right?

Let me ask a question as a member of the military - and add the disclaimer that while deployed I can't access any of the videos so maybe all this is explained.

Coach Glassman why are you looking to raise funds for a section of the population that has access to Gov money to buy their own equipment? If the Marines decide to change over their gyms and equipment to all Crossfit style they can.

Would this not be better spend on poor areas of cities that don't have gyms and coaching for youth at risk? g

I bought a shirt and asked if my mother would also like to donate to the cause. She says she supports the military and her only question is "Are the donations tax-deductible"?

ginger-eight #22,

You ask a great question that holds a sad answer.

A Marine's access to government money is analogous to a poor person's access to the global economy.

Better equipment and training is needed for these men and women. I can effect that change most efficiently outside of bureaucratic process and procedure.

If someone else wants to sell T-shirts to raise money for poor people I'll buy a box full.

Comment #22

I see your point, but then why donate money for gym equipment? Why not raise money to solve the homeless situation, build community centers for children, rehab centers for drug addicts, schools for autistic children, raise money for cancer research, raise money for aids research etc.

What I'm getting at is that while there are a million good causes out there, crossfit has dealt directly with the Marine Corps and knows the Marine Corps has a need, want, and desire for crossfit to be integrated with their troops. I can't remember who said it, but "a well conditioned person is harder to kill and generally more useful." And I think crossfit can greatly help to make that last statement true about a good portion of the troops.

They're not trying to change over the base gyms to crossfit gyms. They're trying to get equipment to those Marines that want to do crossfit but don't have the means. Instead those Marines have to improvise, which is all well and good, but horribly inconsistent. On top of that, 90% of Marines don't get the chance to a use a base gym anyway. Their only opportunity to PT is unit PT. And unit PT is usually a 3 mile run almost all the time. Now if the unit had crossfit equipment, they'd be able to condition the Marines properly through crossfit.

WOW WOW WOW!

I really don't post here very often, but af.ter listening to CrossFit radio this week, I was eagerly anticipating the launch of Operation Phoenix. I almost feel that it is my patriotic duty and obligation to buy one of these shirts. What a great cause. I will have to rearrange some funds to work this out, I am on a really tight budget.

Coach, great post, I love to see that you are willing to help out whatever community needs help whether it is with inner city kids at one extreme or the Marines at the other.

And did you guys notice Greg Admundson. Havent seen him in a while, and I didnt recognize him with all that hair! (Yeah, I said that like I have actually seen him/met him before, but I haven't!)

Whilst I agree with the supporting of troops in these testing times. I am a little confused. If the USMC have identified a training deficit and feel that CrossFit can fill this capability gap, surely this is best rectified by staffing the problem correctly through the USMC/ DoD chain of command (With the assistance of Col B.P McCOY USMC) to ensure that all members of the Corps have access to these facilities?

Having visited several MC Barracks in the past the base gyms are equipped to an awesome standard, the image of USMC Sergeant Nich McCulloch, of CrossFit New River, aboard the U.S.S. Nassau illustrates that the USMC aren't exactly short of equipment? Also as 'Devildog' commented there are pullup and dip bars on practically every corner. As the CrossFit methodology is based upon 'constantly, varied functional movement', what is more functional moving your own body weight, ammunition tins and water jerry cans or lifting a barbell and swinging a kettlebell?

The Canadian military have proven results using their Austere Program, which not only increases the soldiers fitness, using CrossFit methodology, but also limits the logistic burden on units having to ship bumper plates, 'Oly' bars, med. balls, rowers and the like, in addition to ammunition, fuel, food and other daily operating supplies to operational theatres. What would a unit commander in any of the current theatres want, an ISO container full of ammunition or a container full of bumper plates?

Being associated with a small affiliate in the UK, we have 'drunk the Koolaid', however, we pride ourselves on being achieve constantly varied functional fitness with the limited equipment we have available, surely that is what CrossFit is about, not having shiny boxes packed to the gunwales with shiny new equipment?

Where are we going, globo gym here we come?!

Wow, Coach! It’s amazing to watch how far your idea to equip the Marine Corps with CrossFit gear has come. It seems like just yesterday we were having the conversation when you first articulated the idea for Operation Phoenix. How appropriate that you launched Operation Phoenix on the Rest Day prior to the Marine Corps’ 233rd Birthday (10 November 1775). CrossFit gear for Marines will be a gift that keeps on giving – outstanding physical and mental fitness! Generations of Marines will benefit from your supreme generosity and CrossFit philosophy. Operation Phoenix, and the effects it will produce, will have a monumental impact in preparing current and future Marines for combat. The mission you will accomplish through Operation Phoenix will echo into eternity! You are the greatest Patriot I know, Coach! Thanks for being a brother and a great friend!

Operation Pheonix is an outstanding project and I hope it reaps great success. However; those Marine officers on that video or forgeting their duty. The Marine Corps, just like the other branches, have organizations that run their gyms and buy their equipment. In the Marines case that would be MCCS. Gentlemen I have seen plenty of senior officers out their participating or supporting Crossfit, time to get them involved. Operation Pheonix will be a lot more successful a program if it is augmenting the MCCS purchases not in place of them. It is your Marine Corps, don't let those civilians running your gym tell you no.

This was not to be hate. I will give advice as I can.

Johnny B
CW3, SF

Hoorah, gentlemen. Great to see some excellent support for the Marines.

It frustrates me when I see the Air Force acquire their new unneeded fighter jets and space toys through their lobby when the guys on the ground (the most important segment of the fighting force) are left to train with immature equipment.

Greg and Lauren, you're quite inspiring.

Heck yeah, Coach.

surely the country which accounts for almost half the world's defence spending can afford to stock decent gyms for its troops? I have seen plenty of better charity cases than the US military.

Inspiring. I will take a few.
Thanks for all you guys do.
Glassmans are truely the best.

I'm on the brink of signing to enter Officer Candidate School (with the USMC) in January, and one of my concerns was that I wouldn't be able to CrossFit while serving (at least the way I am used to right now). To put it in perspective, I'm an affiliate owner and fanatic about CrossFit. Operation Phoenix sounds like an awesome idea and it would help the continuing movement of functional training within the armed forces.

Keep up the good work!

TH #32

I work at an Air Force installation and like every other DoD "fitness center", they have completely sold out to the "globo gym" design. You have to fight for a few square feet to do a real functional workout. Our facility has six olympic bars..yes six and one real squat rack. But we have a room full of damn Nautilus equipment, treadmills, ellipticals, etc..Luckily we have two rowers. There are hardly enough 45# plates to go around and they are of the horrible hexagonal Iron Grip variety, which completely suck when doing power lifting or olympic lifting. In other words, these facilities absolutely suck as a place to try and do CrossFit, and don't even think about wallballs as they will "mark up the walls". Now if they took all of the money spent on selectorized equipment and mirrors and spent it on CrossFit equipment, then we would have something worthwhile.

I just want to extend a warm heartfelt Thank You to Crossfit. I serve in the Air Force but this is for the support going out to those hard fighting Marines that are protecting our freedom and give us the chance do do Crossfit everyday. My brother is a Marine and I Love him too death. He is a new Drill Instructor now stationed at Paris Island. I want to thank everyone who buys a T-shirt for a great cause. I also want to encourage everyone to buy a T-shirt as well. Hoorah Air Force and Semper Fi Marines!!!

I am in the Air Force, a helicopter pilot, have been for 13 yrs, and could care less about space toys. KY, every single member has a role to play in the fighting force, and not being on the pointy end of the spear does not make you any less important. But I digress. I have also been an Crossfitter for over a year and a half. I am absolutely fanatical about Crossfit and follow the program religiously, and in my opinion, is the best program on this Earth.

But I'd have to agree with a few of the posts here. Are the Marines in THAT bad of shape to the point where they require charitable donations for gym equipment? Some of the gyms I've seen on various bases and camps are some of the most sophisticated fitness facilities that I've ever seen. And while they all may not have a set of rings and a Glute-Ham Situp machine, any Crossfitter has more than enough equipment to engage in the WOD with minor modification.

The US military is by far the most funded military in the world, and despite cuts from the new administration, I don't think its hurting in the gym facilities department.

As an officer, I would never compromise any aspect of mission preparedness, including fitness. However, perhaps this charity would be better suited to support the families, or the local family centers that provide services to those who have a spouse or family member overseas. Or setting up Level 1 certs at the various bases and getting families introduced to CF?

Just a thought.

rest day for me too.

i start CF in a week. i'm taking a week off. i just finished a brutal 5 week cluster workout. i'm gonna do CF for a few weeks and then go on my new program, i'm excited to try it.

One Large Brown shirt on the way. I think the design is worth the extra ten. I'm glad it can be going to my brothers in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi fellas, you make me envious every Navy day I live. (Although I am still glad to be in the Navy I'd like to point out) sending the link to all of my friends and fam.

It was tempting to get the shirt as a medium for "motivation" to get back to the size I used to wear, but I want to wear it now!

I wish the Army would sign up for something like this! Granted we're a much larger force but there needs to be massive changes to our standard PT program. Where I'm at in Afghanistan we've started constructing a "Cross Fit Pit" under an old guard tower. Where this gets interesting is when winter hits and we're forced to go back into the "globo gym" on the FOB.

I appreciate how much CrossFit does for the Armed Forces, but must say I am a little jealous that this Operation is targeting just the Marine Corp. My unit does CrossFit for PT; we created our own Garage Gym, sent two individuals to a Level 1 Cert, and are currently in the process of becoming a not-for-profit affiliation. We did all this with unit funds. We are still limited however, because of equipment such as Concept 2 rowers that we’ll probably never be able to buy. If there was a fund or organization out there that wanted to help all Armed Forces, especially ones that did all they could do on their own to get CrossFit out to the masses, that would be awesome

This is a great thing. Nice work.

This is a great cause with a just as suitable solution. Man is the weapon. Build the CrossFit "Combat Chassis"!

I just wanted to take a minute to address the athletes who attended the L1 cert over the last two days in an undisclosed location.

You all were gracious hosts, attentive students, fantastic athletes, a pleasure to train and heroes for what you do.

I personally had an awesome time working with you and enjoyed seeing the milestones you hit: "Fran" pr(s), first muscle-ups, best 500m row, and on and on.

Best of luck in the future and I look forward to seeing each of you again sometime down the road.

And to Dutch, Chuck and Pat - Thanks for everything. As always, I learn something every time I am around you guys. It was great seeing you again and I look forward to the next one.

- Dan

What a great cause! We should all email the president-elect with the link to this video! Let him know how important this cause is to the future and strength of our country.

Just bought a t-shirt. Thanks for the opportunity to help support the USMC!

#22, Ginger Eight writes,

"[W]hy are you looking to raise funds for a section of the population that has access to Gov money to buy their own equipment? . . . Would this not be better spend on poor areas of cities that don't have gyms and coaching for youth at risk?"

While some youth are at risk, all Marines are at risk.

Why spend money on cities that have access to government money? Why spend it on gym equipment and not food or books? Why take back part of your donation in the form of a t-shirt or a tax deduction?

My point is not that people shouldn't donate to good causes. My point is that people should be free to donate to the causes they care most about and/or can most effectively change. If your hierarchy of values, skills, and resources is different, so be it.

This is why some people choose to join the Marines and some choose to work in inner cities. It is also why some people will vote for a candidate who promises to raise either their taxes or someone else's.

incredible. In for 4 shirts, two for me and two for the gf.

Coach,
great idea. I know the Marines will benifit. As has already been said, I wish the Army would get behind CF. Most bases have 5 or six gyms, but most of that is elipticals, treadmills, and other cardo equipment.
I have been doing CF for 3 weeks. I have had a variety of experience with physical training (gymnastics as a kid, track and field, lifting, PT, etc). However, i hae never encountered a program that incorperates such overall fitness. Thanks for the free website. Between the demo videos, the daily WOD's and the ability to keep track of progress through the comments, I feel that this is the best opportunity for me to get in great physical condition and stay that way. Again, I want to say thanks,
Seth

Great Video, even as an Army guy I will buy a T-shirt.

As for the article posted on Comment #3 I have no opinion, remember all the media is full of propaganda. Just because it is posted on the net does not mean it is truth

John

Awesome Vid. I'm a SSgt in the Marines and w/ the growing number of Marines particiapating in CrossFit and seeing the functional/combat readiness value, it's great to see the Glassmans doing this.

Remember 10 November is the USMC Birthday. Find a Marine and tell him/her Happy B-day.

David.

awesome video.....Are men and women of the Armed Forces should have the very best equipment available.......BUY SOME SHIRTS!!!!!!

Very interesting thread here. I know there will be immediate benefit to those Marines who receive the proceeds from Operation Phoenix that will help them do their jobs better, keeping them safer when in harms way. The one thing that is missing from this thread though, WRITE TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. Tell them that you want the training protocols of the soldiers to be reviewed, point them to the folks that have been in the videos, cross fit radio, etc that've benefited from change in training protocol from standard PT to layering in Crossfit. I remember on Crossfit radio that their was a somebody who had real data about this. Hold your elected officials accountable. Write to them, call them...I'll most likely buy a t-shirt, but maybe somebody from OpPhoenix could start a petition too.

As for the article, I know these have the power to spur some interesting discussions. What I know about crossfit is that it's focus on data, measurement and accountability have really changed the way I work out. It is the one exercise modality that has kept me interested and the camaraderie with my fellow crossfitters motivates me to get one more rep; push myself harder than I would on my own leading to better gains.

I for one will evangelize the crossfit way to all who will listen.

Again, we should write our elected officials. Crossfit should be an official part of the military and it should be part of our kids PE in school.

Thought this was pretty fun heavy metcon:

5rounds
3 Backsquats @315#
6 1-arm pullups
9 Pushups
9:23

Worked on max muscle ups today. Got to 10 in a row (pr).

Nice, Coach & Lauren. Well done.

#2 Tyler, send us an email (info@diablocrossfit.com)

The military is not a charity. America is already funding your requirement for fitness equipment with taxes. The underlying message you are sending is that the Corps is not adequately funding your training. In reality, it is your commanders who are unwilling to allocate resources to crossfit. Convince the commanders, you will get the equipment.

The difference between private philanthropy and public assistance is one of choice. One gets to choose which cause to support. Supporting a cause that provides no direct benefit to oneself is the definition of charity, of unselfishness. Public assistance is the act of a government compelling its citizenry to transfer wealth for some government determined common or greater good.

There is a fledgling effort afoot for government (and other groups) to control the destination of private charitable giving. In California there have been legislative proposals aimed at influencing the activities of what anyone would consider private charitable organizations.

This is an extension of what Ginger Eight and others above propose, that there is some group or movement that knows better how to distribute the charitable giving of others. This thought process is odd on its face, an irreconcilable dichotomy. It is the epitome of selfishness, is it not, to decree that YOUR cause is more deserving than another's?

Good on you, Greg and Lauren Glassman, for choosing a meaningful cause and throwing your considerable resources, contacts, and goodwill into this effort. May we all, in our own little way, follow your lead by supporting either this or another more personal charitable cause.

Coach, on behalf of myself and my fellow Marines, thank you.

As a former Marine and avid functional fitness enthusiast, the idea to raise money to provide the USMC equipment is misguided. Daily PT sessions are built into the structure of the Corps. No one has to justify why he or she wants to workout at noontime as I do in the civilian world. I actually received "extra credit" on my performance evaluations for training for an Ironman outside of work hours as it was viewed as motivational to my fellow Marines.

90% of Marines can't use the base gym? That was not my experience. While the fitness doctrine may need to be overhauled and modernized, the gym facilities, pull up bars, obstacle courses, pools, tracks, trails, etc currently in place are easily used in a CrossFit manner. I lead a mortar platoon and we did "functional" training with our mortar tubes, ammunition crates, base plates, and e-tools before I even knew what functional training was. Walking, running, jumping, pulling and pushing while wearing the basic warrior load that all Marines are issued is the best physical training a Marine could do to prepare for the rigors of war. Stuff is not lacking, knowledge may be.

The Marine Corps has problems with diet & nutrition, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse as does much our society. The solution is for the CF community to continue to set a great example for the nation as a whole. Take certification courses to the bases, talk about healthier lifestyle habits, give training advice to your fellow Marines/Sailors/Soldiers/Airmen when you see bad training in the gyms. The Marine Corps is fairly nimble in its total training philosophy (warfighting as well as fitness) as is demonstrated in the new Combat Fitness Test out this year. CrossFit's philosophy is making an impact on many of my friends still on active duty and they don't know what CrossFit really is yet.

Keep growing the CF community as we have been doing up to this point. The USMC and society as a whole is taking notice. Spend money on equipment for other segments of society that don't have DOD funding.

Does anyone know as far as sizes go if they run on the small or large size. Meaning sometimes mediums are a bit like a small or a large can be more like an XL

Ok. My turn. I served 5 years in the Marine Corps and I always thought I was in the best shape of my life. Now I'm in the Army doing Crossfit, and I KNOW I'm in the best shape of my life. Marines are supposed to "adapt and overcome." So let them fix their own deficiencies. This isn't a cry for help for the Marine Corps. This is a cry for help for the ground units of the Marine Corps. The 5 years I served for the Corps was spent wondering why the ground units were getting all the financial assets that should have been going into the aviation units to fund the repairs of the aircraft the ground units always complained about. If they want equipment, they can run car washes to raise money like the rest of the world. Quit spending so much money to keep your uniforms clean and spend it as it should be spent.

#57, Jeff, writes,

"The military is not a charity."

When volunteer soldiers give their lives, are they simply fullfiling their end of an economic transaction, or are they making a donation on behalf of a cause they believe in?

By giving to a program that increases the level of our Marines fitness we decreases the probability of their personally having to make the ultimate donation on all our behalf.

It is true that the government could provide greater funding for our military personnel. It does not in part because it chooses to distribute tax revenues in a manner that maximizes the probability of re election. The government also may use its funding for military fitness in a suboptimal manner, spending more money to get less.

Our military volunteers choose to donate in a manner that maximizes our nation's security. CrossFit choose to support them in that goal.

And furthermore....that Captain in the video states that they have to provide 200,000 Marines with Crossfit access. I guarantee the Marines in MCAS New River, Cherry Point, Parris Island, and other support bases aren't desperate for such assets. His numbers are misleading. He speaks only for ground units. Everyone knows there's 2 types of Marines. 1.Ground-pounders (infantry, recon, tankers, etc) and everyone else (aviation, intel, supply, etc).

Glad to help on this one, Coach.
The naysayers can go to **** .

I would think to equip a Crossfit Gym would cost a lot less for the Marines than to equip the afformentioned nautilus/elliptical globo gym.
A better donation would be a donation of time by Crossfit's top trainers. Do a 6 month comparitive study for incoming new recruits. Compare a Crossfit group vs. the traditional Marine PT. Also compare the cost of equiping a gym for each respectable program. I have a feeling Crossfit would come out on top for each.

The Military needs money for armoring Humvees and for flack jackets. If you can prove a program to be superior and also less expensive, it seems like a no brainer. If this has already been attempted I'd love to hear about it.

Bought a t-shirt... they are awesome!

Just bought a Black Phoenix Tee-shirt.
Can't wait to wear it at Globo.

I'm embedded with SF. They turned me on to CrossFit, and now I understand why the teams are fanatics about it. Truth on the ground as I've seen it through three team rotations?... they've bought the oddball equipment themselves so they can get down to business. They just made it happen. The government should be providing this stuff, but I suppose to do so might take years of study and testing and bids. Coach's project can't hurt, just seems the existing system should be lighter on the feet.

That video was inspring to me, so I can't believe that this cause is controversial to some people. For those who say the military should not be a charitable cause, I guess people should stop donating to the Fisher House, Operation Homefront, or the Wounded Warrior Project too. I mean, government bureaucracies can do a better job of taking care of our servicemen, right? If you really don't think it's a worthy cause, then don't donate to it. There are charities I don't think are worthy causes but I don't complain (e.g. PETA).

Bottom line, nobody is twisting your arm to buy anything. It's one post, and it's not being splashed over and over in your face. If you feel so strongly that you don't want to support buying crossfit equipment for Marines, then don't.

If you think there are other things you want to donate to, then donate to them or open up a website for them, etc. There's always going to be some better cause to donate to. Why donate to homeless men, when there are homeless children? Why donate to battered housewives, when there are battered children?

Will I donate to other things out there in the world? Of course I am.

But I for one am also going to support Operation Phoenix regardless of what you think is or isn't worth it.

Shirt ordered. Seems like a no-brainer. Going to see if i can get a corporate sponsorship going.

That was tear jerking, seriously! Just another reason that I love being a member of this community!

I tried to enlist twice in the marine corp., but due to a long and dark cardiac health history, I did not meet the nessasary criteria to join. This IS another great opportunity to help out and be a part of helping making the worlds finest military even better. It's one of the things I love about working at an affilaite where there is such a high concentration of military in the area. I feel as though I AM helping being a part of helping our men and women stationed here.

I am in!
~J~
Train Hard and Pushg Through

#64 Gary... have you heard "you're a marine first" or "once a marine, always a marine." obviously different MOS do different things but every marine has the common combat training for a reason. every marine is trained to have the capability of a combat infantry "groundpounder." it's hard in my estimation to criticize aircrew, intel, supply or aviation support.

as far as OPPHNX goes, as a member of the military who will benefit from this cause it's easy to be all for it. as an american it's sad to see that people want politicians to get involved in military business. the gov't allocates defense spending, let the each branch decide how to spend it! civilians may not see it but the military and it's families are in need of charity as much as anyone. there are hundreds if not thousands of charity organizations set up for mil-support. it's important to remember that people are free to support the military in any way they see fit! if your heart bleeds for needy children or AIDS patients or the american heart association then donate how you like, don't try to discredit what the CF community is doing with it's time and money.

get some!

I have to say to all of my military brothers and sisters out there: what are YOU doing to get CF in your unit/base? Most of you reading this are senior NCOs or Officers and how have YOU tried to promote CF in your AO? The money is out there, there are gyms with the space to do it but what's lacking is YOUR motivation to get out there and talk to the commanders or civilians who are running the gyms and tell them this is what you want! It may seem like an impossible feat but with all the senior leaders who post on this page, it baffles me that more isn't being done.
Yesterday I went to a gym on Fort Riley and was shocked to see medicine balls, boxes, bumper plates and C2 rowers. Like I said, there's money out there for CF equpiment, and I'm willing to bet that gym manager would love some input from customers rather than buying another smith machine. If finesse doesn't work, try brute force and ignorance.

Lie, n. 1. A false statement deliberately presented as being true; falsehood. 2. Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression. -The American Heritage Dictionary.

Wow. I am an active duty Marine that just left Camp Pendleton less than five months ago and I don't believe what I just saw. Let me start by saying that I think it's great that Crossfit is adopting the Marine Corps and supporting it with gear and training. However, I found the video content today extremely misleading. In fact, I view it as purely fallacious propaganda and think that some of the Marines involved lack integrity.

Once again, I just left Pendleton in June. I seem to recall the "Globo Gyms" on board base being equipped with kettlebells, jump ropes, plyo boxes, bumper plates, medicine balls, rowing machines, pull up bars, etc. Granted, there was only one dedicated Crossfit Gym, but I conducted Crossfit workouts many times at Page Fieldhouse, 14 Area Fitness Center, Margarita FC, SOI West FC, and Horno FC. No one ever stopped me from slamming medicine balls, swinging kettlebells, or doing burpee pull ups to my hearts content. To say that "the Marines need this gear to train for war" is a little misleading. Some of those Marines should probably take five minutes to look around the Fitness Centers instead of deciding that their Marine Corps or government is not supporting them or their combat fitness needs. That disappoints me and I think the argument completely lacks integrity.

Why can't 90% of the Marines use the fitness centers on base that are already equipped with gear that could be used for CF? Would Crossfit gyms and more gear suddenly enable them to get to the gym more frequently? Are there some new rules that say some Marines can go to the gyms and some cannot? Maybe they should check out the fitness centers rather than spending their liberty screwing off and getting into trouble. Find me a barracks that is more than a 10 minute walk away from one of the fitness centers. Find me a Fitness Center that doesn't have weights, pull ups bars, and space to conduct Crossfit. You can't.

Don't believe the hype. The Marines you just watched say that all they have to train with are tires, logs, and cement-filled ammo cans are misleading you. The ends do not justify the means and I think it is very wrong to deliberately mislead people that potentially want to help Marines train. I have been with units that made more with less in Iraq than they already have at Pendleton. We ran in boots in utes, did MCMAP, flipped tires, chopped them with sledge hammers, induced vomitting with calisthenics, and generally worked our asses off every chance we got. If anything, send some more gear overseas. The Marines in the states have plenty. Futhermore, the money is there. Tie the need to preparing for the Global War on Terror, convince your commanders, submit the paperwork to your SuppO's and the goverment will buy it for you.

Semper Fidelis and DBTH

better make the money now for the equipment because obama doesn't like america's fighting force. once he gets wind of this, he'll put an immediate stop to it. good luck.

If you don't like the cause, don't support it. Simple as that. Providing clothes for the homeless is another notable and just cause. Hey why not buy a t-shirt and give it to a homeless person?

I find it amusing the things that are argued over sometimes here.

Great work Coach!

What about the US Army? No love?

i've been doing these workouts on and off since late '04 early '05.
cindy is my favorite workout, so i'll use that as an example. the first time i did that, i got 25 sets, now i'm up to 40 to 42 sets. that's a great improvement, so it says a lot about the crossfit program, i suppose. however, all lifts (cleans, snatches, squats, bench, mil press, etc.) have dropped considerably. the deadlift is the exception; it's up about 20 lbs.
i didn't think i would be making such a sacrafice in other areas when doing these workouts, but apparently i have. which would i rather have the ability to do? squat 500lbs and run a 6:30 mile or do 50 pull ups and run a 6:00 mile? i didn't want to make any sacrafice, so i am somewhat disappointed in this program... but still impressed with it at the same time.
where do you guys fit in with your experiences?

Ginger @22, Pat @27, Simon @37, etc:

You make a valid point in asking whether the USMC really needs this, given how much funding is already out there. Hopefully the following will explain why Operation Phoenix is such a good idea.

I recently tried to acquire some CF equipment for my unit via the traditional USMC/MCCS channels. Here is what I found: basically there are 3 different categories of CF equipment from the perspective of someone who is trying to get all this gear "by the book".

1. Quality equipment that is easy to get. About the only things in this category are ab mats and dumbbells.

2. Equipment that is available, but not to CF standard. For example, you can get olympic bars through the GSA, but they are low quality. It is a steep uphill battle trying to get Pendlay bars and bumper plates and not the cheaper alternative. Ditto Dynamax medecine balls; they want you to get the crappy small hard rubber ones instead. The other problem that arises is that you run into the argument that "there's plenty of that at the Area X gym a half mile away". Well yeah, but all the bars there are bent and you're not allowed to drop weights. Another example: "We're not getting you a climbing rope...if you want to practice the rope climb, do it at the O-Course".

3. Equipment that they are just flat-out not going to let you buy. Examples include the GHD (have fun explaining the concept of posterior chain development) and rowing machines.

Even though we're by far the most frugal of the services, the USMC has a lot of funds to spend. However, it's not a matter of how much money is allocated to us, it's the ease with which someone like me can navigate the byzantine procurement process. The MCCS system has been thoroughly infiltrated by those TRX band idiots and other such charlatans who try to flog their wares on you when all you are trying to do is get basic CrossFit equipment.

In short, Operation Phoenix is a great idea and I look forward to seeing its results out here in the fleet. Thanks Coach!

Dan

I know that low taxes are good and all that, but if we are having a t-shirt sale to raise money for the Marines then I suspect I might be keeping at bit too much of my own money...

I've got an important announcement for anyone who emailed donorsupport@operationphoenix.com between the hours of 22:00 Pacific on Friday night and 09:00 Saturday morning. I messed up the email handling during the site launch. Please re-send anything you mailed during that period. Odds are that sent mail will catch up now that the handling is fixed, but we'd prefer not to take any chances. My apologies for this.

It's green lights elsewhere for the launch of Operation Phoenix. In fact, donations are pouring in at 3x the rate of comments here and growing. Thank you to everyone who has shown their support.

ooh rah to crossfit and operation phoenix. I EAS from the Corps tomorrow after 5 years with the gunts and 3 pumps to Iraq, and I wish I had found crossfit so much sooner, it is the way to go for true combat ready fitness! Thanks for all you guys do for us

As a soldier, I can attest that the military will spend its funds on things that no one wants all the time, whether its a type of headset, eye pro, gym equipment, or 9mm berretas. After you receive from S-4 whatever it is that Uncle Sam has decided to give you, you have two options, Option 1: Just make due with what you got or Option 2: Find a way to get what you want. I guess some Marines have found a way by setting themselves up with donations. I would commend them on their rapport-building skills and frankly am a little jealous. It sure beats having to "acquire" equipment through less legal means... or worse, paying for it out of your own pocket!

However, if I had the time and energy, I would instead work to setup a program with USO to install CF gyms in the airports for ALL military members to use. That would fricking rock!

#63 Hari

I agree on all points. I agree with the ends...good PT for Marines (I wish they would include the Army). I just think the establishment of a non profit organization to buy equipment that the chain of command is unwilling to buy looks wierd.

M/48/153/1-1-06

Crossfit Strength Experiment Round 2 Week 4

CFWU x 3 (- dips)

Buy-in
2x
Run 200M
5 Kick to Handstand Hold (bet those were amusing to watch)

Note: First 10 DL done unbroken; new max for 225# and new DL 10RM.

WOD
21-15-9
Deadlift 225#
KTE
30" Box Jump

19:57

Cash-out
1:30 Frog Stand (major a$$ cramp; kept falling over)

Good day all,

I wasn't going to get on this subject, but after a fellow Marine comment #76 DBTH had to say a rather misleading statement it is now time.

First, not all the gyms, in fact most of the gyms in the Marine Corps are designed properly for the WOD that us who love crossfit and see it's function can handle. Based at Parris Island, only to the cause of a few ATC who got the funding for a few bumper plates, rings, boxes, kettlebells, for a STC facility have minimal equip for one maybe two Marines to get it on.

The Marines in the video aren't lying, as you say it. They simply took up an issue that most Marines see invloved with adhering to fitness. It's not just the gyms, it's the ability to train within the units for PT sessions, preparing for the Combat Fitness test, combat and overall functional fitness. We started getting it done with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, we need to be doing the same with the fitness aspect, instead of "Hey Marines, PT, we are going to run again. I know from working as a Training Chief once how hard it is to get outfitted with even a covered area for inclimate weather for MCMAP training.

I am certain that Coach is smart enough to have looked into the Marine Corps and see the needs that we have.

You say, why can't 90 percent use what gyms we already have? They would get no where fast in those gyms packed with everyone else on equipment, or lack of a oly lift platform, or bumper plate to increase safety. Lack of rings, I could go on as to why and crossfit gym, and/or equipment would benifit the training of marines in functional fitness.

How frustrating it is we don't even have the proper training areas, and equipment to really do the MCMAP training how it could better the fighter for combat.

We as Marines adapt, improvise and overcome obsticles everyday. It is a good cause for those who recognise that and are willing to do something to aid us in those efforts.

One last thing to your effort in saying it's so easy to submit for equipment.

It takes years to accomplish a submission to request these things. Contractors get involved, the green side and blue side money gets looked at for other expenses, and then they want more and more justification to something so common sense.

Your space you talk of also has aerobic, cycling classes, yoga and things of that nature. It's sad to see that someone comes up with a good cause to aid mine and your beloved Marine Corps, puts an advertising element, that is not so fr from the truth to get masses trained functionally, and you knock it.

One other thing. You couldn't functionally or effectivly take a unit, without having som snag to those gyms you speak of and ulitmatly get every one on a WOD without sacrificing the result of the training by waiting on space, time and equipment. Maybe, if you looked at it more from thier stand point, you would see that is why they spoke of the imporvised equipment they use to train more than in thier packed, gyms. I would also be mindful of the accusations stated, knowing that Marine officers, and Staff Non Comissioned Officers spoke on behalf of thier units for the cause.

Semper Fidelis and God Bless

On board with Op Pheonix and will pass the word on.

Took 2:07 off my Murph today. I am a happy Crossfit coolaid guzzler. ZonePaleo works!

comment #34 Justin L.:
My man... if you are worried about anything before enlisting in the Marines- hold the fu*& up then. The Corps will make sure you are combat ready. Just know when you sign the dotted line, there is no more "my needs" it's all about the Corps' needs... and the corps will get whatever it needs.
And this is a nice way of saying- know what you are getting into.
Semper

does anyone have a photo of one of those shirts in the real world? i'm probably gonna get one but it's going to take me a couple of days to convince myself that it's worth $50. definitely a good cause though!

I agree 100% with Cody above, and I'd like to take it a step further...

Our Battalion office recently had it's floor replaced with new tile. The new tile had been on request for over 5 years.

We are also having broken chairs replaced in our classrooms that our Marines use day in and day out for training. The chairs are going to be fixed over Christmas. The request for fixing this was over 5 years, I believe.

Yes, the Marine Corps has gyms on the base. We had to use them to do WODs before we secured our own CrossFit only gym. It sucked. No rings, no med balls. No bumpers. If we dropped the weights on deadlifts, we were yelled at.

I think it's funny that you can sit there and criticize a program that would benefit you and your Marines in the public square. If you want to continue to "make due" in your crappy MCCS gym, so be it. I don't think you need to come here and tell everyone how much equipment there is out there in CrossFit land.

SOI has a gym. The reason for this is because the Coach donated all the gear, and LtCol Wilson secured a space for it. Without those two, we would still be using the base gym and annoying all the globo gym Marines on the treadmills.

I can think of so many Marine units that would benefit from this gear. In fact, I've been emailed by many asking how to get gear. LtCol Wilson has a long list of units out there wanting some support.

I know this was long winded, but that guy certainly pissed me off to no end.

Thanks Coach for everything that you are doing and continue to do. I love the program and appreciate all of your help!

Semper Fi.

I'm assuming we go to the CrossFit store to buy these tshirt? That was a very powerful movie that maybe the new president should see. Time for a change right?

I want the style shirt that is in the advertisement photo. Kinda dusty looking black.

http://www.crossfit.com/mt-archive2/opphxwod.html

Otherwise ill be getting the brown one.

Awesome cause.

#80 Sean

I understand your point, and I think many serious athletes who adopt CF can claim performance drops in their previous "specialty.' Ahhhh...there's that nasty, little word again ~

As a former (solely) weightlifter, I had seen initial 1RM decreases in all movements when beginning CF. This really bothered me at first, however my MetCon improved dramatically. I told myself that this was simply a trade off that I had to swallow, and a mindset that I needed to adjust to.

Then one day, while laying on the gym floor post WOD, I had sort of an epiphany. My strength training had indeed made me strong, but how applicable was this to my daily life? Had I ever been asked to deadlift a car off of a person trapped underneath? How much benefit from a 330# BP could I apply to my occupation? Hmmm..it seems more likely that I could benefit far more from the MetCon when the mulch truck shows up each spring with 35 yards of mulch to be shoveled, wheelbarrowed and spread; when hauling treated lumber to the backyard of a friend to help build a deck; when shoveling 12" of wet snow that seems to fall each February.

In reality, a 1RM bench twice my BW was something I was proud of, but actually gave me nothing more than bragging rights among my friends. CF prepares me far better for the actual challenges in my life. I now choose power over strength. This is why I stick with it, and I hope you do too, Sean.

I quote from the USMC Functional Fitness Program white paper:
"Most of the movements associated with the Functional Fitness Program, since they imitate combat function, can be performed with a filled sandbag, a rock, a filled 5-gallon water jug, a tire, or an ammo can filled with sand. Once unit leaders understand the philosophy of the program and they become creative, they will find all sorts of "equipment” available to them."
link: http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/USMCFunctionalFitnessConcept.pdf

So what happened? Why now are people crying out for bumper plates and C2 rowers? I think there's a problem with Marines eschewing things like logs and sandbags in favor of a bunch of crap that belongs at 24-hour fitness, especially when they are in an austere environment.

Also, private business trying to supplement military funding and impose an alternative authority for training Marines sets a troubling precedent.

#58 bingo

That's what I was thinking too.....you just said it better than I could have. Hahaha...

Good post, bingo.

Thanks ~

# 35, BrianK, just wondering re Iron Grip hexagonal plates. It's what is at my gym (more of a "workout" club, but has most of what I need). Curious, what is it that makes them bad for O-lifts and powerlifts?

What a great cause. It's a shame that our law enforcement and military personnel, who are already underpaid, must make due with substandard equipment to maintain their fitness levels while celebrities spend their millions on mansions and cars. I've already bought my t-shirt.

#76 dbth

Dont you think that coach may have visited a marine base or two before he decided to spend a vast amount of time and effort on this undertaking? I doubt the local marine CF supporters put a camo net over the base gym and led him over to the logs and tires. The guy is trying to do something good for the marines and the military as a whole. At no place of the spear is stregth as important as it is at the tip. I cant think of a better cause. Thank you coach.

made up pull-up/thruster workout
9 rounds as rx'd, probably shoulda been 10. I've been sick for a couple days, felt good to work out again.

I finally got the feel for getting my pull-ups with chest to bar. All were at or below nipple level. Kind of like riding a bike. Took awhile to get the feel for it, but pretty easy afterwards. It seemed to make the rhythm of the kip a bit smoother as well.

Need to catch up on two days worth of push-ups.

Awesome organization!

Just bought a shirt and made a donation.

I am the spouse of a deployed Army soldier and currently work as the "Fitness Specialist" for the Sports & Fitness department on an Army Post in Germany. I have been pushing to buy CrossFit equipment for the soldiers and for a dedicated space for them to do CrossFit. It is difficult to get the civilian organization that runs these gyms to provide this because if the space doesn't exist within the facility there are ratio and staffing issues to fund and maintain a separate facility. Until CrossFit becomes the official PT of the Armed Forces we will just have to rely on private organizations like Operation Pheniox. Keep up the good work!

Dear CrossFitters,

The Spartan design is pale in comparison to the War and Peace design. If you do buy a shirt, you should get the War and Peace design. Much better looking in my opinion. Semper fi.

I have been out of Crossfit for a while due to a severe mnt. bike accident (almost one year).

What is the best way to ease back into the program?

I am 100% healed physically and have been dabbling with running and hitting some weights but I am far from going full bore back into the program.

My first time beginning Crossfit I tried to jump right into the WOD's but soon found my blood work all jacked up because of the extreme muscle damage and felt completely fatigued (beyond that of normal intense exercise).

Any recomendations beyond just scaling the WOD's or starting like a Pup or something?

#19 john: "St. Olaf like form the Golden Girls tv show?"

Yup - Rose, "the dumb one", was from St. Olaf, Minnesota, a reference to St. Olaf College in Northfield. One of the writers for the show had attended Carleton College, the (better) school across the river (disclosure: I graduated from Carleton in '06), and in a little bit of subtle school rivalry, decided that Rose should be from St. Olaf.
Oh, college, how I miss thee.

So where in the Marine Corps is the gear going??At my base we do not need gear we need A LARGE INDOOR gym. Our gym for some 4000+ mil & civ is no larger than my living room. So it will be nice to have "crossfit gear" but we have no where to put it. So save your money give it to the army, airforce or Navy who needs to get into shape and just let us BIT#! about or lack of room. We are happier that way. Semper Fi

did the bear workout from crossfit by overload's website:

5 rounds of 7 reps of
power clean
front squat
push press
back squat
push press

used loads of 95, 115, 135, 135, 155

good stuff

Hey all,

I'm trying to get a team together for the superbowl of adventure racing, Primal Quest 2009 and I've just had a cancellation on my team. We are all crossfitters (Brian Mackenzie of crossfit endurance fame has promised us some sponosorship money and team gear) and we need a crossfitter to fill the spot. If your interested let me know by monday, please. All details can be found at www.ecoprimalquest.com. Send me an e-mail...

Comment #101

Tamara,

Don't let them throw you those lies. The Army can buy the equipment for you. I know this from experience. I am at Torii station Okinawa. You have to get garrison supporting you and that is with or without your gym managers support. It many times helps if you have the subordinat commanders on the installation asking for it also. We took out one of our racquet ball courts and we are getting about 300k for expansion. There is money that comes in every year, you have to stay on them and show eveidence that it is wha tthe troops want.

OK so I watched the video and this equipment is for SOI? Come on you get them used to getting nice equipment they are going to expect it for the next 4 years. Give them rocks to lift, axles from a humvee, and tires from a 7 ton and they will be fine.

This is a very cool initiative. More power to 'em.

...but what about the Army :(

My dad is a Marine, flew A-4's in the late 60's, early 70's. Monday is the birthday of the Marines - 10 NOV - and we celebrated every year, listening to my dad talk about Camp Pendelton, his Marine buddies, and the fact that the Marines are older than the U.S. Constitution, which he thought was way cool.

What better way to celebrate the birth of the United States Marine Corps than by getting an Operation Phoenix t-shirt. I'm ordering one today.

To Cody, StrikeFO, Tosh, Uncle Dan, my dad and the rest of the Marines - Happy Birthday!!! (a little early!)
http://our.marines.com/cms_content/showblogvideo/rel_id/169/id/870

#88 CodyLee: What disappointed me about the video was that the Marines on the screen conveyed a message that all the Marine Corps gave them to train with were some makeshift weights, tires, and logs. I quote from Firebase Gloria, “this is all the gear we have to train with.” Then at Horno, “Instead of logs, maybe we could have some barbells.” The Marine pressing the MK-19 was good too. Tears were welling up in my eyes and then I remembered that in the meantime, the Horno gym was less than a quarter mile east of where the Staff Sergeant was flipping the tire. The CF gym was another quarter mile east. And Horno is three miles further east than that. The appeal was just BS and I wonder if Public Affairs looked at that before it went live on the worldwide web. I know that, you know that, and they know that. I was waiting for Sally Struthers to pop out with tears and mascara streaming down her face and say, "for 70 cents a day, you can support a Marine with Crossfit equipment." I'm not sure when the Marine Corps became a charity case and I absolutely question the integrity of the appeal as it was presented. Apparently the Marine Corps could not even afford to give the Staff Sergeant in the video a shirt to wear while he Crossfitted with his tires. Let’s send him one of these and raise money for the cause too!

Let's be honest brother, there is plenty of gear to go out and train. I use Crossfit concepts regularly in unit PT and implement the workouts I can with the gear I have. Are we really going to equip every Devil Dog with a medicine ball, rowing machine, and set of bumper plates? Come on! I've been doing the WOD pretty regularly for quite a while without access to a rowing machine, rings, or bumper plates. There are very few days that I have to sub due to lack of gear availability and when I do, I run, triple up regular dips, or just use regular weights. There are plenty of WODs and Benchmark Girl Workouts that don't require a lot other than aggressive leadership and a little imagination to sub something in when the workout calls for gear you don’t have. As I remember it, the rowing machines and bumper plates in the fitness centers collected more dust than sweat and I only saw units on the o’course a couple of times a month….

#92 Paul: We are talking about different pots of money my man and facilities pain is a thread for another time and place. Put a petition in front of me that says we need more money for facilities and I'll sign it. Give me a vote for commanders having more authority over how much money goes into training v. facilities v. repair parts and I’ll vote for it. Saying you can't even get money to spend on chairs so you can’t get CF gear just isn't applicable in this case. We can barely spend all of the money thrown at us in support of training for GWOT. You can't use of dime of it on facilities though. I concede that requesting gear on a scale as large as the Marine Corps, base, or station can take years. At the unit level, I've done this in the past and you can get gear (martial arts mats, kettlebells, etc.) via Open Purchase Request. If commanders want a gym in a training area at FB Gloria, it will happen.

Ultimately, people can do whatever they want to with their money and they can give it all to the Marine Corps for Crossfit gear if they like. I sincerely hope that Crossfit continues to spread in the Corps and encourage those around me to get at it. Maybe I am a rogue, but I'm sticking to my guns that there is better gear and opportunity to train on base than some of our esteemed colleagues would have the general public believe. That is the purpose of the post and if I made some angry by expressing my opinion, so be it.

dbth

I totally agree with you. It's like I said in my comment. The people in the video only give their warped perspective. They don't give a true perspective. I've been on many bases in my 10-year career. I've had to make due with lack of equipment, resources, and funding just like everyone else. I'm definitely not gonna alter numbers ("...200,000 Marines need equipment...") or make outlandish statements to try to get a handout. My battalion commander is a Crossfit freak and he can't even get the equipment for us. But we still find a way to make ends meet in our TWO gyms. Anyone that buys into this is a sucker. You know what they say, a fool and his money are soon parted.

I apologize for the long post in advance, but I'm a little fired up at the moment.

DBTH-
I hear what you are saying, HOWEVER I disagree. I believe the intent of Operation Phoenix is to allow more Marines to be exposed to Crossfit - it's that simple. With more equipment and CF gyms, the more opportunities young Marines will have to experience Crossfit and prepare for their missions. The point is, a Crossfit Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman is a better Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman.

I am happy to support USMC by buying a shirt. I don't know that it really matters where the money comes from, as long as the equipment is available to you, allowing you to prepare mentally and physically for deployment and you return home safely. The end goal is we want you all to return safely, and if buying a t-shirt helps support that mission, I'm at the front of the line.

I've had the opportunity to send many care packages overseas, and I find with each deployment, that many of my friends want to contribute and help. There are SO many people out there who want to help support you and your Marines, they just don't have an opportunity to do that because they don't know anyone serving. Think of Operation Phoenix as an opportunity for those of us that aren't military to support your work and mission.

Stand by your guys all you like -I don't believe the video was misleading. The CFCP crew is top notch.

I havent seen anyone else comment on this yet, but is there anyone else who is as sore as I am today? I am having trouble even making it up or down stairs, even walking is a chore. Just thought I'd ask, hopefully I'm not the only one.

good cause and cool t-shirts.
I am all for supporting troop morale and better training equipment for Marines.

Semper Fi!

#97 blades..
the iron grip plates don't roll and very rarely will they hit the floor evenly when doing deadlifts, power cleans, etc. If both sides don't touch at the same time with the flat edge down then they hit unevenly and tend to break your grip on the bar

Hey everyone, I know this is off topic for the day, but I was wondering if anyone has heard of this supplement call "Stemulite" Sounds a little too much like a magic pill... Just curious if anyone know anything about it or has any opinions on this one or any other supplements. You can google it if you don't know what it is.
Let me know your thoughts,
Tim

Coach
As a former active duty Marine I think what you are doing here will be a great service for the Marine Corps.I have always felt that the Corps needs to switch its PT to more functional type training rather than just running and endurance type workouts.At every base I was stationed on we did have a fitness center or small gym every few miles or so.Which made it very easy for every Marine to get a good workout.But,what these guys were doing were your typical bodybuilding type workouts.I hope that with this equipment the Marine Corps will make it mandatory that every Marine have some kind of training or class to educate them of Crossfit's training principles.Once again Thanks Coach and you truly are a Great AMERICAN!

SEMPER FI

Just ordered one. =) Great idea for those that really need. I'm in the Navy and wish my ship could get some Crossfit stuff though I suppose we don't really need it. For one, our lives aren't on the line regarding fitness, and secondly we do have fitness equipment, just not Crossfit ideal stuff.

re article from #3 --

The most pressing issue the article raises (to me) is QUALITY CONTROL! Certifications with no testing to prove that you understand and have learned the concepts seem kidof silly. I believe there should be certs for people that just want to learn more and tested certs for affiliate owners. As the grassfire spreads ie. crossfit there will be many people that jump on the CF bandwagon, get cert, open a box and then try to teach OLY lifts. It is only a matter of time for the lawsuits to roll in. Someone WILL get hurt doing CF from a "certified" trainer and affiliate. Full disclosure....I don't know the affiliate agreements that are signed when one gets to legally use the CF name but I could see lawsuits traveling to the top (Glassman et al.) we are fotunate to have a very well trained and knowledgeable coach here at crossfithuntsville who never allows sloppy form for any movement esp on the OLY lifts. If he sees that you are not "getting" the form then you don't lift. Back to the PVC pipes until you "get it".

It does not take long to cruise around to different affiliate sites, watch some of their posted WOD's, and see horrible form being allowed. (hell, even post on their promo vids).

For CrossFit to remain a respectable fitness concept in the future...accountable quality control is a must.

My .02 from the article.

Kevin

Comment #3,

I agree with #121 about quality control. I will say this though. A written test is not the answer. The certs from my understanding are well conducted, to the extent that quality control is in place. If the individual going for the cert. doesn't get it, then they don't get the cert.

Quality Control is the responsibility of the ones being certified to keep the technique and safety first. I think it is good for the headquarters to head out to affiliates and check on the quality, but as such, anything that grows will have those who do it well, and those who do not as coaches. This is dangerous in that fact as well. A written test has not one thing to do with the ability to teach, train and mentor as a coach. The cert is there to guide the right path.

You talk of lawsuits, crossfit has been around for a while. I wish I knew of it sooner. We already know of the Mikimba lawsuit. That former affiliate is no longer representing. However, the inncident has it's questionability.

I see the article as one that tries to say crossfit is a great program, as well as others. Personally, I know for myself and for others who have gone for crossfit, that it has alot more than what the article put up to question.

In all, I do crossfit brisbane for my site to follow, along with any area I work on to attack weakness, and with martial arts or any other sport I choose to follow.

For #3 Crossfit speaks for itself more than well. There will always be someone who has thier own opinions.

As for Mr. Twight, He has something going on for the goals he went along with. As he said, he found his way. I don't agree with his way so much, as the variation of crossfit working on strength WODs, with the met con type WOD's as well.

It is my concern as in all fitness for quality control. That is something to long for in any program that speads as well. Think about the gyms who don't even have the personal trainers checking on every person in the gym going at it wrong on a daily basis, with much heavier wieght and much worse poor form than most any affiliate could stand for.

One thing to keep in mind about unit PT in the military is that it is not only a fitness event. No one doubts that formation runs and forced marches are easy for some and not much of a workout. The point is to develop unit cohesion and to give unit leaders a chance to see the physical status of individuals within their unit. After a long hump, I'd see many a Marine hit the pull up bars and then bang out some crunches on their own accord. Those who didn't, paid for it in the long run on PFT day.

Part of the reason that so many devil dogs are into CF is because it jives so well with the training philosophy of the USMC. I admit that there are always improvements to be made to doctrine but we're talking tweaks not wholesale scrapping. The Semper Fit MCI is filled with great stuff. The Combat Fitness Test is a tough, functional evaluation tool. Run through the obstacle course 2-3 times and compare the body sensations to Fran or Grace. You can't tell me that someone who maxes out the PFT is not fit.

As to the equipment available, I don't see anything wrong with flipping tires, lifting weighted ammo boxes, or carrying water jugs. That's what Marines do in peace and war. Max effort thrusters with the barrel of .50 cal gets a young devil dog really "in touch" with his weapon as well as a full body workout. The School Of Infantry (SOI) is a place to make infantrymen and physical fitness is only part of what makes a great one. They've got plenty of resources to meet their ultimate mission.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."

To those that think that Opertaion Phoenix video is misleading:

Crossfit, Coach, CFCP, and all of those(us) involved in trying to help are doing so for a good cause. "Let's try and help the marines by..." should not be looked at as a negative. I think that the same sort of negative veiw point should also be looked at when looking at the production quality of the film, the typos that some of you have in your posts, and whether a marine in the video was clean shaven that mrning or not. Plain and simple, all those things may be important only in relation to themselves, but the true focus should be on the fact that people are uniting together for a good cause and reep little benefits directly for themselve. Stepping outside of ourselves, otherwise known as NOT being selfcentered, selfconsumed, self absorbed (ps-spare me the websters defintions, I am not looking to debate them or my typos) is the how we grow into more decent human beings. That IS, afterall, what Crossfit helps us all do, be a better us. So if helping out someone, or a group of someones, and extending the community of crossfit to more people, military and civilian, I say get some and go again....and try and ignore the cinematography flaws, 5 oclock shadows and typos in the posts.

~J~
Train Hard nd Push Through "IT"!

ps- Does anyone know who sing the backround music on the video, and what the name of it is??

Cody Lee Johnson, Why do you follow CFB's site?

I have all the respect in the world for Matt but I am just interested in how a Marine ends up following a Queensland routine.

Thanks,
Brett

After 21 years in the Army, the Gym’s have improved, the one here at Ft Bliss has, tons of weights including bumper plates, med balls, C2 rowers, and a strength trainer/coach. It has been a long slow process; the command has a lot to do with what you have and can what you can get. Support our Marines

Just bought 2 shirts...they look fantastic! Semper Fi Devil Dogs!

So what about the rest of the military?

All of this debating leads to one important point:

Our freedom to debate was, and is, provided to us by these men and women.

If they say they need or want equipment, and I can buy a t-shirt from Op. Phoenix instead of Macy's to help them get it, then send me a Large.

If they want a book on knitting, so they can take their mind off of the sh%t they have to deal with, then I'll send them that too!

I work for a fire department in a very affluent area and we can't get adequate equipment for functional training. Sure we have "gyms" in our stations but we can't get support from admin to get decent free weights, functional equipment, or appropriate workout times, because of the "risk of injury" they perceive comes from the use of powerlifting moves. Meanwhile, we have an ever increasing number of members that go out on disabilty becasue of knee/back/shoulder injuries, members on BP medicine, etc. Their bodies simply aren't built for what we do to them on the fireground.

My point is that "government money" is not the same as civilian money. So instead of buying your t-shirts from "affliction" or Ed Hardy, buy one of these Phoenix shirts (nice design BTW) and be a moral bada$$!

While your at it, pick up one from these guys too: http://www.honortheirsacrifices.com/

#124 Jrock

The one song sounds like disturbed. The second song in the background is "hero of war" by rise against. And as I pointed out in my earlier post it is garbage. If you listen to the lyrics you will probably get pissed off.

#130 devildog

You know, I downloaded it after you told me who it was. I liked the music when the OP vid was going, but couldn't understand what they were saying. Being a musician since I was 6, there was something about it that struck me, which is why I asked.
However, after listening to it, you are right, it did piss me off. WTF! Ah $hit, it is just a song, so I won;t rant about it. But it definitely pissed me off. And musically it was a four chord progression that just repeated. I think that I am going to change the words, write a new song, but possibly use the same title. I am not quite as pitchy as Rise Against, and have a better range and more vibrato. I think it would be a fun song o sing, but I have to write new lyrics.
AND, I think I know just the person who will hang upside down and write it with me......
Accept the challenge J...

~J1~

Well, looks like this forum is closing out soon so I'll just throw my last two cents in here. I've read a lot of people commenting on the fact that Marines sacrifice so much that a little donation is the least we can do for them. Bullspit. Let's be honest people. Everyone in the military didn't join because they wanted to die for their country. Hell, half the military force that exists probably joined well before there was any war, conflict, or crisis going on. To say that we "owe" these (begging) Marines a handout is ridiculous. I'm ashamed to say that I used to be one of them. How pathetic can you be to beg for money and use your "sacrifice" as a selling point? We were winning wars before Crossfit came along, don't use it as a crutch.

I spent a lot of the day reading Mona Charen's "Do Gooders". It makes you mad, reading the history of welfare in the United States, and how those who claim to be concerned about children, generally are the ones who enact the policies that are most destructive to children.

The program here is charity. It is a give-away, and I find the reactions interesting. You have people saying this is wonderful, it will help us prepare ourselves to fight better for this great country. You have others saying we don't need it, we can take care of it ourselves. Our facilities aren't that bad, we can "improvise, adapt, overcome" (out of curiosity, is that really the Recon motto, or is that just "Heartbreak Ridge"?), and in any event we already have government sponsors. A little trouble, some burocratic elbow grease, and the deed is done. We're not paupers.

I'm almost tempted to say that the only people who should accept charity are those who do not want it for their own sakes. Aid for Families with Dependent Children? Its for the kids. If you are just poor, get a job and quit whining.

Likewise here, my sense is that a part of Coach's thinking is very simply, "I want to give something to some group who deserves it, and I've had it past my ears with Goddamn whiners, losers, misfits, and leaches. The Marines fit none of those labels. Let's go to it.

In my own view, if the entirety of our nation approached charity the same way I'm seeing here, we would be building kids with actual character, instead of ensuring their lifelong moral enfeeblement, as we are doing now.

Churches and the military are the last hold-outs, by and large.

While Operation Phoenix has a great idea, I can say my unit an I&I Marine Unit on an Reserve Army Installation, has been told by Marine Forces Reserve that they will be sending us Functional Fitness Equipment in the next few months and I received the list of equipment. Unfortunately it will not be enough as the equipment will be used by three different I&I staffs on the same installation. We make due right now with what we currently have which is very very limited. The amount of equipment they are sending us allows at least a fire team plus to complete a WOD at the same time. Would love to list the equipment but the list is on my computer at work. Funny part about it is that I asked for funding from MARFORRES to fund 2 to 3 Marines to attend a Level 1 Cert and possibly tend a Level 2 cert. My justification was you are sending us "Functional Fitness Equipment" so send some Marines to "familiarize us" with the equipment so we can begin setting a program up for our unit. Request was denied. I have a great CO and he is funding two of us to attend a Level 1 Cert. I have been been using Crossfit and the WODs and I am in the best shape of my life even better shape than when I was on the Drill Field when I was 25 years old. I don't have to tape out anymore I have lost 30 pounds and I score better on the PFT and CFT than my younger Leathernecks. Me and another fellow SNCO are working to make our Marines Crossfit Marines so that when they do return to the FMF after their tour on I&I they can withstand the rigors of combat even better than they have before. We are both looking forward to the Level 1 Certification at Ft. Dix.

My last unit was a Infantry Battalion, and I know for a fact the gyms on the base cannot support a unit as small as a squad for a Crossfit workout. While many of them are attempting to bring in more functional fitness equipment it is not enough. MCCS or Semper Fit needs to take a hard look at their set up.

Not sure if the Marines in the video tried but if you are a Marine on a major installation, go to your installation's website and locate the ICE (Interactive Customer Evaluation) link and find MCCS and Semper Fit. Tell them what you want. ICE works. Every installation's ICE comments are briefed to the installation commander and an answer or a solution or response is emailed to you or the person in charge of the area you commented on will call you directly. I have commented on various areas and suggested changes and changes were made.

Also those Marines who are apart of the Single Marine and Sailor Program a rep from Semper Fit comes to the meetings. If you are not the unit rep let your rep know what you want Semper Fit do for you.

Don't think I am hating on Operation Phoenix we should attack and use all avenues of approach. Oh yes I will be purchasing a shirt.

#127 Brett,

I look for what fits my goals as a Martial Arts Instructor, Bull rider and Marine. I first followed the site due to how Matt addressed the oly lift practice and Power lift practice, which I needed more work on.

After that, and a reply from Matt on the training method, I went back to the main site. However, The scheduling of the Sunday rest day appealed to me once again. I follow the site for Matt's approach and the Sunday rest day as well. Crossfit is great no matter what. I prefer the Brisbane site for my fitness goals.

I also, back in 2001 was in Mainland Australia near Katherine. Tindal AFB was our area. I got involved with the town butcher there who allowed me and a few of my buddies to practice riding some Bulls while there. Normy was great to us. I ejoyed the opportunity to ride in 2 shows there that year, unfortunatly during when 9/11 happened as well.

Crossfit is alot like my personal approach to my training for such things as martial arts and so on. What was introduced was more variety, an empty cup to have oly lifts, power lifts, gymnastics and more that have made me a believer for the first time in learning and one day when I can hopefully afford to, certify as many certs as I can and coach others interested in elite fitness.

I hope I could answer your question.

cody_33_johanna@yahoo.com is my email address if you have any advice or help along the way.

I dont know about you but Im looking forward to a killer metcon...probably some SDHP.

Just wanted to get some thoughts on this. I think I am going to start warming up to 5 rounds of Cindy (5 pull-ups, 10 sit-ups, 15 air squats per rd). I get a good sweat quick and I can always do at least that much without stopping. Does anyone think this is good or bad idea?

#77 (Jay), you're kidding, right? That was a very ignorant statement - you really think (a) that Obama would stop support for this great program and (b) that he even could if he wanted to? This is America! Please.

What's with all the Obama hate on the crossfit board? There are several of us crossfitters Obama supporters out here that are very happy about the results.

p.s. Great program. Just ordered my operation phoenix T!

Thanks Cody, I noticed you mention CFB a few times and I have been meaning to ask.

dbth @113:

"Are we really going to equip every Devil Dog with a medicine ball, rowing machine, and set of bumper plates?...There are plenty of WODs and Benchmark Girl Workouts that don't require a lot other than aggressive leadership and a little imagination to sub something in when the workout calls for gear you don’t have."

At one point when I was in Iraq we spent about a month living in a firm base that was a bad guy's house that we took over. We made the best CF gym we could in his courtyard. There was a ghetto-rigged pullup bar, sandbags of various weights up to 120 lbs, a jump rope, and a 7-ton tire. With this pitifully small amount of equipment we still managed to train hard without getting bored.

Do I agree that your assertion that you can get a great workout in with a little motivation and ingenuity, in spite of equipment shortages? Absolutely. However, the conclusion you draw from this, namely, that Marines have most of the gear they need at base gyms, can improvise around what they don't have, and therefore don't need any outside help, is specious and bogus.

I managed to stay in relatively good shape while I was in Iraq. However, now that I'm back home and working out at a great affiliate, I'm in much better shape. A significant factor in the improvement in my fitness is the fact that at my affiliate, there is every piece of CF equipment imaginable, so I can train across broad modal domains, ie, rower, wall ball, Oly lifts, rope climb, box jumps, kettlebells, etc. I'm not limited to variations on Cindy, Diane or G.I. Jane like I was at that firm base. So in response to your incredulous question about whether we really need to equip every Devil Dog with a rower, bumper plates, etc, I say heck yeah!

Here's another reason why your argument is bogus. Paul touched on it before but let me bring it up again. You say that you've done plenty of CF workouts at base gyms. This leads me to believe that either you are some kind of super stealth ninja or you are not pushing yourself very hard. Every time I've attempted an intense Fran or Linda at any gym aboard Lejeune, Pendleton, or the Stumps, I've been harassed by a MCCS employee within a minute of the workout starting for dropping weights, moving weights around the floor in an "unauthorized" way, or being too loud. I hope that a big part of Opn Phoenix will be establishing spaces where people can blast Slayer, drop weights, use chalk, scream profanities etc.

Thanks again doing this, Coach.

Semper Motivate,

Dan

On a lighter note from everything,

Just finished as many in 20 of

85 lb thrusters 12 reps

pull ups 10 reps

7 rounds

Had no 65 lb bar, so it was a back pack and cement bag of 85 lbs. And a bathroom door for pull ups.

Good night everyone and God Bless

Nice Mo on Greg there in the vid!

Jrock
YOu should def rewrite the lyrics. That would be sick. It could be a great song but they didnt go that way with it. Would love to hear it if you ever end up doing it.

So I haven't read all the posts here yet but it is just amazing to me how some of you can be so damn negative ALL THE TIME!
Coach/Lauren/Crossfit is doing something great and all some people can say is why aren't you doing something more usefull? Gimme a F*ing break!
If you want to go save the inner city youth by providing bumper plates to them then go do it. Why the hell do some of you gotta criticise all the time?
Get a life!
I'm looking forward to supporting Operation Pheonix! Awesome Coach! Thank you!

I guess perhaps this goes to the liberal mindset that 'if we give to one it takes from another'.
News: There is endless pie to go around!

As a 16 year veteran of the US Military, I can state that most military gyms are very well equipped (and free). I have never had any trouble doing a crossfit workouts in them. I may have had to slightly modify the workout, but I was still able to closely replicate the workout and most importantly work hard. True, military gyms more closely resemble Robo gyms, based around a bodybuilding model of training, but that is still because an enormous amount of people in the military still train like bodybuilders. They are equipped according to demand. As more people crossfit, the equipment will change. What a lot of crossfitters forget is that not everyone wants to do crossfit. When I was first exposed to crossfit in 2004-ish, I was convinced that I had to let as many people as possible know about crossfit. I was repeatedly amazed to learn that not eveyone cared. After a while I quit trying to convince everyone. I like it, I use it, I'm in better shape at 36 than I have ever been. If someone asks, I am more than happy to discuss with them my crossfitting ways. I have however, met a lot of people over the last few years who are still much stronger than me, can still out run me, can do more pull-ups and dips that I can, and did it all by working out in the Robo gym. People who have achieved a high degree of fitness despite crossfit are not always that receptive to someone tellin them they're working out wrong.

As wonderful of a service as Mr. Glassman is providing to the Marines, I do have a bit of a problem with corporate sponsorship of the Military. I never want corporate sponsorship to progress to the point that I end up having a Pepsi Logo (or Coke, or Gatorade, or whoever) on my uniform. I simply believe we should keep it separate from the military. The Military has plenty of funding, they don't need the potential conflict of interest that can come from competing corporate sponsors. Additionally a few post have been made that the Marines need the funds because "Obama is going the cut funding". I'm calling bullshit. The Military currently has more funding that at any other time in history. There has been no shortage of money for the last eight years. If the Marine leadership bought new armor, and wpn optics and a host of other essential gear, trying to blame Obama for a lack of gym equipment funds is retarded, he hasn't even taken over yet.

Coach -

Reading commentary on Operation Phoenix, both supportive and critical, caused me to want to take a moment to thank you and Lauren.

Thank you for developing the Crossfit sytem and providing it absolutely FREE to me via this website. I have been following the WOD for about 4 months and the results are truly amazing. I feel about 15 years younger since I listened to some good advice and started to strictly follow the WOD.

Regarding the Crossfit Journal, thanks for making available the knowledge which took you and the other experts years to develop for only $25 a year. The volume of information there is amazing.

I am stunned that this whole system is so effective and yet is provided to all of us virtually FREE of charge.

Operation Phoenix is another example of the innovative way in which you are helping to make your system available to people who want and need it, and for that I am grateful.

Lastly, thanks for fostering the open atmosphere in which folks are so willing to help novices learn the system.

I am sure there are many, many others who feel the same way.

Highest Regards
Aaron McGee

DBTH,

Have you ever been to any other bases? It definately does not sound like it. Take the blinders off there killer! Wake up!

Coach,
I definately appreciate the efforts to help bring the equipment. I am stationed out of Yuma, AZ. Before I deployed we found an old room and were bringing old equipment that was thrown away trying to fix it (many times unsuccessful), making pull-up bars and make shift weights and buying some of our own. The base gym is so small and cramped with an over stock of globo equipment. Many Marines practically have to interrupt a work out just to get by from area to area. The gym staff argue with us when we come to CrossFit. This is awesome. I cannot wait to spread the good news! Thanks again coach.

With the amount of government bureaucracy, I would never count on them providing the funds to build a CrossFit gym. Not to mention the field day the Navy had with the former sailor who got rhabdo from doing a CF workout (yes I know the gym wasn't affiliated but they don't realize that).

The whole argument that the government should provide the funds is irrelevant because you're missing the point on private donations. Everyone can do whatever they want with their money. If you want to donate to help the marines out, do so. If you don't want to, don't buy a T-shirt. Who is anyone to tell someone else not to donate their own personal money to help the marines out because "the government should do it".

Stuff like Operation Phoenix is the backbone of why the CF community is so amazing to be a part of. Keep up the great work Greg and Lauren, I know you hear it enough, but you are truly changing people's lives.

Marines aren't there to get a workout. They are there to kill people.

If you don't believe me ask any Marine leader.

The last I heard said "make no mistake about it, our job is to kill people".

And yes (130) Ben...what about the rest of us? Your average joe Marine is a hard working person, but so are the other branches. Believe me, the Air Force needs it more than the Marines as they are the most out of shape branch of them all.

134 Gary - you are absolutely correct. Determination and a bigger gun will always win over who is more functionally fit. While CrossFit is an excellent program, it can't stop bullets.

On the website they have the tshirt in the pic here only in black or brown, how can I get the grey one?

caught up on yesterday's. legs still sore from wednesday haha.

Ran on treadmill cause of philly rain.

9:40

I am in the Army. The gyms at every military installation I have been to (and I have been to Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine installations) have all of the necessary equipment to conduct nearly every CrossFit workout in the arsenal. Not sure if the extra fundraising and purchasing is really needed.

Interesting...

US Marines have no weight lifting equipment.

Prisons in US have great weight lifting equipment.

5:40 Fran at CrossFit H.E.L. today, as rx'd, great day of training, great facility, coaches were $, met some really cool people.

rest day? could have sworn it said "wine day."

All I can say is if you don't agree with something don't support it. That is your right. The money for the equipment is coming out of the pockets of private individuals and/or private organizations that "want" to support this cause.
I don't think anybody believes that the Marines only have a couple tires and some logs to lift, but on that note a lot of Military gyms are not equipped (Comment #35) for functional training/ Cross Fit.
I grew up Air Force and married Army and have been to Military gyms allover the world. I now currently work for one (Comment #102) Most of these gyms are caulk full off (no space to move) “state of the art" equipment. On the Post I'm at right now, we have 2 gyms; not one has a standard pull up bar, there is only one place to do dips, no rowing machines, no kettlebells, no rings but the real issue is space. Every WOD can be modified because of lack of equipment but if the space is not there, well it's just not there.
I'm not talking about the space for 2 or 3 soldiers to do a WOD; nobody will argue that there is space for this, but space for a whole unit to do a workout. These workouts will save lives, so will "big guns", but I want my husband/ American Soldier to have every advantage over the enemy he can get, so, he can come home alive. Who is going to argue with that?
I have been pushing to my bosses (who know nothing about functional fitness, much less fitness in general) the importance of this training for the soldiers.
If you are lucky enough to live in a Military community that has command that understands this kind of training and the importance of it, then you are lucky enough to get gyms/space equipped for it.
I give money to all sorts of organization I believe in and I don't give money to all sorts of organizations I don't believe. It is a choice.
I believe in the men and women that serve our country and I believe in CrossFit

Everyone here has made excellent points. I'm appreciative of this Operation Phoenix concept, and think it could do great things for us Marines. However, I also subscribe to the idea that CrossFit isn't so much about the equipment we're using as much as it is about the approach you take. Constantly varied, high-intensity, functional workouts can be possible with bodyweight alone. Especially with Marines. We have Modular Tactical Vests, a net weight with plates alone of almost 30lbs. We have weapons. We have sandbags. We have gyms everywhere. Appeal for kettlebells some more. We have dumbells. They work just fine. I will be glad to make use of any equipment we gain from this program, but do agree that the video was a little bit propaganda-like.

I also agree that none of the gyms I have come across thus far in my military career are adequate to handle even a squad size group attempting to do a CF workout simultaneously. The solution? Break down into fire-teams. Go to the gym at times that are inconvenient for people.

My group (4 Marines) go during everyones lunch time. We sacrifice our noon-day meal so that we can occupy the corner of the gym with the squat rack, or the tiny open space between the dip/pullup bar and the rack for jumprope or burpees. We take turns. Sometimes 2 of us do it while the other two come late. We make it work because we want to CrossFit.

I may not be able to replace the rings or a wallball precisely...but I can make do and put myself and others through some serious pain and conditioning in the attempt.

I would agree that it would be wonderful to use the funds to make qualified CrossFit trainers available on these bases. Quality personal trainers who could teach proper form and more importantly, due to the rapid turnover of the military, teach OTHERS to teach these movement properly.

I'm on board Operation Phoenix. I will never look a gift horse in the mouth. I hope whole-heartedly that this helps expose an increasing number of Marines to the CrossFit concept. It may be the most important thing some of them ever do.

Also, it isn't getting the purchase approved through our chain of command for the right reasons that becomes the problem. It becomes convincing someone who has no idea of what CrossFit is of the importance of the approach, and why extra equipment would be so very useful.

The gyms in Iraq, in my experience, have been mostly very small, and definetly not intended for an entire unit to use simultaneously...and DEFINETLY not ready for a whole unit to use simultaneously for CrossFit.

How many people here have tried to explain what CrossFit is all about to a gym rat? Get funny looks? Yeah, me too. I've won over the hearts and minds of 3 so far, and am hoping to expand our little quartet before this deployment has ended.

Not everything is cut and dry. This is an excellent opportunity for the Marine Corps to gain some extra gear, introduce a (not so much anymore) new concept in fitness, and move forward swiftly in a rapidly changing world. I sincerely hope future Marines don't take this gift for granted.

Thanks to the Glassmans, and Happy Early Birthday Marines. RAH.

PC

I'm Army so I got it that it would be a hugely different thing to try to equip all of us since we're closer to a half million. There's also the pesky fact that Army leadership hasn't completely bought into CF like me and alot of other folks down on the line. I can suggest two things that might help the Army folks specifically though:

1) Can we get a program going so the civilians at the globo-style gyms on post will stop bitching at me about things like dumping their precious hexagonal plates when I miss a lift or taking off my shoes within the confines of a power rack? The equipment I need to do my thing (with the exception of bumper plates) is available at these locations but apparently me dropping a couple hundred pounds will bring their structure crashing to the ground.

2) Can we see some more non-USMC specific gear from operation phoenix? I'm happy to buy a shirt or 2 to help out fellow CFers (and for some on here yes that would include a homeless guy who wants to do some KB swings and such) but as an Army guy it's a little wierd to walk around with another service's symbol on my shirt. Just a thought, I realize operation phoenix is just getting going.

Finally, an olive drab shirt I can wear in theatre to fly my CF Banner. Thanks.

-seth.

I don't believe I've seen an objection here to Operation Phoenix that couldn't be applied to civilian charities for wounded vets and the widows and children of those KIA. Operation Phoenix is a civilian initiative to preemptively reduce the number of wounded vets, widows, and orphans that will always require civilian charity.

We're it not for the weak logic and muddled thinking, the objections would be shameful.

We are intimate with USMC training facilities and the operation on paper and in reality of MCCS. Nothing offered here sheds any additional light on our experiences.

We've watched MCCS evolve over the past four years from a silent saboteur, to a vocal critic, to a complicit, and again silent, supporter of functional fitness. Nothing will motivate them to better service than CrossFit and Operation Phoenix. Often the best way to get someone to do their job is to step forward and start doing it yourself. We're hearing from our regular vendors that they're finally getting into the game and rushing to buy better, more useful, gear. I'm proud of them and the competitive pressure we've exerted on their organization. They can race us to see who can provide more worthwhile training gear, and I hope they win.

It may be interesting to note that we have an international experience dealing with civilian contractors resisting military fitness innovation and improvement. We're getting pretty good at turning them around, and Operation Phoenix is a practical, tactical, strategic, and political outgrowth of this experience.

Finally, we're equally committed to all of the services. Our efforts at Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard are less public but progressing wonderfully. As an institution, the Corps's small size, unique commitment to improving military fitness, willingness to lead innovation, and support among ranking officers has produced a special relationship with CrossFit.

Martin:
"Interesting...

US Marines have no weight lifting equipment.

Prisons in US have great weight lifting equipment."

HA! Hey Coach..how about a Crossfit Folsom...or Alcatraz..we could incorporate some swim workouts!!

Seriously..lets take their stuff, give it to the military, and stop training our criminals. Oh, if we only lived in a more perfect world....

And the Army or Navy (Seals) get what ?

The military is slow to adopt new training philosphies but when they do and the General Officers get behind them, the funding comes.....as does the institutional training and equipment.

Example, I was on the ground floor of pushing MMA in the Army in the mid to late 90's, no one really believed in it until General Ferriter became a bjj blue belt, commanded the infantry school and started the Army Combatives program and tied it into the new Army Warrior Ethos. The Army now has all the mma/combatives training it needs and is funded well.

The military has deep pockets, if the USMC wanted to, they can fund themselves with cross-fit equipment. The military isn't some charity group that needs this Pheonix program....how about targetting Phoenix to communities/rec centers/YMCA centers in civilian towns ?

This program needs to push equipment out to the deployed warriors at the foward operating and patrol bases. A 20 minute CF workout after a long day of getting shot and blown up does wonders for the mind and body. If a $40 contribution gets me a cool shirt and supports the men in the trenches, I'm in.

Few clarifying comments.

First off, in assessing any idea like this, you have to consider both the form of the program, and the scale. Republicans and Democrats both believe in charity, but differ considerably in their ideas as to how much should be given, to who, and how.

With respect to this idea, it is worth considering first of all how much money we are talking about. Let's say the cost on the T-shirts is $15, and they sell for $40. That means $25 per shirt goes into the fund. Let's be generous and say 5,000 shirts are sold (sales are brisk, no doubt, at the moment, but will certainly peter off once the spotlight is gone) in the next month.

This is $125,000. Googling "how many Marine Corps bases are there" it appears there are about 26 domestically and overseas. This obviously doesn't count the unnumbered temporary camps in war zones and other areas. There are, according to Wikipedia, 194,000 or so active duty Marines.

Now, it is no doubt the case that many of the larger bases are well stocked. However, need that imply that ALL of them are so provisioned?

That seems surpassingly unlikely to me. Moreover, there is a clear difference between a gym where CrossFit can be done, and a CrossFit gym. The atmosphere is different, and the physical logistics are very different. CrossFit gyms have lots of open area, lots of pullup bars, literally tons of free weights, and little else.

If you lay a picture of a traditional gym--even a powerlifting or O-lifting gym--next to a CrossFit gym, there is no comparison.

No doubt funding could at some point be approved, and "proper" channels followed, but don't most of you understand the impulse to simply get something done, now? One sales manager used to say "Good things come to those who wait, but only those left by those who hustle." He attributed it to Abraham Lincoln, which I always found doubtful.

This money can be used to supplement the VERY austere programs out there, and that money can be disbursed with the complete discretion of a person or people whose sole aim is to enable those who want to to better help themselves.

I will add that there are numerous reasons for generosity, including conformity to philosophical or theological conviction, and a desire for some return. Most importantly for most, though, there is the simple desire to feel the pleasure of helping others.

For leftists, this feeling is coextant with morality. They are doing good, because they feel good about what they are doing. That in general they accomplish net and lasting increases in human misery is a non-issue.

For the psychological healthy, empathy naturally encourages a feedback loop between the act of giving, and the result achieved. Goodness, to me, is taking pleasure from the happiness of others.

I don't know, but it would be my guess that Coach just wants to give back to people who have given so much. Many Marines have died in our current war (as have members of all services, but you can't do everything for everyone, although if you are an unscrupulous politician you can promise it), and this is really very little by way of recompense.

If it makes the givers feel good--which here include Coach and everyone who buys a t-shirt (myself included)--then what is the problem?

The topic of the day could have been global warming. It could have been the Congo. It could have been Russian missiles. It could have been on fitness or diet.

This project was conceived ex nihilo. It need never have existed, and no one would have been the wiser. How many of you contemplate how many ideas you didn't have today? Is there any way to know?

For that reason it seems a bit ridiculous to focus on what COULD have been done, versus what HAS been done. Coach need not have done nothing, and while I understand fully the desire not to be taken as a charity case, at the same time this is really intended as nothing short of an offering of love and respect, and I think it's a bit unmannerly to take it as anything other than, or short of that.

I am an Army member who has been stationed on a Marine air base in Iraq for the last nine months. I know of at least 4 gyms on post, or base...whatever. My point is that I work out at one of the least equipped gyms, and never fail to get a good CF workout in...ever. As part of our mission, I have traveled to much smaller outposts...once again Marine outposts...and, once again, never failed to get a CF workout in. What I'm trying to say is big or small, it is not difficult to find a trash can to puke in on a Marine base, post, whatever. Quit crying and improvise. If it can be done in Iraq, it can be done in the States.

Well said Simon #31.
Give the funds to those who really need it. I think the D.O.D. has enough funding.

I doubt anyone will read this because it's days late... but I'm honestly ashamed of how a lot of you are reacting. I don't feel the need to explain my side because my side is Coach's side, and he's explained it well enough himself. Whether or not the Marine's can afford CF equipment does not mean they will get it. I don't know if they're like the Navy, or at least the commands that I've been to, but it's not exactly easy to get your hands on the money that they're holding. I don't know... I'm just ashamed of the objections. There are pleanty of "charities" for the military that probably aren't completely neccessary but mean so much to us.
Thank you Coach and Lauren for everything you do. I hate that even some in the service are arguing against you're kindess. I am embarrassed by how they are acting. We appreciate everything you do for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

SitkaRS709 #168,

Should we cut funding to Operation Head Start in New Jersey because it has the highest household income the US?

The Country is wealthy, the DOD is fat with cash, the USMC has a big budget. The Marines don't have the gear they need to optimally prepare themselves for combat. Understand? That is what we're fixing.

I'm dismayed at the thinking shown by those who object to this program and proud of myself for not calling anyone stupid. My biographers at T-Nation will hopefully note this bit of personal development.

well my comment isn't very exciting but i just wondered why the shirt posted on the crossfit site is different than the ones on the operation phoenix site...i want the one from the crossfit site, anyone know how to get it? :)

one other thing, i am a navy eod/diver veteran and will be enlisting in the army national guard next week. if anyone on here is in the guard i would appreciate some advice on jobs and things to look out for. please email if you can help. thanks.

coach, i think it is great what you are doing and i know all service men/women will appreciate your support. you are the man.

Got one of each!! Great idea, and the best money i have ever spent!! God bless our troops and the mothers and fathers that send their sons and daughters into harms way.

scubasteve: The shirt image posted on the site is a photo of the actual shirt. It's mineral washed and mighty handsome. The artwork on the Operation Phoenix donor site is currently a representation of the available shirts. It will be updated soon with real photos. Rest assured people will be very happy with these shirts.

Outstanding Coach!

Thank you for your personal efforts!
...and as always thank you for inviting us along for the ride; to participate, to contribute, to make an impact.

Lt Col Dan was fired the F-up this morning!!

first ever 5k row on our new C2 rower: 24:57

One other comment (no doubt, then another, as one of my favorite George Jones songs has it):

The Marines exist 100% off of taxpayers. The American people. They are not "earning" their own way. They are allocated money by the DoD, which is allocated money by Congress.

They exist as a result of the same sort of funding process that keeps welfare moms off the streets, and pooting out babies.

The difference is that they earn their keep. I am very happy with the job all of our service members are doing. Most of the people here are.

We want to contribute, a little--very little--to making the Marines safer, healthier, and happier. All we ask is that you do your job. Just keep doing it. Keep taking risks and making sacrifices for the rest of us. Know that many of us value that, and that it is not a burden but a source of pleasure to be able to give just a little--very little--to the cause of winning the wars we are fighting, and of offering gratitude to those responsible for it.

It's honorable to be self sufficient. However, why turn down gifts offered respectfully, that will make you even better at what you do? Are they necessary? No. Will they help? I would think so.

Scubasteve,

Where do you hail from? I've seen that moniker before.

Scubasteve,

Where do you hail from? I've seen that moniker before.

#175 Brian, Thanks. I will definitely be getting one of those then especially if it's for a cause like this.

#180 Barry, I'm from all over but have lived in Colorado for the past 5 years. I moved here from California. My friends out in CA gave me the nickname after Big Daddy came out since i was a navy scuba diver. I post as scubasteve on the site because it makes it easier to look up my past performance so you might have just seen the name on here. Where are you from?

I went back and read and I had horrible typos. Please forgive me, I did not sleep at all last night and am running off of Monster and Red Bull right now.
I'd just like to say one more time, I'm with you Coach! I got your six even if some people here want to whine. You're a great inspiration, and a great man on and off the kettlebells. Don't let them get you down, you're doing a great thing.

Happy Birthday Marines!!!

Thanks Coach for your efforts on behalf of the Corps!!

Semper Fi

Tony

While I think supporting any part of the Armed Forces is a great thing, shouldn't they be supplied with their own gear? Just a question, not a criticism.

I asked for a discount on the Level 1 cert so I could afford to open an affiliate helping at-risk teenagers at the high school I teach at. I was refused.

It is from this perspective that I find your charitable giving questionable. Of course, you have every right to donate to whomever you choose, but your priorities seem a little curious.

I guess my thinking is just muddled though.

Some days the knuckle-headedness is simply staggering, bewildering, and disheartening. Folks, let's assume (as some of you seem to) that the world is really all a zero-sum game. It's not, but let's just play along.

If it is, then the money that Coach is raising will go to pay for gym stuff and free up MCCS to do other stuff with their funds that will benefit Marines. Maybe they can drop prices at the Exchange? Maybe offer free Christmas packages for our deployed Marines, better playgrounds on base in housing, daycare for our strapped spouses who watch the kids while Marines fight abroad, use your imagination.

If it isn't a zero sum game, then who the hell are you to tell someone it should go to a "better" cause? F&*k you (with all due respect, of course). In my opinion, Coach has every right to donate to whatever the hell he sees fit. When did you get to decide what cause is "worthy" of his $$ and time and effort and what cause is unworthy? I see charities and fundraisers all the time. The girls softball team at the local high school stood outside WalMart asking for $$ for new uniforms (I think) or a field trip and I gave them a five as I walked by - you know why? Because I felt like it and I had it. Kiss my ass.

And you're going to complain because the DoD is "funded" already? So's the high school, by my tax dollars, but I don't see anyone bitching about the car wash on Sundays that could be "better donated" to something else. Sometimes I swear we live in Wonderland...curiouser and curiouser. And some of you might want to read the testimony of MCCS before Congress regarding "functional fitness", located here.
http://armedservices.house.gov/pdfs/MilPers031307/Downs_Testimony031307.pdf

This was a year and a half ago.

Coach - While I'm proud of your personal development, I doubt they'll notice over at T-Nation.

S/F

dale

Nick - your thinking IS muddled. You have decided that YOU are the best arbiter of what someone else should give to, as opposed to that person. Under that rubric, I think you are an idiot and you should be out canvassing your neighborhood for funds for cancer research. "Your priorities seem a little curious." Don't you care about the people dying of cancer, Nick, you heartless, priority-less teacher, you?

See, Nick, once you go down that road, you are subject to the exact same attack with how you lead your life by someone else's "top priority". I cannot believe that you, as an educator, even said that. I don't want to knwo what you're teaching these kids, but I seriously hope it isn't philosophy or ethics.

Dale_Saran. I think you need to get a grip, your post was over the top and offensive. It is wrong to fundraise for publicly funded groups, period. If these guys need better gear we, through the government had better give it to them. If we (Crossfitters) give it to them the government has no need to. It is slippery slope, next thing they will be provided with shoddy boots but can fundraise to get better ones. Need better guns, fundraise or all you'll get are crappy gov't issue. Same thing. This is a misguided effort. The funds could go to a better cause, maybe fitness for their kids, or play grounds or maybe playgrounds "over there" ...

I know it's really late to post but I don't see a better place to do it.

Does anyone have the chest sizes for the men's shirts? I tend to be between a L and a XL and would like to be sure to order the correct size.

Dale,

I'm tempted, but I'll defer.

Scubasteve,

I'm in the Midwest. Big Daddy must be the connection.

Doug - Okay, I'll bite.

Explain to me again, slowly, why it is "wrong" to "fundraise" for publicly funded groups? First, do you mean morally wrong - as in "evil"? Or do you just mean "bad business" as you seem to state later.

Please choose your words carefully for clarity's sake. Mine were.

Did you know that there are literally thousands of "causes" that receive some public funding? i.e. Your tax dollars are already funding causes that also receive charitable donations, Doug. You may want to examine your slippery slope again. It was tilted long before you got all righteous about Greg and Lauren giving to Marines. In fact, I'll warrant virtually every major disease - AIDs, Cancer, Leukemia, you name it - as well as genomics and other areas of research, receives both private and public funding. Doug, I don't think you have any idea what you are talking about - or the principle you are enunciating is so general as to be meaningless. Perhaps you mean something much narrower than the level of generality at which you're currently arguing.

By the way, I love how people (maybe you, Doug, maybe not you) complain that the "rich" don't give enough or pay enough taxes. Actually, wait, I'll return to this in a moment.

Doug, let's suppose CrossFit, in anticipation of the new regime's tax policies, decided to voluntarily pay MORE taxes. CF, Inc, simply called their IRS office and said "hey, we're paying more than what we should this year." Some of this will proportionally go to the DoD budget. Is this okay with you or is this "wrong"? Is this a slippery slope of which you complain?

If not, why is this okay and different than what CF is trying to do? Rather than letting some of those tax dollars be wasted on bureaucratic inefficiencies, they've decided to give directly to the Marines. SO WHAT?

Doug, you're "horrible hypos" (my law school CivPro teacher's term) that you posit are straw men that don't exist or apply to this case. You obviously don't know how the DoD procures things, from guns to boots to aircraft to ships. You need to do a tour in the Pentagon.

DoD isn't holding a fundraiser, Doug. A private citizen/corporation is giving to the military out of kindness. If his act makes you feel guilty, that's on you, but it is hardly "wrong" under any definition of that term and you need to read my post to the teacher about who gets to decide what I, or anyone else, shall give to. Again, you use the term that it is "misguided".

Please prove to me how helping Marines is misguided. Show me with a Euclidean proof. Seriously. All I hear and see is naked assertions of personal bias. I see no proof, no facts upon which this is claimed to be so, no conclusions arrived at or drawn from some data, not even some philosophical point made from a rational chain of thought. What I hear is "There are more worthy causes because I say so. QED."

When you can prove what you assert, THEN my post will have been "over the top". And my grip is quite fine, thanks. Has been since I started CF'ing.

Mitch - check your gear again. You'll notice it already has corporate logos on some of it. The military buys more COTS stuff now than ever and it certainly says "Company X" on a lot of the gear. The helicopter I flew said "Bell" on each of the foot pedals. Virtually every component had a manufacturer's name on it somewhere - we needed that to determine how to order parts. I know my missiles used to say "Hughes" right on the side.

You're worried about "corporate sponsorship" of the military? Who the hell do you think McDonnell Douglas, Textron, Grumman, Hughes, and on and on ad nauseum are? Why do you think they hire former Generals to lobby for them? Hellooooo?

And people are troubled by CrossFit trying to help get gym equipment for Marines?

I got an idea, please tell me what kind of plates are at your military gym right now? Do they (perhaps) say the company name on the treadmills or Life Cycles (tm)? Oh my god, wait, we can't have that!

Look, DoD frequently chooses what it will or will not fund in the budget with your tax dollars. As the old joke goes, "remember, your gear is made by the lowest bidder." Who makes the M-16/M-4 (Colt - or at least they used to)? Anyone? How about M9 Beretta - ooops, there it is.

Some things, needed, do not get funded. We do not have a limitless budget. The budget process always entails deciding what will or won't get purchased, funded, researched, etc. MCCS is not nearly as high on the list as, say, replacing worn out planes or ships or tanks or amtraks or Bradleys or Hummers. So, CF has decided to donate in the area of human performance. Yeah! CrossFit!

I think all the people on here who disagree should write their Congressman/-woman and complain that we should stop sending care packages to the troops, or sending them letters, or otherwise donating time/effort/energy to them - that's "wrong" because our tax dollars should already be paying for their needs so they shouldn't need "care packages". I do not want to see any more third graders at Kenosha Elementary School "sponsoring" a Marine or soldier. It's un-American.

ran a 10k red t-shirt run sunday in san ramon, ca to support families of fallen soldiers. no official timing about 38 min.
the event gave $3500 to the family of a fallen soldier.

47/m/184
As rx'd
63:33
Are you kidding me

I am pretty sure that it is against regualtion to procure any equipment that undermines a goverment contract.

I also am pretty sure it's forbidden for a goverment agency to take "Gifts" or "donations"

Jim- We aren't technically allowed to take "gifts" or "donations" but where do you think we get all of the work out gear we already have? We have this thing called MWR (moral, wellfare, and recreation) which supplies workout gear plus so much more. MWR does fundraisers ALL THE TIME! In fact, I can't even begin to think of the amount of raffles we've had to raise money for the MWR while on cruise. Right now we're raffling off a brand new Ford Mustand and two Harley Sportsters. I'm sure these are probably donated items because I don't see good ol' Papa Navy ever giving something like that away to sailor slime. I honestly don't know where civilians get the idea that we have unlimited funds to pay for everything. That's probably just the Air Force because they usually have nice stuff all the time. As for us, we have your typical treadmills (one is usually broken), ellipticles (one or two, if not more are usually broken), and bikes... I don't really pay attention to those at all. We use our equipment until it goes to crap, and then we repair it until there's nothing left of it. Hell, if you have to be basically near death to get anything besides Motrin from medical (I'm hardly exaggerating) then imagine how they feel about our workout equipment.

I don't know about the government contract, but I know that the EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) team had their own treadmill and punching bag in the elevator room next to our shop. In fact I'm saving up for a CF package from Rouge right now so that I can have it the next time I go out to sea. So, I don't know, but I think you're off base on that one.

Oh, and to Dale_Saran... your argument is beautifully worded with great passion behind it. I appreciate everything you have said. Thank you.

Again, to Coach, you are amazing. Thank you.

#195 Jim

That's too bad. I guess they have to close CrossFit Camp Pendleton since all the equipment there was donated by Greg and Lauren Glassman.

In case anybody missed it, according to the PDF, "Operation Phoenix is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization."

That makes it eligible if you're in the situation where your employer matches donations to those orgs.

Can we stop over analyzing this topic? It's real simple. Coach is willing to donate CF gear to the Marine Corps so that Marines world-wide can partake in CF and thus dramatically improve fitness standards. Morale improves and combat readiness is increased. This donation is made possible by purchasing T-shirts. No one is being forced to contribute. The Marine Corps has not objected, which obviously would have happened by now if it were against regulations. Everyone wins. What's the problem?

Whats complete trash is your donating this all to the USMC god forbid the other branches like Army, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard that defend your country just as equal as the USMC dont get a lil kick into this as well. Dont always think the Marines are the most deserving lest we forget are other brothers who give all.

John,

You are absolutely right. Every service branch deserves equal respect. I guess once this initiative gets rolling, perhaps the official Service bureaucracies will get with the program and decide to fund CF gear to their respective services. Op Phoenix may turn out to be a model for the other services to emulate, or it could be a big bust. Let's see what happens. In the meantime, Happy Veterans Day!!

Coach, Thank you!

Barry,
I usually dont agree with you but I find in this blog your comments are spot on. I only disaggree that you said the Marines exist 100% through Gv't funding. I know PLENTY of Marines that had to spend their own money to buy sufficient armor, gear, etc for the war. Other than that minor thing, thanks for your support and fielding the devil's advocate role.

Everyone that dislikes/hates/etc Op Pheonix,
No one is making you buy a shirt or support this. Coach has the means and network to help people he feels needs/wants his support.

Thanks again Coach!

As a former Marine...I think it is outstanding that the corps has adopted C.F. I just started using C.F. and I'm absolutely consumed by the workouts and the way of life. Thanks and Semper Fi...

First off, as a Marine, thank you to Coach, to the other organizers of this effort, and to all those who bought the shirts in the interest of helping the Marine Corps. I look forward to knocking out the WOD on all this new gear coming our way.

There are several issues being talked around here, none of which are about the propriety of action by Coach et. al.

(1) It is an unauthorized action for a Marine to solicit charity for any purpose other than to subsidize the Marine Corp Birthday Ball. We can talk about the correctness of this regulation (it exists to prevent real or perceived conflicts of interest (see Comment 203)), but it's existence isn't in dispute. The Marines that speak on that video are violating regulations. It doesn't make them bad people, I think what they are trying to achieve is outstanding, but it's still not authorized. This is maybe one of the sourced of angst for some of the posters here. Maybe not. Hell it might even make OP even more successful, being done in spite of the man and all.

(2) I haven't researched the extent of resistance met by those trying to acquire CF oriented equipment through authorized sources, but at my unit we just asked for it. It was then purchased by MCCS dollars and integrated into our training facility. If there is a conspiracy to prevent proper warfighter training by denying access to "functional fitness" equipment, then I guess we slipped through the cracks.

(3) From an individual training perspective, my experience is that of DBTH. I use several gyms at Camp Pendleton, and am able to perform the vast majority of WODs without modification. The biggest obstacle is proximity of equipment rather than availability. That isn't to say that a CF box wouldn't be appreciated and enjoyed, I'm all about it, but the truth is that I can get by very well as is. The Marine Corps isn't trying to deny me the opportunity to be fit.

(4) It has been discussed that the issue isn't individual access to CF gear, but rather that there isn't enough equipment for unit training. This is true, and OP would certainly go far in remedying this. However, the existing "Globo" MCCS facilities are not oriented toward supporting unit training either, so this isn't an equipment issue, it's a philosophical issue about MCCS and Marine Corps fitness training.

(5) I agree that integrating CF into MC training would build more fit Marines, but is CF equipment needed to achieve functional fitness? The workouts demonstrated in the video itself provide evidence to the contrary. As much as I like CF and doing the WODs, the idea that every Marine needs to keep a running Fran time or FGB score to be combat fit is silly.

Just my thoughts. Thanks again to all the organizers and supporters of OP. Semper Fi.

Hi Bladerunner,

Great comments! Of all the posts on this subject, yours hit the nail on the head. Semper Fi!

Thanks Coach. Battling the MCCS jaggernaut is frustrating at best. We can't even go into bodybuilding designed MCCS gym in utes and boots. Oh, dont forget we cant drops wts in there either, as one Captain found out. MCCS facilities are not Combat Conditioning facilities. I am ready to purchase the gear out of my unit funds, since MCCS wont provide it. I ordered three shirts. They are my PT shirts of choice from now on. Semper Fi

Just ordered one of the "Spartan" t-shirts.

Semper Fi!

#204 Bladerunner,

I guess the Corps should NJP those Marines who solicit for Toys for Tots and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society every year. Let me know what MCO or MARADMIN says this so I can tell those pesks who solicit from me. By the way, I'm also in Pendleton (21 Area to be exact) and I'm new to this base, so please let me know which fitness centers have chalk, rings, bumper plates, and lifting platforms I can drop barbells on (aside from CrossFit Camp Pendleton, whose equipment was donated by Coach Glassman).

Byron,

I'm not sure I understand the reason for your tone, but I'll answer your questions.

Navy/MC Relief is an internal program that solicits donations from Sailors and Marines for the benefit of Sailors and Marines. Toys for Tots is an official Marine Corps Reserve function that is organized by the Marines, but does not benefit the USMC. The benefits go to needy children and families, not the USMC. So these two cases are not in the topic of conversation of Marines soliciting charity from outside the Marine Corps for USMC benefit. In any case, it isn't a MCO that regulates solicitation for charity, it is a Federal code that applies to all government employees and agencies.

As for your second question, Paige Fieldhouse has everything but rings and chalk. Chalk is a trivial issue to be hung up on, but if that is important to you, feel free to rage against the machine about it. Rings would be nice to have for sure.

Now I've never stated that the gyms here are ideally suited for Crossfit workouts. What I've said is that the majority of the WODs can be done with minimal modification. You seem to have interpreted that as some slight on CFCP or Coach, but it isn't. It is merely my experience with CF here on base. YMMV.

For those who may actually care, the articles in question are the Standards of Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 C.F.R. 2635) and DoD 5500.7-R Joint Ethics Regulation (a supplement to the Federal Reg.

Again, I support OP, and if MCCS can't support legitimate requests from Marines, then get er done, but lets not pretend that this is standard operating procedure, because it isn't. This is a little shady.

Bladerunner has legitimate concerns and I am sure they are being addressed. Coach doesn't endorse short sightedness.
I am concerned about what I perceive as mixed messages from leadership. For example, the Commandant was quoted as saying that the Corps cant endorse a fitness system, but during the brief on the new CFT, MCCS endorses TRX Systems, Tony somebody, and one other system. When I questioned them about why there was nothing about Crossfit, their excuse was that Crossfit isnt "an accredited system like ACE or NSCA, and those were the only certifications recognized by MCCS."
Another issue is that Marines are not allowed to work out in utes and boots in any MCCS sponsored facility. This, I have been told, is HQMC MCCS policy, as well as the wear and tear on equipment. No data to support their position, just conjecture, and unfortunately, base commanders unwilling to overrule them. In my previous combat tours of duty, I didnt fight in green PT shorts,T-Shirts and running shoes.
I too have been able to do my WODs in the "Fitness Center" with minor adjustments, but the outright hostility towards Crossfit by MCCS defies credulity. MCCS makes allot of money, some of which should be allocated to creating and developing Combat Conditioning Facilities. Operation Phoenix would be out of business if MCCS Management cared. BTW, MCCS out here has chalk. I bought my own rings.
Semper Fi

Mark,

Thanks for adding that information. I sensed, but didn't know the extent of MCCS obstruction to availing facilities and equipment to Marines. I have no awareness of MCCS's accreditation policy for fitness systems/programs.

There seems to be some gray area between the roles of MCCS and HQMC with respect to training Marines wrt physical fitness. The Marines have and maintain obstacle courses, pull-up bars, slant boards and the like all over their facilities, while MCCS builds "Globo Gyms" as an MWR function, but provide the bulk of fitness equipment for Marine use.

The long term answer for equipping units with "functional fitness equipment" is probably going to ride on the validity of the Combat Fitness Test. Once matured as a fitness standard for assessing Marines for combat readiness and for advancement/retention, leadership should and hopefully will, seek out appropriate training resources to achieve combat fitness. This doesn't exactly mean that Crossfit will follow, but perhaps instead of obstacle courses, we can create training pits like the one being built at SOI, ones that are largely compatible with Crossfit training.

Seeking a USMC endorsement of Crossfit is a sticky challenge. I just have a hard time seeing senior leadership buying into the notion that all our units needs Rowing ergometers to achieve combat fitness. In all likelihood, what would come instead would be a "USMC" fitness kit, that would draw from a number of alternative fitness systems (see MCMAP as an example).

I share the view of many here that Crossfit is a very well suited program for training Marines for the rigors of combat. I also know, as do you, that the Marine Corps needs to update its physical fitness philosophy (and seems to be with the introduction of the CFT). How much these two things converge into USMC Crossfit remains to be seen.

“I strongly support the expansion of our ground forces by adding 65,000 soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines.” Obama's own words before you make claims of rampant defense cuts you should do some political fact checking. While Obama has been pressured by some of his left-wing constituents to lower defense he has been firm in supporting the troops and his plain would actually increase defense spending.

Love the idea. Already ordered my shirt! Cant wait for some of that equipment to get to us in MCAS Yuma!

Sgt/USMC