by The Associated Press
Saturday, March 13, 2010
FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- Some commanders at Fort Wainwright are using the biathlon to whip soldiers into shape -- but they're training for combat, not the Olympics.
Capt. Scott Katalenich is the commander of the 73rd Engineering Company. He says the ski-and-shoot event is a good way for soldiers to practice engaging targets with an elevated heart rate.
The soldiers begin their day with a 12-mile hike carrying 45-pound rucksacks. They then ski or snowshoe a short distance to target practice.
