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Deployed JAG preps for combat rescue challenge

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Shannon Collins
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  During his deployment to the Middle East, a staff judge advocate is pushing, pulling and swimming his way to fitness and toward a goal -- becoming a combat rescue officer.

Capt. Jake Pugh, deployed from 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, started his training program about two years ago for self improvement, but then decided to take it one step further.

"It hit me that this is what I really want to do," he said about combat rescue. "It was the closest thing I have to a calling."

Working out two hours every morning, he lifts weights, runs, does calisthenics and yoga. Then, every afternoon he swims for about an hour. His immediate goal is to be ready for combat rescue tryouts in October. His second goal is to compete in an ironman triathlon.

"I want to push myself to my limits and beyond," he said. "Fitness is a priority both at home and here. Fitness is achievable for anyone but it requires work and dedication. It's a matter of priorities."

Being physically fit in a deployed location prepares people like Captain Pugh for the physical demands that may arise in the area of responsibility, said 1st Lt. Catherine Bullard, a dietitian with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group.

"Individual body armor is worn to and from work," she said. "Not only do we walk in it, but for certain career fields and during an alarm, we must also work in it for an extended period of time. These vests can weigh upwards of 40 lbs. Endurance is necessary for our body to be able to function with this added weight."

Lieutenant Bullard recommends people to begin their health and fitness regime at home, before deploying.

"The mission cannot wait for someone to become fit in country, nor can the mission be put on hold to allow someone the time off to heal from an injury due to poor physical health," she said. "As Air Force Airmen, we have made a commitment to be mission-focused. We cannot be mission-focused unless we are fit to fight."

Captain Pugh continues the fitness routine he began at home and encourages others to train with him. He also tries to eat as healthy as possible.

"I avoid all fried food, avoid starches and do not drink calories," he said. "I look at food simply as fuel for the body and eat accordingly, trying to maximize efficiency."
Good nutrition is at the core of the Air Force's commitment to be fit to fight, said Lieutenant Bullard.

"A balanced diet is the key to good nutrition and contributes to enhanced energy and performance," she said.

After eyeing the daily servings in the deployed dining facility, the JAG officer grabs lunch and mentally prepares, thinking of the next fitness milestone he can tackle. As he prepares a few hours later to see how many laps he can swim in an hour, pushing himself further and further, he thinks about his goal -- becoming a combat rescue officer.

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