NCJ Number
197361
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 71 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 1-5
Date Published
October 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the FBI’s Fitness Challenge program.
Abstract
The FBI Academy began its Fitness Challenge in 1981 in order to promote physical fitness for law enforcement officers. As the Fitness Challenge program grew, it eventually became a combined effort with the National Academy Unit and the Physical Training Unit. The Challenge evolved into a series of seven challenging runs and the Yellow Brick Road endurance feat, which is the final test of the Fitness Challenge. The Yellow Brick Road consists of wooded trails, 3 walls, 6 ropes, and 26 obstacles. The author describes the many challenges faced by officers on the Yellow Brick Road. More than anything else, the officers who participate in this training program explain that it is a unifying experience as each officer assists fellow officers in the quest to finish the Yellow Brick Road. Thus the program is not only about fitness, but about teamwork and camaraderie. In conclusion, the author explains that physical fitness is important to everyone, especially law enforcement officers who work in a profession with high degrees of danger and stress. 6 Endnotes