Rep. Jason Crow on Army Fitness, Ukraine War Lessons, and Military Adaptation

Army Combat Fitness Test Training

• 🏋️ Congressman Jason Crow is training to take the new Army Combat Fitness Test to show support for soldiers.
• 💡 While he has passed the test many times in the military, he finds the new version different and is making good progress on exercises like the deadlift, plank, and hand-release push-ups.
• ⚠️ He notes the removal of the standing power throw, which was a challenging event for him.

Lessons from the Ukraine War

• 🇺🇦 Crow expresses that he is no longer surprised by Ukrainian innovation, citing their response to the invasion as a testament to their courage, bravery, and resiliency.
• 🚀 He highlights how Ukrainians have reinvented modern warfare, leading to a significant shift in how conflicts are conducted.
• 🧠 The US military is learning from Ukraine, but Crow is concerned that the US is not adapting as quickly as necessary due to its slow learning processes.

Military Adaptation and Bureaucracy

• 🐌 The traditional military process of learning from operations involves after-action reviews, analysis, and manual updates, which takes 3-5 years.
• ⚡ In contrast, Ukrainian companies embedding with frontline units can innovate and implement changes to drone technology on a weekly basis.
• 🚫 Crow states that US laws, regulations, and bureaucracy prevent similar rapid adaptation, which he calls a "travesty" for American taxpayers.

Perspective on Military Parades

• 🎖️ Crow acknowledges the 250th anniversary of the Army but expresses a personal dislike for parades, which he experienced as a paratrooper and ranger.
• 😴 Soldiers often dislike parades due to long waits, discomfort, and drills, preferring hands-on training activities.
• 🎯 He believes soldiers would rather be on a range or conducting close-quarters battle training, as these activities enhance their skills and readiness.