Credits: Social Media
US Army demonstration shows soldier struggling with rappel tower and asking for help
A US Army fitness demonstration shown to new recruits shows a soldier panicking while climbing down a rappel tower, and viewers are convinced that the viral video must be a ‘prank’.
Intensive training for the US Army can be very challenging, including harsh mental and physical undertakings. In one instance, a Navy SEAL trainee almost drowned’, and Army soldiers become so tired that some have discovered a simple five-step military method to help fall them asleep anywhere, anytime. However, one particular US Army fitness training procedure demonstrates ‘what not to do’ when climbing down a rappel tower, and baffled viewers assume the footage can’t be real.
Bizarre US Army fitness demonstration
The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces, with the role of conducting land operations. Basic training for the US Army consists of four phases over 10 weeks, where you’ll learn about the Army and train to become a Soldier.
A TikTok video shared by @motionflicks99 shows a US Army fitness demonstration whereby a solider is showing new recruits how to climb down a rappel tower.
Rappel towers are platforms used to safely practice rappelling (the act of going down a very steep slope by holding on to a rope). Porta-King explains that military personnel utilize rappel towers as part of their tactical training.
In the clip, the soldier is shown struggling to make it down the rappel tower, misplacing his feet, shouting for help, slipping onto his back, and asking the sergeant to be pulled back up by the rope secured at the top of the tower.
The viral video has received over 14 million views, more than two million likes, and a comment section filled with confusion and humor. Some comments are convinced the video is a prank: “This has got to be a skit.”
Video tries to quash fears of new recruits
Another comment on the US Army demonstration TikTok video suggests that the bizarre footage is indeed a skit to show the trainee soldiers they can’t fall – proving that “every position is recoverable.”
The rappel tower is meant to push trainees to overcome their fears and to build up trust in their gear and procedures, according to Future Army Officers.
While the video sure is hilarious, it is believed to be a demonstration to show new recruits that the rappel tower isn’t as scary as it looks and that nothing bad can happen if they lose their hand or footing when training.
Hints it may be scripted include the soldier calling out to his lieutenant, which viewers said sounded like Forrest Gump, and how the soldier, although slipping, appeared to not hurt himself no matter how many times he ‘fell’.
