Talladega, Ala. - Cars flashing by at more than 200 mph and 150,000 rabid fans standing on their feet and screaming in the stands are common sights at the Talladega Super Speedway during a major NASCAR race.
On July 10, the speedway stands were empty and silent and the pace a lot slower as 173 National Guard members entered the track in full combat gear.
The Soldiers are currently attending an accelerated 57-day Officer Candidate School (OCS) at near by Fort McClellan Army National Guard Training Site.
The OCS course is conducted in three phases and completing a seven-mile foot march in full combat gear is a part of the second phase. The candidates had walked from a starting point 4.5 miles from the speedway on a sparsely traveled road. Upon arrival, they crossed Speedway Boulevard and entered the track infield through the north tunnel.
They circled at the bottom of the 2 ½ mile track in full combat gear with weapons and a 35- to 40-pound rucksack to complete the seven-mile course.
This is one of three required foot marches totaling 22 miles the candidates must complete during the course.
The Alabama Military Academy (AMA) conducts the accelerated OCS course for the Army National Guard nationwide. Candidates from 23 states, including 10 Alabamians, are attending the current course.
Since 2003, more than 2,800 new second lieutenants from 50 states and four territories have graduated from the program.
The AMA uses the infantry school program of instruction in the course to evaluate and develop leadership abilities of Soldiers seeking a commission in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard.
The Soldier's physical and mental stamina are tested in a demanding, high-stress, 24-hour environment. Coping with stressful and physically and mentally demanding situations under short time constraints are common. They make the candidates learn to rely on teamwork, prioritization and leadership abilities.
Alabama state troopers assisted with security on the march on public roads and medical personnel were available to assist the Soldiers if needed. The current course began in mid June.