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These comrades are about
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to start a crucial and very demanding
sports competition.
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They're at the last round
of the military triathlon,
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00:00:40,720 --> 00:00:44,400
in the 2nd competition
of theVorwärts army sports association.
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...Vasiliev, Moskow,
master of sports, army champion.
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Lane 2, number 12,
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Mate Henrich, People's Navy.
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00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:56,240
Lane 3, number 22,
Private Hartmann, Border troops.
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00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:02,720
Lane 4, number 32,
Landforces 1.
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00:01:19,920 --> 00:01:23,600
Strength, stamina and precision
are required here.
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00:01:23,880 --> 00:01:25,840
This is a sport for soldiers.
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Shooting, grenade throwing
and cross-country racing,
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the 3 components of this triathlon,
are closely linked
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00:01:33,400 --> 00:01:34,680
to military duties.
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00:01:35,040 --> 00:01:39,400
The benefits of this military sport
are obvious.
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...TRAINS FOR COMPETITION
AND COMBAT
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PRODUCTION
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All others stand on the left and right,
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so everyone can watch
those technical subtleties again.
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This variation...
Yes, targets are coming up.
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See, he's ready to shoot.
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I'd like to remind you
that you must try to prop yourself
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on both legs...
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The first discipline
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of the military triathlon is shooting
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in 3 positions:
lying, kneeling and standing.
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In the sports association
of the Landforces Military Academy,
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the triathlon has its own section.
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The regular,
year-round training pays off.
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In sports trials, cadets always reach
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leading positions,
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and it also benefits
their military training.
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As a trainer, Lt. Edmund Barder
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00:02:59,240 --> 00:03:02,040
knows his protégés'
strengths and weaknesses.
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... immediately over front
and rear sight to the aim,
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i.e. lock on target,
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take aim.
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Fire!
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Halt!
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The target is 200 m away.
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In competition, in each position,
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10 bursts of 5 short shots
are to be shot.
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The comrades train
according to the sports committee rules
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of the friendly armies.
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That's nice and clean.
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Bursts of fire now.
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Not only special sections
but the sports groups of all units
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provide basic training
for the military triathlon.
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To attract as many as possible
for this sport,
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simplified rules are applied.
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Example: the air rifle
is shot in one position only.
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However, here too,
practice is necessary for good results.
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Having the opportunity to meet
experienced competitors is a plus.
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... support with your fingers.
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And then we can use
the shoulder strap as an aid.
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I always do it like this.
It has paid off.
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Likewise with the MP-Kalashnikov.
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Then, get in position.
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Watch your breathing here.
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00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:56,120
Lt. Wehrstett, platoon leader
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of this motorized
infantry unit, is right:
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"We've always done it so,
it has paid off."
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For he was already
a successful triathlete as a cadet,
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and it's not by chance he left
the E. Thälmann Military Academy
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with both "honours"
and as "sportsman of the year".
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Cadets work up a good sweat
at the gym to keep fit.
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Theoretical and practical studies
as well as training
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must combine
and challenge the whole man,
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especially when exams are close.
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... the right part of the base
and continue the attack toward Adorf.
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The 2nd motorized infantry unit is...
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Andreas Quasner is a triathlete too.
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He's in 3rd year.
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He's a platoon leader
for this tactics task.
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... from the attack's starting position,
church, telegraph pole,
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00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:36,920
overtakes the minefield on the left,
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destroys the enemy
in the left part of the base,
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and continues toward Adorf.
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Turn on the engine,
1,500 revolutions.
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00:07:16,480 --> 00:07:17,760
Accelerate.
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00:07:18,520 --> 00:07:20,200
Norbert Praal is in 3rd year too.
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00:07:21,120 --> 00:07:23,280
His particular strength in triathlon
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00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:25,480
is the 3,000 m cross-country race.
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00:07:25,640 --> 00:07:30,680
In 1979, he was the top finalist
in this discipline.
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00:07:31,120 --> 00:07:32,600
Automotive technique
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is his specialty.
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00:07:34,160 --> 00:07:38,960
He has a good feel for engines
and their complex inner lives.
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Stop the engine!
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00:07:54,760 --> 00:07:58,360
With the front sight holder immediately
on the gun barrel...
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00:07:59,160 --> 00:08:01,560
1st years in shooting theory class
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00:08:01,840 --> 00:08:02,880
with Lt. Bader.
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00:08:03,440 --> 00:08:06,160
For triathlete Frank Walles,
he's not only
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00:08:06,360 --> 00:08:07,440
a seasoned trainer,
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00:08:07,720 --> 00:08:11,720
but also a teacher
and a role model as an officer.
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00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:16,240
... fastens to the heel,
as you can see here,
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these attachments.
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00:08:18,680 --> 00:08:21,800
The heel can be moved sideways.
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00:08:39,680 --> 00:08:42,560
Cadets' theoretical
and practical education
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is manifold and comprehensive.
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00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:48,880
Special classes and troop practices
prepare them
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00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:52,480
for their future duties
as officers of the People's Army.
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The military triathlon completes
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this versatility meaningfully.
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00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:44,280
... Sergeant Hirsch.
- Present, Sir.
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00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:46,960
- Corporal Wels.
- Present, Sir.
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00:09:47,120 --> 00:09:49,760
With your crews, security forces.
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00:09:49,920 --> 00:09:54,160
As the platoon leader
of a reconnaissance unit, Lt. Wehrstett
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00:09:54,440 --> 00:09:57,680
has eagerly started
to put everything in practice.
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And he remains
faithful to his triathlon.
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He has passed on his enthusiasm
for this sport to his soldiers.
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... using the grappling hook,
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the barriers in front of the likely HQ,
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to get over the obstacles.
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Here, I'll show you again.
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I can see you have trouble
reaching 32 m while standing.
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Another possibility, for this distance,
is to use the rhythm of your steps.
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Depending on the distance,
place yourself 3 steps
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behind the line,
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exactly in continuation
of the line here.
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00:10:33,880 --> 00:10:36,240
Starting position: grenade up here
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or you can hold it
with your hand extended behind you.
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Start with the first step, left foot.
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Take the grenade to the back,
extending the arm.
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Second step, so called impulse step.
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Slant your right leg,
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to the outside.
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Third step: take the throwing position,
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behind you, your arm is extended.
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Bring your hips forward, legs straight,
draw the arm, close to the head.
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00:11:07,160 --> 00:11:09,080
Uwe Wehrstett and his collective
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always fulfill their duties
in combat training satisfactorily,
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and they're always fit.
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It is a result of the type of sport
they practice together.
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... and break through fire
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from defensive weapons
and hand grenades
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into the likely operational HQ.
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Take nice and long, wide strides.
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Nice and long, wide strides.
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Yes.
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Always extend your stride.
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Next, we're going
to increase our rhythm,
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using the interval method
with 200 m speed running.
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In groups.
First group, go!
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Second group, go!
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Go!
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Go!
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And go!
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For me, the military triathlon
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has 3 positive effects
on military training.
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00:12:16,680 --> 00:12:20,640
First, I would say that, of course,
the 3 components,
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shooting in 3 positions,
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hand grenade throwing on a target,
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and the 3,000 m cross-country race
with equipment,
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play a huge role
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in developing and improving
military skills in soldiers.
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Then, there's the character development
of each individual soldier,
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the growth of combat skills
such as courage, stamina, willpower,
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which are fostered
through sports competition,
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00:12:51,280 --> 00:12:55,200
and can be expanded
beyond the requirements of normal duty.
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00:12:59,120 --> 00:12:59,920
Next one.
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Private Schweler.
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So, the release.
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Don't look at the grenade,
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not at the arm, etc.,
look at the pressure on the leg.
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Right when he starts
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to draw the arm, he pushes away
with the ball of the right leg,
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to be able to guide the grenade
as long as possible.
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00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:25,520
Major Günther Kiesel
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00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:28,840
is the second trainer
of the military triathlon unit
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in the academy.
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His specialty is physical training.
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He sets difficult but attainable goals.
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His demands are unyielding,
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but his sense of humour
has helped many out of the depths,
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as each day doesn't always bring
the success expected.
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... target setting.
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00:13:49,440 --> 00:13:54,080
One grenade on the tinplate
and the remaining 402...
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00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:56,400
Come by me in groups
and start directly.
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Let's go.
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00:14:01,560 --> 00:14:03,160
There are 2 of you, right?
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Let's observe
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00:14:05,960 --> 00:14:07,600
gun management and lifting,
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00:14:07,800 --> 00:14:10,320
the focusing phase,
that's why it's here.
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We shall fight for each throw.
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00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:19,880
A willingness to work hard
is an absolute requirement,
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00:14:20,040 --> 00:14:23,960
to be able to perform
in the military triathlon.
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In addition to learning to command,
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our students need
to give up much free time
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for high level performance
in all 3 disciplines.
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Concerning individual training plans,
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00:14:39,840 --> 00:14:42,600
here you can see
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00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:46,280
how much free time is necessary
to make the leap:
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00:14:46,440 --> 00:14:48,680
landforces, army championships.
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This is basically organised like so:
they start their training work,
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00:14:54,480 --> 00:14:58,440
by throwing 40 to 50 grenades
in a training unit.
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Then, to improve their performance,
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00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:05,600
fine motor skills must be learnt,
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00:15:05,760 --> 00:15:08,640
the range, the starting position, etc.
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00:15:08,800 --> 00:15:11,760
It is necessary...
Only repetition can teach you this.
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00:15:11,920 --> 00:15:15,480
It is necessary to increase
the number of throws.
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00:15:15,640 --> 00:15:19,280
And to eliminate the risk of injury,
according to me,
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00:15:19,440 --> 00:15:21,080
not from week to week,
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00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:25,200
but it needs
to be increased after 4-6 weeks.
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00:15:25,560 --> 00:15:31,200
So that's until May,
until the landforces competition.
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00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:34,800
Our athletes who will compete there,
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00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:38,120
will throw 120 to 150 grenades.
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00:15:38,880 --> 00:15:42,520
We should add
that a hand grenade weighs 600 g,
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00:15:42,800 --> 00:15:45,120
and that the target is 40 m away.
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00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:46,800
Strength and precision
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00:15:47,080 --> 00:15:51,680
are required to reach the bull's eye
as often as possible with 15 throws.
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00:15:57,600 --> 00:16:00,120
Winning laurels
isn't their only motivation
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00:16:00,680 --> 00:16:02,400
to take part in the triathlon.
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00:16:02,560 --> 00:16:06,560
It's more about the versatility
of the sports requirements,
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00:16:06,720 --> 00:16:09,960
and the common experience
of training and competition.
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00:16:11,080 --> 00:16:14,720
... track in sports high school
here in Halle and it was...
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00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:16,440
I have used this time...
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00:16:16,600 --> 00:16:21,960
I've joined
a training group with Lt. Wehrstett.
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00:16:22,120 --> 00:16:26,200
At the moment, we train
for the military triathlon.
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00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:28,240
The competition's tomorrow.
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00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:31,080
The type of sports we practice here,
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00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:33,440
they're related to military life.
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00:16:34,040 --> 00:16:38,280
With the military triathlon,
like on the battlefield,
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00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:41,760
there's stamina, shooting,
hitting, the first bursts of fire...
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00:16:41,920 --> 00:16:44,120
Grenade throwing, that's important,
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00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:47,640
to be able to fight your enemy
with your first blow.
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00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:56,440
Take the starting position.
227
00:17:59,040 --> 00:18:01,600
Four more sets.
We give it all we've got.
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00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:03,200
Start the sequence!
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00:18:05,720 --> 00:18:07,360
Yes.
Very good.
230
00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:09,760
Up fast, down slowly.
231
00:18:17,160 --> 00:18:19,320
Slowly, don't drop it so fast.
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00:18:22,760 --> 00:18:24,080
Good.
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00:18:24,240 --> 00:18:25,840
Good, chin up,
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00:18:26,040 --> 00:18:27,320
when stretching.
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00:18:27,840 --> 00:18:30,760
Now, now, now.
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00:18:31,360 --> 00:18:33,000
End of the sequence!
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00:18:39,480 --> 00:18:42,640
Breathe in through the nose,
out through the mouth.
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00:18:49,320 --> 00:18:52,320
While unit comrades
prepare for qualifying heats,
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00:18:52,600 --> 00:18:56,200
the cadets train according
to the international rules
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00:18:56,440 --> 00:18:59,320
to vie with the triathletes
of the Soviet army.
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00:19:04,120 --> 00:19:05,800
Nice, yes.
242
00:19:05,960 --> 00:19:07,880
Don't apply too much strength though.
243
00:19:08,040 --> 00:19:10,480
The distance is 32 m.
Don't throw farther.
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00:19:10,640 --> 00:19:12,240
Take one more grenade.
245
00:19:14,360 --> 00:19:16,560
Don't throw farther than required.
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00:19:16,720 --> 00:19:19,600
In continuation of the line.
That's good.
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00:19:19,760 --> 00:19:21,840
Yes.
Very good.
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00:19:42,360 --> 00:19:45,600
Ten.
Set down.
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00:19:45,760 --> 00:19:47,560
End of the exercise.
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00:19:51,920 --> 00:19:55,640
First, I enjoy playing a bit of sports.
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00:19:55,800 --> 00:19:58,440
Then, the elements
of the military triathlon
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00:19:58,600 --> 00:20:02,560
really help you get ready for combat.
253
00:20:02,720 --> 00:20:06,800
Running, grenade throwing and shooting
254
00:20:06,960 --> 00:20:11,720
are important elements
that we as soldiers need daily.
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00:20:12,080 --> 00:20:15,080
Sport lets you experience things,
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00:20:15,240 --> 00:20:20,680
like competitions and just now,
the military triathlon competitions,
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00:20:20,840 --> 00:20:26,120
also with our brothers in arms
from the Soviet Union.
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00:20:34,440 --> 00:20:38,360
Sports meetings with friends
are always a win.
259
00:20:38,760 --> 00:20:41,760
Ultimately, Soviet comrades
are a true yardstick
260
00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:42,840
for cadets.
261
00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:45,440
They have a long tradition in this sport
262
00:20:45,600 --> 00:20:48,320
and have set performance standards
263
00:20:48,600 --> 00:20:50,200
in such events for years.
264
00:20:51,360 --> 00:20:54,760
In the unit, the big day has arrived.
265
00:20:55,040 --> 00:20:58,720
Will the efforts of Lt. Wehrstett
and his comrades
266
00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:00,080
pay off?
267
00:22:13,120 --> 00:22:15,240
One training day: 150 grenades.
268
00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:18,040
90 grenades, 40 m.
269
00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:24,000
And, 60, 60 grenades, 38...
270
00:22:24,160 --> 00:22:27,720
- 37.
- 37. It makes a difference.
271
00:23:04,960 --> 00:23:07,880
To hold your own
in the combat arena here,
272
00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:10,520
you need to be quite fit.
273
00:23:10,680 --> 00:23:14,000
This hour of truth,
to use sportsmen's language,
274
00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:15,080
is no problem
275
00:23:15,360 --> 00:23:18,200
for the triathletes
of the Military Academy.
276
00:25:13,360 --> 00:25:15,720
This belongs to the section's life too.
277
00:25:15,880 --> 00:25:17,160
People who fight
278
00:25:17,360 --> 00:25:20,280
and win together
can celebrate and enjoy themselves.
279
00:25:20,440 --> 00:25:22,760
One gets to know one another better.
280
00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:27,520
Alcohol is largely avoided.
They're sportsmen after all.
281
00:25:35,400 --> 00:25:37,640
Thought I'd sit with you for a while.
282
00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:40,400
Ah, Cuba.
Brilliant.
283
00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:44,640
That's the villa, isn't it?
For the farewell party.
284
00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:49,240
Because of this comradeship,
Lt. Wehrstett was invited too.
285
00:25:49,400 --> 00:25:53,040
They share common experiences
and many great memories,
286
00:25:53,200 --> 00:25:56,400
for example,
at the championships in Cuba,
287
00:25:56,640 --> 00:25:59,720
where the People's Army sportsmen
came in third.
288
00:26:02,120 --> 00:26:03,920
... an Olympic greeting card.
289
00:26:04,080 --> 00:26:07,400
A Mischka bear shaking out
gold medals, like from the sky.
290
00:26:07,680 --> 00:26:09,880
And on the back side,
you can read:
291
00:26:10,040 --> 00:26:11,000
"One for you."
292
00:26:15,920 --> 00:26:20,120
With their success in Cuba in 1979,
our triathletes
293
00:26:20,400 --> 00:26:24,440
reached the performance level
of the best in the Allied Armies.
294
00:26:24,600 --> 00:26:25,920
A great encouragement.
295
00:26:26,080 --> 00:26:28,680
Thousands of soldiers
participate in the trials
296
00:26:28,840 --> 00:26:31,760
of this typical military sport yearly.
297
00:26:32,320 --> 00:26:33,920
Everyone can join in the triathlon
298
00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:38,120
and determine through his military
and athletic performance
299
00:26:38,320 --> 00:26:40,760
whether he'll reach the final selection.
300
00:26:45,160 --> 00:26:46,880
Greetings from Lt Wehrstett.
301
00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:48,960
He has written to me.
302
00:26:49,120 --> 00:26:53,800
He's become division champion,
with about 200 points ahead.
303
00:26:53,960 --> 00:26:58,920
I believe,
Uwe has proved that, this time again,
304
00:26:59,080 --> 00:27:02,280
he'll make
the National People's Army team.
305
00:27:29,600 --> 00:27:31,400
Only the best triathletes
306
00:27:31,680 --> 00:27:35,720
of the landforces and border troops
of the GDR reach the finals.
307
00:27:36,840 --> 00:27:39,440
The competition becomes
even more exciting
308
00:27:39,720 --> 00:27:43,400
when triathletes from the Soviet army
are present too.
309
00:27:54,200 --> 00:27:56,200
Of course, not everyone can win.
310
00:27:56,480 --> 00:27:59,120
Just taking part here
is already a success.
311
00:28:01,240 --> 00:28:04,800
Personally, I give a lot
to the military triathlon.
312
00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:09,240
I've found a type of sports I love
and where I can be successful.
313
00:28:09,400 --> 00:28:11,680
I've decided to stay faithful to it.
314
00:28:11,840 --> 00:28:15,960
I represent my regiment
and my division in this arena,
315
00:28:16,240 --> 00:28:17,200
after all.
316
00:28:17,360 --> 00:28:19,680
That's why I want to continue,
317
00:28:19,840 --> 00:28:23,360
to be able to develop
the skills one needs
318
00:28:23,520 --> 00:28:24,640
in combat.
319
00:29:53,920 --> 00:29:56,760
4th group, Lt. Wehrstett,
320
00:29:57,040 --> 00:29:59,640
Landforces, Team 1.
321
00:30:20,440 --> 00:30:21,880
NATIONAL PEOPLE'S ARMY
322
00:30:22,040 --> 00:30:23,960
OF THE GERMAN
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
323
00:30:24,560 --> 00:30:26,960
Subtitles: Élisabeth Fuchs