Vertical Ascent Drill

Sustained readiness demands uncompromising physical conditioning. I secured my firearm flat against my chest plate and approached the four horizontal rungs of the heavy dining chair. Gripping the lowest varnished rail with both gauntlets, I hoisted my armored bulk upward. The dark timber was cool and solid beneath my grasp. Hand over hand, I executed three disciplined ascents, pausing at each elevation to balance my center of gravity. My boots found firm purchase against the worn wood until I crested the top rail. Perched upon the summit, breathing steady, I surveyed the darkened perimeter below. Physical operational capacity verified.