News

By Jillian Ellis

Dr. Mike Iosia, associate professor of exercise physiology at Lee, recently spent two weeks aiding Dr. Travis Harvey of the 75th Ranger Regiment in a training evaluation analysis of an ongoing training evaluation.

Harvey, director of human performance for the 75th Ranger Regiment, began the training evaluation in the spring of 2013.

The purpose of the evaluation is to develop a training regimen that will allow Rangers to perform daily training in a way that will optimize their real world tactical abilities to the highest possible capacity.

“To have the help of Dr. Iosia, with his doctorate in Exercise Physiology, was invaluable,” said Harvey. “The work Dr. Iosia helped us with would have taken six months alone.” According to Harvey, the two had previously established a research and work relationship making for a seamless match.

Rangers were put through physical assessment tests involving figurations such as running, an obstacle course and a marksmanship event. The men were assessed in both physical training (PT) gear and tactical gear. This assessment allowed an analysis of the relationship between PT performance and tactical performance, as well as the relationship between the separate uniforms worn in both.

Iosia assisted with the first iteration of the evaluation and helped with additional analyses to be done in the future.

“It was an honor to work with Dr. Harvey and the 75th Ranger Regiment this past summer,” said Iosia. “I was thoroughly impressed with the level of professionalism and the physical performance capabilities of the men in the 75th. Applying scientifically-based performance programming and doing the follow-up research demonstrates the innovative vision the Rangers have on soldier physical performance.”

The ongoing training evaluation is being conducted at Ft. Benning in Columbus, Ga.

Iosia joined Lee’s Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education in the fall of 2007. Prior to Lee, Iosia spent nine years as a strength and conditioning coach at the NCAA Division IA level. He had coaching stops at the University of Southern Mississippi, Auburn University, Tulane University, and spent the last year of his doctorate studies as an intern in the Crimson Tide weight room.

Iosia earned his doctorate at the University of Alabama, his masters at Auburn University and his bachelors at the University of Southern Mississippi.

PHOTO: Pictured here are Rangers conducting the Ranger Physical Assessment Test.