Physical training hours change, roads open earlier to commuters

By Reginald Rogers
Paraglide

	File photo Units conducting physical training are now required to depart post roads by 7:30 a.m., as directed by the garrison sergeant major.

Commuters onto Fort Bragg can now gain access to the post’s major roadways, such as Longstreet and Gruber roads earlier, thanks to a directive from the post command sergeant major that pulls physical training off the roads 15 minutes earlier.

Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Campbell, Fort Bragg’s garrison command sergeant major, said the change would allow drivers to move more freely throughout the post, beginning at 7:30 a.m., instead of the former 7:45 a.m. “This decision was made because the amount of forces that we expect back on the installation beginning this fall will be the most we’ve ever had,” Campbell said. “That, along with the movement of the Forces Command advance party (to Fort Bragg), will amount to more vehicles on the road.”

Campbell said he hopes the change will allow a better flow of traffic as community members travel back and forth to work and the post becomes more congested.

Campbell said 7:30 a.m. was the original end time for physical training about 10 years ago, but it was later increased to 7:45 a.m.

“At that particular time, when the end time was 7:45 a.m., we had three brigade combat teams, now we’ve got four,” he explained. “So the division is bigger than it’s ever been and the number of vehicles on the road and number of personnel that will be back on the installation will also increase.”

Campbell added that it’s important for drivers and training Soldiers to remember that despite the fact that formations will move off the road at 7:30 a.m., it’s still a dangerous time for all.

“Some will still be running on sidewalks and crossing at crosswalks, personnel driving still should remain cautious of Soldiers or stragglers who are trying to make it back to their unit areas.”
Campbell urged drivers to use caution during these hours.

“I’m kind of cautious saying they’re going to be on the side and then that gives that flexibility,” he pointed out. “We took an assessment and found that most units performing unit runs, are off the road by 7:30 a.m.”

Campbell said they also found that a lot of drivers were in their vehicles waiting for the roads to open. However, with the new directive, that should no longer be an issue.

“The formations and the units will move off the roads and the streets will open up for vehicular traffic,” said Campbell, who assumed responsibilities as garrison sergeant major on March 2.

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