U.S. Military
FIELD: Defense
HEADQUARTERS: Arlington, Va.
TOTAL SERVICEMEN/WOMEN: 1. 4 million
on active duty, 718,000 civilian employees
RECRUITING: Always
U.S. Navy commander John Collins came up with
the Ironman concept in 1977, and triathlon has
been ingrained in the military ever since. While a
life in the armed forces isn’t for everyone—and
anyone who signs up must always serve country first
and triathlon second—the military is a place that
provides ample training partners and a fitness-based
culture. Deployment can throw a wrench in training,
but many servicemen and women figure out ways
to get around it. “I spent a year in Kuwait and I was
still able to run, bike and swim,” says commander
Kristin Barnes, a Navy pilot and triathlete. And if you
are an exceptional athlete, some service branches
offer world-class athlete programs. Pro and Olympic
hopeful Tim O’Donnell was in such a program
while he served as a Navy lieutenant. “I received
unbelievable support,” he says.
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