EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- An intelligence sergeant with the 7th Special Forces Group recently lifted himself into position to compete in the World Powerlifting Championships in Las Vegas.
Staff Sgt. Bradley Arbic has competed in previous powerlifting competitions and is focused on his ultimate competitive goal only a few weeks away in November.
"Powerlifting is a part of my lifestyle," said the 35- year-old Michigan native. "Much of my life was spent weight training through elementary and middle school. High school is where I started taking powerlifting seriously."
The NCO’s powerlifting background follows his father. His dad competed in powerlifting competitions, winning many trophies and titles.
When Arbic joined the Army, he gave up the competitions, but the lure to contest brought him back around in 2015. After his first competition, he ranked nationally placing 25th in the country.
He now holds several Florida state records for the Super Heavy Weight Division. He set the Florida record for squats with 749.5 pounds, deadlift with 771 pounds; and the overall men's record for 308 raw open with 2000.6 pounds.
Arbic credits the Army’s Tactical Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning staff and facility with the success. The facility is located at the 7th SFG compound.
"The facility, staff, and equipment are world class," said Arbic." There aren't a lot of commercial gyms or military facilities with the equipment and space we have here. The ability for me to have access to the equipment is a huge opportunity."
The THOR3 program is a combined diet and fitness program to improve physical and mental performance of special operations Soldiers. The ultimate goal is to help Soldiers contribute longer and remain healthy while doing it.
Arbic took advantage of the THOR3 program, linking up with John Mackerise, a strength conditioning coach. Though Arbic already had a training program, the two linked up to assist in improving the number of his squat repetitions.
“We exchanged ideas back and forth about how to improve his program. My main contribution to his ultimate success was his squat,” said Mackerise.
The trainer’s tweaks and advice helped the powerlifter increase his squat repetition four to five times.
Now, Arbic believes he’s ready for Las Vegas. After that accomplishment, he said he plans to take a break from the vigorous training to focus on new goals.
"My life philosophy is if you're going to be alive you're going to experience pain," said Arbic. "I rather be strong and in pain, than be weak and in pain. My overall goal is to be strong as I can be. I achieved this goal with the Army’s help."