Log PT & Group Dynamics

One of the most grueling parts of Navy SEAL training is called ‘Log PT.’ Log PT, or Log Physical Training, is a group exercise where a small team maneuvers a large segment of a log. Think like the circumference and shape of a telephone poll. 

It’s colossally heavy and awkward and it brings up, not just physical adversity, but interesting team dynamics. 

As the teams are instructed to shoulder the log, switch to the other shoulder, press, hold the log overhead, carry the log, run with the log, etc the exhausted teammates have to deal with the fact that any individual could relax and the rest of the team would make up the difference and no one would be the wiser.

It’s like the dynamics of group projects in school – we know how those go.

Since the log is a uniform, solid structure teammates who are suffering under the weight of the log could choose to pass that burden on to the team, sure. But, those other teammates are also at the end of their physical abilities, so doing extra work for these sailors will surely be a recipe for disaster.

The final element worth noting here is that, like life, “it pays to be a winner” in SEAL Training. Each team is competing against the other teams during Log PT (and everything else). The paradox of Log PT is a metaphor for all group dynamics. In tough times, you can save yourself and pass responsibility off to your group, but it will almost surely guarantee the end of your group’s chance for success.