DoD Fascination with the Trap Bar Deadlift

[tomskarda]

Apparently the USAF has now adopted the trap bar deadlift as part of its Tier 2 Battlefield Airman Fitness test.

https://djnrck7om5y5b.cloudfront.net...s-Protocol.pdf

This follows the US Army's adoption of the trap bar deadlift for its fitness test as well.

Can anyone here explain to me the DoD's fascination with this lift?

Why on earth would they do this as opposed to a conventional deadlift? The bar for deadlifting would even cost less, is far easier to move around and could be used for other lifts, whereas the trap bar (a) looks dorky and (b) is useless for anything other than a partial deadlift.

[Mark Rippetoe]

We've discussed this at length, and it appears that the only rational explanation is the explanation for most military change: somebody wanted a contract. Who makes the trap bars, who do they know, and how much were they paid?

[Will Morris]

We've discussed this at length, and it appears that the only rational explanation is the explanation for most military change: somebody wanted a contract. Who makes the trap bars, who do they know, and how much were they paid?

It’s probably less insidious than this. The reasoning is most appropriately blamed on the fact that physical therapists helped design the test.

[Mia Inman]

We've discussed this at length, and it appears that the only rational explanation is the explanation for most military change: somebody wanted a contract. Who makes the trap bars, who do they know, and how much were they paid?

Hex Bar - Army Combat Ready Fitness Test

[David A. Rowe]

It's probably not even that malicious. Here's what probably happened:

1. Working group determines strength needs to be a factor. "Analysis" is done by "Subject Matter Expert champions." He totally knows deadlifts are dangerous, but somehow trap bar is safer. And didn't you see the American Sniper movie? Weight requirements adjusted down for similar reasons and to allow recruiting a snowball's chance in hell at making mission.
2. Requisition of bars likely doesn't happen on a service-wide contract, but rather at the base/battalion level. Maybe even down to the company. If the person purchasing or authorizing doesn't like X brand... submit sole-source justification and order from Rogue, anwyay.
3. The Airforce, recently (10-15 years), has been investing into dropping their sedentary and weak image. Not to be outdone, they copy paste a lot of the "work" from Army documents and artifacts over to their process and paperwork. High five each other when their boards reach the same conclusion. Brass is happy that the USAF is getting "hard" along with other branches.

Yet to come...

4. Marines determine that everyone else is getting uppity. Demand conventional deadlifts with a negative component of 3 inches in full combat utilities and PPE are be added to the PFT, and all standards for the CFT are doubled. Mandatory weight is set at 600 pounds for the deadlift, but only because Marines have to prove they're harder than every other branch (see previous examples: gortex not approved for garrison in inclimate conditions, M240G no handguards because "Marines will only touch hot barrels once", etc.)

[Mia Inman]

Looks like a recent contract was awarded for "Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) Equipment".

Awarded Vendors: Sorinex Exercise Equipment. Contract Award Dollar Amount: 31,104,902.40. Contract Award Date: 2019-06-26.

I think this includes trap-bars, medicine balls, kettlebells, plates, pull-up bars, sleds etc.

[Ivey]

They wear very heavy pants in the Air Force and the trap bar is the only appropriate lift for preparing you for such a scenario.

[Aaron Kacala]

Is it just the military?

[Fulcrum]

This follows the US Army's adoption of the trap bar deadlift for its fitness test as well.
Can anyone here explain to me the DoD's fascination with this lift?
Why on earth would they do this as opposed to a conventional deadlift?

The trap-bar deadlift is probably seen as a nice mix between a squat and a deadlift.
I've seen this purported many times....a nice balanced mix of both exercises.
Not my opinion, but I'm sure that's what they are thinking.

You need a squat rack to squat, and a barbell.
So a way to do a squatty-deadlifty thing without much instruction or coaching.

The bar for deadlifting would even cost less,

Generic trap bars are quite cheap .... no rotating sleeves, bearings, bushings, knurl in only a couple small spots.
But as others point out, the gov't will have some shit-over-priced-crooked-contract let out for these.
They'll over-pay/over-buy something they don't need.

is far easier to move around and could be used for other lifts, whereas the trap bar (a) looks dorky and (b) is useless for anything other than a partial deadlift.

yep, at least you could clean and press and do various crossfit WOD type stuff.