Date & Time
Saturday, August 7, 2021 14:00Extortion 17 Memorial
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
– John 15:13
This event is in memory of EXTORTION 17, the callsign for the Chinook helicopter shot down while attempting to insert reinforcements for a unit of Rangers on 6 August 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan. EXTORTION 17 remains the single greatest loss of life in that war. Of the 38 KIA, 17 were SEALs. All were willing to risk their lives for their brothers on the ground. At your challenge, expect the scenarios to build in concert with how the mission unfolded that fateful day. The initial insertion of Rangers, the follow on mission for the Taliban commander, the “Fallen Angel”, and the aftermath. Rest in Peace. Participants are requested to bring a laminated picture of a service member who passed on EXTORTION 17.
5+ Hours. Lots of PT. Lots of miles. Details not forthcoming.
Pain is the theme of all GORUCK Challenges. Our Special Forces Cadres will ensure it’s pain with purpose by pushing individuals out of their comfort zones and building each class into a team. Train hard and show up ready. It’s worth it.
What to Bring
- A rucksack aka backpack (Rucker recommended)
- Ruck Plate = to your weight requirement
- If you weigh >150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck Plate
- If you weigh < 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
- Hydration Bladder: Source 3L recommended
- Nalgene bottle (1L) or equivalent (electrolytes recommended)
- Oral Rehydration Salts (or comparable)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Reflective Ruck Bands (or equivalent) on your ruck
- First Aid Kit (small)
- Face Mask (something that will not repeatedly fall off, scarves not recommended)
- Gloves (1 pair) Not medical gloves, working gloves
- Hand Sanitizer/Wipes - 1 bottle Purell, 1 package of baby wipes (or equivalent)
- Windbreaker (only if the temperature is expected below 60 ℉)
- Photo ID and $20 cash just in case
- As a class, you need one (1) 25 lb. class weight and one American Flag. Use your event’s Facebook page to meet your class, organize training, and coordinate team weight details.
- Flip-flops (not required) - upon completion of a GORUCK Light, it’s one of the seven great feelings in the world to take your shoes and socks off and put flip flops on. It also makes the hell-yeah-I-earned-my-patch beer taste even better. A fresh shirt or jacket can go a long way, too.
Event Cancellation Policy
- Refunds are permitted for this event if requested at least 30 days prior to the event date.
- For the full Event Participant Policies please view our FAQ page.
Got Questions?
- Visit our searchable FAQ for answers
- Contact us if you still need help
Meeting up to Train
Cadre Barbarossa
Army Special Operations
Afghanistan, Horn of Africa, Iraq
Barbarossa (red beard) retired out of 5th Special Forces Group after 21 years of service. All of his 18 years in Special Forces was at 5th, with the exception of 3 years as cadre at Special Forces Assessment & Selection helping build future Green Berets. He currently lives in Savannah with his family, sharpening his cocktail making skills on a daily basis.