Tough Challenge: Washington, DC 09/10/2022 11:00

September 10th, 2022 @ 11:00am EST

Tough Challenge: Washington, DC 09/10/2022 11:00
About this event


Date & Time

Saturday, September 10, 2022 11:00

Double Tough Weekend

Complete BOTH the 9/11 and Horse Soldier Tough events and earn the Special Edition 9/11 & Horse Soldier Double Tough Patch, which will never be for sale.

Horse Soldier

I am advising a man on how to best employ light infantry and horse cavalry in the attack against Taliban T-55s, mortars, artillery, personnel carriers, and machine guns – a tactic which I think became outdated with the invention of the Gatling gun. [The mujahideen] have done this every day we have been on the ground. They have attacked with 10 rounds of ammunition per man, with snipers having less than 100 rounds – little water and less food. I have observed a PK gunner who walked 10-plus miles to get to the fight, who was proud to show me his artificial leg from the knee down. We have witnessed the horse cavalry bounding overwatch from spur to spur to attack Taliban strongpoints – the last several kilometers under mortar, artillery, and sniper fire. There is little medical care if injured, only a donkey ride to the aid station, which is a dirt hut. I think [the mujahideen] are doing very well with what they have. We could not do what we are doing without the close air support – everywhere I go the civilians and mujahideen soldiers are always telling me they are glad the U.S.A. has come. They all speak of their hopes for a better Afghanistan once the Taliban are gone.
— Special Forces ODA (A-Team) 595 Commander, Captain Mitch Nelson, October 21, 2001

The initial battlefield plan, proposed in the wake of 9/11, called for a conventional force to invade Afghanistan with 60,000 troops. Due to weather and mobilization constraints, it would take six months. The Secretary of Defense rejected it, saying “I want men on the ground now!” The immediate solution became a few dozen Army Special Forces, aka Green Berets. Senior military commanders hoped, at best, that they would be able to buy time until the larger forces could mobilize in the Spring. But the Green Berets’ plan was textbook unconventional warfare: they would link up with the Northern Alliance, build rapport, and work by, with, and through them to defeat the Taliban. This included unconventional tactics, such as the first cavalry charge of the twenty-first century, and significant and unprecedented support from the US Air Force in the sky. It worked. Two months later, in the boneyard of the Soviet Empire, a new President was sworn in in Afghanistan. ‘Humans are more important than hardware’ is a maxim in Special Forces and this event highlights, in the historical context of the Horse Soldiers (portrayed in the movie 12 Strong), how true that was, is, and will always be. At your Horse Soldier GORUCK Challenge, expect to learn how a small, unconventional team can work together to accomplish big things while paying homage to this quintessential Special Forces mission. De Oppresso Liber.

10-12 HOURS, 15-20 MILES. THE ORIGINAL CHALLENGE. AVERAGE COMPLETION RATE: 94%

WHAT TO BRING

  • A rucksack aka backpack (Rucker recommended)
  • Ruck Plate = to your weight requirement
    • If you weigh >150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck Plate (or equivalent)
    • If you weigh < 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate (or equivalent)
  • Hydration Bladder: Source 3L (bringing 1 is mandatory, 2 is recommended)
  • Nalgene bottle (1L) or equivalent (electrolytes recommended)
  • Participants must also bring Oral Rehydration Salts (or comparable) in case water resupply is harder
  • Reflective Ruck Bands (or equivalent) on your ruck
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Face Mask (Optional)
  • 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 Tough, 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.

TRAINING FOR YOUR EVENT

  • SRT Training Program
    • So you signed up - now what? Join us for daily workouts written by Cadre DS that are simple, but not easy. All you need is a ruck or sandbag. The SRT programming will get you ready. And your first week is free!
  • Check out our RUCK CLUB map to find people to train with

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?

Where
Air Force Memorial 1 Air Force Memorial Dr., Arlington, DC
Washington, DC
View Map
When
September 10th, 2022 @ 11:00am EST
Event Cadre

DS

Air Force Combat Controller

Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Africa, Haiti

 

Dan spent his formative years chasing the thrills in the fluid environment of Special Operations. He attempted to calm the chaos of an ever-evolving battlefield armed with a radio, a positive mental attitude and a strong cup of coffee. His three primary mission sets now consists of keeping up with one lucky lady, a feisty daughter and a sweet Rhodesian Ridgeback named Maya. Dan maintains and teaches a “ready for whatever” level of fitness. He finds, fixes and finishes the best chow possible in the most exotic locations. He respects hard workers, risk takers, and those willing to take on arduous and entertaining experiences.

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