The point of practicing any exercise is to focus on building from a solid foundation, and then adding each week. Pick a spot in the distance and run to it. As former SF medics (Green Berets) we know what it takes to do the job quickly and accurately. Other people (like me) had to work their asses off not to have their spine compressed and get even shorter under the crushing weight. The Ruck March is a 12-mile foot march which must be completed in 3 hours or less, while carrying a 50-pound backpack. If there is a break in service, you would attend something dissimilar to SFAS involving a PT test, 12-mile ruck, and an interview with some SGM's among other things. We found a few options for inexpensive rucksacks, boots, and socks that we looked at before upgrading my own arsenal! Learn more about AR670-1 regulations and check out other AR670-1 boots. As part of the last test to earn the badge, candidates had to complete the 12-mile trek in three hours carrying a 35-pound rucksack and 5-pound weapon. we’ve compiled tips to help boost your ruck march. Pick another, preferably closer point, and power walk to it, then pick a distant point, run to it, etc. Nothing feels quite as good as the phrase 'drop ruck', even if you know you'll inevitably have to pick it up and start moving with it again soon. It drains your energy and you don't really gain any time doing it.Â, If you start slow or get staggered time starts: Always set a goal on catching the person directly in front of you. Emergency approach loads are used less frequently on ruck marches. These missions are critical and therefore the soldiers’ load is heavy. Just like in life, there are people who are just naturally gifted at rucking. Rucking is the foundation of Special Forces training and the Star Course is the culminating exercise of Special Forces Selection. Don't run or even jog uphill. Often, the most skilled ruckers are those with high levels of mental fortitude and a positive mental attitude. The first few miles may not seem that bad, but your shoulders and legs will undeniably start feeling the weight towards the end. Should you decide to carry optional rucking gear such as rucking AR670-1 boots, or socks, they must be ar670-1 compliant. --The best way to accomplish this is to alternate running and walking on the flat ground. This piece is meant to help prospective candidates prepare for SOF selection with their 12-mile rucksack march. Photo Courtesy: C.C. Getting it right takes practice, but there is nothing worse than being a mile into the ruck and finding your ruck weight leans in one direction. 3-Mile Ruck Run for Time at 45# Ruck. This may mean foregoing the high speed shoulder straps for the time being.Â. In the military, supervised ruck marches are a key part of infantry testing. Personnel awarded with the EIB determine the length of marches (always 12 miles) and the weight of rucksack carried. We were all there at one point. No need to go full out yet. Rucking in the rain is inevitable, whether you've already signed up for a rucking event, or it's just a rainy week, you're bound to ruck in the rain. "Let me have your attention. It takes more than just strength to beat the US Army’s target of 12 miles (19 kilometers) in three hours. Personally speaking I might would rather attend SFAS again. Chapman Yet, there’s also a psychological aspect of this training that shouldn’t be overlooked. Many schools and selections (Ranger, Airborne, SFAS, Expert Infantryman Badge, etc.) Twelve miles is a lot of distance to cover. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com, Mudgear.com, and Goruck.com, Best Boot Insoles for Ruck Marching & Rucking, long journeys made on foot while carrying a heavy weight in a rucksack. Learn more about how to ruck march faster here. This particular time was a difficult one for members of 3/7 SFG. - The ruck: Ask your friends, those who have gone to selection recently, or an SF recruiter about what ruck they are requiring at the current time. Mental fortitude is a key part of this test. Go! I would run to one telephone pole, power walk to the next, then repeat it over and over if it was flat ground.Â. Chuck the helmet, un-blouse your pants, and when you carry your rifle, carry it however you want as long as you don't look like a jackass. I'm former Navy, was in BUD/S for five and a half months and going into the Army and as soon as possible dropping an Special Forces package. Even if you follow all of this advice, you may still … Find one that works for you, but don't expect even the most expensive one not to tear up your back after logging some serious miles. All recruits are expected to complete successful ruck marches: long journeys made on foot while carrying a heavy weight in a rucksack. Army leaders need to decide between different combat loads to find the perfect balance between soldier effort and completing the mission unbeaten. If you have lots of experience and want a tougher challenge, it can be an interesting way to take walking for fitness to the next level. - Pack your ruck evenly. But it does get more manageable, and the weights do get more manageable if you practice.Â, Basic Training/some regular army units method: Wear your helmet, keep your pants tucked into your boots, and put as much gear in your ruck as possible as you slog directly behind your fellow sufferer, rifle held across your chest. --The best way to accomplish this is to alternate running and walking on the flat ground. GORUCK Waterproof JacketWomen's Switchback Adjustable Waterproof JacketBALEAF Men's Packable Jacket There are three types of combat loads a recruit must carry on their march depending on the commanders decision: Combat Loads is when the soldier demands minimum equipment to operate and survive on the designated mission. An occasional 10-15 mile ruck should be added from time to time to get used to the days when longer distances are part of the training plan at SFAS and the Q course. I'm not here to layout a week by week plan for you. You justify it by thinking, I'll endure the suck now so that when I have to do it in selection, it will seem easier.Â, -- This method is not recommended. Years from now, when you make it through the Q course and end up on a team, you'll have about 6 different rucks to choose from.Â, Okay--down to business. It took us about 3-4 months of consistent rucking to the point we felt comfortable under the heavy weight and moving at a decent speed consistently. ; 4-mile loaded march time for SFAS course graduates was 61 minutes: 54 or less, 81% passed; 55-64, 63% passed; 65-74, 34% passed; … They contain heavy items that cannot be transported by vehicle due to issues with impassable terrain. To properly prepare for a long and tough ruck, it’s important to make sure you have the right gear. The load is heavy, but its capped at 100 pounds to avoid impeding the soldiers’ ability to fight.