AO: The Colosseum
When: 06/27/2022
Number of Pax: 12
DR Names:
Number of FNGS: 1
FNG Names:
QIC: Squidward
Introduction
Weather conditions were superb with temps in the low 60’s and a light, cool breeze.
This was my AOVQ at TC, so I decided to modify the regularly scheduled RC to a RKC/RC option for this morning. Noting that we are D-19 out from the region hosting its first ever GTE, my goal is to continue to amp up team ruck training and to provide opportunities for the associated “corrective training” that is encountered during events of this nature.
2 PAX chose the run option and the remaining 10 PAX participated in the ruck event.
Warm-O-Rama
- Good mornings/nights (10)
- Daisy pickers (10)
- Arm circles, seal claps, OHCs (10)
- Calf stretches (10 sec count)
The Thang
In summary, this was an out and back ruck centered around team building with iterations of “corrective training” and instruction focused on gear set-up, ruck item retrieval, and PT mixed in during stops along the way.
Once PAX were lined up with rucks and the “toys” (sandbags) were dispersed among the team, we rucked up and took a short mosey to the treeline where a “surprise” pallet was awaiting the men. The plan worked out perfectly allowing the 80 and 40 lb toys to be placed on the pallet while all men not carrying the pallet was still burdened with a sandbag.
Whether or not we encounter pallets during GTE, the four-man pallet carry still provided a great opportunity to work and communicate as a team while carrying an awkward and disruptive item. I provided nuggets of wisdom along the way that I’ve picked up during my attendance at multiple in house training events conducted thus far and was especially thankful for all feedback provided from our veteran GrowRuck members, Bedpan and Ozark.
We arrived back at the flags with about 3 MoM remaining, where we then showed our rucks some love by doing 10 Elf On A Shelf reps and 10 Love Sack reps on each side.
To end with a little fun, we jokingly named our FNG (the pallet) “Splinter”. I definitely expect him to post ITG again real soon! 🙂
Circle of Trust
Discussed the concept of servant leadership and related that to the relationship we have with our brothers while ITG. “Peer led in a rotating fashion” translates well here when you consider the fact that in order to truly be a good leader, first you need to be a GREAT follower, i.e. support your brothers when theq are Qing as you’d expect to have their support/respect of you.
I shared a brief story from my mini-GTE prep experience with the F3 Naperville crew this past weekend. To summarize, we were probably 7-8 miles (eventually was ~10 miles at completion) into our ruck with additional HEAVY sandbag weight spread amongst the 15 PAX. At this particular moment, I was trudging along just numbing my mind to any pain I was struggling with and, for reasons still unknown to me, I commented to the brother that was walking in front of me noting how strong he looked and told him he was walking tall, not appearing to struggle at all. He shockingly replied to me asking me how I knew to say that at that exact moment and noted that he NEEDED to hear those words of encouragement, then thanked me stating that simply hearing that, unexpectedly, added fuel to his fire to keep pushing.
We all have that obligation to lift our brothers up, especially, during our darkest, most taxing moments!
Naked Man Moleskin
Several men provided positive feedback noting they enjoyed the change of pace shift from individual ruck effort to team ruck effort. I think Splinter the pallet was pretty satisfied to participate as well!