End of the 'Road March'

The very last day of testing consisted of one task. A grueling twelve mile road march!

We had to complete this in three hours or less!

Fortunately for my group, our commander had us do a practice march three weeks before the test. As a result, I knew just where every blister would be. I knew I needed at least one extra canteen. And I knew I had to be in top shape to pass!

We were given a list of items that were to be carried on this event. It was NOT light! We were told we could carry and pack it any way we pleased but we had to present each item at the end!

I strapped my rifle and helmet to my pack and secured them with duct tape. Nothing would shake and rip the skin from my shoulders. I wore a soft cap too!

The pace was brutal. On level ground, I had to "Airborne Shuffle:" very fast. Going uphill, it was a brisk walk. Downhill I had to flat out run!

I discovered my extra canteen was redundant. They had a water station midway through. I emptied it out after topping my main canteen off.

Despite all my preparations, it still was hard.

There was a truck that followed up and let anyone who wanted to, hop on. The downside was you automatically flunked!

There were some REAL casualties during this time! Some familiar faces were laying on the ground with their shirts opened trying to cool down.

I crossed over the line and turned my gear in with sixteen minutes to spare. After my gear was checked off, I turned around and went back for the other three guys from my unit.

I encouraged everyone I could to keep moving.

In the end, less than 60 finished the march. In this picture there are some troops in a serious state of collapse!