The Observation Post

A Lesson on Observation Posts (OP)

    During the GWOT we started slanting known definitions, mostly out of misunderstandings and no time to correct them. Or, everyone knew the terms were overly-generalized, but no one cared to correct the issue. A good example of this is the Observation Post (OP). In GWOT, we established many OPs along main supply routes, on roof tops in the cities; sometimes a patrol would turn into an overnight OP. Sometimes you will see training during which an individual goes and just sits in a position for a few hours, and will call it an OP. 

    Most veterans understand the extremely generalized usage of the term; however, this may mislead the average citizen, who does not understand what an OP actual is, and what it is utilized for. As it turns out, Observation Posts serve very specific tasks and purposes. FM 3-21.8 Infantry Rifle & Platoon (the updated FM 7-8) 3-93. An observation post provides the primary security in the defense. Observation posts provide early warning of impending enemy contact by reporting direction, distance, and size. It detects the enemy early and sends accurate reports to the platoon. The platoon leader establishes observation posts along the most likely enemy avenues of approach into the position or into the area of operation. Leaders ensure that observation posts (mounted or dismounted) have communication with the platoon. 3-94. Early detection reduces the risk of the enemy overrunning the observation post. Observation post may be equipped with a Javelin command launch unit; class 1 unmanned aircraft system; seismic, acoustic, or frequency detecting sensors to increase its ability to detect the enemy. They may receive infrared trip flares, infrared parachute flares, infrared M203 or M320 rounds, and even infrared mortar round support to illuminate the enemy. The platoon leader weighs the advantages and disadvantages of using infrared illumination when the enemy is known to have night vision devices that detect infrared light. 

    Although infrared and thermal equipment within the platoon enables the platoon to see the observation post at a greater distance, the observation post should not be positioned outside the range of the platoon’s small-arms weapons. 3-95. To further reduce the risk of fratricide, observation posts use GPS to navigate to the exit and entry point in the platoon’s position. The platoon leader ensures he submits an observation post location to the company team commander to ensure a no fire area is established around each observation post position. 

    As you can see, an OP typically is associated with the Patrol Base of a Squad or Platoon. A unit cannot defend their Patrol Base without an OP - on the other end, an OP cannot be supported at all unless it is connected to a Patrol Base. One last note: although the Marines use the term "LP/OP," to include Listening Posts, the Army does not. The Army shifted to just using "OP" because, the listening part is what is referred to as an "implied task." Basically, if you are observing, you are also listening. Unlike the rest of the Army, the Infantry tries to reduce redundancies! 

Patrol Bases and OPs are just 10% of what we cover in the online academies and on-site SUT courses: https://www.gruntproof.us/p/training.html 

Carry on

Veteran Gate-Keeping

Major Points:

• American Citizens can and should know basic "military" tactics and doctrine, and should regularly train these skills
• I value every second I spent "serving;" however, if I am completely honest, I'd have to admit that at least 1/3 the time I spent in the Infantry was a demonstrable waste of time and tax dollars
• Any veteran that openly trashes "civilians" for training most likely has a corrupt reason, and it often comes down to money
• Instead of living on disability and past fame, experienced combat veterans should be continuing to serve by teaching their fellow citizens every valuable skill and tactic they know
• Military training should be viewed as a buffet: learn and train the valuable skills, and discard all the bureaucratic, politically-poisoned wastefulness

   

 There seems to be a rise in bro-vets desperately trying to gate-keep knowledge and training. Too many talking heads seem to be very uncomfortable with "civilians" learning the same skills and information that they had to suffer through endless bureaucracy in an extremely politically-correct institution, in order to learn. Fun fact: every military unit spends (wastes) at least 40 hours per year just sitting in a classroom, being force-fed political correctness and being nice to one another. We literally have to take yearly classes on how why we should not rape one another. 

Why should American Citizens know tactics and military doctrine?

Why do some veterans have a problem with this idea?

    First, I have to cover my background, because we all know that's what the bro-vets will attack first. I did my time in the Army Infantry, serving in a deployment to Baghdad from 2003-2004, and then later to Ar Ramadi from 2005-2006. I finished my service in the Reserves, in Europe, mostly doing Civil Affairs, and deployed to Afghanistan as a "CA guy." Baghdad was a cake walk. As a 19 year old kid, I got paid (a lot) to walk around a city with a SAW (machine gun). Besides regular mortar and rocket attacks, and a massive car bomb on our checkpoint, Baghdad was relatively safe. Ramadi was exactly what we all expected war to be like: brutal. If you've read about The Battle of Ramadi, or heard the stories from guys like Jocko Willink, it's that Ramadi. Unfortunately, very few Americans only care about the SOF side of Ramadi and Fallujah. We took fire daily, and almost every road had bombs in it. EFPs (Explosively Formed Projectiles) were the norm. We lost many good kids there. That was the first time we painfully learned that the US Military is in fact not invincible, as basic training led us to believe. In fact, it seemed like we had no chance against supposed "untrained" and undisciplined guerillas. Every day they managed to defeat our expensive technology and crush any morale we still had left. Now, on to the debate.

    Understanding American history is crucial to understanding why America is so amazing, why we have a 2nd Amendment, and why American Citizens must be prepared....for anything. This great history begins with the Minutemen. The Minutemen were citizens who trained at least six times per month, usually double that of the Militia. Unlike the Continental (federal) Army and Militia, the Minutemen came from the very community they supported. An unknown fact is that both the organized militias and the Continental Army often looked down on the Minutemen. Why? They were viewed as backwoods rednecks who lacked skills and discipline. They did not wear standardized uniforms, and did not stand in formation or march. They did not conduct "drills" like their British-raised, "professional" counterparts. Yes, most of the Continental Army's drills and ceremonies were copied directly from the British. Funny how that works. The bottom line is, there was a slight amount of hatred for the Minutemen. Doesn't this sound very familiar? In fact, these days a common complaint from the bro-vets is that the average "civilian" does not know how to train, has poor equipment, and lacks discipline. And yet, these veterans propagate the very ignorance the American Military has suffered in every single guerilla war we have dealt with. It's possible that the "1984ing" of this history has been purposeful, but few "professional" soldiers understand how crucial the Minutemen were to America's success in the Revolution, and how critical they still are today. Also, don't get me started on the word "professional" being blindly applied to the average modern service member. A five minute Google search will bust that myth like an old balloon. Drunk and disorderly, DUIs, rapes, and general misconduct are almost daily occurrences in the "professional" military. As a Squad Leader, in Germany, I was called every single weekend either because a Soldier was arrested for a DUI, had beaten his wife, or was involved in a fight with German locals. Every weekend is not an exaggeration. Very "professional," right? How is this possible? I personally believe it is the combination of lowered standards, and the fact that the US Military ignorantly prioritizes quantity over quality. I was often verbally reprimanded for stating that our numbers could be cut in half and we'd be better off by raising and actually enforcing our standards. You can imagine which type of "leader" had a problem with me saying such things.

    So, what is the role of the modern Minuteman? Well, most would agree that it is the same as it was 250 years ago: to defend their communities and support larger operations if necessary. This purpose cannot be served without training, equipment, and the stewardship from experienced men. It's no different than groups like the Boy Scouts stewarding their valuable tradition. This purpose also requires the support of the local community. In the early days, Minutemen were funded by their communities - their neighbors, friends, and family. Today, often called MAG (Mutual Assistance Groups), the same applies. Most MAGs use donations, member dues, and other means of income to fund their training and development. I believe this is also a reason for the bro vets to hate them. In the military, we were paid very well, and often over-paid, to do our job. I always felt blessed to get paid to workout every morning, and then play with guns and practice tactics. What a job! Minutemen and MAGs have to go the extra mile. Most of these men have full time jobs, families, and other obligations, and do not receive tax dollars to do their "tactical" duties. Imagine if your average 23 year old Infantry Team Leader had to not only plan and manage training, but he had to figure out how to fund it and where to host it as well. Imagine if that same Team Leader also had to work with a local community in order to even train. I love the guys I served with, but most of them couldn't even plan a patrol. Not everyone veteran was a leader, and even many of the leaders had their hand held throughout their service. I often joke that serving in the Army is like Kindergarten for adult men. So long as you don't murder anyone, you cannot get fired, and will always get promoted. The point is, what is the typical stereotype of a GWOT veteran these days? Overweight, lazy, stoned daily, and living on disability, constantly reminiscing about the good old days. Why aren't they out there teaching? I sincerely believe that it's because our Oath is not properly understood. In fact, many service members have never even read the Constitution that our oath was created for. This fact should be more disturbing to Americans Citizens, but I doubt even know about it.

    What if every combat veteran got involved in his community, and started training people? What if, instead of trashing his neighbors for doing something...anything at all, he decided to help? Maybe it's too easy to sit around telling war stories about our tax-payer funded vacations to the Middle East. Meanwhile, most veterans do have major complaints about this country and our future. We swore an oath to this country and our Constitution, yet that oath ended for most veterans as soon as they separated. Why?

    Modern Minutemen support their communities in many ways, all year round: disaster response, mass casualty events, and community events. Let's imagine, however, that the US was actually invaded again. Who would respond to that threat? Across all branches, the US Military boasts about 1.3 million Active Duty personnel. Only about 5% of those are in combat-related fields. If we were to follow the "instruction manual" (the Constitution), those numbers would be cut by 99%, because our Founders never wanted a full time standing army. Why? Because of why we fought a Revolution in the first place. Regardless, does anyone believe that these puny numbers could stop any major attack on US soil? One would have to be delusional. What would happen if such a catastrophic event did occur? The same thing we did 250 years ago: The federalists would look to all those local and state Militias, as well as all the Minutemen to step in and pick up the slack. I believe, however, these "non professionals" would actually lead the way. In fact, judging by how crippled and demoralized our current servicemembers are today, thanks to endless bureaucracy and political correctness, Americans would be lucky if just 50% of those Active Duty personnel even reported for duty. Then, the slow machine of bureaucracy would ensure that the federal army wouldn't even have a plan of action until a few months have passed. During this time, who is doing all the fighting? Who would be organizing, arming, equipping, and putting up the first counter attacks? Who would be sabotaging enemy convoys and supply routes?  The modern Minutemen, that's who. To be brutally honest, the main priority of the US Military would be to check all the servicemember's dental records and ensure their shots were up to date, before any movement could occur. Then, they'd all be standing in line to sign for their nearly deadlined vehicles. Next, they'd have to drive 4 hours away to beg for ammo from the depot. That is, assuming the Master Sergeant is still there, and the Soldiers have the proper paperwork. Meanwhile, the Minutemen would be in the mountains, or the swamps, doing fulfilling their duties. 

    Am I claiming that the modern Minuteman is capable of taking on a large, organized military? Absolutely not, as that is not their job, and it never was. The role of the Minuteman is to serve and defend the community in which he resides. Based on the American model, every neighborhood or village should have a group that performs this role. Do American Citizens honestly expect the US Military to show up to their remote area and save them? As we have seen in every natural disaster, every year, the feds are the last people to show up, and usually end up causing the most problems. Sure, they can help people weeks and months after the fact, but someone must be there to act as the events unfold. Whether it is a response to natural disasters, or actual fighting, this role has belonged to, and will also belong to the Minuteman, and then the State Militia. 

    To be honest, there are a lot of outstanding combat veterans who are doing great things in this world. Completely off the internet and social media, they tirelessly work to steward their experiences and knowledge to citizens. They do this not for a paycheck, not for the credit, and usually not even for the fun of training with other like-minded people. They do it because it is necessary - it is invaluable, and they fully understand this duty. Most of these veterans remember their Oath on a daily basis, and they do their best to serve in every way they can. If this method of service is simply by teaching basic skills and tactics to their neighbors, then so be it. It could also be in the form of basic medical courses from an old combat Medic. Any veteran who has a problem with this stewardship, should re-evaluate his own morals, as many of these same bro vets are doing the same thing, but they only do it for fame and a paycheck. As it turns out, the famous words, "di oppressor liber," have just become a marketing term, misused by many to gain credit on social media, collect an easy paycheck, and then trash any "civilian" who just wants to be a good, prepared, American Citizen. They hate the fact that someone can cherry-pick good information, dispose of all the useless, wasteful, bureaucratic garbage we faced in the military, put together an efficient training plan, and train the average American. They despise seeing men do this for free, without going through all the proper bro vet channels. 

    It's sad, really, but it only shines a bright light on their ill-intended motives to join the military in the first place. Many of these veterans never fully understood their Oath, and how all of this is crucial in stewarding American Freedom and our irreplaceable way of life. For me, personally, I would much rather work with the guy who works 50 hours per week, has a strong family, and still finds the time to work with his fellow citizens, over the typical gate-keeping bro-vet looking for fame and fortune, any day. I understand this stance will draw a lot of fire from my so-called "brothers," and that's fine. Our brotherhood ended as soon as we either separated or transferred to other units anyway. I am aware that I am not part of the club, and that is completely fine with me. 

    "I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same." 

Citizen's Oath

The Wildfire Prep Checklist

 

Once the time comes, you won't be thinking clearly enough to just put things together. Your family will also be running around lost. Put together a simple checklist, gather the supplies beforehand, and rehearse your plans with your family. Then, when the time comes, simply execute.

EARLY WARNING & UPDATES

Watch Duty App is the best I have seen. You will receive alerts based on your location and can even adjust how large the coverage area is. If you have a HAM radio, make sure it is programmed to the local repeaters to get updates while on the move. Your cell towers may not be functioning, or the network may be too bogged down.

THE CHECKLIST

1. Know the routes you can take and rehearse them during different times to estimate the traffic. If you live in a densely-populated area, you may have to escape on foot

2. Know how you are leaving: in a vehicle, or on foot?

3. Gather, organize, and stage supplies where they are easy to find and will not be disturbed:

• 3 quarts of water per person
• 2600 calories of food or snacks per person
• first aid kit with burn cream and ointments, and masks or shemaghs
• fire blanket or a few for a family
• some camping gear if you are on foot
• a pack to carry it all with
• a box to throw it all into your vehicle

4. Before leaving

• Turn off all gas sources
• Turn on sprinklers that are pointed at crucial spots (optional)
• Don't forget your pets!

REHEARSALS

No plan is good without being rehearsed and refined. Practice your plan at least a few times before the season, and involve all family members. Start from your designated alert, and how you alert your family, and begin executing the plan. Your kids will have fun with it, your family will feel more confident, and you will be able to test your plan to find errors and then improve it

    Growing up in hurricane zones, and then being deployed all over taught guys like me to always be prepared to move in a minute's notice. Not everyone has the luxury of valuable experience. However, anyone can create a simple plan and checklist, rehearse the plan with their family, and be better prepared. DON'T BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD!

The Most Real World Survival & Outdoor Challenge

 

SERE CHALLENGE ON IMDb

The SERE Challenge, initially known as the "Survival Games," was established in 2021 as a unique, real-world survival and evasion competition. Here's a comprehensive summary of its evolution through the seasons: 

Season 1 (2021): Concept: The first season was straightforward, focusing on evasion. Coleman Outdoors and Stokermatic, two experienced outdoorsmen, competed to see who could evade an enemy and reach an extraction point first. The winner was determined by either being the first to reach extraction or by not getting captured. Notable Features: This season set a high standard for authenticity in survival shows, eschewing a Hollywood budget or production crew, emphasizing real-world scenarios. The competition featured no staged content, with contestants having no prior knowledge of what they would face. 

Season 2 (2022): Evolution: Season 2 expanded the original concept by introducing the full SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) elements. New Components: Captivity Phase: Each contestant was initially captured, subjected to below-freezing temperatures, uncomfortable positions, and interrogations for up to six hours before escaping. Evasion Phase: Post-escape, contestants had to navigate to an extraction point using limited equipment and guidance, making the challenge more intense. Outcome: The season highlighted the physical and mental demands of SERE training with contestants like Brent (Brent0331) and Jared (2 Alpha Solutions) competing under these new, harsher conditions. 

Season 3 (2023-2024): Increased Difficulty: Season 3 escalated the challenge by introducing a 24-hour real-world training scenario followed by another 24-hour captivity phase, making it the most demanding season yet. The Crisis: A scenario-based mission was added, simulating a real-world crisis to test the contestants' ability to operate under extended stress and uncertainty. Authenticity and Funding: Like previous seasons, this one maintained its grassroots approach, with limited funding from viewers and sponsors, ensuring the event's authenticity remained high. 

Season 4 (2025): Anticipated Challenges: Extended Duration: There's an indication that the challenges might extend beyond previous time frames, possibly incorporating longer evasion or survival segments. Enhanced Scenarios: Building on "The Crisis," Season 4 might introduce even more complex and dynamic scenarios, potentially involving multi-day operations or varied environments to test adaptability and endurance. Technological Integration: Given the trend in survival shows to incorporate technology, Season 4 might see the use of advanced survival gadgets or tech for navigation or communication, making the challenge about using technology wisely in survival situations. Team Dynamics: There's a possibility that team-based challenges could be introduced, focusing on cooperation under stress, perhaps mirroring real-world SERE team scenarios where collective survival is key. While exact details for Season 4 are speculative based on the progression of past seasons, the SERE Challenge continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what survival and evasion training can look like in a competition format. The focus remains on realism, skill application, and the psychological endurance of participants, making it a standout event in the landscape of survival competitions. 

WATCH THE SERE CHALLENGE

Combat Field Training Exercises for Prepared Citizens

All across the country Americans are yearning for training. Tactics, field craft, communications, and basic field operations: people want knowledge and experience! Many American men have also realized the un-matched value of training with like-minded individuals. This article discusses the many aspects to the Small Unit Tactics Courses offered by Grunt Proof.

Just a few of the topics covered in the Grunt Proof SUT Course:

• Mission Analysis, ASCOPE & Leadership 
• SOP & Unit Training Development 
• Map Reading, Route Planning & Tactical Navigation 
• Communications 
• Planning & Security Patrolling: Reconnaissance/Combat | Patrol Bases & OPs 
• Intelligence Collection & Reporting 
• Battle Drills and Small Unit Tactics 
• Camouflage, & Field Craft
• Logistics & Sustainment 
• Combat Fitness & Readiness 
• TCCC & Field Aid

    

    The course begins with a simple 5-Paragraph Operations Order (OPORD), except it is broken down to the smaller unit level, which is usually known as the "5Ws." Who, what, when, where, and why. Instead of a lengthy OPORD, students are quickly given the down and dirty on what their mission is for the exercise.

    Next, based on the OPORD, the students go directly into planning their mission. Instead of the standard, boring classroom philosophy, followed by some field work, this course understands that men learn BY DOING. Small sections of specific lessons are taught, followed by an immediate execution of that lesson. The lessons and executions stack up quickly, building up to a massive wealth of knowledge fairly quickly. This efficient modality of teaching allows for the most amount of information taught, in the shortest time possible. Each lesson builds on the previous one, so the students can quickly grasp the big picture of how to run operations. The scenario then builds up to the students moving out to complete their mission. They will be in the field for the remainder of the course.

    Map Reconnaissance, Troop Leading Procedures, utilizing METTTC and OAKOC for mission planning, brings the students to the point of stepping off for their mission. Each team leader conducts a final Pre Combat Check (PCC), and the cadre assists with their own Pre Combat Inspection (PCI). Once everyone is good to go, the teams roll out. At this point, the students have only been on site for just a few hours, and will no longer return to their comfortable cots in a heated tent. 

    En route to their AO, the students learn team formations, tactical land navigation, actions during halts, implementing communications plans, battle drills, and numerous other crucial tasks. By the time the teams reach their first Check Point (CP), they are already fairly proficient in those tasks. The teams eventually occupy Patrol Bases, where they learn even more tactical skills, all while out in the field. The next three days will be physically and mentally demanding for everyone involved. The students will cover the entire 3,000 acre training area, they will sleep just a few hours per night, they will conduct raids and ambushes, they will learn medical and logistics, and they will be tested on every skill they have learned in a very short time. By the end of the exercise, the students will know everything about operations from planning and through execution. From there, the students can return to their own groups being stewards of all the information they learned.

    Considering the price vs what the students receive, the Grunt Proof SUT Course is the most in-depth, most intense, and most budget-friendly tactics course on the market. The extreme efficiency of the course offers the most information to be shared, in the shortest time possible, while not sacrificing the quality of the lessons learned. Everyone wants to train - few people have either the time or the money to leave their families for long periods, spending thousands of dollars on training. Put out the most amount of information, in the shortest amount of time, with the most budget-friendly course: that is the goal of the course.

    The Grunt Proof Crew is working hard to establish consistent training areas for this course so that we can host as many courses throughout the year as possible. Slots open to the public have already been selling quickly. Be sure to get registered before they're all gone. 

I WANT TO TRAIN! 

Testimonials

"I've done private FTXs with Randall and crew and the experience is unbelievable. I felt like I was actually deployed for 3 whole days. By the end I felt confident to bring everything I learned back to my local training group and improve our own operations."

- Adam

"I participated in a private recon FTX with the grunts near the Sierras. I thought I was good in the woods but this event taught me so many things. I had no idea how much detail actually went into running operations. I will definitely pay for the full course."

- Jesse

"I did the Grunt Proof online course seminars and if the field portion is half as good, I'm there."

- Levi

"We signed up for the November Mountain course based on our experience with the online courses. Putting it all together in the field will be epic!"

- Nunya

The Combat Fitness Study

    

 In collaboration with experts in the field of Strength & Conditioning, LEOs, Active Duty Military, and members of the Forestry Fire Department, The Combat Fitness Study successfully proved that, by improving one's strength, all other crucial components to operate in the field, under load, will also improve.

Read the full study results HERE

Major Highlights

• Improving strength alone resulted in better run times
• Strength training, along with a weekly Ruck program is an exceptional modality to improve one's "combat fitness" and overall capability to operate under load in the field
• Testing strength for combat fitness is more important in demonstrating readiness than testing for cardiovascular endurance alone
• Great runners struggled with the strength tests - very strong people struggled with the pull-ups and endurance portion - all participants approved across the board with the Combat Fitness Training Program, which included compound lifts for strength, and 1 weekly Ruck

RANDALL'S WINTER CAMPING PACKING LIST

For the newbies, these are all the basic items you need to get along in the winter. Experiment and have fun with it! 

ESSENTIALS 

[ ] Large pack: >35 liters 

[ ] Water proofing (WW bag, ziplocks, etc) 

[ ] Shelter (tough enough for high winds, snow) 

[ ] 20° bag or warmer (start with 10° above expected temps) 

[ ] >R4 sleep mat / hammock: minimum 20° under-blanket 

[ ] Long johns/thermals and extra top layer for in camp 

[ ] Extra socks or booties to sleep in 

[ ] Hats, gloves, balaclava or shemagh 

[ ] Good pillow or wrap spare layers in shemagh 

[ ] Rain gear that fits over all layers 

[ ] Food (I start with min 2600 Kcal/per day + snacks) 

[ ] Stove, gas, spoon, trash bag, coffee, electrolytes, cleaning rag 

[ ]  Water and filtration, purification. Check map and possibly camp near water source (I start with min 3 liters) 

[ ] Fire starting stuff, extra Bic lighter, fire "cheats" 

[ ] Small repair kit: 

• Needle 
• Strong tape 
• Super glue 
• 1 or two buttons 
• Strong thread 
• Sleep mat patch 

[ ] Small medical kit: 

• Medical tape 
• Band-Aids 
• Anti-bacterial ointment 
• Anti-diarrheal pills 
• Pain killers 
• Extra electrolytes 

[ ] Hygiene: Wet wipes, foot powder, small/light shovel 

[ ] Spare batteries and charger 

[ ] Compass 

[ ] Personal Locator Beacon or Garmin In-Reach, or radio that you know hits repeaters 

[ ] Headlamp or flashlight 

COMFORTS 

[ ] Extra, small, light tarp for around the fire or packing up in the rain 

[ ] Small sit pad, stool, or UL hammock for hanging around (I use a square cut from an old 1/2" foam mat)

Is "Farm Strong" Really Good Enough?

    The Strength and Conditioning world has been meeting a lot of resistance from self-proclaimed tough guys lately. Here's the argument: "I can't squat or bench, but I can sure sling bricks and lumber around with the boys. That's all I need."

    While there is a great deal of ignorance in this statement, it seems to be a mantra that is regurgitated by many. My first question is, why would any man be against getting stronger? Do they not realize that, especially if they have an active job, getting stronger would just make their job a lot easier? Does a 10-brick Tong not feel lighter if you are stronger? Does climbing a ladder on the job site all day not feel easier if your squat numbers are up? If you are moving furniture all day, who do you think will perform better, with more ease: the guy who never lifts, or the guy who has a decent deadlift? One more: when you have to move 65 wheelbarrows of concrete that day, which person do you think will have an easier time: the bigger, stronger guy, who has big squat and deadlift numbers? Or, the skinny guy who is only "worker strong?" How simple logic goes over the heads of so many is simply beyond us in this field.

I believe these anti-strength arguments come from two places:

1. The 1970s myth of "if you lift weights, you'll become big and bulky."

2. Instead of admitting that they are embarrassingly weak, most of these men would rather hide behind these cult-like statements because it sounds cooler than going to the gym and putting in actual work.

    The first argument is easily destroyed after anyone attempts to get big and bulky for a few months, or even a few years. As it turns out, even the most genetically gifted, drug-using pro bodybuilders must still put in decades of work. For many, they will spend 10+ years working hard, doing all the drugs, but are still never big enough to even step on stage. Despite what your aerobics-loving mom told you, just lifting a few weights does not make you big and bulky. In fact, if anyone could benefit from getting stronger, it would be both you and your mom.

    The second argument seems to stem from whatever is trendy online. A decade ago, Crossfit helped demonize actual strength training and got most people on board with performing highly technical lifts, to failure. It seemed cool because it was different, the "athletes" (who are also on drugs) looked normal. It also mocked anyone who performed basic strength training. You know the type: the average guy who performs the compound lifts year-round, eats right, and actually has the physique you have been pursuing for years. Yea, screw that guy; he doesn't know anything. Another version of this "farmer strong" argument comes from the rough and tough workers, or at least the men who think they are rough and tough. Then the younger kids get ahold of that, and it goes on and on...

    I could simply point out the logical error that if working on a farm or construction site made you jacked, we'd only see jacked tradesmen, and there would be no fat farmers or ranchers. We could also point to the actually jacked workers, who do train for strength, and mention their physique and job performance. You know that jacked pipe fitter on your crew? The guy y'all pick on for bringing eggs and protein to work? Yea, he's in much better shape than all of you. But why? Notice, after your 12 hour shift, you are crushed and only have the energy to hit the drive through and then your couch, in front of the TV. What about the jacked guy on your crew, the one you pick on for not joining in on poker night? He's drinking his pre-workout while walking to his truck, then he heads to the gym. Not only does the work day not crush him like it does you and your buddies, but he even has the energy to go train afterward. Is he crazy? Is he on drugs? Did the job make him this strong and energetic? Or, did him putting up some standard man numbers in the gym make him this way? 

    Don't get me wrong; a man who has an active job is much better off than someone with an office job. The problem is the ignorance that the active job makes someone strong. So, let's break it down in knuckle-dragger terms:

"Strength:" Overall force production. It is measured by force generated against the environment, or an object, i.e. - a barbell. How do we measure strength? Easy: we measure the weight on the bar.

    Now, some might argue the following: "I load 100, 75 lb bails of hay everyday. Let's see your average bodybuilder do that." A strong argument, but does it hold any weight? Of course, if you start that job completely fresh, moving such weights all day will absolutely break you off. You will be sore for a few days; maybe even a few weeks. However, after a while, your body adapts, and this job, that was once training, now has  simply become an activity. Unless you add an extra pound or two to each bail of hay each week, you will never get stronger doing this work. Of course, you are stronger than the average male who does nothing. You might even see the bodybuilder, the fake argument you have created, struggle in this environment. However, what you fail to recognize is that, once the bodybuilder adapts to this type of work, he will actually become better at it than you. As long as his strength numbers in the gym continue to improve, and he continues bailing hay, he will continue to out-perform you. Why? Because he is stronger!

    I could offer 100s of examples as above, but we don't have all day. The bottom line is that being stronger improves literally every aspect of one's life: performing at work, performing in the field, and performing in daily life. We all have to sit down and get back up eventually, right? We all carry groceries and load our trucks with equipment. We're not telling you to become obese and only care about a 600 lb deadlift. For some reason, that's what everyone jumps to: the mythical, obese power lifter. Here's a simple test for all of you. First, turn off the TV and stop watching other people live. Second, spend two months simply performing the compound lifts, progressively getting stronger in each. Then, observe how you feel doing literally anything afterward. As long as you train for strength and train properly, you should notice a drastic increase in performance, both on the job and in your personal life. Afterall, we do want to be strong, manly men, right? 

Give strength a chance

Carry on

Minuteman Combat Fitness Test

 

The Minuteman Combat Fitness Test

STRENGTH (1ST EVENT)

1. Barbell Squat: 1RM | 1.2x Body Weight

2. Bench Press: 1RM | Body Weight

3. Deadlift: 1RM | 1.4x Body Weight

4. 5 Strict-Form Pull-Ups

ENDURANCE 

1. 1-Mile Run:  < 9 Minutes*

2. 6-Mile Ruck:  < 1 Hour & 50 Minutes**

*Run is performed in PT clothes

**Ruck is performed in full patrol kit with weapon, pack, and in boots. Pack must weigh minimum 15%  of Body Weight. Route should have no more than 150 ft total elevation gain

BACKGROUND

    Strength, as measured by total force production (weight moved), is the foundation of all human activity. Without doing any other form of training, improving one's strength leads to an exceptional improvement in everything we do. This is especially true for men in a combat role. Carrying a 40-50 lb. kit, over varying terrain, for hours or days, is extremely demanding on the body. Patrolling in kit, as an example, is however a sub-maximal load. That means if an individual becomes stronger over time, all sub-maximal loads become even more so, meaning that those activities become easier to perform. By training for strength, we improve our efficiency in every activity we conduct. Also, an often over-looked benefit to improving one's strength is overall resilience: to the weather and variations, against sickness, as well as during times of extreme mental stress. This is why men must be strong, and we must test their strength. Be advised, however, that these numbers are minimum standards, and individuals should always strive to exceed them. Why squats, deadlift, and bench press? Why not the kettlebell or bodyweight exercises that the "functional fitness" gurus promote? The answer is fairly simple:

• These normal movement patterns can be progressively loaded over a long period of time. Neither KBs nor bodyweight exercises meet this criterion
• These exercises are the most objective displays of strength

    Cardio-vascular endurance, or "cardio," is also a critical during combat operations. Combined with strength, an individual with excellent endurance performs better in the field. Despite how Hollywood and video games portray combat operations, we should view this activity as a sport that's similar to baseball: a very long, mostly aerobic event, with inter-dispersed, short bursts of aerobic performance. One must be able to "go the distance," as well as perform an action, such as a 3-5 second rush or flanking maneuver, very quickly. Units must also be able to perform these actions repeatedly, over a long period of time. 

LEARN HOW TO TRAIN HERE

References & Background

This is a large collaboration with input from many different groups:

• Combat Veterans
• SOF Veterans
• Strength and Conditioning Experts
• Current civil defense group leaders
• SAR Members
• National Forest Firefighters
• LEOs

Starting Strength & Crew

Infantry Small Unit Mountain Operations

US Army Battle Focused Training (FM 7-1)

Physiology of Sport & Exercise, Kenney

Basics of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

This is straight from the Joint Publication (JP) 3-31, Joint Land Operations: 

"The Army SOP is designed to standardize the way units operate, ensuring that tasks are performed consistently and efficiently. It is a critical component of the Army’s operational planning and execution process, as it provides a clear understanding of the procedures and protocols that must be followed in various situations." 

SOPs can be at any level, for any group, or any specific task. An SOP can also be different between different units for accomplishing the same task. Basically, imagine if you are 60 years old, and are writing a book about kicking ass in life. At some point you have figured out a few tasks that can be solved by using a simple problem solving approach. Your SOP might include planning stages, equipment requirements, what you are doing while out performing the job or activity, and maybe even a follow-up at the end. Your SOP might simply include basic procedures on how to navigate from point to another in your vehicle. Then, you'll make a separate SOP on that same trip but while on foot. Pretty simple, right? So what is the point of an SOP? 

While we may think everything we know and do are just "common sense," it may not be common sense to everyone you are leading or working with. But, the fact remains, you know the correct or most efficient way to accomplish a task, and you need your team to be able to do it your way. So what if you are sick or injured, or just not around? Can you trust your team to perform the task, by your standards, without you being there? Most likely not. You can, however, enable them to pull out the SOP for said task, and follow those instructions. As leaders, we cannot expect our team to know everything that we know, or to perform everything exactly like we can. However, we can teach them as much as possible and then, when you are not around and they become ignorant, the SOP will become their default. Lastly, SOPs can be used as assisting people through basic tasks during times of extreme stress. This is where unit training and battle drills come in to play. 

We build our tactics and battle drill SOPs by evaluating our unit capabilities, combined with analyzing the operational considerations of our environment (METT-TC). What is our job, and what are we capable of accomplishing? So first, we develop our SOPs. Next, we must test those SOPs. This is where training and sometimes, real-world testing comes into play. Hopefully we are testing our SOPs in training before the real-world does it for us, because that can suck. 

In summary, we should establish SOPs for basic tasks that we can expect our team to be able to accomplish. Can we conduct a reconnaissance patrol? If so, how do we actually do it? It could come down to a simple word document with task, conditions, and standards, or just a word doc with a step by step instruction. Many unit SOPs for radio communications and first aid applications will be step by step. However, when we are talking about battlefield tactics, the SOP will become lengthier and more complicated. The bottom line is that we have to build the SOPs in the first place, and then test them to improve them.

A few examples of necessary SOPs:

1. TOC setup, organization, and duties

2. Small Unit Tactics: Patrolling, OPs, Reconnaissance, Battle Drills, etc

3. Unit training and planning

4. Communications and Radio Etiquette

5. Team structure and equipment (MTOE)