Infantrymen from 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, complete an 18-mile ruck march and weapon qualification July 31, 2015. Soldiers had to traverse a water crossing, carry a simulated casualty and qualify on their weapons at the 16-mile mark. (Photo by Sgt. Nelson Robles)
By Sgt. Nelson Robles
2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office
Infantrymen from 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, tested their endurance and ability to fire while stressed during an 18-mile ruck march and range July 31, 2015.
The ruck march traversed hills and rugged terrain, pushing Soldiers physically with a stress-fire shoot at the 16-mile mark testing their ability to cope with fatigue and still fire accurately.
“The intent of this event is to help build physical fitness within the unit and build their mental toughness,” said 2nd Lt. James Link, platoon leader, 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg. “We’re trying to teach the Soldiers that they can do more than they think they can. They can reach their limit and keep on going, even under physical and mental stress.”
The ruck march began at 4 a.m., allowing the Soldiers some reprieve from the sun that pushed temperatures into the 90s.
“Our early departure time was to allow limited use of night vision devices as well as to mitigate heat injuries,” said Staff Sgt. Vernon Roberts, range safety NCO in charge, 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg.
Once the Soldiers arrived at the range, they received quick instructions and moved toward their lanes.
“We are a light infantry unit, and one of our biggest assets is our physical ability,” said Link. “We have to be able to do more than that. They will get here after 16 miles and have to re-engage their brains in order to qualify; it will help them build confidence in their abilities.”
The Soldiers’ range results varied.
“I felt like I did pretty well, especially after a 16-mile ruck march. We’ve been moving since 4 a.m. this morning, pushing hard,” said Pvt. Myles Williams, infantryman, 1st Bn., 41st Inf. Reg. “This ruck march made me feel more confident in shooting. This will prepare us for our future deployments.”
With the completion of the final 2 miles of the ruck march, the wary Soldiers were one step closer to their next goal.
“This is a crawl, walk, run progression and today we are on the walk phase. The Soldiers have completed 12-mile ruck marches before this, as well as weekly rucks with varying weights,” said Link. “They had to traverse a water crossing (and) carry a simulated casualty; this was hard for them, but they pushed through. The run phase will be in September, when we complete a 25-mile ruck march.”