The last point is the most important for me. I was training for the selection in my country and ran 15k ish every 2-3 days with 30 pounds in a cheap backpack, averaging a 5min/km pace. I was fine for a while but got iliotibial band syndrome that kept me off my feet for 6 months and I'm still recovering. Take it easy when running with weight!
honestly man, you should never run with that kinda weight on your shoulder as its the fastest way to throw your back out, with some practice and consistency you can achieve 7 km/h by just walking at a fast pace with long strides, which is already a very good time and will take a far lesser of a toll on your body. regardless, wish you a steady recovery
15 k at 5 min/km pace with 30 pounds routinely? That's basically two consecutive 40 minute 5 mile runs (which would already be fucking badass) but you did them weighted? What are you, a centaur? That's crazy fast! How did you even build up to that?
@@smolkafilip Hahaha thanks, running is what I'm best at. I'm a smaller guy so brute strength isn't my best part. I can run far and fast though. I started with 5k runs years ago before going further until I got to half marathons. Then I upped my pace. Finally, I added the weight but it seems I went a little too far there.
@@friedrichjaeger367 Thank you for the advice, I'll be sure to remember that when I'm back to full strength! Have to remember to hold back a bit sometimes so I don't need surgery when I'm young.
you burned out overall. Your nervous system has a limit to how much it can handle and anything behind that limit will result in physiological burnout which will manifest in multiple symptoms one of them being skeletal or muscular injuries
For socks, you can't go wrong with Darn Tough or Fox Rivers. I used to go cheap on socks and would get messed up feet. But after switching to quality boots and quality socks, those days are gone.
Solid tips. One thing I did that I believe helped me were speed interval rucks. I kinda modeled it after the way runners train. Of course, I only did it because I didn't have enough time to do a proper ruck before gym time. I would also do a 20 mile ruck on Friday....that was unnecessary though.
the thing that was f*ckin me up the most was people slowing down and not getting out of the damn way. It f*cks up my pace and rhythm, I can pass maybe 1-2 people, but when there’s like 5 people slowing down it gets annoying. Like you said, I tried not to run to avoid falling and burning my energy. When I eventually passed a couple slow people in front of me, there was a huge ass gap in between me and the next people ahead of me. Other people would run to close gaps, but I don’t understand the whole rush, I would speed walk and gradually catch up instead. Also my drill sergeant gave me a nice tip to lean back and let gravity do it’s thing-especially when going up giant hills, I also kept my head up, never down. Doing this helped with my breathing since it opened up my diaphragm and airway.
Inmost likely go at the end of April. The first week of April I go to Pennsylvania. I'm gonna ruck as much as I can. I'm losing weight, in a healthy way. My 5 mile run is good and getting better (36:12). I can do 51 push ups (hand release). My weakest area are pull ups. So long as I keep doing pull ups and lose weight, I'll be able to do more and run faster. I just need to keep disciplined with my diet and ruck. I'm gonna try doing some 12 hours rucks.
What I wouldn't give to be able to go back and have this kind of help (knowledge) pre-rip, pre-ranger school, pre-selection! I still have scars from my ruck rubbing all the way down to the bone while going through RIP at Benning! Listen to this man he knows his shit! Good luck boys! #Deoppressoliber #RLTW #tillvalhalla 🙏🇺🇸
Thanks for the tips I just started doing this I never new this was a thing I’m day 4 in and my shoulder are brushing and sort, I thought that was normal but now I now I need to fill the backpack with soft stuff and put the weights at the top, I wondered why it slapped my lower back god I’m so glad I look this up I’m 180KG 24 years old fat ish now carrying 30LBs up a hill 11 up 11 down then around my park 4 times so 5 miles thanks again ;)
I got out in 87. That's probably the last time I heard the word "Moleskin" lol Socks were so important, dry socks. Always tried to have a extra pair of socks no matter what the mission! #RLTW 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
I am back watching this video after a *year*. Wow we have all made a lot of improvement since then. Been getting into rucking more! Your suggestions help a lot.
I don't know how I got on here goofing off, but I was curious of what you were saying by the entry comment and you're 100% correct that's for dam sure blisters and calluses cause a big problem take care of the special things that we call feet that for dam sure no runny when feet are sore as hell and on fire. Good video educating the others, I'm old school I learned the hard way once upon a time back in boot camp in 83 Hoorah.
Paper tape! Trusted by ultrarunners. Helped me tons for rucks. Cheaper than moleskin and for me personally more effective. Something to look into. End of the day its personal preference as long as you take care of your feet
I have to add my thoughts on this. Mind you, I was a non infantry hard charger individual coming from an aviation MOS in Germany at the time. I had miles of german field roads to ruck on. With that said, if you have to pack mole skin in your SFAS kit, you didn't ruck enough. Ruck, ruck, ruck until the treads on your feet are as tough as Eddie Van Halen's fingers playing Eruption! Second thing, tighten that belt up on your ruck and make your hips carry some of that weight.
Get those calluses thick enough and they will break like dry clay. Non combat types only think they ruck alot. If your ruck doesnt weigh enough to make you grunt when it goes on and you dknt have more miles on your feet than in the truck, just listen and dont talk.
I was in the 25th Light Infantry when it was still Light (not sure if they are now). It doesn’t matter how much you ruck if you go enough miles it will f^*# your feet up regardless! We regularly did between 10 - 30 mile humps and sometimes multiple in a field problem. Your feet WILL get messed up. Yes you can build calluses (and we did!) but if you go enough miles with some real weight it doesn’t matter. Mole skin is advised.
Out of these, I *totally* agree with the socks ( yeah, you have to break em in just like boots)... and the advice re rucksacks..put the weight high and heavy. And...don't run with the ruck unless you have to. Regardless of your country, these will make your life *way* easier
I'm about to go through SFAS and one thing I like to do in terms of socks is wear a tight, thin pair like a base layer and a thicker, padded pair over them.
I rucked a few times with just socks and found out where my feet consistently got blisters, then when healed I just used mole skin and that helped so much with blister prevention
I recommend finding a pair of boots that won't give you blisters at all honestly it is possible just like having the best running shoes for long distance. My nike boots are the most comfortable boots for walking and standing mostly daily activity but do me no good on rucks or in the field even the issued Vibram boots do well for me for rucking but I have some rockies that don't give me any problems rocking at all not even foot soreness after 2 or 3 hours into a ruck I also don't recommend rucking in any boots that haven't been worn for a while and pretty well broken in I also personally emphasis on personally do not recommend 2 pairs of socks either as someone who wore 2 pairs of socks in college basketball to avoid blisters 2 pairs of socks would shred the skin off my feet in the first hour of the ruck but all this information is my own personal experience I know people who ruck and don't get blisters at all no matter if they ruck bear foot or with cowboy boots I know some who have to tape moleskin around their heels front and back just to avoid bleeding through their boots during rucks
This is some good content! I have a selection date of March 3rd 2021. I've been doing nothing but heavy weight lifting and I will start my fuck and running program, along with body weight workouts, starting the beginning of November while I'm down at SLC. I figured I'd slow things down mid February. Would you recommend any 12-16 mile rucks sprinkled in there or near the end possibly? Thanks for the information!
I've been rucking on hiking trails thinking it'll prepare me better. Do you recommend rucking on hilly terrain like trails or more flat terrain like roads? Maybe a mix of both? Thank you, I love all your videos!
I don’t know if you already did a video on this but you said rucking wasn’t the worst thing to happen to you, can you touch on what was the hardest thing for you in selection?
Ya Ibe known many great guys from my time in and about so many guys in the past that were really awesome great guys all around but their feet fucked them up. The Army really fucked up imo about being dead set on using G.I. boots in training.. I knew few guys in training that actually wore boots without socks at all and really toughened up their feet. Also be sure to have proper boot size and fit. I've even heard bandaids help if a hotspot started. And I did the needle n thread method that helped dry out and heal new blisters. Also I trained myself and wore my ruck without the wasteland/belt and only used my shoulder straps. So when time came for the 'reading' phase the truck would actually feel lighter since my waste was carrying much of the weight. 1:20 i think there should've actually been more and specific training designated for helping to learn proper fitment and arrangement of rucks.
So going through BCT was easy, except the Forge hit me out of nowhere... I considered myself a great rucker before then due to my general enjoyment of rucking (I always saw it as a walk to go camping) but during the Forge is when I finally was able to test my mental capabilities. Overall I was satisfied with my performance during the resupply and react to contact. One thing I did struggle with however was getting use to the cold nights and preforming hygiene in a patrol base environment; Being from Texas and doing the Forge in the fall meant that we still sweat alot but at night it dropped 20-30° and it made me very hesitant to preform proper hygiene... I didn't want to move due to the amount I was shivering. Do you have any tips about Patrol base ops and "embracing the suck"? The ironic part is I still want to go to artic school but freeze my ass off in 50° weather
bruh I was the same. I’m from Nevada-a hot ass desert. I’ve never in my life felt so cold before I went to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. The nights at the forge were like 15 degrees with AGGRESSIVE ass winds. Are drill sergeant was nice enough to make a fire barrel for us. But even with the fire and waffles on, it was still freezing for me. I was also like the only one from a desert state-let alone from Nevada. Everyone else was from places like New York, Minnesota, and Iowa. I felt like a loser bein the only one with a running nose and having a cough. I just kept tellin myself that im gonna graduate right after this and see my family again. I’m fr like a desert tortoise, I need heat to survive I was legit suffering 😂
Any advice for the little guys like me out there. Even when I was in the Marine Corps trying to gain I never broke 145lbs, but I’ve heard of smaller guys are still crushing it during SFAS.
Hey brother, I use to be 130lbs my entire life, currently I am 165lbs from three months of training, my advice for gaining weight through training is diet diet diet, make sure you eat three meals a day, and lift heavy weights rather than doing the workouts that will train you for SFAS. Once you reach your desired weight then start training differently, best of luck brother!
There aren't many muscle heads out there. I see Marine Raider candidates and Recon Candidates being averaged guys in built. Same with SF Candidates. The jacked guys you see graduated for some time
Combat MOS, BCT/AIT and they’ll give you practice rucking. Ruck in the shitty BCT boots they give you and wear the shitty socks they issue you to callus your feet. Then after you’re feet are gucci but good boots and socks, break those in, you’re golden.
Are braces allowed? Like ankle or possibly knees? Seems like a good idea for prep or even for just the common outdoorsman, to save the joints for when it matters?
6 miles? Jesus. I do 10-11% of my body weight and go for 2 kilometers (35% uphill) every day. I can't imagine going 6 miles. Although I did just start a few days ago because I am overweight and need to get back into shape (I have an office job where I am mostly sitting, and was addicted to high alcohol/high calorie (439 cal per 500ml at 10% alcohol) beers. It was killing me. I am also a smoker, who used to smoke a pack a day. Now I am down to 4-5 cigarettes a day and hope to stop completely within the month - by the end of August 2021.
Every time I go train rucking around my town for (about 6 miles), I get extremely large blisters on the back of my heels. When I apply moleskin it just comes right off (even when I apply it to the inside of the boot). I’ve tried better socks and liners and nothing works. My boots are exactly my size( rocky s2v ) and I’ve tried on smaller sizes but they felt too tight. What do you recommend I do?
Hey man, check the type of sock you're using. Anything cotton will ruin your day. I personally use 2 pairs of a poly or wool blend, 1 thin, 1 thick, and I tighten my boots primarily around the ankle. It seems to help me with blisters on my heels and the rest of my foot. Hope this helps.
Austin's tip is spot on, also you might want to change up the boots... some boots work great for some people and are terrible for others. People love Rockies and I had a hole through the heel in a couple weeks. The type of sock reduces friction so the right material should do the trick.
Austin Orsini I’ve been running wool socks and even liners with them but it just seems to delay the blisters rather than preventing them. thanks for the help man I really appreciate it brother.
FNG ACADEMY Yeah I was thinking of picking up some new ones but Thanks for the help man! You’re videos are the best for people like me who’s dream is to become an sf operator and join the brotherhood. Thanks for everything you do at FNG Academy!
@@Dgreens I would try a few other types of socks or maybe even different brands to see what works. Experiment a little. Once I changed my sock game, it's a hell of a difference man. He also brings up a very valid point in boots. Not everything works for everyone. I have not used Rocky's but I hear awesome things about them. I use Danner Reckonings and love them. I'm a Marine Sgt doing an Inter-Service transfer to attend SFAS as a Marine. I hope to see you on the otherside, stay safe while training, and good luck on your journey!
Bro quick question.. I’m going to be walking the UK coastline to raise money for a charity that supports vets with PTSD. I recently lost my bro who served in the uk marines to suicide.. been watching your channel a lot recently love your advices, I’m learning a lot.. can you recommend a pack to use for the journey, preferably one that will be sympathetic to my shoulders, I’m finding that they are my weakest body part and giving me the most pain/discomfort as I go about my training for my endeavour.. my base weight with everything I need for my trip is 34kg, when I’m in rural areas and have to carry food it ll go up.. any additional advice would be greatly appreciated
I'm having a lot of problems with pacing. I'm going to be doing air assault school in a few months but I can't walk a 15 minute pace with out a ruck. A 35lb pack doesn't slow me down but my walking speed is just super slow, it's easier to run. Any ideas how to fix this? Gotta become a rucking Monster to do all I want to do in the Army
I ruck a 44lb pack once a week 15min a mile pace. I take fairly long fast strides that are basically not far off a very slow jog. You just have to get yourself used to it, the best way that works for you. I started off with 22lb. Uphill long strides as fast as I could and very slow jog on the downhill to make the pace. After a few weeks 44lb and I just do the long fast strides no jogging. You would only need to do a slow jog on the downhill if you are going up very steep hills. I am 193cm tall so that may help but anyone can do it with practice
@@jeanfrarugama3423 Just FYI I'm in to a 77lb ruck now. Thats the requirement for my cap badge in the UK. Just started off at 30lbs and over time kept increasing the weight slowly. 77lb is really not fun at all but it can be done.
Hey Buck, how can i run faster with ruck and equipment for selection besides those tipps? Meaning what would be a good running technique for that (How to move my legs etc.)? Thanks for your work, cheers from Germany (and the Bundeswehr:) 🤙
3x per week 6-10 miles per ruck What should your pacing look like? Should I always be shooting for a sub 15 min/mile or do you recommend incorporating an LSD day in rucking?
I’ve been doing a pyramid 4 8 12 each week then next week 12 8 4, 15 min miles is good but try to get under 3 hours per 12 miles. If 12 miles at 3 hours is breaking you, you need to step back and work more on your low mile rucks. This is what I’ve been doing and now I’m sitting at 2 hours and 45 mins per 12 miles.
I’m in the infantry and I am still getting blisters on my heels enough they rip off and scab over I hate rucking on my heels in pain for days afterward so frustrating
@@MRphipps54 if i get them just a half a size up my foot will be slipping around and if i get just half a size down it will be too short. I workout everyday wearing boots and ive never gotten any blisters
How about Leukotape? As a backpacker Leukotape has saved me from blisters countless times while staying on my feet for weeks at a time. Do you have anything to day about using Leukotape?
I'm doing PT with selected candidates at SORB chapel at fort lewis, what do you recommend to do? It's two hours of PT in the morning and I have the rest of the morning until 1300, time is from 06-08. Just seeing what you suggest to do in regards of training and getting ready FAST. Im also a 91B so PT with my company is DOG SHIT. Thanks for the videos! All helpful!
If you need PT ideas Grizz Phyz on Facebook or Grizz_Phyz on Instagram is an awesome page for high intensity HITT style workouts man. I use these when I PT my guys and it's usually a slay fest. But we feel great at the end of it.
never underestimate running, if you could pick one thing to really be good at... it should be running, otherwise bodyweight strength conditioning, and learning to stretch properly to avoid injury
18x is a good contract, you will go to SOPC where they will train you for SFAS extremely well. I would recommend running... a lot... focus on that and Cadre from SOPC will get you into rucking shape.
I’m just now starting to ruck right now I’m only doing 1.5 mile with around 50 pounds but I do need to get into it. is there a best way to ease yourself into it or where to start?
Im a civilian, no military experience but I worked with DHS so we rucked in the academy a little bit. Can you recommend a ruck sack to prepare? I ruck now with 85lbs but the sack I have isn't ideal. Appreciate your videos.
get a molle rucksack. search "how to assemble a molle rucksack" to learn how to set up a ruck and then set the sack high on the frame. stop using 85 lbs. start with a weight such as 35 lbs. progress the weight with increments of perhaps 5-10lbs. get to a point where you can efficiently ruck (run) at a 10 minute pace with 65 lbs on your back. and keep your hands out your pockets :)
dont kill yourself with 85 lbs. when i went through i had 85-90 lbs on my back yes(i went in august) but training with that weight is just stupid. if you can do 65-70 lbs or even 55 lbs efficiently during train up, you will surely be able to ruck optimally at camp mackall
@@skylarschutz yea I started with 40lbs months ago and I can easily run 10 min with 50 on my back. I used a goruck until it was no longer large enough. I currently do the 85lbs to strengthen my lower back because that's my weak point on my body. Someone just told me to get a molle 2, so thats what I'm doing. Rucking and running are strengths of mine, land nav is a train wreck for me so I bought some books, learned the basics, and thats what I'm focusing on now. Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it.
Short dude here. Fastest time rucking has been a consistent 15 minute mile for 12 miles without much effort. My problem is I find it physically impossible to walk any faster unless I run it. Any tricks or tips?
whats a good small frame ruck us civvies can use to build up. Not trying to be Ed Bugarin, just want to work up to rucking 30lb without fking up my back and knees
as a guy on the smaller side, im roughly 5'3 and 110lbs shooting for infantry. do you think rucking with those 100lb packs would kill me by the time my enlistment is over...infantry is my goal but i also want to be able to still perform physically when i get out. any tips and advice helps man!
I'm not an expert or have any experience of selection but from what I know is to focus on beefing up your legs and back. Having essentially your own weight will destroy your knees if not prepared and your back will hurt like hell. Good luck!
I’m 5’7” and the hard part besides getting used to carrying the weight (rucking in general) is being able to step it out to keep up. They would put 6’3” or 6’4” tall guys up front and I had to take 2 to 3 strides for 1 of theirs. It’s all about being mentally tough and you just have to develop that. I would start with lower weight and get used to humping and work your way up. As you get stronger try to step it out moving a bit faster while still not running. I was in pretty good shape from working on a farm when I went to basic in Benning but I’ll never forget our first small road march with only about 35lbs I think. We only went 3 miles but I had never rucked at all and it felt like I was going to die 😂. A drill sergeant yelling 310 you better step it out and not fall out!! I was like shit because I never wanted to get on the radar! Got to where we stopped and I thought I was going to puke. Back then we didn’t have the internet to get info before going. Just train and maybe try to get someone taller than you to walk in front of you and maybe not even carrying a ruck. That could train you to be able to just step it out and keep going.
@@FNGACADEMY right on. I tried the garmin t8's and they wrecked my feet on a ruck. Debating just getting the rockys. I'm on my feet for work 8+ hours a day in work boots so its not like my feet aren't used to it 🤷♂️
@@tiokickbox Hey brother, the reason you need a ruck as opposed to weight vest is weight distribution and how your body handles an unbalanced load. A vest distributes weight evenly and comfortably around the trunk of your body, making it more manageable. A ruck has all the weight behind you. Which is why Buck emphasized building your field craft and learning how to pack your ruck so the most of the weight is high, close to, and centered on your back. It will optimize your ability to carry it. To test this out for yourself, grab a 50lb dumbell with both hands and hold it straight out, now hold it close to your chest. Same concept with packing your ruck. Hope this help, dude.
They’re different. A vest distributes the weight evenly across your torso while a ruck places all the weight on your back with the main points of friction in your shoulders and traps.
Can you make the SFAS tips a playlist so all the information is condensed in one spot? Thanks
BUY THE BOOK
I'M SURE IT'S ALL IN THERE. THANKS 😊
The last point is the most important for me. I was training for the selection in my country and ran 15k ish every 2-3 days with 30 pounds in a cheap backpack, averaging a 5min/km pace. I was fine for a while but got iliotibial band syndrome that kept me off my feet for 6 months and I'm still recovering. Take it easy when running with weight!
honestly man, you should never run with that kinda weight on your shoulder as its the fastest way to throw your back out, with some practice and consistency you can achieve 7 km/h by just walking at a fast pace with long strides, which is already a very good time and will take a far lesser of a toll on your body. regardless, wish you a steady recovery
15 k at 5 min/km pace with 30 pounds routinely? That's basically two consecutive 40 minute 5 mile runs (which would already be fucking badass) but you did them weighted? What are you, a centaur? That's crazy fast! How did you even build up to that?
@@smolkafilip Hahaha thanks, running is what I'm best at. I'm a smaller guy so brute strength isn't my best part. I can run far and fast though. I started with 5k runs years ago before going further until I got to half marathons. Then I upped my pace. Finally, I added the weight but it seems I went a little too far there.
@@friedrichjaeger367 Thank you for the advice, I'll be sure to remember that when I'm back to full strength! Have to remember to hold back a bit sometimes so I don't need surgery when I'm young.
you burned out overall. Your nervous system has a limit to how much it can handle and anything behind that limit will result in physiological burnout which will manifest in multiple symptoms one of them being skeletal or muscular injuries
For socks, you can't go wrong with Darn Tough or Fox Rivers. I used to go cheap on socks and would get messed up feet. But after switching to quality boots and quality socks, those days are gone.
5 minutes of video taught me lessons I never learned in 5 years of service. Short and sweet! Thank you!
Solid tips. One thing I did that I believe helped me were speed interval rucks. I kinda modeled it after the way runners train. Of course, I only did it because I didn't have enough time to do a proper ruck before gym time. I would also do a 20 mile ruck on Friday....that was unnecessary though.
the thing that was f*ckin me up the most was people slowing down and not getting out of the damn way. It f*cks up my pace and rhythm, I can pass maybe 1-2 people, but when there’s like 5 people slowing down it gets annoying. Like you said, I tried not to run to avoid falling and burning my energy. When I eventually passed a couple slow people in front of me, there was a huge ass gap in between me and the next people ahead of me. Other people would run to close gaps, but I don’t understand the whole rush, I would speed walk and gradually catch up instead. Also my drill sergeant gave me a nice tip to lean back and let gravity do it’s thing-especially when going up giant hills, I also kept my head up, never down. Doing this helped with my breathing since it opened up my diaphragm and airway.
I'd love a whole video on the fine details of proper mole skin placement and adjustment. That's knowledge that's worth its weight in gold
This just popped up in my recommended, quality stuff. 5 minutes and that’s it no bullshit
Prominent insight. Thankful for your dedication to the SF community, and mentorship to the aspiring young blood.
Jake
Inmost likely go at the end of April. The first week of April I go to Pennsylvania. I'm gonna ruck as much as I can. I'm losing weight, in a healthy way. My 5 mile run is good and getting better (36:12). I can do 51 push ups (hand release). My weakest area are pull ups. So long as I keep doing pull ups and lose weight, I'll be able to do more and run faster.
I just need to keep disciplined with my diet and ruck. I'm gonna try doing some 12 hours rucks.
What I wouldn't give to be able to go back and have this kind of help (knowledge) pre-rip, pre-ranger school, pre-selection! I still have scars from my ruck rubbing all the way down to the bone while going through RIP at Benning! Listen to this man he knows his shit! Good luck boys! #Deoppressoliber #RLTW #tillvalhalla 🙏🇺🇸
I always worn silk stocking under my regulars socks and never had a problem!
Thanks for the tips I just started doing this I never new this was a thing I’m day 4 in and my shoulder are brushing and sort, I thought that was normal but now I now I need to fill the backpack with soft stuff and put the weights at the top, I wondered why it slapped my lower back god I’m so glad I look this up I’m 180KG 24 years old fat ish now carrying 30LBs up a hill 11 up 11 down then around my park 4 times so 5 miles thanks again ;)
This is gold.
I got out in 87. That's probably the last time I heard the word "Moleskin" lol
Socks were so important, dry socks. Always tried to have a extra pair of socks no matter what the mission! #RLTW 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
I am back watching this video after a *year*. Wow we have all made a lot of improvement since then. Been getting into rucking more! Your suggestions help a lot.
I don't know how I got on here goofing off, but I was curious of what you were saying by the entry comment and you're 100% correct that's for dam sure blisters and calluses cause a big problem take care of the special things that we call feet that for dam sure no runny when feet are sore as hell and on fire.
Good video educating the others, I'm old school I learned the hard way once upon a time back in boot camp in 83
Hoorah.
great info. running wih a ruck ruined my L4-S1. now i'm done
Man just started watching your stuff, and this a huge help.
Paper tape! Trusted by ultrarunners. Helped me tons for rucks. Cheaper than moleskin and for me personally more effective. Something to look into. End of the day its personal preference as long as you take care of your feet
I have to add my thoughts on this. Mind you, I was a non infantry hard charger individual coming from an aviation MOS in Germany at the time. I had miles of german field roads to ruck on. With that said, if you have to pack mole skin in your SFAS kit, you didn't ruck enough. Ruck, ruck, ruck until the treads on your feet are as tough as Eddie Van Halen's fingers playing Eruption! Second thing, tighten that belt up on your ruck and make your hips carry some of that weight.
you should transfer back and forth from hips to shoulders... and i packed mole skin in SFAS and used it every day...
Get those calluses thick enough and they will break like dry clay. Non combat types only think they ruck alot. If your ruck doesnt weigh enough to make you grunt when it goes on and you dknt have more miles on your feet than in the truck, just listen and dont talk.
I was in the 25th Light Infantry when it was still Light (not sure if they are now).
It doesn’t matter how much you ruck if you go enough miles it will f^*# your feet up regardless! We regularly did between 10 - 30 mile humps and sometimes multiple in a field problem. Your feet WILL get messed up. Yes you can build calluses (and we did!) but if you go enough miles with some real weight it doesn’t matter. Mole skin is advised.
As a backpacker I appreciate the advice!
I’m not planning to enlist but this definitely helps
Out of these, I *totally* agree with the socks ( yeah, you have to break em in just like boots)... and the advice re rucksacks..put the weight high and heavy. And...don't run with the ruck unless you have to.
Regardless of your country, these will make your life *way* easier
Listen to this man!
I'm about to go through SFAS and one thing I like to do in terms of socks is wear a tight, thin pair like a base layer and a thicker, padded pair over them.
Did you ever go? How did it work out for you brother?
All facts, and Great video
try putting the heavy stuff low or mid and tight up against ur back, for much more stability. also make sure shit dont wiggle
Thank you for this.
Thank you the molle skin is excellent advice im going to use it.
I rucked a few times with just socks and found out where my feet consistently got blisters, then when healed I just used mole skin and that helped so much with blister prevention
Exactly what I did
@@FNGACADEMY Yea bro your tips are on point! Great content
Great video buddy👍👍👍
Practical advice👍
45lb minimum in the ruck if it's one pound light the cadre add bricks of unknown weight.
Can you make a video on how you adjusted your ruck
depending on your ruck, just use common sense. Make sure things are tight and look correctly placed, then put it on and make adjustments as you go.
Really helpful👍🏼
Thank you
I recommend finding a pair of boots that won't give you blisters at all honestly it is possible just like having the best running shoes for long distance. My nike boots are the most comfortable boots for walking and standing mostly daily activity but do me no good on rucks or in the field even the issued Vibram boots do well for me for rucking but I have some rockies that don't give me any problems rocking at all not even foot soreness after 2 or 3 hours into a ruck I also don't recommend rucking in any boots that haven't been worn for a while and pretty well broken in I also personally emphasis on personally do not recommend 2 pairs of socks either as someone who wore 2 pairs of socks in college basketball to avoid blisters 2 pairs of socks would shred the skin off my feet in the first hour of the ruck but all this information is my own personal experience I know people who ruck and don't get blisters at all no matter if they ruck bear foot or with cowboy boots I know some who have to tape moleskin around their heels front and back just to avoid bleeding through their boots during rucks
My feet sweat heavy. I learned that quick just in bct. Had to stay with powder no matter what socks i used.
This is some good content! I have a selection date of March 3rd 2021. I've been doing nothing but heavy weight lifting and I will start my fuck and running program, along with body weight workouts, starting the beginning of November while I'm down at SLC. I figured I'd slow things down mid February. Would you recommend any 12-16 mile rucks sprinkled in there or near the end possibly? Thanks for the information!
fuck and running program..? sex will decrease your diminish your testosterone levels.. haha
Lol! Woops!
How’d your selection go?
Can you make a video, for training in rain, and dealing with cold wet environments?
I've been rucking on hiking trails thinking it'll prepare me better. Do you recommend rucking on hilly terrain like trails or more flat terrain like roads? Maybe a mix of both? Thank you, I love all your videos!
I would do both just depends on what you’re trying to achieve. A ruck is never run in a straight line there’s usually hills / mountains etc involved.
I'm a knuckle dragging tard, but loose terrain with a load is a high risk for injury. Juice ain't worth the squeeze. But I ain't your daddy.
great video thank you ret leo
I don’t know if you already did a video on this but you said rucking wasn’t the worst thing to happen to you, can you touch on what was the hardest thing for you in selection?
Ya Ibe known many great guys from my time in and about so many guys in the past that were really awesome great guys all around but their feet fucked them up. The Army really fucked up imo about being dead set on using G.I. boots in training.. I knew few guys in training that actually wore boots without socks at all and really toughened up their feet. Also be sure to have proper boot size and fit. I've even heard bandaids help if a hotspot started. And I did the needle n thread method that helped dry out and heal new blisters.
Also I trained myself and wore my ruck without the wasteland/belt and only used my shoulder straps. So when time came for the 'reading' phase the truck would actually feel lighter since my waste was carrying much of the weight. 1:20 i think there should've actually been more and specific training designated for helping to learn proper fitment and arrangement of rucks.
My recommendation: Toe socks. Best socks to wear to avoid blisters in between your toes.
Helpful
So going through BCT was easy, except the Forge hit me out of nowhere... I considered myself a great rucker before then due to my general enjoyment of rucking (I always saw it as a walk to go camping) but during the Forge is when I finally was able to test my mental capabilities. Overall I was satisfied with my performance during the resupply and react to contact. One thing I did struggle with however was getting use to the cold nights and preforming hygiene in a patrol base environment; Being from Texas and doing the Forge in the fall meant that we still sweat alot but at night it dropped 20-30° and it made me very hesitant to preform proper hygiene... I didn't want to move due to the amount I was shivering. Do you have any tips about Patrol base ops and "embracing the suck"? The ironic part is I still want to go to artic school but freeze my ass off in 50° weather
bruh I was the same. I’m from Nevada-a hot ass desert. I’ve never in my life felt so cold before I went to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. The nights at the forge were like 15 degrees with AGGRESSIVE ass winds. Are drill sergeant was nice enough to make a fire barrel for us. But even with the fire and waffles on, it was still freezing for me. I was also like the only one from a desert state-let alone from Nevada. Everyone else was from places like New York, Minnesota, and Iowa. I felt like a loser bein the only one with a running nose and having a cough. I just kept tellin myself that im gonna graduate right after this and see my family again. I’m fr like a desert tortoise, I need heat to survive I was legit suffering 😂
I know you made this video a year ago. But thank you
You're welcome!
Any diets or supplements you would recommend for being able to fuel and support your body to undertake the training?
The stinger waffles helped me brotha! Give them a shot
I have a personal Alice pack that I prefer to the standard issue ruck, am I able to use that for SFAS?
no but you would be for SUT
Alice is really cool..rather the best...but i guess not for the SFAS.
Does anyone know what type of rucksack to get for running/rucking? There’s so many options and I’m pretty lost.
Cant go wrong with an ALICE pack
Also good insoles would help
Any advice for the little guys like me out there. Even when I was in the Marine Corps trying to gain I never broke 145lbs, but I’ve heard of smaller guys are still crushing it during SFAS.
Hey brother, I use to be 130lbs my entire life, currently I am 165lbs from three months of training, my advice for gaining weight through training is diet diet diet, make sure you eat three meals a day, and lift heavy weights rather than doing the workouts that will train you for SFAS. Once you reach your desired weight then start training differently, best of luck brother!
There aren't many muscle heads out there. I see Marine Raider candidates and Recon Candidates being averaged guys in built. Same with SF Candidates. The jacked guys you see graduated for some time
Do you have any recommendations for a solid allround boot suitable for running with a ruck?
Nike's were my favorite
@@FNGACADEMY Thanks. I never thought of Nike having combat boots... which model?
@@naturheilkunde-kanal9814 they issue Nike SFB in BUDS. A solid boot that performs even when soaking wet.
@@austintafoya2456 Great. Thanks.
Do you have any suggestions for where to buy a rucksack for training and which brand/model?
Used medium alice pack with molle 2 kidney pad
Great stuff back! Thanks. Is a Vaseline or cream used by marathon runners allowed to be used to keep the blisters from forming??
between the legs to avoid chaffing, that is what i did, but everyone has different tricks
@@FNGACADEMY nice, Thanks man!
Combat MOS, BCT/AIT and they’ll give you practice rucking. Ruck in the shitty BCT boots they give you and wear the shitty socks they issue you to callus your feet. Then after you’re feet are gucci but good boots and socks, break those in, you’re golden.
Are braces allowed? Like ankle or possibly knees? Seems like a good idea for prep or even for just the common outdoorsman, to save the joints for when it matters?
Recommendation on how to pack your rucksack
Any tips for cramping during the rucking I mean is this something “normal” to happen or it is a signal that I’m very dehydrated?
dehydrated most likely
6 miles? Jesus. I do 10-11% of my body weight and go for 2 kilometers (35% uphill) every day. I can't imagine going 6 miles. Although I did just start a few days ago because I am overweight and need to get back into shape (I have an office job where I am mostly sitting, and was addicted to high alcohol/high calorie (439 cal per 500ml at 10% alcohol) beers. It was killing me. I am also a smoker, who used to smoke a pack a day. Now I am down to 4-5 cigarettes a day and hope to stop completely within the month - by the end of August 2021.
Every time I go train rucking around my town for (about 6 miles), I get extremely large blisters on the back of my heels. When I apply moleskin it just comes right off (even when I apply it to the inside of the boot). I’ve tried better socks and liners and nothing works. My boots are exactly my size( rocky s2v ) and I’ve tried on smaller sizes but they felt too tight. What do you recommend I do?
Hey man, check the type of sock you're using. Anything cotton will ruin your day. I personally use 2 pairs of a poly or wool blend, 1 thin, 1 thick, and I tighten my boots primarily around the ankle. It seems to help me with blisters on my heels and the rest of my foot.
Hope this helps.
Austin's tip is spot on, also you might want to change up the boots... some boots work great for some people and are terrible for others. People love Rockies and I had a hole through the heel in a couple weeks. The type of sock reduces friction so the right material should do the trick.
Austin Orsini I’ve been running wool socks and even liners with them but it just seems to delay the blisters rather than preventing them. thanks for the help man I really appreciate it brother.
FNG ACADEMY Yeah I was thinking of picking up some new ones but Thanks for the help man! You’re videos are the best for people like me who’s dream is to become an sf operator and join the brotherhood. Thanks for everything you do at FNG Academy!
@@Dgreens I would try a few other types of socks or maybe even different brands to see what works. Experiment a little. Once I changed my sock game, it's a hell of a difference man. He also brings up a very valid point in boots. Not everything works for everyone. I have not used Rocky's but I hear awesome things about them. I use Danner Reckonings and love them.
I'm a Marine Sgt doing an Inter-Service transfer to attend SFAS as a Marine. I hope to see you on the otherside, stay safe while training, and good luck on your journey!
Bro quick question.. I’m going to be walking the UK coastline to raise money for a charity that supports vets with PTSD. I recently lost my bro who served in the uk marines to suicide.. been watching your channel a lot recently love your advices, I’m learning a lot.. can you recommend a pack to use for the journey, preferably one that will be sympathetic to my shoulders, I’m finding that they are my weakest body part and giving me the most pain/discomfort as I go about my training for my endeavour.. my base weight with everything I need for my trip is 34kg, when I’m in rural areas and have to carry food it ll go up.. any additional advice would be greatly appreciated
I'm having a lot of problems with pacing. I'm going to be doing air assault school in a few months but I can't walk a 15 minute pace with out a ruck. A 35lb pack doesn't slow me down but my walking speed is just super slow, it's easier to run. Any ideas how to fix this? Gotta become a rucking Monster to do all I want to do in the Army
I ruck a 44lb pack once a week 15min a mile pace. I take fairly long fast strides that are basically not far off a very slow jog. You just have to get yourself used to it, the best way that works for you. I started off with 22lb. Uphill long strides as fast as I could and very slow jog on the downhill to make the pace. After a few weeks 44lb and I just do the long fast strides no jogging. You would only need to do a slow jog on the downhill if you are going up very steep hills. I am 193cm tall so that may help but anyone can do it with practice
@@cochranejwink thank you
@@jeanfrarugama3423 Just FYI I'm in to a 77lb ruck now. Thats the requirement for my cap badge in the UK. Just started off at 30lbs and over time kept increasing the weight slowly. 77lb is really not fun at all but it can be done.
Hey Buck, how can i run faster with ruck and equipment for selection besides those tipps? Meaning what would be a good running technique for that (How to move my legs etc.)? Thanks for your work, cheers from Germany (and the Bundeswehr:) 🤙
3x per week
6-10 miles per ruck
What should your pacing look like? Should I always be shooting for a sub 15 min/mile or do you recommend incorporating an LSD day in rucking?
I’ve been doing a pyramid 4 8 12 each week then next week 12 8 4, 15 min miles is good but try to get under 3 hours per 12 miles. If 12 miles at 3 hours is breaking you, you need to step back and work more on your low mile rucks. This is what I’ve been doing and now I’m sitting at 2 hours and 45 mins per 12 miles.
I’m in the infantry and I am still getting blisters on my heels enough they rip off and scab over I hate rucking on my heels in pain for days afterward so frustrating
Thanks for your videos!
Is there a bag you’d recommend to train up?
you will have to use the issued mollie id try to get a used one
i dont wear 3 pairs of socks to avoid blisters, i wear them so my boots fit perfectly and my heels dont slip.
Shouldn’t you get bigger boots?
@@MRphipps54 if i get them just a half a size up my foot will be slipping around and if i get just half a size down it will be too short. I workout everyday wearing boots and ive never gotten any blisters
Can also recommend good boots and good ruckpack?
Do they let you bring your own personal rucks, like tactical tailor's MALICE? or do you have to use the issued MOLLE?
How about Leukotape? As a backpacker Leukotape has saved me from blisters countless times while staying on my feet for weeks at a time. Do you have anything to day about using Leukotape?
I'm doing PT with selected candidates at SORB chapel at fort lewis, what do you recommend to do? It's two hours of PT in the morning and I have the rest of the morning until 1300, time is from 06-08. Just seeing what you suggest to do in regards of training and getting ready FAST. Im also a 91B so PT with my company is DOG SHIT. Thanks for the videos! All helpful!
If you need PT ideas Grizz Phyz on Facebook or Grizz_Phyz on Instagram is an awesome page for high intensity HITT style workouts man. I use these when I PT my guys and it's usually a slay fest. But we feel great at the end of it.
never underestimate running, if you could pick one thing to really be good at... it should be running, otherwise bodyweight strength conditioning, and learning to stretch properly to avoid injury
I feel a lot of pain in my neck while rucking any tips?
How do we deal with calve burn out? You know the feeling you get when your grip is about to give out well it feels like that with my calves.
Do you recommend rucking before basic as an 18x? Just using a backpack and filling it with weight?
18x is a good contract, you will go to SOPC where they will train you for SFAS extremely well. I would recommend running... a lot... focus on that and Cadre from SOPC will get you into rucking shape.
yup thats what i did before basic
@@FNGACADEMY what would you class as running a lot?
Do dress socks under your boot socks work for blisters?
Hello i really want to start training for Army Schools, do you have a video on great ways to build strength for these schools?
get a good program check out 18A fitness
10k and up I start loosing toe nails.
Change your insoles
I’m just now starting to ruck right now I’m only doing 1.5 mile with around 50 pounds but I do need to get into it. is there a best way to ease yourself into it or where to start?
def not with 50 from the get go. start with 45 for a bit then move up. i like to use heavy weight for shorter miles but trying to not stop at all.
What happen too your rifle set up video??
I have a big question I’m 25 and by the time I think I’ll be ready I’ll be 26 is that a bad age to try and join the military and become sf
Im a civilian, no military experience but I worked with DHS so we rucked in the academy a little bit. Can you recommend a ruck sack to prepare? I ruck now with 85lbs but the sack I have isn't ideal. Appreciate your videos.
get a molle rucksack. search "how to assemble a molle rucksack" to learn how to set up a ruck and then set the sack high on the frame. stop using 85 lbs. start with a weight such as 35 lbs. progress the weight with increments of perhaps 5-10lbs. get to a point where you can efficiently ruck (run) at a 10 minute pace with 65 lbs on your back. and keep your hands out your pockets :)
dont kill yourself with 85 lbs. when i went through i had 85-90 lbs on my back yes(i went in august) but training with that weight is just stupid. if you can do 65-70 lbs or even 55 lbs efficiently during train up, you will surely be able to ruck optimally at camp mackall
@@skylarschutz yea I started with 40lbs months ago and I can easily run 10 min with 50 on my back. I used a goruck until it was no longer large enough. I currently do the 85lbs to strengthen my lower back because that's my weak point on my body. Someone just told me to get a molle 2, so thats what I'm doing. Rucking and running are strengths of mine, land nav is a train wreck for me so I bought some books, learned the basics, and thats what I'm focusing on now. Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it.
Would they let you bring mole skin patches to sfas? I feel like they would mark it as contraband
Short dude here. Fastest time rucking has been a consistent 15 minute mile for 12 miles without much effort. My problem is I find it physically impossible to walk any faster unless I run it. Any tricks or tips?
a lot of guys just have to find a good run/walk rhythm. and by run i mean a fast shuffle, ill do an example video
whats a good small frame ruck us civvies can use to build up. Not trying to be Ed Bugarin, just want to work up to rucking 30lb without fking up my back and knees
working on a trainer stand by
Any recommendation toward time when you are rucking?
15min miles are minimum
20 miles in 3 hours with a minimum 35 lb ruck. Do that consistantly and you will be good to go.
@@tonydavis6903....
@@tonydavis6903 how many days per week are you able to do that?
Couple at least
as a guy on the smaller side, im roughly 5'3 and 110lbs shooting for infantry. do you think rucking with those 100lb packs would kill me by the time my enlistment is over...infantry is my goal but i also want to be able to still perform physically when i get out. any tips and advice helps man!
I'm not an expert or have any experience of selection but from what I know is to focus on beefing up your legs and back. Having essentially your own weight will destroy your knees if not prepared and your back will hurt like hell. Good luck!
@@insert-name-here3350 thanks brother
@John Wick thanks so much brother. im a small dude but it wont stop me 😈
I’m 5’7” and the hard part besides getting used to carrying the weight (rucking in general) is being able to step it out to keep up. They would put 6’3” or 6’4” tall guys up front and I had to take 2 to 3 strides for 1 of theirs. It’s all about being mentally tough and you just have to develop that.
I would start with lower weight and get used to humping and work your way up. As you get stronger try to step it out moving a bit faster while still not running.
I was in pretty good shape from working on a farm when I went to basic in Benning but I’ll never forget our first small road march with only about 35lbs I think. We only went 3 miles but I had never rucked at all and it felt like I was going to die 😂.
A drill sergeant yelling 310 you better step it out and not fall out!!
I was like shit because I never wanted to get on the radar! Got to where we stopped and I thought I was going to puke. Back then we didn’t have the internet to get info before going.
Just train and maybe try to get someone taller than you to walk in front of you and maybe not even carrying a ruck. That could train you to be able to just step it out and keep going.
@@bratz2 thanks for the advice brother!!
does anyone know where i can get a ruck that they will give me during SFAS?
Anyone know if the Sandman is still around in SFAS?
My shoulders hurt more than my feet and legs when I go ruckmarching.
Would You generally ruck in PTs, something casual? Or in combat uniform?
combat uniform always
When you were doing your training rucks 3x/week @45 lbs 6-10 miles - what was your target pace? 15 mins / mile? Lower?
Rucking 3 times a week is far too much
Thanks brother!
WWG1WGA
🙏❤️🇺🇸
😎
Yo FNG you got any good recommendations for great boot insoles??
I liked the ones you baked in the oven and form to your feet
Can you choose your boots in selection?
yes and choose wisely and multiple pair of your favorites for when one gets wet
@@FNGACADEMY right on. I tried the garmin t8's and they wrecked my feet on a ruck. Debating just getting the rockys. I'm on my feet for work 8+ hours a day in work boots so its not like my feet aren't used to it 🤷♂️
HAIX combat hero’s are the bomb
@@christophercarroll2337 cool beans ill check em. I got a 22mi ruck in 3 weeks ill be doing in my Solomons but ya imma peep them, thanks.
Hi,
Can i instead of Backpak use weight vest?
it`s a same thing??
for now, but ideally you want to practice with a ruck as soon as possible ill do a video soon
@@FNGACADEMY Thanks, if you can make video where you can explain why ruck and not weight vest,? it would be great
cheers
@@tiokickbox Hey brother, the reason you need a ruck as opposed to weight vest is weight distribution and how your body handles an unbalanced load. A vest distributes weight evenly and comfortably around the trunk of your body, making it more manageable. A ruck has all the weight behind you. Which is why Buck emphasized building your field craft and learning how to pack your ruck so the most of the weight is high, close to, and centered on your back. It will optimize your ability to carry it. To test this out for yourself, grab a 50lb dumbell with both hands and hold it straight out, now hold it close to your chest. Same concept with packing your ruck. Hope this help, dude.
They’re different. A vest distributes the weight evenly across your torso while a ruck places all the weight on your back with the main points of friction in your shoulders and traps.
Voo Doo thanks bro💪🏻💪🏻
Hi bro, I live in an inner city area. My question is , Can rucking be performed on treadmill indoors? (Only for fitness)
Yes
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