I Attempted the Army Ranger 12 Mile Ruck Test

[@unst0ppable_201]

The journey that my parents took everyday to school

[@llamatarian3913]

Except there were no downhills, up hills both ways, in snow.

[@elijahisrael7206]

Yep same journey but in the snow !

[@Glee73]

@@llamatarian3913 same for my parents, and I live in the tropics. 🤣

[@elijahisrael7206]

@justin king 🤣🤣😂😂and tattered Hami down clothes passed thru 5 siblings, Then you see entire historical family pictures and everyone looked like a scene from the Movie Titanic dressed like the Royals 🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣

[@nobodycaresaboutyou1867]

My parent took that route uphill both ways. Their was no busses until I started to go to school

[@yoimmike799]

Hey Austen, former 2/75 guy here. Next time make sure you have a Ruck with some type of frame to it. I saw that you could feel the weight pushing/rubbing against your lower back. Having the right Ruck and finding the correct fit for you is a complete game changer. I bet you would have had no problem passing if you had the correct Ruck Sack/setup. Good work bro.

[@danielshaw8049]

Yo I'm Mike: The Navy SEALS, "You find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't prepare right. "

[@masterofn1465]

I was just thinking the same thing,the frame does help alot along with packing correctly.

[@dironahlquist8159]

I thought the same or at least a military surplus assault pack or GoRuck. But with those hills I'd much rather a FILBE or MOLLE large ruck!

[@underscore_nick1344]

Also knowing how to pack it correctly helps a lot. Heavy stuff at the top so its not weighing down your shoulders

[@vile2087]

Hey man, I'm currently 14 at 5'8 and 156 pounds. I'm planning to buy a ruck and prepare for RASP, how many pounds should I start with and how many miles should I be rucking weekly? should I also be doing calisthenics, power lifting, or just bodybuilding?

[@jharback]

Also a former 2/75 Ranger here, late 1970s. Big difference with a 50 lb. ruck on your back. It takes training and practice with the ruck. When I first got to Viet Nam, I thought I would die humping all that weight up and down mountain jungle trails. But, after a while, it becomes part of your body.

[@shytheleoshow5162]

you... inspire me

[@masoodvoon8999]

if you did the same thing w/ commercial backpack and wicking shorts & shirt it's a lot easier than heavy & awkward army-issued material as well as a rifle.

[@zachthedangerranger]

Did you get to 2/75 post-Vietnam?

[@snowbound4078]

I'm thinking about slowing working up to doing 100lbs, or is that to much?

[@jharback]

@@snowbound4078 I've humped one hundred pounds during an EDRE once. I'd recommend working your way towards 80 adding a little each week. Over 80 pounds, you'd have to be a pretty big dude.

[@mattkidd3463]

May sound “gross” or whatever to people that don’t know, but we greased up the crotch area, kept chaffing to a minimum, 2 pair of socks which kept movement and foot-slide in your boots as less as possible. On Benning I’d walk one space between light poles, run 9 light poles, and sprint one and start over. Made sure every mile was done under 12 mins which offset the time it took to tackle hills. Get as much weight to the top of your ruck, hydrate, and cruise!

[@RagnarNomad]

"gross"? I call that "practical tips", the people who called what you said "gross" are simply concrete-raised kids who know nothing about life other than the city they live in.

[@beandispenser6971]

@@RagnarNomad country folk regularly grease up their crotch?

[@gsurtos6588]

what do you grease your crotch with, animal fat?

[@anon2034]

What is the distance between light poles?

[@gsurtos6588]

no seriously, what do you use to grease your crotch to prevent chaffing, i legit have thunder thigs.

[@Daymon_Music]

In Air Assault, we did 35lbs with weapon, helmet, FLC with 2 full canteens. I did it in 2:45, definitely one of the hardest challenges I had in the Army.

[@Erose800]

All of that is a fact and it decided to storm a quarter mile into the 12 mile but we had to complete it but it’s rewarding when you pass that ruck tho.

[@trvman1]

and today most get out of breath just going from the sofa to the kitchen to get more junk food to eat :)

[@Mattestro]

I just finished day 7 of AA, looking forward to graduating and getting the wings 💪

[@Daymon_Music]

@@Mattestro If you made it passed Sling Load, You got it! Best of luck out there.

[@joshuareed390]

@@Daymon_Music cargo bag was the worst.

[@stevenyang2372]

Completing the 12miler just a tad over 3 hours with those garrison boots, no prior trainup, and a nonstandard sagging ruck is incredibly commendable! If you had all the tools/training to succeed you'd be an absolute rocket

[@HeyItsJoe1]

dude would easily get a 2:30 if he had a few months of infantry training

[@donaldmartin4980]

Air assault school standard was three hours, most of us made it between 2:30 and 2:45.

[@LRRPFco52]

@@donaldmartin4980 I ran the whole 12-miler at the end of Air Assault. It was nothing compared to being 11B in the Line or Recon. I almost forgot I attended AAS until you mentioned it.

[@bighands69]

It is easy to do it yourself at a personal pace. Doing it as part of a group with its own cadence is a completely different manner. Having niggling injuries also makes it more complex.

[@PuckChudkins]

the tachyon is actually a great boot for rucking fast on a road.

[@andrewb325]

Being 8 years in I can do a 12 mile under standard pretty much on demand. For someone who’s never rucked to do 12 to standard is no joke, no matter how strong or fast of a runner you are. It takes time for your entire body to get used to the weight and distance.

[@ranchhandrandy3213]

Bruh...you better hurry to get your mystery box. I hear supplies are limited. An who can resist the allure of the mystery box.

[@meister_code6332]

@@ranchhandrandy3213 LMAO

[@makingmajorprofits1017]

They are not even in full battle rattle either. He did good. Be safe in there @Andrewb325

[@LRRPFco52]

I ran the first 6 miles of the final 24 miler in SFAS. Had been rucking all the time in several different Line, Scout Platoons, and LRSC prior to that. Weapons Squad plus 3 Recon Platoons and LRSC made Selection kind of a breeze really. Other dudes were sucking. The only 2 dudes who beat me were a long-legged RI and a guy who got let go from The Unit.

[@culturalantidote7914]

Thank you for your service!

[@malenatully]

My son did rucks when he had a chance. Now, he’ll be doing them in Heaven. I love you son! Sleep well. 🇺🇸 Thank Austen

[@Rose.Marie.]

That is such a beautiful memory! Sorry for your loss ! May he rest in peace forever!

[@GijsInc]

Rip bozo

[@himebaughchris4026]

@@GijsInc You Wouldn't of said that to his face, Geek.

[@himebaughchris4026]

'Til Valhalla, Austen. 😢

[@GijsInc]

@@himebaughchris4026 i would totally say that to his dead face

[@Spartan129]

Did that ruck test 3 days ago - 12 miles , carrying 50 lbs and wearing boots in 2 hours 58 mins , all hills. I’m in my late 50s.

[@tysonazure6168]

You inspired me to get at it I have the 12 mile ruck coming up with 70ish pounds, 11x 🙏🏽

[@edwardshell1289]

Congratulations, Nick.

[@SunStar2111]

I do that once a week. Rucksack with 25kg /55lbs (simulating heavy camera gear) and 20 km/12,4 miles in hilly terrain, mostly off-road (Austria). Usually, if I don't rush it, it takes me about 3h05min. If I'd hurry up, I could make it under 3h. Late 50s as well. When back home, I do the grocery shopping for the weekend with my wife.

[@gordonjohnson405]

Great job Nick. I am in your age group. I stopped rucking when I retired from the Army a few years ago. But I don't run anymore, and I think I'll take rucking back up. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@masoodvoon8999]

Yeah it's a little tougher in the actual army running with sweat soaked full length (& not wicking but shitty heavy material) camo pants & shirt, rifle etc. but still not the worst physical test I did there.

[@hestergreen2031]

For someone who has never run before, this is going to be a challenge. It is not for the faint of heart. You’ll learn how to pace yourself. Thank you for sharing this with all of us here. It’s good to see what you can do.

[@TonyPerkisSystem]

I wouldn’t call that a run. It’s more of a hike.

[@jameschristenson8166]

I like the way he encouraged you and did it with you. Im glad he is on our side. Thank you for what you all do.

[@NicolasRodriguez-wy3mc]

Always mad respect for the military guys that do it with you. There’s something to be said about leadership and brotherhood in the military. Still remember the one you did the marines and they all did it with you. Wish more people had the “never leave anybody behind” mentality.

[@sameeribrahim6579]

I salute you

[@harold1733]

I made the time 3 hours flat, 40 lb ruck for my EIB qualifier, only one failure away from disqualification. This was Sept. 11, 2001 As I passed the line, my platoon sergeant was hooting and hollering that we were going to war. I thought it was just the usual army infantry rhetoric. I came home to the barracks, bought some shit at the PX, including the Slayer album released that very day. I turned on the television and saw the news. I was too tired to register what had happened. At that point only one plane had slammed into one tower. I thought it was pilot error. As I thought we had the rest of the day off, I was dismayed that they suddenly called for a battalion formation. I had not seen or heard of the Pentagon and second crash on the other tower, or flight 93. We got orders to be ready for deployment. The rest is history.

[@sawmanbigtreeslayer2360]

Great story.

[@dstorm7752]

Alas, Afghanistan was given away in much the same manner as Vietnam was given away in April 1975

[@1strights]

Yet somehow a seemingly never ending reality.

[@HateTheIRS]

And it was all for Nothing We left Afghanistan after 20 Years

[@yammietits5040]

I saw that movie too bruh!!

[@andrewdoss8697]

Did the Norwegian foot march last Saturday! 18.6miles 37lbs ruck in 3hrs 50mins! (Time limit is 4hrs 30mins) Give that a try in one of your videos!

[@derkjameson2537]

lol you do it in south florida?

[@derkjameson2537]

lol you do it in south florida?

[@tsunamizc]

My legs were dead for sure, but I was very surprised how much more jacked up my shoulders were from the IBA. So challenging, physically and mentally

[@fishermansid8861]

Another Walter Mitty 😂

[@joelvigil3384]

Running right??? Or fast walking .

[@franc587]

Love this. You are only young once and you only live once. Almost brought me to tears when the Sergeant said, "and then went back for my brother." Being a true teammate and treating each other with upmost respect. Loved my time in the US Army.

[@chrism2042]

I remember the rucks, defiantly remember the 18 mile ruck when they told us they got "lost" and the ruck ended up 21 miles on a 115 degree day! I will be 55 in a week, I do a 3 mile 50lb ruck on hilly terrain every morning.

[@2races1kind]

infantry miles.

[@lawsonransom8318]

I'm 60 and do a 5 mile ruck everyday at mid day dragging a 8 cylinder engine block. Whooa

[@hancholo5137]

@@lawsonransom8318 lmao, i was thinking the same thing

[@ericvosselmans5657]

I am 49, I do 18 miles with a 20 lb ruck every other day or every other 2 days. It's not 50lb and it's in Holland, so the terrain is pretty much as flat as it can be , but it keeps me fit. .

[@rarelibra]

Every morning, eh? How about when they did back-to-back PT tests at Ranger school... just to psychologically screw with the candidates.

[@tony55752]

The 12 miler was a basic requirement for many schools. I graduated RIP back in NOV 85. Finished that 12 miler, full gear, start at midnight after a full combat night jump, finished at 0230 followed by 2 hours of sleep and weapons qual. I drank a quart of water and ate a bunch of candy corn my buddy brought.

[@jpapa96]

That sugar really helps alot especially for 15 miles and up rucks.

[@dennycrane8654]

notice the guy has no lce and no rifle.. no pack in batt is 35 i can assure you of that

[@manuellabor2759]

Yes. I could've sworn 12 Mile Road March, was required for Infantry, within 3 hours at Basic Training and at my unit, on a monthly basis back in the late '80's.

[@fyrchmyrddin1937]

@@manuellabor2759 If you want to be disgusted, search for "Captain Sarah Cudd" to see the media fawning over a fee-male barely passing the test for her Expert Field Medic Badge

[@porteneur1]

Tony also 2/75 B co. 2 plt. i graduated rip in sep 85. lol pretty much the same deal but no candy corn. this LT. had some jolly ranchers and gave me one. i lived on that for 6 miles lol got my second wind once we hit the airfield and up that hill heading back to base. one of my prouder moments in life was with CSM LG dawning my "Black" beret. Hoah ? Good times brother good times. Rangers Lead The Way!!

[@atsection]

I went through RIP back in ‘01…one of the cadre (I believe his last name was Bennett), was a giant…I was up front, next to him and tried to maintain his stride. I think that was a huge boost of confidence staying with him the majority of the way.

[@devitomichael]

Did Bennett ever seek revenge on you after you had him thrown out of your old unit?

[@atsection]

Sorry brother…I only knew him from RIP.

[@Jason_The_Man]

I’m 5’8” now, my dad is 6’5”…. I learned at a very young age to walk fast on my little stumps. Training with tall lung striders is a big benefit.

[@พงษ์สิทธิ์ศรีพวงมาลัย]

I am a soldier in the Thai Army. I often watch clips about American soldiers. I like it very much.

[@annej8838]

Man that ranger is a beast!!!! The fact that you took this challenge up is amazing and you finished strong!!! I struggle with running it’s my most loved and hated exercise. But seeing this really motivated me. ❤

[@HouseOfSuain]

One foot in front of the other. Great job brother, I just finished a 6 mile ruck today with a 35lb pack. I equate them to how I navigate through life, "keep pushing forward towards your goals, accept that there will be obstacles along the way, and always take the time to appreciate the journey." Great video and congrats on pushing through it.

[@adamredmond292]

Rucking is so much “fun”. The wonderful feeling of discomfort is such a mental exercise for life.

[@jakewilliams1496]

My favorite part is losing circulation in my arms!

[@Indacut4545]

Very much so

[@marcuscuevas6579]

@@jakewilliams1496 same lmfaoooo. it goes away once the high hits about a mile in for me then it’s smooth cruising after

[@wrathin99]

@@jakewilliams1496 My favorite part is the sciatic nerve pain

[@rarelibra]

@@wrathin99 get your L4-L5 checked, dude

[@Marc-nc9yv]

I love these. I did the Norwegian ruck march at Purdue University, 30 lb pack for 30 K (18.6 mi) in 4:06, in 20 degree weather, was a blast and really hurt. Good job

[@anthonyhenry9830]

I use to do all that stuff in the army and you know what it got me arthritis and joint replacements.

[@Brotherken1234]

Tell me about it! 😖

[@markothwriter]

you'd get that anyway

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

Come to the UK and try the Fan Dance which is a UKSF pre qualification march. 24 K including a few thousand feet of ascent and descent over rough and mountainous ground in the Brecon Beacons - no roads. All with 40 lbs in weight and with a rifle and to be completed in under 4 hours. It's a toughie.

[@Blacksmithii5]

Training myself for ranger school, this ruck is a beast. Respect for going out there and pushing it.

[@tekaaable]

Good luck with your preparations!

[@ViktoriousDead]

All you have to do is get 3 hrs. Not hard. Focus on land nav and being able to move distance. Ranger school isn’t hard it’s just miserable and it doesn’t make you a Ranger either

[@DEACONR6155]

School is easy. Just take gum you'll be fine

[@t0n3mapls43]

With practice it becomes pretty easy, you’ll still be gassed but your times and overall endurance will improve greatly

[@rarelibra]

@@ViktoriousDead Land Nav is a beast ... too easy

[@twistedwires7318]

I am a retired Army Dental officer, and I trained for and did the 12-mile ruck/run twice in my career. The first was while I was in college with ROTC during the Ranger Challenge competition; hello Ft. A.P. Hill Ranger Challenge 1998 and 99. The second time was once I was on active duty earning my EFMB (Expert Field Medical Badge); hello first time go. My recollection of those ruck/runs was that it was more painful than tiring. It was tiring, for sure. But years later, what has stuck with me is the pain endurance needed each time. The pounding just wears you down everywhere. I remember finishing the EFMB course and my trapezius muscles cramping at the finish when I took off the ruck. They full on locked up. You have to shuffle more than full stride run, which throws off your normal running stride. You can try running, but miles in, you'll be shuffling. It just hurts. You have to train that. You have to build up to the 12 miles, or you'll injure something. Of course, this is why my orthopedic surgeon buddy in the Army had so much business. The Army chews up knees, backs, and ankles. I'm an inch shorter as a retiree than I was when I was in college. 32 airborne jumps and thousands of miles running and rucking compressed the spine I guess.

[@Taiko-THC349]

Very true. Very sound advice.

[@Mikeg6283]

A lot of simple things help with this. Packing and fitting your ruck properly and wearing good boots is a game changer. The way he had the bottle swinging around will drive you nuts during a ruck. Did a great job for never rucking. I made mine with only about 4 minutes to spare at SWCS. Great video.

[@Kim-ud7fe]

I’ve watched a few of your videos and I appreciate your honesty about your performance - your successes and where you fell short of your goals. It’s such an important mindset that when we fall short we have two choices: to let it overwhelm us and quit altogether or to use it as a stepping stone to in our journey to overcome the obstacle. Your honesty and integrity is what I value - plus the quest to test yourself. Much respect.

[@floyd4311]

For me rucking is the ultimate mind work out. Went out for my EIB in 1994. Was blade running after day two. Made it to the ruck. Was such a mind workout at the end. Love it. Great job guys.

[@danrosenthal9231]

Hey man, I appreciate that you showcase not just your successes but you acknowledge where you come short of the standard. That's what drives us to do better and succeed the next time. Thanks for sharing it with us here.

[@lizancenunu]

My best time was 2:19 with weapon, kpot, water, ammo and with doing a 6 miler every Thursday. I was 22. Couldn’t touch that today. Good work with no prep. Rucking is a skill and infantrymen know all the tricks

[@MrVitconst]

2:19 it's crazy. How big are you?

[@ICALLBS-tb2kx]

Don't count yourself out... If you trained a little bit I'm sure you could..

[@robertotto6081]

Good for you for giving your all, and good for your buddy for encouraging you, completing the mission, and not leaving a buddy behind. Those are attributes instilled in Rangers from the start. The second Stanza of the Ranger Creed: "Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite Soldier, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to more further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier." That sticks in your mind when your entire body aches, and you still have miles to go. There is nothing quite like the feel of ruck straps digging into your shoulders. At some point, the goal is to find the least uncomfortable position and keep driving on. My best time on the 12 mile was 2 hours and 15 minutes. At Ranger School, this ruck march is only the beginning. When I earned my tab (class 8-92) the course was 68 days long with four phases (Fort Benning, mountains, desert, swamp). I think the norm during the warmer months was 3 MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) every 2 days and about 2 hours of sleep per night. I waved at teddy bears in trees and talked to a bush for 20 minutes. Sleep and food deprivation have some interesting consequences. From day 1 to graduation I dropped from 190lbs to 155lbs. Ranger School was the best leadership training I have ever ever experienced. RLTW

[@rarelibra]

yep... all of the "good" training focus now for Ranger school is to bulk up as much as possible while still being able to maintain an 8-min mile. It is very common knowledge that you WILL lose muscle mass in Ranger school.

[@ArmaGuyz]

Now this is the stuff my dad had told me about about Ranger School or maybe RIP . Guys walking up to vending machines getting candy out of them when there was no vending machine. You literally start to hallucinate really badly after all that. Also if memory serves my dad told me you guys also did a 20mile road march in full battle tack and gear. Over 80lbs of gear on your back and you have specific set time to complete it.

[@eddied5044]

I'm an old soldier now 62 retired E-8 ranger/Infantryman last served at Fort ORD Can. We had to do 12 mile ruck runs every 6 months .my best time was 2:29. Thanks for the video

[@MidnightSlayz]

Thank you for your service

[@wyattbaxter5253]

Spent my last year there 1981,

[@eddied5044]

@@MidnightSlayz thank you

[@eddied5044]

@@wyattbaxter5253 thanks for your hard work and service

[@RagnarNomad]

Thanks for sharing, I am not a professional soldier but I hope to train like that to keep myself fit but worry about injuries, may I ask if all those trainings give you bad knees later on in your life? Thank you in advance and wish you continue having a good health in life.

[@evansmith2279]

The three hour standard is not unique to Batt, it’s also the same as the infantry standard, we had to do it twice a year in the ‘90’s. 2:18 was my fastest.

[@kdubyaw3246]

we used to do them a few times a year when I was in late 70's and through out the 80s in a regular Army and Airborne unit. Really not that hard when you are in shape. There were troops that did them hung over

[@milpo8176]

12 miles in 3 hours with 45lbs was the EIB standard and most school/courses/selections I went through in the 2000s…Even when in a conventional Infantry unit, we did a 12 miler to standard every Thursday and then got a “late call” because it went outside PT hours. Ruck day then was second favorite day, next to APFT because it beats running unknown distance and pace and then APFT you knew that it was easier, light and controlled vs the stress of the unknown morning PT would bring.

[@kdubyaw3246]

@@milpo8176 this dude is acting like it is something that is nearly impossible to do. We used to do them on a regular basis when I was in

[@timihills]

You fasting time was 1:47 with weapon on a low ready and ACH on. Someone finished the 12m in under 1:20 during air assault graduation.

[@rw1377]

@@kdubyaw3246 You can add me to that list....

[@Hunter-zp5hd]

I’m glad we have Rangers helping protect our country. Thx to all the Rangers out there.

[@aeromedical6776]

EXACTLY. Thank god we don’t have to depend on these blue haired idiots who can’t seem to figure out what sex/gender they are, or what pronoun they want others to use from one minute to the next, to guard our freedom. These are REAL men and fellow brothers in arms. SFC Retired United States Army

[@awdsvx]

Rangers Lead The Way.

[@mnl51983]

RLTW!, Aco 1/75

[@allthingsunrelated2919]

That’s extremely tough to do without any training and progressive increase distance over time. Impressive effort. And great job on the ☝️ mil. Continue to inspire 😊

[@AdventuresInMortality]

I am a 61 year old computer programmer, and completing a 12 mile ruck march in under 3 hours is the ONLY Ranger requirement I have passed. I can't run fast, or do enough push-ups or pull-ups, but I can ruck. I am continuing to work on running and the rest of the requirements.

[@sandspar]

Make sure you leave the Mrs. the combo to your safe.

[@AdventuresInMortality]

@@sandspar Haha! Will do. I'd rather die doing this than die from a sedentary lifestyle. 🙂

[@sandspar]

@@AdventuresInMortality I really do wish you the best, and no one appreciates where you're coming from more than I. That said... ( here it comes eyeroll ) Me @ 45, same as 18. Went to Iraq in '05, got foot injury training up for it. Told no one, didn't want to get kicked out. Did 15 mo.s infantry over there, lotta pain. Had to get out after coming back, but damage was already done. Now 62 and still do pushups and pullups, but can't stand over 10 min.s, and hurt ALL the time. Point, your body does not heal the same, and you can find yourself screwed from the little things by getting too far outside your lane. TAKE IT SLOW, all I'm saying, you don't want to be me. I wish I could ruck 1 mile w/ empty pack.

[@AdventuresInMortality]

@@sandspar Sorry to hear about your injury. Yeah, I've had my share of injuries, and I heal slower than I used to, so I have had to knock off at times for weeks at a time to recover. But my goal is to become a "buff old guy".

[@sandspar]

@@AdventuresInMortality Worthy goal. Kindness is the most important thing in the world. Luck.

[@johnnytillery9500]

I'm so glad we have these actual superheroes serving are military idk what we would do without y'all very much appreciated everything y'all do I just wish I could do the half of what these ppl go through much love brothers

[@kinleyfrazier7850]

I had to do a 12 miler in under 3 hours before I was allowed to go to Air Assault school last year. I was able to get 2 hours and 18 minutes, and I was dead afterwards. It was about 38 degrees F though, and this was obviously much hotter. I also had a frame on my ruck. Good job man. You did awesome pushing through it.

[@TheBorg6412]

I always found jogging at decent speed for one light pole, then walking one gets you moving pretty fast. Fastest 12 miler I did in I believe it was 3 degrees or 12 degrees in MN was 2:36. FLC, Ruck, ACH. Another tip, get the weight tight in your ruck. The more it shifts, the more you fight it while jogging

[@MrChristopoop]

That was the general way most guys (including myself) would pace ourselves, light pole to light pole. I usually was in 2:40 to 2:45 range. Not sure today if I could finish at that distance with no ruck, getting old sucks.

[@briangavette2986]

I was always good at rucking, I just jogged at a decent speed and the hills I would walk up or walk backwards to use different muscles At Ft Carson in full kit with my issued 240L. I think my fastest was 2:28.

[@TheBorg6412]

@@briangavette2986 with a weapons a whole different beast. Especially a 21ish lb MG. Shit gets more heavy than you think, a lot faster than you'd think

[@briangavette2986]

@@TheBorg6412 You’re not wrong. I was 4-9inf. I had to do the Manchu Mile with my 240L. Where everyone would take turns with it my team leader didn’t let me hand it off, I ended up getting a Battalion coin for it(not a big deal I know but it’s pretty cool that I’m only 1 of 4 people that have it in the army)

[@TheBorg6412]

@@briangavette2986 that's rough. We did a 8 miler with a few water cans and a liter with random soldiers on it. Hands were cramped for a couple days after.

[@Kyrios2028]

Excellent video! Looks veeery intense and that heat must have been a killer! As someone who is getting into better shape/losing weight, I find these types of videos very inspirational. Keep up the great work Austen!

[@0oByakurao0]

Loved the honesty and the thought process, great work bro 👊🏽

[@gregharbin3531]

Well done! You may not have made the 3 hour mark, but you didn't quit or go all "woe is me" when it got hard near the end. You've got the heart and I could see you cutting that time done to 2.5 hours with a little more training and a better fitted ruck setup. Drive on brother.

[@LarsMalungahu]

I'm preparing to take the test for the SF and am also new to the army, and after I watched this a while back I've always gone out rucking and running long distances. Just last week I beat my own time of rucking a 13m within 02:40mins with a min of 45 pounds added to my ruck. I'm not saying this to brag, but I started rucking with just what I saw demonstrated in this video and how mindset is important and it gave me a great start. I just practiced with a lot of pushing myself and I can say I am super proud because rucking can be hard.

[@svan81]

In selection they will smoke you for days and then make you pass the ruck after you are already beat down.

[@HeyItsJoe1]

12 miler with no experience is crazy. especially with a frameless pack. My last 12 mile time was 2:51 and seeing someone who doesnt ruck get it close to army school house standard is impressive

[@user-il9ze9py8c]

NO feeling like when you take the weight off at the end. You feel like your spine shoots up a couple inches.

[@Woodsaras]

Not impressive at all. Stop praising this basic sht.

[@SwissArmyDud]

Outstanding job for not having ruck before! Really really really good job man. You had a good battle buddy next to you. And yup rucking is great! It defenetly puts you in another head space but hey you owned it!

[@Lucious_0]

Such a inspiring video. Wow. In the end i was truly speechless. Great work.

[@raymondwade2433]

Age: 59 Ruck: 8/27/24 Miles: 12.01 Time: 2:46 Pace: 13:50 Ruck Weight: 43.8 lbs Rucksack: Crossfire DG3 Watch: Coros Vertix 2

[@raymondwade2433]

Update: latest 12 miler 2:40… put in the work!

[@seamusweber8298]

That's great support from Lorin Lynch for Austen. Fantastic advice and very supportive. Well done gents.

[@ILruffian]

Yes. Dude is a huge MF to be doing this type of cardio stuff as well. Impressive!

[@sr71blackbirddr]

Hardest test I did was in 2001 in full combats and boots ACFT Day 1. 60lbs + weapon and helmet 2 miles 16 mins or less individual effort Day 2. 12 miles 60lbs + weapon and helmet 3.5 hrs Day 3. 12 miles 44lbs +weapon and helmet 3hrs to complete Day 3 my feet where a total mess this was over the mountains of glencourse too in winter. Fair play in that heat though on a first run out big respect 💪

[@AustenAlexander]

sheeesssh that's crazy. I was destroyed after this ruck - mostly my hips. Great job on that 👏

[@rexwondo5429]

@@AustenAlexander 2 Miler was a brutal test

[@islandheart5372]

Hey Austen, I am heading to Navy boot camp at the end of the month, and I am worried about the swim test. Watching your video, I am preparing to face it head-on. I have a few lessons coming up. Thank you for doing this video.

[@allansmith5489]

We call it "Tabbing" in The British Army (Tactical Advance to Battle). Weights vary according to Corps but the distance is usually 8 miles unless something different is required. For some reason I was quite good at it. I hated circuit training and gym work but could Tab all day. I even made Regt and Bn teams and competed against other units and Armies etc. Oh to be young again :)

[@si-scapessprayart1673]

Parachute Regiment (me ex3 Para) here- we (think you'll find called it TABBING! Paras TAB - Marines Your Own Marching Pace -YOMP) our MINIMUM requirement is TEN MILES in --1:50-- MINIMUM! In the build up to P Company (our mid 6month of training PASS/FAIL Selection to continue training to become Paratroopers) we would regularly get BEASTED and do times of --1:35-- (KILLER pace) Up and down the horrible hills of either Aldershot, Brecon or now Catterick in the p*ssing rain, sleet snow or heat, not rolling hills like in the video. and I have mates in OUR Patrols and those preparing for Selection (at 22 SAS) who would knock out --1:20--'s!!! On a recent charity 10 Miler I did a --1:40-- - I was 52 at the time! The winning time was by a 43 year old Major of wait for it --1:08-- SERIOUSLY INSANE - so he could do your 12 mile ruck and have a kip in his dosh bag for 90- mins and knock out the remaining two in twenty ! For the record these times are not my bravado, imagination, conjecture, opinion or delusion but FACTS I have either been part of or witnessed firsthand - not someone drunk on three pints of Stellar after a CFT or a 5 Miler Of Death!!!! :))

[@dylanogden812]

That brave Ranger is a true warrior/HERO thank u sir for ur service I appreciate u along with all of our veterans God bless 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@marinamarcus3866]

Have so much respect for the training. I use it to push myself to continue to fight. I am not as young as I used to be! Like 2 decades. Kept up with my kids. They are moved out and doing fine! You are amazing like machines. Gotta always love our Army Rangers!! 🇺🇲💪🙏🏼

[@thescottishclans]

Just did the Norwegian Ruck March a month ago in Utah. 3:51:59. It's like my drill sergeant said, "Doggone Private! Aint nothin worth doin if it doesn't suck!" Nice job, Austen. You're a good sport to go out and try something like that.

[@auntiepeach5331]

So proud of u!! Even though u didn’t make the 3hrs…u still pushed through! And to be honest motivation is all u need, imagine if u didn’t have him rucking wit u….u may have not had the same mentality…this video shows battle buddies are important 😁💪🏾 #goodjob

[@dylonnichols539]

Just asked my brother what he normally gets when he does these and he said 2hr 23 min. I gotta say even though you’re not wearing as much gear, I feel like doing this in 3:06 with no official army training is pretty badass!

[@Pedersons1]

“Let’s ruck and roll” 😂 I love the pun right off the bat.

[@Gunfighter5]

10 years in the infantry taught me how important it is to take care of your feet! This is a true test of mental strength!

[@johnhildenbrand2642]

This same ruck is required for Expert Infantry Badge qualification, and required to graduate Air Assault school, 12 miles in 3 hours is a pace that separates the men from the boys, but it's certainly not as though it should be creating a 90% washout rate or anything.

[@AthenaGate]

I had a friend that wanted to join the rangers. I used to go rucking with him when he was training. It is definitely not something someone can just get up and do.

[@johnhildenbrand2642]

@@AthenaGate No, it requires one to be both in shape, be in possession of a reasonably healthy skeletal and ligament structures, and be motivated to do it because it sucks and if you don't want it, you'll fail or quit, but like I said, it isn't as if your being asked to complete the Spader Hater or anything (Was a 26 mile ruck completed in a single day in full battle rattle when I was in, in honor of the 26th Infantry Regiment) where you can expect extreme washout rates

[@eyev_]

The ruck doesn’t cause a 90% washout rate. The rest of RASP does.

[@IOPERATEalone]

@@eyev_ FACTSSSSS THE WOODLINE gets most and if that doesn't then come range will 😂😂

[@chadthunderglock7865]

Its the army standard. usually have to do one once or twice a year in my case

[@Thecodeist]

I remember back in marine combat training we had to pass a 15 mile ruck with full kit load to graduate or we got dropped from training. Not sure of the time requirement but was one of the biggest hurdles for me and I was dam proud of it at graduation.

[@kstaxman2]

The few, the proud, the marines.

[@benjaminpryse3802]

At 10th Mountain Division, everyone on post did this 12 mile, 3 hour ruck once a quarter (4 times a year).

[@colinjames7569]

Exactly put. You use your momentum and natural body mechanics to advantage. Work with the geography not against it. You’ll learn to harness energy and preserve it. You’re in constant motion, but you constantly try to conserve every ounce of precious energy.

[@andrewmason9137]

Canadian forces basic training for everyone cook to sailor to infantryman had to do a 45lb 15km (9.3miles) in 2.5hrs if I remember correctly and finished with a 40m buddy drag. Slower pace than the 12 mile but still fun! Well done dude!!

[@manuelvh7821]

Not that hard

[@andrewmason9137]

@@manuelvh7821 That's funny because I don't remember saying it was hard. Imagine being so ignorant that you make up your own arguments.

[@Pink-vh9hf]

Just graduated osut with a 16 mile ruck 60+ pounds dry with water weight on top of that went to rasp (where I am rn) and got dropped for a stress fracture

[@Bellthorian]

Since you had never rucked before just finishing is a HUGE accomplishment. Rucking is not something that comes naturally and you have to train and build up your strength and stamina for it. I was a Light Infantry grunt with the 3/22 Inf 25th ID. For the EIB the 12 mile ruck it was between a 45 to 60 pound ruck....forgive me I can't exactly remember. Full set of BDU's, Jungle Boots, Kevlar, LBE, M-16A2 with 210 rounds of ammo and seven quarts of water. The 12 mile ruck in Air Assault school was the same but with a slightly lighter ruck.

[@anjleenamiyan9235]

Keep it up your videos are really enjoyable. Love your videos ❤️. Have a great day y'all.

[@AustenAlexander]

thank you!!!

[@anjleenamiyan9235]

@@AustenAlexander No problem, thanks for responding 😂

[@bluecordterrainsolutions]

To finish the Army Infantry course (before you even go through Ranger Assessment and Selection) the final test was the "Field Training Exercise", using all skills learned, during a week long excursion that culminated with an 18 miler with full ruck and equipment. Even the Expert Infantry Badge requires a 12 Miler with 60 pound ruck in 3 hours or less with a functions check of your service rifle. If you mess up your functions check, you have to repeat the 12 miler and functions check again

[@williambigg6765]

I did the 12mi air assault march in the mid 80's. Ruck, LBE, full uniform, helmit, weapon. I jogged the whole way...up & down hills, never stopped and came in #10. A woman marathoner came in #2!!! Amazing... AIR ASSAULT!!! FT Campbell, KY...Screaming Eagles!

[@richl1700]

I'm a class 3-96 Ranger. 82nd LRSD in the 90's and we did this every week and all we had was water, not these crazy supplements to add to our water. Its all in the mind!

[@jlsabinas8578]

I applaud your mental toughness, but the body does lose a lot of electrolytes during one of these. It would be a shame to DQ because of cramps.

[@InvictusProductionsX]

Went through a timed 12 miler my first week I was at Campbell. Let me tell you, this thing is no joke especially if you aren't prepared. Battling the elements (I had winter) is just another obstacle but when you finish this thing you feel on top of the world. I still remember my 1SG at the finish line screaming at me to sprint and I finished 2:58:and some change.

[@gio2]

I'm leaving july and Campbell is my 1st duty station

[@1badsteed]

Awesome accomplishment!!! 2 seconds to spare, right on

[@towerX-]

Went to MA A School with Austen. Dude was my class leader. Great seeing your success with these videos man!

[@williamjones6053]

Much respect for pushing through ..never quit

[@rascal0175]

If I remember correctly, when I went through the course the 17 mile forced march had just been dropped and replaced by the 12 miler. No running was permitted and the march was completed in uniform. The bayonet assault course had also been dropped from the program. It was run uphill and repeated until there was only one man left standing. He was known as Mr. Bayonet.

[@Smoke_PHAmily357]

The 12 mile ruck in 3 hrs isn’t just a thing they do for ranger school, they also do it for air assault school & efmb same amount of weight and also needs to be completed in 3 hrs. You should attempt the Manchu mile now that will test you.

[@ken51O]

I wasn’t a ranger or even infantry, but just being in the 25th ID we had to do the 12 miler every so often. Good times.

[@Smoke_PHAmily357]

@@ken51O I'm not a ranger or infantry either, I'm in the medical field and done a few 12 mile rucks myself and they can keep all that 🤣🤣

[@Richard-lu8ck]

I was gonna say... 12 miler is Army standard. I did them as an MP.

[@pulëeskuqurdheshalqi]

12 mile is kinda of an Army thing, at Campbell though it was 12hrs in 3hrs as a minimum with full battle gear, uniform, boots, body armor, ACH, water pack, weapon, rucksack, and 2hrs 30 mins in the infantry!

[@Smoke_PHAmily357]

@@pulëeskuqurdheshalqi I was stationed at Campbell before. That's the only place I've been where you could check the pt schedule and a ruck was definitely on there every week... the other 4 days were running off course🤦🏾‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

[@CDub3130]

NOT BAD MAN!! I did a ton of 12 milers when I was in the army. For someone who isn’t in the service you’re a beast!

[@richardkepner8738]

He was in though

[@icefl4re597]

He was in the Navy

[@Bdx357]

What’s hard about the ruck.. isn’t the ruck itself.. but that it happens deep into the first week without much sleep, after multiple physical events. The toll adds up and your body doesn’t recover. The ruck also incorporates gear, a weapon, FLCC, ACH that slows one’s ability to move one’s arms and move quickly. Lastly, one may remember miles 6 and 7… being on gravel.

[@rubencanizalez7431]

I am glad that civilians get to do some of the things we do in the military …. Proud Veteran!!!

[@icemaker7134]

Nice work Austen... But you gotta get yourself a hat dude... Protect thy self... 💪

[@martinp1544]

Many moons ago I did a 12 mile ruck march within 3 hrs at the end of Air Assault School in Alabama during August. When I took off my boots, the whole bottom skin on both feet came off in my socks. I had to wear flip flops for the next 2 weeks to heal....

[@killerr721]

Not in the military but like to hike, any advice to prevent that?

[@martinp1544]

​@@killerr721 Wear a FULLY "broken in" pair of boots. Today's boots are WAAAY better & lighter today than the boots of yesteryear. In '96 I wore jungle boots. Today I would wear Salmons or another competitor boots. These boots are almost sneakers and super light. Change your socks often. During the air Assault course, we did lots of PT everyday including a 6 miler ruck march within 1.5 hours several days before.

[@max420thc]

Broke in boots , good socks and “mole skin”

[@CK-wk3vr]

i did this ruck with 65lbs on accident. we also needed full gear that is about 70lbs extra on top of that. wish i had a scale before had. took me 2"36 to finish. i did this for the EIB. true blue baby!!

[@Rikalonius]

I was just thinking about that. Back in the late 80s there was no electrolytes on that EIB test. Just canteen water.

[@alexanderdavis9636]

Your videos are very encouraging to keep pushing the limits and achieving impossibilities 🙏💪

[@travisdean8794]

My dad used to make me do somethin similar with two 5 gallon buckets filled with bricks, sawdust and water. And then would chase me with a bullwhip to keep me moving.

[@TK-hw2ph]

That bag got you big time. The extra slop, and weight shifting causes you to use more energy and ends up making you focus on it more. I was 3/75. I still do a 12 mile every now and then, just because…

[@jackjack4412]

Thats incredible. Do you shoot for standard times? I'm assuming you still exercise regularly.

[@TK-hw2ph]

@@jackjack4412 ironically I just did one yesterday for Oct 3, and yea I still do it under 3 hours. I definitely exercise regularly, but nowhere near the level I used to as I’m nearly 100% disabled. I exercise mostly to maintain and do 12 miles once in a while.

[@AustenAlexander]

Thank you guys for 1 MILLION! And thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/AUSTEN to get your free sample pack with any purchase :)

[@Last_Baguette0001]

Congrats on 1 million! Hope you continue to grow

[@AustenAlexander]

@@Last_Baguette0001 thank you 🙏

[@briangavette2986]

Check on doing the Manchu Mile at Ft Carson. 25 mile ruck. Get yourself a belt buckle.

[@briangavette2986]

OH! And next time Carb load the night before. Bananas, pizza, pasta and such.

[@Mochishaveice]

Way to go even on a bad hamstring! I remember those days. Stationed at Ft. Lewis 1986, Enjoyed the video thank you!

[@raccoonjamison8011]

Did the Norwegian Ruckmarch this year 18.5 miles in 4 1/2 hours. Passed with 5-6 minutes to spare

[@rascalmatt6713]

Were there many hills involved in that?

[@INFYN8_]

Tough work but you didn’t give up!!! That’s inspirational!!! Definitely need a review on those boots!

[@ericte2400]

I have not done 12 mike ruck march since basic training boot camp many years ago. It takes alot out of you. even memtally, have to psyche your self up to stay motivated. Good training Sailor.

[@SpclOps20]

_“I used to drive a Cadillac. Now I’m humpin’ with a pack”!_ 🇺🇸

[@4rnnr_as]

It's a different test altogether when you're dirty, exhausted, and have spent the last 16 days eating MREs, carrying 50+lbs of gear all over the place, pulling night watch and running multiple ambush and recon ops in the woods. I'm only in OCS and that's what we do - can't imagine how the actual Ranger School Ruck goes.

[@janeblogs324]

You forgot walking on perfect pavement

[@4rnnr_as]

@@janeblogs324 and perfect pavement! To be fair, our timed rucks for qual are all on mixed surface roads or pavement. But yeah, when we're in the field for 2-3 weeks beforehand it ain't paved.

[@jay__chugh]

Marine ocs, or army?

[@somethinganything4864]

I believe this the regiment’s standard not ranger school’s

[@daltonmatheson4481]

@@somethinganything4864 ranger school 12 mile is approximately 55 pounds. 35 pounds dry plus 10 quarts of water. Rifle and FLC with magazines. It’s one of the more difficult rucks you’ll do. Especially after rap week.

[@whomagoose6897]

This 12 mile march is something called EIB march. This means everyone in the US Army, not just Rangers. I was in the regular Infantry and did these roads every month. Must be completed in less than 3 hours. This was done every month while I was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. Even the Division band did this road march. Cooks, supply guys, MP's, everyone. This standard is not only something Rangers perform. When I was in the US Army there was barely one Ranger Battalion. That was the 1st Rangers at Hunter Army Airfield. Located in Savannah, Georgia. The 2nd Rangers was possibility a Company sized group. The 3rd Rangers were not even a thing.

[@manuellabor2759]

Yes. 3 hours for 12 Mile Road March in Light Infantry, I was in the now deactive 6th Infantry Division, in the 80's. Thank you for confirming my memory isn't gone to shit! lol

[@whomagoose6897]

@@manuellabor2759 I remember the 6th Infantry Division in West Germany during the Cold War. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1989. It seemed it was a mad house to clear out US Forces from Europe. The 3rd Division returned to the US and replaced the 24th Division at Fort Stewart. The was 24th Division was deactivated. The 6th and 8th Divisions returned to the USA deactivated. The 7th Division was at Fort Hunter Legit before it was deactivated. I was part of the Berlin Brigade in West Berlin. Much different than being stationed in West Germany. Not part of NATO. The Berlin Brigade was an enhanced Infantry Brigade that was surrounded by 32 Soviet Russian and East German Forces. Yes we did have POW training. There's just no way a single Brigade will win over 32 Division sized groups. And when Berlin was 300 miles inside enemy territory there's not much to work with. The Berlin Brigade was one of the first to get deactivated. You can see some KZbin's of McNair Barracks where I lived. Now completely abandoned. I don't know how many US Armored Divisions were deactivated. I think there's only three left still on status. I know there was 128 Armored Divisions during WW-2. Now there's possibly three at best. No more Armored Cavalry anywhere in Germany. I think they were moved to Poland. I hope China doesn't have any aspirations for a world empire. I don't have much faith in America's ground forces anymore. The woke American society is to blame for that. And that UN is weaseling itself into America's business all too much for my liking. That old adage of, "Hard times make strong men. Strong men make good times. Good times make weak men. Weak men make hard times." Is more real than you realize. Guess where America is at right now?

[@jeremyevansmwa1]

I'm with you there. This was a requirement back in the 90s. We had 2 canteens to drink from so when it was gone you're just sol. Also carried a weapon and was probably hungover. Way more mental than physical.

[@jaimengalindo7108]

I did a 40 mile march with my ruck, steel pot helmet, rifle and boots when I was with the 2nd Inf. Div. back in 1983. After we completed participating in Team Spirit my company 2/61 ADA marched back from the DMZ back to out camp. I saw a lot of the Korean country side marching back.

[@Verde_Valley_AZ]

I’ve been using the Molle II rucksack bought off eBay. Been using it on the sandy trails on the Florida trail sections here in Panhandle area. I’ve put in a 40lbs tree log I found, holds it very well and good workout.

[@LenserX]

I did probably ten of these during my tenure at 3rd Batt. We ran them with hard sole jungle boots, plain water and external frame rucks. This looks like a typical thru-hiker day on the PCT.

[@greekgeek1538]

Rucking is hard, I’m in the Army Reserves and I just got out of Basic, we had to ruck for 10 miles on the last day of the forge and while it was at a lot slower of a pace then what ya’ll did in the video it was still hard.

[@scallen3841]

Yeah maybe when your vehicle breaks down lol

[@someoneelse745]

I commend you brother! That's tough to do when you haven't been training for it.

[@ravipersad56]

Totally respect what you do. Your program gives me motivation. Want to see more, admire what you do.

[@anthonyemmm]

Otay lakes. Love that place. There’s fun Mountain bike trails all through there. Good job Austen!

[@j.p9655]

2:28 in 2008. That was my second attempt. First attempt I barely made it under 3 hours. It’s brutal.

[@irakennington9701]

The look on his face when Austin says he's "never rucked" before...