Any ruck marching tips?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:52:08 -0400

Tips for ruck marching. Im just starting. I leave for basic training next month at ft benning and i know ruck marching is a big thing. Any tips in starting out like weight and distance?

Response by SSG Ray Strenkowski made Jul 21 at 2015 8:04 PM

SSG Ray Strenkowski — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:04:39 -0400

Rythm. Find a quicktime pace and stick with it. sometimes the first 1/4 mile is hardest but once you get going you'll do fine. push through.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 8:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:14:32 -0400

I enjoy rucking and do it at home for PT. It is a must to stay conditioned.
1. Your boots and socks will make a world of difference. You have to take care of you feet. I have always wore very thin like boots. Something like jungle boots. I actually only wore jungles when we had BDUs. But you need to find a boot that your feet be conformable in. I use the NIKE leather SFB. It is a great boot. In addition sock are huge. I thought they were overrated until I got a pair of Fox River socks. At 8 dollars a pair they are not cheap. But I needed up taking about 18 pairs with me to Ranger School. I made it the way time there with no blisters.
2. Change your sucks when ever you can. Let them air out if possible. Don't be that guy that wears his boots for 3 days straight. You will be destroying your skin and welcoming blisters. If it gets bad a foot fungus will reek havoc on your feet.
3. The way you wear and pack your ruck will make a huge difference. Pack the heavy items at the top and near to you back. It will wear better and your body will be better able to compensate for the weight. I only put my sleeping bag in the bottom portion of my ruck. And use the compartments. There is a divider in the ruck sack. Use it. The more weight the higher the better you will be. A poorly packed ruck will feel heavier and a well packed ruck will feel lighter.
4, Water proof and compartmentalize you gear. I use two water proof bags. One for each portion. I will also use ziplock bags to pack additional items on the outside of the ruck in the sustainment pouches. This will usually be socks and shirts. But don't just throw everything in your ruck. If you don't really plan on using it they tie it up and pack it. I use a rubber bands to help pack. Everything is rolled up and rubber banded. You will have way more space.
5. Go ruck. I would start at 40 and work you way up to about 75 for at least 6 miles.

Response by SPC Chris Early made Jul 21 at 2015 8:27 PM

SPC Chris Early — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:27:40 -0400

get insoles for your boots

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 21 at 2015 8:28 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:28:03 -0400

Load your weight to the top of your ruck. Practice makes perfect. Start with small distances like two miles, then then 3, then 5 and do this weekly and until you reach 12 miles. Pack 35 lbs. For snacks, get some good athlete refueling gel and other things to help you stay fueled up.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 21 at 2015 8:46 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:46:42 -0400

Good insoles as well as comfy socks, might recommend knee-hi pantyhose under the socks to help avoid hot-spots and blisters, use broken-in boots if possible as well....start small as far as distance, 3-4 miles with 35 lbs and build yourself up..ensure that the pack your using is well adjusted on your shoulders to lessen the strain, rinse and repeat, gradually adding distance and weight....oh and good luck in Basic.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jul 21 at 2015 8:50 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:50:35 -0400

Gold bond or anti-chafing shorts, pantyhose cut at knee. Change socks. Get weight over hips. Relax breathe and have fun!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 8:55 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:55:16 -0400

While I am not in a service that does ruck marches. I have heard from family that tights help a lot with both overheating and any chafing. Runners often use them as well. for a more technical explanation checkout

Benefits of Compression Clothing for Runners

Athletes, especially runners, are always on the lookout for that extra one or two percent improvement in their training. Lately, running circles have been enamo

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made Jul 21 at 2015 9:17 PM

Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 21:17:20 -0400

Um...is it just me or does the terminology "panty hose" and "tights" in combination with "ruck march" seem just a touch...well...um...un-manly? Ya, ya, ya, standing by for all the "USAF doesn't ruck" jabs headed my way - go ahead, I can take it. I'm not wearing panty hose...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 9:41 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 21:41:41 -0400

PVT Private RallyPoint Member Don't stress to much right now; I'd mainly focus on building endurance and getting your feet tough. The tips about packing a clean ruck with the weight high is important. Considering your going to basic training, buy standard issue socks from a military base or the internet and stay away from fancy gear so you don't get spoiled by nice stuff you can't take to basic. After that, start walking 3-4 miles 3 times a week with 25 lbs and some water, and add a .5 - 1 mile each week leading up to basic training. If you arrive at basic comfortably walking 8 miles you'll be doing alright. Also, make sure to rest and have fun with your friends before basic because once basic starts it'll be game on for a few months.

Response by SPC Paul Vaneizenga made Jul 21 at 2015 10:57 PM

SPC Paul Vaneizenga — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 22:57:36 -0400

Make sure you volunteer anytime the drill instructors ask for a volunteer. It will help you advance faster

Response by SPC Tim Finch made Jul 21 at 2015 11:10 PM

SPC Tim Finch — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:10:19 -0400

I'll be honest the best thing I found is free ball gold bond and dry socks as much as possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 12:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:25:24 -0400

Just go at it. Bust through it and get it done. Once you get to your Unit, and have the lack of forethought to do things like Bataan, you can start doing the socks/Gold Bond/insoles and new soles on your boots.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 22 at 2015 9:49 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 09:49:21 -0400

It's a "mental exercise" with physical components. Like any endurance "sport" you are burning calories faster than you are taking them in, and more than you can store them (about 2k), which means you will eventually just run out, and you will switch from Carb burning to Fat burning. When that happens, you Subconscious Brain is going to hit what Endurance Runners call "The Wall" or "Bonking." A more apt way to say it, is that your brain is screaming "We're gonna die! Stop it. quit doing this. Knock it off. You're killing us!!!!" You train to reach this point though, and you train to PUSH PAST THIS POINT. Once you know what is happening, you can deal with it better. Just be aware of it, that way you can work through.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jul 22 at 2015 10:06 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:06:24 -0400

If you have never worn boots, by a pair of NYLON socks. wear them under your boot sock. Will help prevent blisters. Not saying you WONT get them, just reduces the fact. Start out small, 2 or three miles, 30 lb pack. DRINK LOTS OF WATER before, during, and after!!!! Good luck at basic and enjoy.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 10:34 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:34:54 -0400

I've completed 4 Bataan Memorial Death March 26.2 mile ruck marches without any blisters or any other significant issues. I used mole skin on my feet. I wore panty hose over the mole skin to aid in friction control and then wore moisture wicking rucking socks over the panty hose. I changed my socks every 6 miles. I packed plenty of protein producing snacks such as gels, bars and nuts. I also had plenty of water and fruit available too. I also wore spandex under my ACU’s and placed runners tape over my nipples for chaffing. I do the same for when I run very long distances too. I also wore moisture wicking shirts too and I changed them when I changed my socks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 11:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:03:51 -0400

Practice the way you're going to be rucking in basic. It's been awhile since I was at Benning, but we weren't allowed to have any non-issued items so pantyhose were out of the question. We had issued foot powder, not gold bond. Applied lightly it worked well. Keep extra socks very easily accessible in a cargo pocket or outside pocket of the ruck. When the platoon or company stops for a break, change your socks. That will help prevent too much moisture buildup and friction, which will in turn prevent the hot spots that turn in to blisters. Stay hydrated to make sure your muscles don't over-heat and cramp up. If you're able to take snacks with, do it. We weren't allowed to, but water did the trick just fine. Get a song in your head and keep your pace to the beat of the song. That's just a little mental trick that has always worked well for me. Keep the weight in your ruck balanced. Heavier items towards the top, and centered from left to right. Keep the ruck high on your shoulders to eliminate all the stress on your hips and lower back. Good luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 11:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:12:36 -0400

Things that helped me:
Wear your black sock liners under your green socks.
Pack all your heavy shit at the top.
Sling your ruck as high as possible.
Tighten it down as tight as it will go.
Tape all the straps down.
Camelback IN the ruck, at the very top, under the flap with the hose hanging down over your shoulder.
Dont think about the walk: Sing songs in your head, use the time to reflect and think.
Remember; it's just a walk. Just keep moving and never give up.
Your packing list is mandatory, but HOW you pack it is up to you.
Distance is 2, 4, 8, then 12. Easy distances. Just keep moving and you'll be fine.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Jul 22 at 2015 11:19 AM

MSG David Johnson — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:19:55 -0400

Make sure the weight is as high on your back as you can get it. Don't do any of the shit that kids do now days with the backpacks hanging as low as they can get. The higher the weight is the more balance you have in carrying your ruck. I'm not sure how much weight is the required amount any more, but from SAPPER Leader Course June/July 1987 we were required 80 pounds. So training for the course included ruck runs with a starting weight of 80 pounds. By the time we left for the course we were carrying rucks at 120+ pounds, when we got to the school we were glad we had gone through that tough of training. This is back when it was for 12B E-4(P) to E-7, and up to O-3 Combat Engineer officers, and we went as a unit. I don't know what the requirements are now but the ruck marches and ruck runs were definitely worth the pain.
So, when you do ruck marches with 30-40 pounds just remember the news shows that had US troops doing the ruck sack shuffle in Iraq and Afghanistan, you never know when you may have to carry a buddy off the battlefield to get him/her aid.

I hope that answers your question with some real world scenarios. A good way to think of it is this, High and Tight, Weight high, and straps tight.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Jul 22 at 2015 11:40 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:40:11 -0400

Start slow at the local park, wear a boot, Bring a heavy backpack and keep on practicing.

I'll start out aleast 1 mile march, 50 pound bag.

Response by SFC Jacob Hinkkanen made Jul 22 at 2015 1:30 PM

SFC Jacob Hinkkanen — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:30:30 -0400

I spent the first 12 years of my career in Airborne units. Rucking depends on the person. The only tips I can give are based on humping with mortars over all different kinds of terrain from the deserts of Iraq and NTC to the forested areas in Germany and JRTC to the mountains of Alaska and Afghanistan. Carry the heavy stuff as high as possible in your ruck. A lot of people load the bottom with heavy stuff which lowers your center of gravity and will cause your hips and core to get tired very quickly. Get a good pair of boots too. People spend way too much money on fancy boots that look good but do not provide any support (i.e. Nikes and Rocky C4 Trainers) you will want foot support. My last tip is to not run, ever. If you start getting tired and fall back people have a tendency to run to catch up. The speed you gain is negligable and will take more energy than the distance you will cover. Depending on terrain you can either take more smaller steps or, if on flat ground, swing your arms and stretch out your steps to cover more ground with each pace. If you still suck at rucking the best advice is to keep doing it. Don't worry about heavy weight, just get your speed up with less weight and gradually increase it. Basic ruck marches start with very light weight and progress to more as time goes on. I hope that helps you.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jul 22 at 2015 2:14 PM

SSG John Jensen — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 14:14:04 -0400

a long street with a line of telephone poles - jog for a set, walk for a set, couple of miles, later add speed and distance

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 7 at 2015 10:50 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 22:50:17 -0400

Feet and boots. Feet and boots.

Response by SPC Louis Kennedy made Dec 11 at 2016 11:17 AM

SPC Louis Kennedy — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 11:17:38 -0500

Everyone is giving great advice on this topic but when you get to the part of a very long ruck...don't think about the distance just daydream and the time will pass very quickly

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 5 at 2017 6:24 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 18:24:33 -0500

I think everything that can be said, has been said, except..."one foot in front of the other!"

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Nov 5 at 2017 6:48 PM

SSG Joseph VanDyck — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 18:48:34 -0500

Watch this video. It has excellent ruck marching training tips. Be quiet about your pre basic training. Volunteer for everything your drill needs volunteers for. Be a squad leader, be the platoon guide.

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Nov 5 at 2017 6:52 PM

SSG Joseph VanDyck — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 18:52:21 -0500

Don't worry about all of the hi speed boots. Just ruck pre basic. The socks make a difference. Good Thor lo's is what I wore in Iraq both deployments. Thin socks/panty hose inside them so you don't get blisters. Since shining boots is no longer necessary, you will wear both pairs equally. Break them in equally.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Nov 5 at 2017 7:36 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 19:36:02 -0500

if you see a drill with blue discs he was a frostbite victim at one time and they let him set the pace, make friends with him by pointing out you know this he will be impressed with your knowledge and walk with you!!

Response by SPC Greg Burnett made Nov 5 at 2017 7:57 PM

SPC Greg Burnett — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 19:57:33 -0500

Well, since you're gonna be starting in basic, you won't get to choose the boots. I don't remember getting to stop and change socks or rest on any road marches other than the last, long one in AIT.
If I had to do it again, I would get some Gold Bond foot powder. I would see if the PX has better socks that will pass as issue and if so, wear those. I would also see about getting some baby wipes (amazingly awesome things in the field) and wash my feet off a bit when I stopped. Carry a towel to at least wipe your feet off. Sprinkling some water on your feet and rubbing them a bit feels great and helps a lot. But be sure to dry them off before using the foot powder. It is foot powder and not foot paste for a reason. Some people think knee high nylons under your socks help. I don’t know, but they sure don’t hurt. Make sure you have at least two pairs of clean socks when you start.
Put your other pair of boots on too and if you can get away with it, hang the first pair on the outside of your ruck to let them air out/dry out if you have to switch back to them later.
I never used mole skin and never had my feet torn up like you see in some pics. This was carrying a 60 after IET. On long walks after IET, we frequently would stop for foot care.
And then, just keep walking.

Greg

Response by SFC David Fullmer made Nov 5 at 2017 9:14 PM

SFC David Fullmer — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 21:14:14 -0500

Change socks every hour. Don’t wear the same boots two days in a row. Don’t wear the same Sox when complete. Try not to wear the same boots when complete. Build up weight and distance. Do not be tempted to increase too quickly. Your body needs several weeks and months to adjust to the strain of heavy weight and long distance.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 9:41 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 09:41:57 -0500

1) when they tell you no cold weather gear, they're not being dicks. It's for a reason.

2) let your mind go blank and follow the masses.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Nov 6 at 2017 8:13 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 20:13:04 -0500

I hated force marches, they absolutely suck balls. You'll get enough PT in your first phases you'll be ok like most are. Just run, and run some more before you ship out. The closer you are to the head of the columns the easier it is, if your in the back your going to yo yo to catch up and start again, that really sucks. In basic they'll tell you what you'll pack, theyll never tell you how far, they'll show you how fast. Don't sweat it we've all done it, get your pack tight and as high up and centered on your back as possible. But it will be the worst thing to happen to you in your young life to date.

Response by PFC Eric Parrish made Nov 21 at 2017 12:26 PM

PFC Eric Parrish — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 12:26:36 -0500

Keep your pack straps tight. Pack up on shoulders not down on hips. Have a slight forward body lean. If possible be near the front of the formation less accordion effect there. Speed up or slow down with the length of your stride ,do not run. Think of something pleasant, ie if hot think of snow, if cold think of a warm beach. take plenty of water. Don't worry about how far you are going your destination is only a little father up the trail from where you are. Your mind controls the body, You control your mind.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 4:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 16:14:04 -0400

I was mechanized when I was in the Army. But in the Marines I found it just takes getting use to. Your body, especially your feet have to come accustomed to the abuse. It will be hard at first, but you’ll adjust, I personally could never get use to always rucking in our kits. We did a lot of rucking; sometimes upwards of 60 miles, but 25 was a yearly requirement. So, follow the advice on here and just pace yourself. I never even thought about rucking prior to boot camp.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Sep 7 at 2019 5:59 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 17:59:26 -0400

Ugh, hope your close to the front, the further back the more you run to catch up. Carry as little weight as allowed, carry your pack as high as you can on your shoulders. And it sucks balls, there’s no other option there, everyone else is doing it you will too. But I don’t miss it one bit.