What goes into planning a ruck march for PT?

2018-06-27T22:11:53-04:00

I'm leading PT for my squad and the program were about to go into has multiple ruck marches implemented, each one longer than 8 going all the way up to 14. As far as creating a risk assessment, getting permission from chain of command, or having trailing vehicles, what all should i plan for and what do i need to prepare?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 11:34 PM

2018-06-27T23:34:14-04:00

Plan the weight of the packs, plan the length of the march, plan the pace and target time of start and completion. But, always....when in doubt, look up the publication and get guidance from there. And that publication you want to look up is ATP 3-21.18

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 6:57 AM

2018-06-28T06:57:14-04:00

Fun, I miss the days of when you just grab your gear make sure your doc was with you and you just ruck it out.
Make sure you coordinate with Range control the route and having occupational times going through different zones. The biggest pain It seems like just dealt with it on Bragg and seemed like bumping heads 24/7.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 28 at 2018 11:55 AM

2018-06-28T11:55:55-04:00

Medic spt with FLA, check for SM water or water point.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 28 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-06-28T13:28:42-04:00

Check out FM 21-18 and FM 7-22, they cover the planning purposes and preparation for Road Marches.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 28 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-06-28T15:02:58-04:00

Road guards and water.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 12:17 AM

2018-06-30T00:17:39-04:00

We just did a 12mi. Yesterday. They had CLS guys at both turn around points with medics. A Humvee multiple cars with CLS guys, water, and Gatorade. Clearly marked routes. Chem lights for every soldier participating (red for prior heat cats green for everyone else). Numbers to pin on their rucks that they turned in at the end. A designated group of people with phones on them just in case of emergency, made sure all Soldiers had their phones on us. Turn around point things that were required to be shown at the end of the ruck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2018 11:08 AM

2018-07-20T11:08:58-04:00

Contact your BN S3 for the unit CONOPS format. By following the CONOPS you should cover everything required, establish timelines, routes, support resources, command and control elements and anything else required.