What to do to be prepared for SFAS?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:36:26 -0500

What helped y’all during the process?

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Feb 9 at 2021 7:55 PM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 19:55:20 -0500

Justin I PT'd my ass off before I went, I mean I was in great shape and it still sucked. FYI after SFAS the ruck only gets heavier, for the Q and for your time on an ODA. regardless of where you go or what you do you almost always have a ruck. It will become your friend. You will know where everything is in the dark. You will become a master of packing it not only to aid in carrying it but also mission requirements.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2021 8:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 20:11:06 -0500

Two words —-> Land Navigation (LandNav). Back in the pre-SFAS day (and regardless of today’s Q *Phase* numerology du jour) upon arrival @ MacKall we were told 1/2 of you will be gone in two weeks. True to form about 14 days later about 50% (regardless of branch, enlisted, officer, AD, Guard or Reserve) were trucked back to Bragg for out processing. For sure being in great shape, a *ruck*-stud, team player/leader, able to think/react on your feet = a given; but, if you cant find your way from Point A to B (and beyond) in the dark (and rain) —> game over.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2021 9:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 21:18:05 -0500

I made a sand baby about 70 pounds, tossed that in an ALICE pack and wore that around all day every day for about three months. Worked out really well, actually. I didn't even do any ruck marches or PT for about a month before I left

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Feb 9 at 2021 10:20 PM

SGM Jeff Mccloud — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 22:20:41 -0500

Step 1, If you don't already know, figure out how many days a week you can run and lift without causing an overuse injury, or dropping points on the APFT. For some that's 4-5, for some it's 7.
Step 2. Work out that many days a week, 2 of those run days should be replaced by six mile rucks with 45lbs as fast as you can go, (not back to back days), with both pairs of boots you will take to SFAS.
Step 3. Keep doing that until those two 6mi rucks can be run the whole way, or at least as close to 60 min as you can get.
Step 4. Keep lifting, squats and shrugs are what will pay off with the tick on your back for 21 days.
This workout should be solid for the six weeks prior to SFAS.
Step 5. Taper off the last 7 days before you go.

This is not a year around workout.
If you aren't preparing for a selection, you don't need to ruck more than once a week or two weeks.