tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799209808815716822024-02-20T05:35:05.985-05:00Adventure Operations GroupBeyond Normal LimitsAOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-37102458047097003732016-02-07T21:59:00.000-05:002016-02-07T21:59:57.795-05:00Teton Climbing-TeewinotDay 1 of 2012 Cathedral Traverse with Brenton Reagan. Shot with a Go Pro HERO 2 somewhere on the side of Teewinot Mountain. Teewinot (12,330 ft) is one of the major peaks of the Teton Range, and the first mountain climbed in pursuit of the Cathedral or Grand Traverse. We were stopped for a water break, using an alpine straw to reload water bottles. <br />
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<br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-74320794263163548702016-02-07T15:41:00.001-05:002016-02-24T15:02:13.100-05:00Adventure Bike Review- KTM 690 Enduro R (Part 1)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LzSUpZT9K_M" width="480"></iframe>AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-63106952702691239772016-01-17T22:08:00.002-05:002016-01-17T22:29:25.083-05:00The next level<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is apparent to me that people everywhere, especially leaders are all under the same pressure- get to the next level. Whether it's growth, efficiency, strength or speed, the status quo is the enemy. Managers want staff that understand that, and can contribute to achieving the right results at the right time. Senior managers want managers that understand what results their teams should be achieving, and can drive their teams to meet those goals. CEO's want senior management to deliver results, while operating with minimal direction. It doesn't matter what type of organization you work for, what team you are a part of, or if you are operating as an independent entrepreneur, we are all expected to get to the next level. Individuals that fail to understand this dynamic are at risk of being outpaced in their organizations or teams. Those that recognize the need to get to the next level, and can consistently achieve it will benefit in their quest for continued advancement. <br />
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How do you do it? For starters, you need understand that to get to a new level requires advancing from the current level. We will call the current level normal. Normal isn't the goal. If you have come to believe that it is, then let's pause here and do a quick mental reset. Normal isn't the goal or the expectation for very much in life. Somewhere beyond normal is the goal. <br />
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In order to get beyond normal you must understand three things. The first thing you have to figure out and accept with honesty is to <i><b>know where you are.</b></i> Knowing where you are will tell you what normal is. If you are struggling with that knowledge you cannot progress. Whether you work for a large corporation, you are an entrepreneur, an athlete, soldier or you are just trying to progress on personal level in your sport or hobby, you have to be absolutely sure you understand where you are. I'll use an example from the Military. The Army's SF Selection course (SFAS) is famous for land navigation tests, called the "STAR Course". Each STAR course can cover 15-25 Kilometers, and you are required to pass them multiple times. You are tested in the daytime, night time, good weather, bad weather and all while carrying a heavy ruck. When you are navigating really long distances at night and with a 60-70 lb. ruck it can be very easy to lose track of where you are, on a detailed level. The darkness, hunger, fatigue and weight of the ruck on your back are all factors that can easily disorient you. You'll keep track of the big pieces of information normally and probably remember that you are in the US, in the State of North Carolina and near Ft. Bragg. But those facts are not sufficient when you are aiming for a single, very small point in the distance, and in the dark. You have to know where you are down to a specific, very precise position on the map if you expect to find your destination (usually a grumpy retired Green Beret in a tent). When you are desperate to pass a STAR course and you become disoriented, you have to stop, maybe take your ruck off for a minute, and do a map check. You HAVE to figure out where you are. There is no other way you can move forward if you don't. Each of us has our own unique factors in our lives that constantly disorient us in our pursuit of advancement. We have our own darkness, fatigue, hunger and heavy rucks to carry. How you do your own map check at your job, with your business or your own performance goals will differ based on your unique circumstances, but you must figure out where you are. You need to spend enough time on this step to make sure you really understand it. You have to remove the emotion, attitude, pride and ego from the equation, and get down to the bare bones facts of your situation. Find your own way to disconnect and gain perspective. On a STAR course, at night that means pulling out your map, small red light, and crawling under a poncho to ensure that no light escapes while you try to figure out where you are. How you perform your personal map check will be unique, but it will probably require a serious pause in your current routine, getting some sleep and finding a place you can stare at your own map for as long as you need to in order to orient yourself. <br />
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"<b>Somewhere beyond normal is the goal</b>"</div>
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The second thing you have to understand is <i><b>what goal you are pursuing</b></i>. Where are you trying to get to? What are you expected to achieve (what does your boss, or team expect of you)? What do you want your business to do? If figuring out where you are can be compared to a map check, then figuring out where you need to go is like your own personal mission brief. Only don't expect to be spoon fed the instructions or handed your mission brief by your boss or those in charge. Sometimes that happens but often especially in corporations, in business or in our personal goals, we don't have the benefit of having a clear plan handed to us. Even in cases where we are expected to perform in such a way as to achieve goals that are clearly part of someone else's plan, you cannot expect to have the instructions handed to you. This is just the way it is, especially in the modern era. Accept it and move on. You have to realize that you must create your own personal or team mission brief to guide you. You've done your map check and figured out where you are, now devote the time necessary to learn where you need to go. If you work in a large organization, you have plenty of resources available to help. Personal dialogue with those above, behind and to the left and right of you, online information from your company's website, business journals, industry news and company events are all things you can access to improve your knowledge of your organization's goals. Start volunteering for more and be present in more places, especially if it puts you in position to improve your situational awareness about your organization's goals. If you are an entrepreneur or on an individual quest, use your mentors or trusted friends to help you understand where you need to go. Remember, you've got the heavy ruck on, and it's digging into your shoulders while you are rushing to your destination. Pause and ask those in your life who have already passed the STAR course to help you understand where to go. It is important to have at least one, very clear and very specific objective in the near future that you are aiming for. Next level performance requires immediate or short term performance improvement. This isn't the time for your 5 year plan. Daily, weekly and monthly are the time frames you need to operate in, to move into the next level. <br />
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The third, and perhaps most critical thing you have to figure out, in order to get to the next level, is <i><b>what action is necessary to move from where you are to where you need to go</b></i>? Achieving next level performance often requires a combination of boldness, strength, endurance and skill. Let's go back to the STAR course example. When you've drifted off course, and figured it out, your not "out of the woods" yet. There's a few things you've got to do if you want to fix your errors and pass the course. The first is you've got to put your ruck back on and start moving (boldness). If you've made a big error, then you've probably got to move faster than you were previously because you are now behind schedule (strength/endurance). You've then got to move in a direction that gets you back to your original course while keeping track of your time, distance and how fast you are traveling and maintain the focus necessary to negotiate new obstacles and avoid making another mistake (skill). On a STAR course it's easy to know what you need to do. The skills required to be successful are walking long distances, with a heavy pack, while reading a map and compass and following an azimuth that is leading you towards your objective. It's often much more complicated than that in other parts of our lives. Most of the time only you, once you've figured out the first two steps in getting to the next level, will understand what action is required in your individual life to get there. Do you need to invest more time at work? Do you need to invest more in your education (whether formally or informally)? Do you need to learn new technology? Do you need to hire more or build a different team? Do you need to have more adventure or create more balance so you can stay in sync with how you want to live? Do you need to simplify your life, and focus on the one or two things that are most important? Do you need a new teammate like David Rutherford to motivate you, or a training plan from Mountain Athlete to focus you? Do you need to climb a mountain? Once you figure out the first two things, you can, in fact only you can, build your own mission plan for getting to the next level. <br />
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<b>Beyond normal limits requires aggressive action and specific skill applied towards bold objectives. </b><br />
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Now get after it!<br />
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About the author- Brad</div>
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A dynamic leader known for operational focus and delivering results. Highly adaptable and equally comfortable leading epic outdoor adventures, corporate teams or operating in critical environments. An expert at Beyond Normal Limits performance. Brad founded AOG in 2009 to offer high impact adventure and tactical training to motivated teams and organizations. As a veteran, he lives the warrior ethos as a way of life and embodies an unconventional mindset and adaptability in all pursuits. An accomplished adventurer, tactical instructor, corporate leader and international traveler, he has trained and prepared hundreds of students to work in high threat environments, operated extensively around the world and created custom leadership events for elite teams.<br />
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About AOG-<br />
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Adventure Operations Group (AOG) is veteran owned and dedicated to the pursuits of "Beyond Normal Limits" adventure. AOG le<span class="text_exposed_show">ads epic missions, high impact training programs and creates inspiring content to share our way of life with people everywhere who want to reach a new level. Our brand is Beyond Normal Limits. Whether we are riding into a new adventure, training in the mountains, in the water or on the range, AOG's missions are unique and emphasize focus, being bold, pushing hard and a beyond normal limits mindset. Thanks for joining us on this journey. Follow AOG for future missions.</span><br />
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<br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-87166819978316070682016-01-06T21:54:00.001-05:002016-01-07T21:26:12.131-05:00Be Bold<p dir="ltr">There are alot of people finishing their second week of the New Year, who have already forgotten about their resolutions. Want to know why? It's because they resolved to do things they should already be doing. Lose weight, eat healthier, read more, travel more, ETC. What they need to do, is just do what they should, when they should. That's why most people lost track of resolutions so quickly. They resolve to do things that are important, but not big, and not bold.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Take it one step further. What gets us in the most trouble, in life, at work, in the outdoors or downrange is not doing what needs to be done, what we should do, when the time calls for it. When that happens, we get off track and get in trouble. Getting back on track takes some real effort then. It usually takes bold action to course correct when we've strayed from the right path.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But what if we could avoid that fate altogether? </p><p dir="ltr">What if, each year we started off on track? </p><p dir="ltr">What if we did what needed to be done, when we needed to do it? </p><p dir="ltr">What if we then used our reserve of bold action to build something new, to climb a mountain, surf a giant wave or ride into a new adventure with friends? </p><p dir="ltr">What could we accomplish? </p><p dir="ltr">What would we figure out if our boldness was used to move forward, not side to side? </p><p dir="ltr">Do you sincerely think that if you resolved to climb the Grand Teton in 2016, that you would have forgotten it already? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Let's make 2016 the year to find out. Wake up tomorrow determined to do what needs to be done in you're life, when it needs to be done, the right way. Then, find something that excites you, inspires you, or challenges you, and be bold. You won't forget a bold resolution. </p><p dir="ltr">What's yours going to be?<br><br><br></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfhHzc3_75sfM7ft4hOPEZNPPMM9ijgBqqqA4mRjI4oeGkI2j9TRM9drJzqBD9koYv6WmE7ih59cHj8sV8xhcJ4rkiCgnzo8XebeTjr8TPJ6dJxcaal64uyrydt90D3Qc8yB0hP4BjGmT/s1600/guides%252520wall%252520prep%2525201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfhHzc3_75sfM7ft4hOPEZNPPMM9ijgBqqqA4mRjI4oeGkI2j9TRM9drJzqBD9koYv6WmE7ih59cHj8sV8xhcJ4rkiCgnzo8XebeTjr8TPJ6dJxcaal64uyrydt90D3Qc8yB0hP4BjGmT/s640/guides%252520wall%252520prep%2525201.png"> </a> </div>AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0Americas, null11.863562 -107.4353tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-60304722579368529542015-10-06T12:54:00.001-04:002015-10-06T12:54:56.841-04:00Epic Razor fail<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uCg_kNR7BW0" width="480"></iframe><br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-87806709785622651602015-10-05T13:22:00.002-04:002015-10-05T13:22:25.823-04:00Dual Sport West Virginia- Part OnePart One of a multi-day enduro mission to West Virginia. A four man team from Adventure Operations Group invaded the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system with three KTM's and a Kawasaki. Mud, Rocks, Hills and carnage ensued. Thanks for watching, enjoy. Follow AOG on You Tube and Facebook to stayed updated on our future missions. B-rad<br />
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Dual Sport West Virginia-Part One<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/gddpEWnYsq8" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/gddpEWnYsq8</a>AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-48688566852182696782015-09-09T23:02:00.001-04:002015-09-09T23:02:22.279-04:00Sao Paulo lane splitting<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QYcvoIVMRvk" width="459"></iframe><br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-16272469040515751692015-09-05T10:22:00.002-04:002015-09-05T10:22:57.989-04:00Mission to Ocala National ForestHere's a video from a recent 2 wheeled mission to Ocala National Forest. It was super fun. Riding in deep sand is no joke, and takes a lot of the right skill to make it through, pushing hard all day in the epic Florida heat! Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0XZV11T62I">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0XZV11T62I</a>AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-20093267168504644642015-02-22T16:25:00.002-05:002015-02-22T16:25:36.648-05:00Corporate Survival- Part 3 no win situations<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corporate Survival- It's your choice</span>.</h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you stressed out at work or frustrated in your career? If you said yes, you are not alone. Today, more employees than ever before are experiencing unhealthy levels of stress and frustration in their jobs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conditions such as under performing peers, unsuccessful managers, organizational instability, and marketplace disruptions plague almost every team, project and company. These conditions can make life almost unbearable at times for individuals that are forced to endure them, creating unhealthy levels of stress that can impact every facet of our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't think for a second that organizations always get it right when making strategic decisions, managing the day to day or promoting or hiring for key positions, they often don't. Your individual situation at your company, regardless of the size of your organization is a multi-faceted and complex operating environment that is influenced by decisions and inputs from many stakeholders, often with competing and disparate agendas. The larger your organization, the more complex and competitive your industry, increases the likelihood that the level of dysfunction and misalignment in your day to day is at unhealthy levels. Understandably, almost no organizational decision is made with the individual in mind. Many times the real reasons behind decisions that have a direct impact on you, seem confusing or even contrary to the success of the business. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, don't forget that running companies, managing teams and projects is very difficult work. Decisions by managers are often made with incomplete information, compressed schedules or other confidential factors and are forced upon teams that are understaffed or caught up in the midst of change. Sometimes, depending on the industry, decisions made by senior managers can take months or years before the determination can be made as to whether or not the decision was correct, or successful. Often times, the person who made the original decision is no longer there, and there is a new manager, maybe it's you, who is attempting to execute strategy that may not even be correct. Sound familiar? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people have endured circumstances described above for so long that they think it is normal, or the way it's supposed to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many business books and support mechanisms in place to increase your leadership skills, improve your communication, motivate you towards making the entrepreneurial leap and so on. But the truth is that most individuals are compelled to endure their current situation for longer than desired, longer than is healthy, longer than they should, out of necessity or more specifically, out of survival. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? What should you do if you find yourself in an unpleasant situation at work that is causing too much stress and anxiety and for whatever reason you cannot break away from it?</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take immediate steps to increase your situational awareness.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Engage your organizational OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) loop. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Observation is your most critical skill. You may not be able to escape the situation, but you will be better able to survive it by learning as much as you can. Consider factors that are outside of your normal altitude. Do research on your industry, your competition, senior leaders of your organization. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orient yourself around a mission. You will always be right to focus on accomplishing your organization or your team's mission. I did not say you will always be recognized for doing so, but you will always be right. Create positive goals built upon daily accomplishments, no matter how small or simple. Encourage and teach your teammates to follow your example. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decide to survive. Survival is a deliberate choice. If you know you can't leave, then you have no choice. Don't follow phonies or think you must act like them to succeed.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Act- Be action oriented. Strive for results. Expect the unexpected. Work harder. Support your team. Find someone to trust at your organization. Don't be afraid. Take bold risks when the time is right.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although few companies are without some measure of dysfunction, organizational tension or failing projects, there are many that consistently get "it" right, and have brand zealots as employees to show for it. Talk with someone from USAA, Enterprise Rental Car, Chick-Fil-A and of course Google and many of the social media companies. Check out Fortune Magazine's annual "100 Best companies to work for" survey and learn what makes these companies great places to work for. Keep your corporate OODA loop engaged, and look for ways to improve your situation. Of course, if you see an opportunity to make a big change, and the timing is right in your individual life, then do it. It's not your responsibility to endure forever, environments that are persistently stressful and negative. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Always remember, survival, especially corporate survival, is a deliberate choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"Beyond Normal Limits", are you ready for it?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">B-rad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnY9rmz9IQ7RdnWz2PNJ2CiCoe1KegvbRXG4IspJ5Vs2mX99shMlqP2-ck-bY-yDUfp835_LHBeAhzX63d7JUGptm7HCDs4MkMnKUr2-GW1WYpPFICwffBKB4e0DhvxvLlJrNPj52GxQZ/s1600/Brad%20Christain%20owner%20AOG-f3d3997c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnY9rmz9IQ7RdnWz2PNJ2CiCoe1KegvbRXG4IspJ5Vs2mX99shMlqP2-ck-bY-yDUfp835_LHBeAhzX63d7JUGptm7HCDs4MkMnKUr2-GW1WYpPFICwffBKB4e0DhvxvLlJrNPj52GxQZ/s1600/Brad%20Christain%20owner%20AOG-f3d3997c%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adventure Operations Group offers corporate team building, discreet assessments and consulting designed to enhance performance and create "Beyond Normal Limits" individuals and teams. Contact us today to learn more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.adventureoperationsgroup.com</span></a>AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-32597547592130351462015-01-01T15:54:00.000-05:002015-01-01T15:54:20.272-05:003W's basics<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok, for all you who got some cozy new threads in your stocking this year. Here's a few quick tips from Josh to make sure you stay comfortable on your next mission outdoors. Look for more tech and performance tips from AOG in 2015.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Cheers,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>B-rad</b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3W's-</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pride
ourselves in providing the right equipment for the job and this time of year
staying warm and dry is high on our list of priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone, from the weekend hiker to the guy
doing a recce on a ridgeline in Afghanistan, needs some kind of layering
system to maintain a core temperature for survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a SERE Instructor we lived by the 3 W’s,
Wicking, Warmth, and Weather.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A wicking
layer pulls moisture away from the body and dries relatively quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows your body to sweat while exerting
effort but not stay soaked and drop your body temperature when the ambient
temperature drops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are plenty of
synthetic choices but I’m a fan of natural fibers like merino wool.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The warmth
layer does just that, provides warmth relative to your environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much warmth depends on your AO, but it
should be capable of keeping you alive when combined with the other
layers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 200 weight fleece might be
fine for a fall overnighter in western North Carolina, but could prove deadly
on a winter night in Hells Canyon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather
layer is typically waterproof, but at least highly water and wind
resistant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose is to keep rain,
snow, and wind off of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in
relatively mild weather your body temperature can plummet to dangerously low
levels while sweating and a cool breeze blowing through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer a hood on a weather layer to keep
rain and snow finding its way down my neck and chilling me to the bone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no
shortage of technological advances in outdoor wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Synthetic wicking materials, wind proof
fleeces, soft shells, hybrid insulating layers, and the list goes on and
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can feasibly get the 3 W’s down
to two, as long as they can accomplish the required tasks above, but you will
lose some ability to adapt to your ever changing environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s always a tradeoff.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One last
thing to consider is your extremities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good boots and socks, gloves, and something to cover your melon can make
you happy in even the worst weather conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Careful consideration of the gear you choose can mean the difference
between a good hike and a horrible weekend, mission success or mission
failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knows, it might even save
your life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Josh</div>
AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-11629507311058054302014-09-01T15:04:00.000-04:002014-09-01T15:08:06.904-04:00Alaska- 2 person, 15 day self supported big game mission! Here is a pre-trip SITREP from AOG friend and teammate James Croy. James is from Alaska and is currently in the field, no doubt pushing it beyond normal limits on this mission with his teammate Mike. Good luck boys. B-rad<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">James Croy pre mission SITREP-</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSneDNC9fThFMImd31Xd4RAOR16sc26Ni7oIXQ6EdAqb-kKstaPSYGMPtfPDJsXFtWzaWoK3yRXJhbv-1TkBIWKifvgFsyjDlwPznrK1SnEMzmfB_luRZiVxwv7uGpNyvoRMvuYnWrEQJ/s1600/581560_3971935453831_230475259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSneDNC9fThFMImd31Xd4RAOR16sc26Ni7oIXQ6EdAqb-kKstaPSYGMPtfPDJsXFtWzaWoK3yRXJhbv-1TkBIWKifvgFsyjDlwPznrK1SnEMzmfB_luRZiVxwv7uGpNyvoRMvuYnWrEQJ/s1600/581560_3971935453831_230475259_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's fall here in Alaska, which of course means fall colors,
back country adventures and hunting season. My good friend and former Ranger
Mike approached me last year about going on a 15+ day ATV excursion into the
back country of Alaska to go hunting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
immediately agreed and we began pre mission planning for what would truly be an
epic adventure with a great friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
concept may seem fairly simple but honestly when it comes to heading into the
"bush" as we call up it here nothing is simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact there are many challenges to overcome
for an extended trip such as this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Undertaking an Alaskan mission like this is daunting and requires
more than a simple 3B's (Beans, Bullets, Band-Aids) logistics plan. In reality there are many dimensions to
surviving and thriving on a multi-day self-supported Alaskan big game hunting
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To give some scope this trip is
for two men unsupported for 15+ days in a really remote part of Alaska (remote=
50+ miles down an unimproved dirt road, then 30-50 miles as the crow flies off
that road with no other road within 100 miles of that). So no cell service, no
satellite phone, no roads, very few trails and no structures to use as shelter
except for what we take with us. Having any kind of failure could literally be
catastrophic with results ranging from a very bad day to death. I could write a
book on how wild it is out in Alaska's bush country and how dangerous it is if you’re
unprepared or even when you are prepared. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Reality check</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just because we are using ATV's on this mission doesn't mean
we can haul heavy and take unnecessary gear going in. All of our gear and
logistics needs are carefully figured for weight and size. If we are both
successful hunters we figure on coming back from the bush with 1600-2000 lbs.
of meat. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes you read that right</i>. A
Large Alaska-Yukon Moose can weigh in at 800-1000+ per animal after being
quartered for transport. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hauling that
much weight out on ATV’s is challenging on a good day. When factoring in the
potential Alaskan backcountry contingencies; Grizzly's or Black bears, steep
and uneven terrain, rivers, streams, boreal forest, tundra, glacial boulder
fields and steep and very uneven terrain- you can understand that hauling that
much weight out becomes even more daunting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"When undertaking a mission like this the quality and preparation of
your gear is paramount"</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been doing trips like this for over 30 years and a lot
of my knowledge of gear and experience has simply come from both success and
failure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gear failures are going to happen,
period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minimizing the effects of the
failure, or being able to make field repairs is an absolute necessity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, always be ready to improvise
when necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not get into the brand name, “Ford-Chevy
debate" or the "you should take XYZ whizz-bang gadget". <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I mention brand names it's for reference
only, not a brand endorsement for your unique situation or mission. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing I will say about the gear you
choose is to make sure it WORKS WELL prior to taking it to the field. In other
words test it thoroughly under various conditions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding the limits of your gear and your
individual abilities is critical in many activities, none more so than Alaskan
backcountry travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>"Planning for this mission started almost a year in advance
and encompassed coordinating overall logistics, total time in the field and team
and individual equipment needs"</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The machines</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be using my </span><a href="http://arcticcat.com/atv/model/TRV550LTD#navy_blue_metallic" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"> Artic Cat TRV550</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> towing an ATV
trailer. Mike will use a 2011 </span><a href="http://arcticcat.com/atv/model/MudPro700LTD#team_arctic_green_metallic" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Artic Cat Mud-Pro 700</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> with an ATV trailer. We fitted
both machines with a 2500# winches on the front and Mike's with a rear #2500
winch. We added 40 watt LED lights to front of both machines. Other than Tires,
LED Lights and the winches, the machines are bone stock. We will each carry 15
gallons of extra fuel for each machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We both have tools assembled to do minor to medium emergency repairs in
the field plus we each carry recovery gear. Taking a tool kit beyond the OEM
supplied kit is really mandatory, Sockets, wrenches, tire repair, etc. Here is
where experience, knowing your machine, and how to do field repairs comes into
play. If you don't know how wrench on your machine, LEARN! Recovery gear is
also critical because you are definitely going to get stuck. It's not if, it's
WHEN you do. So bring a shovel, ax/saw, tow ropes (more than one), block and
tackle if possible. Recovery gear makes it possible to get you, the machine,
your gear and cargo back home at the end of the mission. We did reliability
checks again and again, ensuring each piece of added gear and all of the
accessories worked properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YlolMP9zvfWEqLTkI5q4YVIImSK4fdmgt6apumael2SYigMGTpR-HtcUES76UFa9iedm0yqmDygw5ylE-SXVGrzxzy5tDhnKnrcO10DGxqnJrkN_DQ3PMGJkjQZe4LM8U-GES6aSTfKP/s1600/IMG_1277%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YlolMP9zvfWEqLTkI5q4YVIImSK4fdmgt6apumael2SYigMGTpR-HtcUES76UFa9iedm0yqmDygw5ylE-SXVGrzxzy5tDhnKnrcO10DGxqnJrkN_DQ3PMGJkjQZe4LM8U-GES6aSTfKP/s1600/IMG_1277%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Camping gear</span></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As with all missions that involve camping, some gear is
essential and some is just plain snivel gear. We obviously trend toward the
essential, but do allow for a few gear choices to improve comfort in the field.
For our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shelter</i> on this mission I am
bringing my freestanding 6 man tent man (sierra designs Bedouin 6). That will
be our base camp accommodations. There are numerous reasons for such a large
tent for two people: you can stand inside it, dress or undress out of the
weather, hang and dry wet or damp clothes and when necessary, all of your
personal gear can come inside. For <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cooking
</i>needs on this mission we have chosen to run propane for the stove and
heater in base camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are bringing
enough propane (in 1lb bottles) for the expected duration plus 3 days. Mike
built a great mini alcohol stove and I use a Giga stove that travels in my
"go bag". <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Water Filters</i>- in
base camp we have 2 Katadyn gravity filters and two MSR mini-works for out and
about. We have 4 Primus Butane lanterns for base camp also. We constructed a
table from one the ATV trailer lids and have enough tarps/cordage to construct
improvised weather ports. It sounds like a given but where we are hunting there
are trees (some places in Alaska don't have trees) so we should have enough
natural pole making material and fire abilities should we need.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Food</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><o:p><strong></strong></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've learned over the years that the difference between a
great Alaska trip and crappy one is good coffee, an occasional shower, a warm,
dry place to sleep and good food. Next to fire, Chow is the most important
component of backcountry morale. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find
plain, freeze dried camping meals to be lacking in what I like to call “flavor”.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go to the grocery store and purchase
shelf stable food for extended missions such as this one. They are still simple
meals; most only require boiling water but are loads better tasting than
backpacking meals (see picture). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
bring some canned goods also. When planning for this I planned for two people
to eat three meals a day plus some snacks. Snacks are essential as they allow
you to not over eat your rations. Again I planned for 15 days plus 3. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Personal Gear<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My under layers are Smart wool top and bottom base layer (two
sets). Three sets of wool blend socks. Pants are two pair of USMC issue MARPAT (personal
choice). One pair of light weight chest waders. Jacket is a pullover type that
is both wind resistant and lined with Gore-Tex type material. One light weight
rain jacket. One pair of wind block Fleece style gloves and one pair of polypro
liner gloves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>North Face Dark star -40
sleeping bag w/ fleece blanket. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A note
on Bags. I DO NOT endorse any type of down bag for trips like this. I don't
care who made it or what the down is encased in. The climate we will be in is
wet, period. Instead, bring a well-constructed, high quality synthetic bag to the
lowest temperature rating you expect to encounter along with a self-inflating
2" ground pad. We will each carry a small trauma bag and some basic first
aid items along with head lamps and high output tactical style flashlights with
spare batteries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf4CjRwScE8KUr2ljHmuh1LSQUevRr8WO3KqiFgIn91bCTJGXdmTVFFQEOi_nI1uhxBoD2usmKaQFs6eYyA-JM7ZNfVc6u5VsTU1nl9TdJtJEH4rUEDD3owH1jnW5yQ5m_SsVCBQBCGgq/s1600/IMG_1278%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf4CjRwScE8KUr2ljHmuh1LSQUevRr8WO3KqiFgIn91bCTJGXdmTVFFQEOi_nI1uhxBoD2usmKaQFs6eYyA-JM7ZNfVc6u5VsTU1nl9TdJtJEH4rUEDD3owH1jnW5yQ5m_SsVCBQBCGgq/s1600/IMG_1278%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hunting equipment</span></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone has an opinion. Again KNOW your gear and its
limits. This is where my personal choices are informed from my past experiences,
both good and bad. My rifle is a Ruger Hawkeye stainless in 375 Ruger with
shooting sticks. Mike will be using a Remington 700 stainless in 35 Whelen.
Both are great choices for Alaskan sized animals. We carry approximately 1.5
boxes of rifle ammo and one reload for the side arms. Mike will carry his Glock
20 in 10mm and I will carry my S&W performance center R8 357 mag. as my
sidearm. We both have two to three knives of varying size configuration for
field dressing animals/camp/general use with sharping kit. My trusted Leica
10x42 binos and Leupold 15x30 compact spotting scope w/ small tripod. Leupold
rage finder. We both carry a Camel back style small back pack with a stove,
pot, cup and small snacks and rations to use as a bug out bag. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So some of you are probably wondering, "Why are you not
taking a SAT phone, EPERB, or SPOT tracker"? Well, there are a couple of
reasons. First, they don't always work in Alaska due to satellite coverage and
terrain. Second is the expense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of
the above are expensive pieces of kit that can be easily damaged. I'm not
totally discounting the value of them in many situations, but remember that
they don't work at the bottom of a river/lake or after being run over by the
machine that's rolling down a hill, or after they have caught on fire, are
chewed on by wild animals, frozen, lost out of batteries, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always have capabilities that don’t rely on
satellite coverage and batteries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
really goes back to experience and knowing your limits and, wait for it - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">personal responsibility</i>. I know my
personal limits, I will also let people know my depart dates, travel areas (with
highlighted maps), <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Contingency mindset<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">To many people of all walks of life head into the wilds
under prepared but have this notion that if I just hit that "easy"
button on my said rescue beacon a Helicopter with highly trained individuals
will come rushing to my aid within minutes and greet me with hot coco and a
blanket. I choose to travel with knowledge and better planning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tentative return dates in Alaska are just
that. Be prepared for added delays due to weather or any of the aforementioned
situations or conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t panic,
plan for delays and contingencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPZ5C-cHJz3I-_n87fX9bDN7xZt2cbIlzTU5T9RP6SjUognYyt1PD11wXPrPzypqPSaLeeohBPZqgKJiRs8CQ0vwcISFqtAnaaZyMRh9JI0KkpxUDk1pVGtquLZTvw80LcclV63hoD8qm/s1600/james+croy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPZ5C-cHJz3I-_n87fX9bDN7xZt2cbIlzTU5T9RP6SjUognYyt1PD11wXPrPzypqPSaLeeohBPZqgKJiRs8CQ0vwcISFqtAnaaZyMRh9JI0KkpxUDk1pVGtquLZTvw80LcclV63hoD8qm/s1600/james+croy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Experts</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, there are plenty of "experts" on
survival, back country exploration, etc. out there. I do not lay claim to being
an "expert".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have rescued a
few "experts" but I will never suggest that I am all knowledgeable on
Alaskan backcountry travel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
continually learn and train and stay ever prepared for “Beyond Normal Limits”
situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best piece of gear
anyone can have can't be bought or rented. It sits squarely (for most people)
between your ears and just north of your shoulders. Unfortunately the ability
of some people, especially in modern times, to use this piece of kit under
stress let alone under normal conditions is always up for debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alaska judges these types harshly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you come here, make sure you are prepared
and have planned to make it back alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Cheers,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">James</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Look for more SITREPs on this mission on </span><a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">the AOG blog</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">. Interested in planning your own Alaskan mission? </span><a href="mailto:brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Contact us</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> for more information. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-17119722920422657202014-06-09T21:34:00.003-04:002014-06-09T21:34:22.407-04:00Beyond Normal BadNot all Beyond Normal Limits is the way to go, keep it in check and don't cross the line between hard, tough, strong and stupid.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/utah-mountain-man-gets-10-1-2-years-in-prison">http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/utah-mountain-man-gets-10-1-2-years-in-prison</a><br />
<br />
Although the judge is right on this, he should write a book.<br />
<br />
<br />
BNL,<br />
BCAOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-90819278131040380222014-03-24T07:48:00.002-04:002014-03-25T23:05:43.283-04:00The Mental Performance Pipeline<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Mental Performance Pipeline- Brad Christian</strong> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s difficult to extract any one component or principle of
Special Operations teams and apply it to success in the corporate
environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the entire
process of identifying, assessing, selecting, training and managing Special
Operations personnel there is an immense amount of logic, legacy, analysis,
overhead and investment in the pipeline to ensure that the product that is
produced is, to put it simply, extremely capable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is useful however is to analyze how individual SOF
operators and teams approach professional goals and objectives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From this analysis we can identify some
mental tools that anyone can use to navigate challenges and obstacles commonly
found in any corporate environment and in most organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">First, here a few assumptions and personal observations from
which I draw conclusions and create associated principles that are applicable
in non SOF, corporate or other civilian environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Regardless of the specific SOF unit, (US Army Special
Forces, Rangers, US Navy SEALS, Marine Special Operations, Special Mission
Units and Others) there exists a highly developed program that assesses, trains
and produces individuals capable of carrying out that unit’s mission in most
any environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, the individuals
that comprise these teams, on any given day, are significantly more prepared to
adapt to unexpected challenges than most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, these individuals are among the most innovative and capable
problem solvers, thinkers and “doers” found anywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Individuals and teams in the SOF world have a
level of “trust among peers” that is unique, highly valued and extremely
durable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trust I reference here
results from the knowledge that your teammates at every level have been through
a significant testing process, and they have passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have proven that they possess “all conditions
dependability”, or very close to it, and have demonstrated an above average
ability to communicate, think, move, drive, shoot, fight, lead, follow,
organize, you get the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
what it is, they are pretty good at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They train hard, take risks, laugh at challenges and stay focused on the
right objectives, most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
can be counted on to do “whatever it takes” to accomplish their mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will give “100% and then some”; endure
cold, heat, thirst, hunger, physical pain, uncertainty and threat of death or
great bodily harm to achieve their objectives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They all believe in their chosen profession, and take pride in knowing
that their contributions often go unseen and nearly always misunderstood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most civilian companies that I have worked for,
(and there have been a few), and most that my close friends have worked for,
fail miserably where “assessing and training” their employees are
concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The phrase “thrown to the
wolves” is the norm in most corporations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is true for entry level jobs, mid-level management and executive
positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Civilian corporations want #2, but have no idea
how to get it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">On any given day, someone who is a part of a team that I
described in #1 possesses superior mental tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are highly aware of themselves, their
surroundings and their team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
mentally strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have unbelievable
focus and finally, their perspective is highly developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">These
traits are sometimes also found in other areas, specifically teams of elite
outdoor guides (ex: Exum Mountain Guides) and other extreme athletes often possess
very similar mental capabilities.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These four components (awareness, strength, focus and
perspective) make up what I refer to as the “mental performance pipeline” and
with practice and training are available to anyone, anywhere at any time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Awareness</b>-
SOF operators possess highly advanced personal and situational awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your awareness is tested in selection, an
environment where you are constantly observed by instructors who take their
jobs very seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A simple mistake or
oversight by a hopeful Green Beret or SEAL can result in a “no go” during any
portion of the training pipeline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
selection, new graduates enter the supercharged environment where elite teams
train and prepare for daring and dangerous operations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Training for these types of missions is in
itself dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shooting in close
proximity to your friends, jumping out of planes, swimming at night with heavy
gear, protecting VIP’s, driving big off road trucks through the mountains in
total darkness are all dangerous activities that result in unfortunate
accidents and even deaths each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
learn early and quickly to pay attention in training and your situational
awareness is honed to a sharp edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, living and working in high threat areas and executing combat
operations puts you and your team in the sights of highly motivated and creative
enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On any given day, lack of
awareness by a single individual can result in catastrophic failure for the
entire team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How can you develop this type of awareness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is by conducting your own personal
assessment and training program. There are many great tools in the civilian
world to assess your individual personality type and identify your mental
strengths and weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s critical
to keep an open and honest approach when assessing your personality type.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about who you really are, not who you
would like to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is “Phase
I”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need a solid foundation of
awareness, and it starts with an accurate self- assessment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During a senior year Management course at
Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, we devoted nearly an
entire semester to studying and analyzing assessment and personality profiles
tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was personally able to try out
many different types of personality and mental assessments tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something to learn from most of the
reputable products on the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
classic product is the Meyers Briggs type indicator that assigns a letter code
(explained by a detailed matrix) to each individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many are available online and are quick and
easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does the SOF selection
process look for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Integrity,
selflessness, team work and above average powers of deduction, to name a
few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strength</b>-
the SOF world is filled with challenges at every turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individual, team and organizational
challenges exist, are often daunting and always require a positive mental
attitude to ensure a successful outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In this world, there are no points for second place and the phrase “pays
to be a winner” is taught from the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The most important type of strength is the mental strength that mature
SOF operators possess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overcoming
challenges develops mental strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Long rucks, early mornings, cold, heat, night jumps and repeated
deployments cause a forging of the mind and a certain type of mental toughness
to occur that becomes an individual warrior’s greatest weapon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you develop this type of strength?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to challenge yourself with tough
goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Training never ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Face your fears and train to improve your
weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you afraid of
heights?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go skydiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lack confidence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Run half a dozen obstacle course races and
make yourself speak in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
physically out of shape?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find a good
local cross fit box and a community of supportive peers or better yet, check
out Mountain Athlete. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take an advanced
shooting course at ACADEMI or, after you have done all of those, and think you
are ready, sign up for an <a href="https://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/operations.html" target="_blank">AOG Teton Operator Course</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mental forging that occurs by overcoming
challenges is powerful. You will be better equipped to deal with everyday problems
and stressors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Training never ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you choose, do a lot of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repetition is key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change up your training, diversity is
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping setting bigger goals
for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You peers will notice the
difference and will see you as a leader, even though they won’t be able to
exactly understand what is different about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Find your arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Focus</b>-
Awareness and Focus often increase simultaneously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Focus often means the difference between
success and failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have come to understand
and teach the optimal approach to understanding focus by thinking of three
different, overlapping and often competing missions that must be kept in
balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are your individual, team
and organizational mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First is
your individual mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your
personal goals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In combat, they are
pretty straightforward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep yourself
and your teammates safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second is your
team’s mission?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your small unit
objectives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, in combat these are
usually pretty clear, communicated down from a higher chain of command and
normally achievable based on precedence, training and expected outcomes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Third is your organization’s mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Organizational missions are strategic in
nature, sometimes more difficult to understand (best case) or completely misunderstood
(often) by the individuals and teams comprising the organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best approach is to understand where the
territorial boundaries are for each “mission circle”, when you are crossing the
boundaries and especially, which circle is the most critical one to address at
any time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s rare that all three are
in sync, but military organizations and objectives most often come closer to
achieving balance between the three than most civilian organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Accept the reality that in the civilian world,
these three mission circles will usually be out of sync, but hopefully not all
three at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though your job
will not be fun or always uplifting, keep in mind that your job is fulfilling
an individual objective for your personal mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether that is providing for yourself or
your family, acting as a launching pad for another opportunity or challenging
you to grow as a leader, your individual mission is important in the work you
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your team’s mission circle, the
second type, will have many ups and downs and will be among the most unstable
of the three, in the civilian world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Poor communication, lack of peer trust, high turnover, insufficient
training all contribute to sometimes negative small team mission circles in
many corporate environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(All the
more important to have certainty in your personal mission circle).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the modern economic environment most
companies are dealing with more uncertainty than ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t expect that your organization will
always be able to communicate the master mission statement, or describe the
path to success for your company to accomplish its mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accept it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strive to lead by example and develop your version of a roadmap to
organizational success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your chain of
command fails to give you the proper training, guidance or support, then prove
you are capable of succeeding in any environment, use “SOF Focus” to lead
yourself and your team through the chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can always find one thing to do, one task, one objective that your
boss, or your boss’s boss will approve of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are no excuses. You must find or create a way to help your
organization achieve its mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will
you always, or ever, be recognized?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will your peers, family or
friends understand how your sacrifices or creativity contributed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hardly ever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But drive on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the
reasons why.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Perspective</b>-
More than anything else, keeping perspective will help you stay emotionally
balanced and healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your awareness
means that you are thinking ahead and setting yourself up for success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your strength means that you will endure the
hard times with greater resiliency than your peers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be seen as a leader, and relied on
during periods of chaos or uncertainty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your focus will ensure that you achieve the right goals, keeping the
three mission circles in balance, and courageously forging a path ahead when
others are wandering aimlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSUJG7U2H79U9RUZRCLck7D8Dc56zLo4LVXr6M2Snzr2wGRcE9RBzVeM008MJHm7WEOpEM-Cl4o05UNJi8hq1vwCRliZcdSXO6SuxCKlToFkm__fcdD_ZUxhirrY712QErucHLBf5nIJV/s1600/Brad%2520Christain%2520owner%2520AOG-f3d3997c%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSUJG7U2H79U9RUZRCLck7D8Dc56zLo4LVXr6M2Snzr2wGRcE9RBzVeM008MJHm7WEOpEM-Cl4o05UNJi8hq1vwCRliZcdSXO6SuxCKlToFkm__fcdD_ZUxhirrY712QErucHLBf5nIJV/s1600/Brad%2520Christain%2520owner%2520AOG-f3d3997c%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brad Christian is the founder of Adventure Operations Group,
a company dedicated to improving individual and team performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brad and the entire AOG team draw upon
diverse backgrounds and benefit from a balance of critical operational and
corporate leadership experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The AOG
team creates custom individual courses, specialized team assessment programs
and epic guided experiences designed to develop a “Beyond Normal Limits”
mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/contact.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Contact AOG</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> today for a confidential consultation
or visit our website to learn more about our </span><a href="https://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/solutions.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">custom corporate consulting services</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">www.adventureoperationsgroup.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-75219982248400838162014-03-12T22:50:00.002-04:002014-03-25T23:10:24.943-04:00Small groups, heavy loads<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Character is forged and awesome things happen to those that
volunteer for hard missions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving thru
rough country day after day with a heavy load, a few friends and the remnants
of a plan is a “great day”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When your
team is en route to a rally point that will require you to rise above the pain,
hunger, confusion and fear that you all feel, to complete a difficult job is simply
the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that you have miles
left to go, and a job to do when you get there, and then miles left to get out,
is an awesome feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffering like
this is a privilege and one that you have fought for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s joins you with a proud legacy of those
that went Beyond Normal Limits long before your time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s commando to move fast on foot day after
day with a ruck so heavy you can barely put it on by yourself, or by truck,
boat or horse and know that you still own the night, and can pass right through
someone else’s AO. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s you and your
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most sane people stopped long ago,
but you’re still out there- struggling along rough trails, fighting your way
through a jungle, climbing to great heights on remote mountains, you push on
with a team. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You put the pain out of
your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You thrive in the chaos and
know that it’s your advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
maintain 100% accountability and security all the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The objective is far in
front of you, way beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You catch an
encouraging look from a teammate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
subtle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A barely perceptible nod and a
quick flash of a smile that says, “Keep pushing brother, I’ll see you on the
other side”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are in it all the way to the finish, no
matter what. You left normal a long time ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you get there, you know it
was worth it. You know that no one else will understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why did you do it”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t even bother to answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-40839190135849049162014-02-17T16:04:00.002-05:002014-02-17T16:04:22.382-05:00Corporate survival- Part 2What can you do to survive if you find yourself as a leader a part of a schizophrenic team or company?<br />
<br />
1) Stay focused. When leaders and motivated individuals, especially former SOF operators and Veterans find themselves on dysfunctional teams it can lead to epic frustration. If approached correctly however, there are valuable personal and professional lessons to be gained. Focus on your individual mission, your team's core capabilities and ensuring quality output continues (within your sphere of influence). Just like in military selection courses, your personal growth and development will increase exponentially during periods of extreme corporate hardship, and you will be refining your leadership skills to help guide a future team or organization through a similar challenge. Setting the example for others to follow is NEVER a bad personal strategy.<br />
<br />
2) Keep the Type A in check- If you find yourself swimming against the current, or fighting an irreversible trend, don't make your personal situation any worse by drawing attention to your obvious disgust with the situation, or by inwardly thinking of "them" as the enemy. Now is the time to fade into the grey, and adopt a lower profile with respect to any open forums or group meetings. Now is also the time to increase your observation to ensure your situational awareness is at max zoom. There are numerous lessons to be learned, so make sure you observe as much as you can and take lots of notes, especially when the negative feelings and emotions are strongest as these are likely the most important "what not to do" moments.<br />
<br />
3) Proficiency- Many former SOF operators struggle with the proficiency, or lack thereof from among their peers in the corporate world. After a career of mastering advanced individual skills, adapting to numerous environments, performing elite tasks in unthinkable conditions and enjoying the camaraderie of an elite team lifestyle, many former SOF and Veterans have difficulty assimilating into a corporate culture that often rewards the very opposite traits of their former professions. It's rare in corporate America to find the level of accountability that SOF warriors are accustomed to. Often times, individuals in companies can get away with poor communication, incomplete assignments, lack of diligence and disruptive behavior. The effects on veterans can be devastating. Rather than allow a dysfunctional reality to corrupt your <em>positive mental attitude</em>, think of soft resistance techniques and create individual proficiency standards for yourself. For me, my focus is on email communications. I hate long drawn out email conversations, arguments or worse, the wrong outcomes when employees don't understand the intent of my email. I continually assess myself on how effective and complete my emails are. Additionally, I hold myself to a high standard of accountability and ensure that I "own" outcomes, both those above and below me. These areas are my personal proficiency checks that keep me focused on maintaining a high standard. Now if I can just remember to sign my time sheet.....<br />
<br />
Remember, when you make the transition to the corporate battlefield, it's not if, but when you will find yourself in an unfamiliar environment where things are screwed up and not as they should be. Most companies and teams are understaffed and running super lean, many are reacting to uncertainty about the economy or the competition and all of them are trying to increase profit. <br />
<br />
Don't underestimate the difficulties of thriving in the private sector as a corporate warrior, it can be done but it takes deliberate action and a disciplined approach. For former SOF operators and Veterans or any highly motivated individual, remember the steps to surviving the difficult times are to stay focused, keep the attitude in check, maintain YOUR proficiency and be an example for your team.<br />
<br />
Out,<br />
<br />
B-rad<br />
Beyond Normal Limits<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP</a><br />
<br />
AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-38041035492965582622014-02-16T11:19:00.000-05:002014-03-25T23:09:20.908-04:00Corporate survival- part 1<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A good friend of mine is a former SOF Operator turned corporate warrior. We were recently chatting about his career and his company and his strategy for surviving an especially challenging corporate environment. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am always interested in how former highly trained, combat proven, energetic SOF warriors make the transition into corporate life, and how they in turn handle the challenges and uncertainties that so many companies are currently dealing with. I'm equally amazed at how effectively the SOF mindset can de-construct a problem (mission), create a clear path to success (plan) and ensure with 100% certainty that they achieve the objective (execute).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He shared with me the story of his company, a struggling, mid-sized logistics firm based in a major west coast city. The company's recent history had been an unfortunate one of multiple management shakeups, a few minor scandals, declining stock value, high employee turnover, and a recent merger that now placed the company within a much larger structure of a portfolio management group that was focused on one thing, growth. The company faced an uncertain market place, shifting economic realities and competition from smaller aggressive companies as well as larger competitors. The firm had been unable to gain new clients, and was in danger of losing more market share if they couldn't improve performance. My friend, no stranger to hard challenges, had recently joined the company, excited by the opportunity to have an impact by helping the organization grow it's current business and expand into new AO's (markets or vertical channels). As a junior executive he had inherited a business unit that was vital to the overall organization and was responsible for leading a team that had a long history of success, but was also struggling to maintain their performance metrics while achieving aggressive new goals. (sound familiar?) Many business leaders I speak with share the same story.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After a year at the company, he called me to give me a short SITREP of the situation, and to discuss some options for how to move forward. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The company was struggling, he said, with everything, but especially the simple things. It was plagued with sluggishness, and there was angst, dysfunction and even anger within every level of the organization over confusion related to marketing and social media, sales, core capabilities and strategy. He observed morale, cohesion and focus at the company to be dangerously low. The situation was exacerbated, he said, by misplaced and inexperienced mid-level and senior leadership who lacked understanding of the company's potential, or the ability to communicate the company's value to potential clients. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I laughed, "You just described half of the organizations in existence didn't you"? He assured me it was no laughing matter, and we continued on with the de-brief. His understanding of the situation (warrior's situational awareness) was keen and expected from someone who had survived multiple combat deployments and high risk missions but was also educated with business experience. Though far from the only former veteran at the company, he was perhaps one of the few from the SOF world, and by his own assessment was one of a very small group of individuals who "got it" at the company. That mindset is obviously consistent with Type A's who have a history of high achievement and while his frustration was evident, he was also aware that to keep his wits about him, and his objectivity he needed to monitor his frustration level and stay focused on forward progress.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We summed up the overall issues over many cups of coffee, and extracted the core challenges as he saw them:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1) The company could not define it's value or mission to it's employees, clients or shareholders any longer- Organizations have to be able to clearly communicate their mission to the world. Employees and clients both have to understand what the company's purpose and value are, so that they can, in their respective ways make the correct decisions and achieve the desired results. The value message is directly linked to cohesion and growth. Employees at every level have to understand the strategic mission, team mission and their individual mission or the company will be mired in the mud.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2) The company would not advance or grow until there was functional cohesion and unity in thought over the simple things. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I told him I thought the company sounded schizophrenic. He agreed. In true SOF fashion, he was determined and focused on finding solutions and creating impact to reverse trend. In short, he was focused on winning. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I left amazed at his determination, dedication and his well thought out strategy to start with his team, master the basics, lead by example, think three steps ahead, know his environment and create multiple options. He had SOF focus. He was not going to quit. He was up against perhaps his greatest challenge, the most difficult mission, deep behind enemy lines, and had a smile on his face as if to say, "Just another day in the office". </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wondered if his company had any idea how lucky they were to have him. I wonder how many others are out there? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>In Corporate survival Part 2</strong>- we will look at three practical steps you can take to ensure your success and survival as a leader if you find yourself in a similar circumstance.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">B-rad</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"<strong>BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS</strong>"</span></div>
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<br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-16757055834391505812014-01-21T06:51:00.001-05:002014-01-21T06:51:01.478-05:00Performance- Cold Weather Bug Out Rucking <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>WHAT:</strong> 11 mile cold weather ruck</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>WHY:</strong>- To test optimal load out and layering system for thermal regulation (prevent overheating) while rucking in cold weather</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>HEADSPACE</strong>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Bug out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>72 hours,
get from point A to point B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds
simple enough, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, maybe, but I
don’t know, and I’m not the type of guy to leave things to chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While planning a 72 hour bug out exercise
would be great (stand by for the announcement if you want to participate!!) a
more practical method is to break down portions of it into smaller digestible
chunks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that in mind, the actual
movement is always something that I’m trying to improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are things that will be variables, like
overall circumstances (natural disaster, car broke down in the back country,
terrain, etc.) some things will be consistent, like my ability to carry 30-40
lbs across flat ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is my
baseline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The variable that I was fortunate
enough to include was weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend
and I, both with 30-40 pound packs, decided to do a flat ground movement in
reasonably cold weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The starting
temperature was right around 30 degrees, and our ending temperature was around
38 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While not EXTREMELY cold, it
was a good temperature to see how well we could regulate temperature while
moving at a reasonable pace for a distance of about 11 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kept a pace of about 15 minute miles, the
standard for infantry ruck marching.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
On several other movements over the last few months I’ve
found that proper layering while exerting effort (moving quickly over varied
terrain) caused me to overheat, sweat, and then have a hard time warming back
up once I stopped moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The short
answer is I was dressing too warm for the temperature and effort I was
expending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this movement I didn’t
wear any base layer on my bottom half, and only 2 layers on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prescribe to the 3 W’s (wicking, warmth,
weather) and with no chance of precipitation, I dressed light enough that if I
were standing still I’d be cold, but moving would keep me comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My layers consisted of Smartwool PHD medium
weight socks with Salomon Comet boots, Kuhl Raptr pants, an Icebreaker GT 200
performance top, Westcomb Ozone hoodie, Patagonia capilene beanie, Outdoor
Research gloves, and the pack was a Gregory Savant 48.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gloves and hood over my head were not
used after about 2 miles.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last time I did the same move (fall of last year) I was
completely drenched in sweat, including my boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After this move I stripped off the Icebreaker
top, put on a Tshirt, and walked into work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was able to keep my core temperature to a reasonable level, establish
a baseline for moving a certain distance over a certain time, and give myself
confidence in my ability to move over a reasonable distance and still be able
to perform any task I might need to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt like I did a much better job of regulating my body temperature,
allowing me to keep functioning throughout the day, as well as avoid risk of
hypothermia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last thing I want to do
is find myself in a very cold environment, with minimal gear and equipment,
soaking wet from perspiration, and have to bed down or stay static.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
While most everyone reading this will have some level of
physical and equipment preparation, I encourage all of you to test yourself and
your gear, know what you can and can’t do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life’s emergencies are unforgiving to those that only speculate and
assume.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">-<strong>Josh</strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWI7MCAyZZOeZ5v4ISYM3hYAoY8KIRcCTCpEyeCtCro0PIkkDquzz8weg7zYXqxWb581Q49sb_foX9IkGn8kidvuteWTIdKsvOO_c1qNgybQiK5G3gCsVKgQsKYvDz3Yv5rGKuVJSycWTE/s1600/Osprey-pack--BNL-v1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWI7MCAyZZOeZ5v4ISYM3hYAoY8KIRcCTCpEyeCtCro0PIkkDquzz8weg7zYXqxWb581Q49sb_foX9IkGn8kidvuteWTIdKsvOO_c1qNgybQiK5G3gCsVKgQsKYvDz3Yv5rGKuVJSycWTE/s1600/Osprey-pack--BNL-v1.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>THE GEAR</strong>-</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">B-rad </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Layering- For upper layers I wore an Arc Teryx Ether Crew (long sleeve) for my base layer, with a synthetic Mountain Hardware T-shirt (short sleeve) over top for a 2nd layer. On top of that I started out with an Arc Teryx Atom LT (lightweight insulated jacket). For pants I wore Arc Teryx soft shell tactical pants (Bravo) with no base layer. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feet- XA Pro 3D ultra/ mid-weight Smartwool PhD socks </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head- Arc Teryx RHO lightweight beanie</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands- Arc Teryx Venta LT gloves</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pack- Osprey Kestrel 48 with 38 lbs. (including water)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Josh</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Layering- Josh wore an Ice Breaker GT 200 performance top (base layer) with a Westcomb Ozone Hoodie (lightweight performance fleece top made with Polartec Power stretch pro). His pants were Kuhl Raptr (performance stretch nylon pant) and he also wore no base layer.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feet- Salomon comets/ Smartwool PhD socks</span></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head- Patagonia Capilene Beanie</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands- OR storm sensor gloves</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pack- Gregory Savant 48 with 38 lbs. (including water)</span></li>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE WEATHER</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday January 18, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moyock, NC</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0603-
31 Degrees (F), Clear, Winds- Calm, 94% humidity</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0703- 32 Degrees (F), Clear, Winds- Calm, 96% humidity</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0805- 33 Degrees (F), Sunny, Winds- 5mph, 95% humidity</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">0904- 39 Degrees (F), Sunny, Winds- Calm, 94% humidity</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Train</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you not currently serving in a combat arms or SOF unit, or working as a professional outdoor guide, it may be safe to assume that you don't regularly throw a pack on and walk 11 miles at high performance pace. Most people reading this however, may routinely find themselves somewhere, doing something that will either require moving with a pack or having to walk out if things don't go as planned (hunting, hiking, back country travel, ETC) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've ever wondered about the basics of cold weather movement like how to layer, how much weight should you plan for or how fast to move, the standards described above are a good goal to achieve. I've done a substantial amount of rucking, with heavy and light loads, moving fast, in virtually every environment on the planet, and consider the above weight, layer and pace combination to be near optimal for cold weather movement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>B-rad</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">www.adventureoperationsgroup.com</a></div>
AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-80384300137767642562013-11-22T07:15:00.001-05:002013-11-22T07:15:58.212-05:00AOG Teton Mission Part 3- The Mountain<div align="center">
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Who: Brad, Sean, Mark, Brenton and Coach Rob<br />
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What: Adventure Operations Group- 4 Day Teton Operator Course (Summer)<br />
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Where: Jackson, WY; Teton National Park and other"off grid" spots<br />
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When: August 7-12, 2013<br />
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Why: Fast and light mountain ops and a big final mission<br />
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<em>This course will advance the performance and push the limits of motivated individuals and teams. You are trained by AOG and Exum Guides in leadership, mountain survival, tactical shooting and alpine climbing. The training is preparation for a big final mission, an epic test of mountaineering skill and endurance requiring total focus and team commitment. </em><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>“The Teton Operator course reminded me that with training,
focus and teamwork any mission is possible.” Brenton Reagan </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“<strong><em>There are few times in your life when you are in a
situation that is the absolute edge of your comfort zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having been through a couple already, I knew
before we began the climb up the upper Exum Ridge that I was putting myself
into one again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all the desire I had
to attain the summit via that route, my fear of heights had to be overcome for
the sake of the team’s success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving
through the wall street section and beyond was one of those pivotal moments
that literally made me a stronger person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I left the Teton Mission more prepared for not only future adventures in
the natural world, but better prepared to conquer challenges at work with the
same determination and techniques for success...focus, positive mental outlook
and absolute confidence in the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
AOG week truly reinforced those things everyday, in every event we executed
with best in class leaders and other team members who don’t settle for anything
less than giving it all.”<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em>
</em></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Sean</em></strong> </span></div>
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The Final Mission: Grand Teton<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqULyxa7CpLQrZndIoOIBizn1m3nZcAJTkePsuNjMNnh0xPvEvg7LssCuWvyClpOR_ZoTAb_-Y6zdCIdi6KkbsiSn3tyrRax3WqFOYtworaBRce8UWTnPiY47BMTAaEL56On_X0OUzYMOg/s1600/DSC_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqULyxa7CpLQrZndIoOIBizn1m3nZcAJTkePsuNjMNnh0xPvEvg7LssCuWvyClpOR_ZoTAb_-Y6zdCIdi6KkbsiSn3tyrRax3WqFOYtworaBRce8UWTnPiY47BMTAaEL56On_X0OUzYMOg/s320/DSC_3058.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<strong>Day 4:</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">0100 came too fast. Coffee did little to knock the fatigue from us after our team had pushed hard for the three previous days. We were in the car and driving to the Exum office at 0130. We rallied with Brenton, divided up more gear and headed out for the Lupine Meadows trail head parking lot. We were on the move at 0230.</span></div>
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Alpine start<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There was little talk as we moved out at a quick pace, each one following the head lamp in front of the other. The trail was wide and easy at the start, but it was hard not to think about the 7000 ft of vertical gain that lay in front of us.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aHLMxrTzm3ANJKVZ0jVmKJwt9jfwiJ3w9YOmG_6hmADNYkM8eZvhvLV-506aMdQyJZcwaCyEyyZbGU5DaqhR8QPAF4XPFcd917apwA6g09zGHKFBU7_DXEprcdKKfeGs7p_YVAr-iXNG/s1600/DSC_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aHLMxrTzm3ANJKVZ0jVmKJwt9jfwiJ3w9YOmG_6hmADNYkM8eZvhvLV-506aMdQyJZcwaCyEyyZbGU5DaqhR8QPAF4XPFcd917apwA6g09zGHKFBU7_DXEprcdKKfeGs7p_YVAr-iXNG/s320/DSC_3424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water refill, eat GU, move out<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We continued marching through the darkness. After too many switchbacks to count, we turned west and entered Garnet Canyon. The sound of the alpine stream was lout as the trail carried us close to the water before entering a large boulder garden. We moved quickly through the boulder garden, but heeded Brenton's advice to "not fall in here".</span></span> </span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPkqd7V7cm7_y6MmamUA4h0KvMqdrbPx-79-0jQRSScUaZBj65bqFENym7k8bFFrEHjWXgo769KP6nFNbILFYuUc1bvZfwcB6pW13hh7L2_VjkxLieidINnb-AvEs89238KJ7w8ukoikE/s1600/DSC_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPkqd7V7cm7_y6MmamUA4h0KvMqdrbPx-79-0jQRSScUaZBj65bqFENym7k8bFFrEHjWXgo769KP6nFNbILFYuUc1bvZfwcB6pW13hh7L2_VjkxLieidINnb-AvEs89238KJ7w8ukoikE/s400/DSC_3426.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As dawn approached, Brenton halted our team and pointed for us to look over our shoulders. We turned and saw the valley stretching out below us, and the Snake River beyond that. We were just over 10,000ft and our first view in the early light was spectacular.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OQowDmbLEg9WKt2Y1gMEz4IAPfd5mViZgXyQoXtja7VVs-K9sh5lWVQ9mKcEsMvIsTuMJ2Y2Wv_GxV4GIvtsPJUPyvOy5XEmb_yzwuhGx-3A-5q_0NVMNhq4o0uc0rNG3psL_HCdf4dZ/s1600/first-light.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OQowDmbLEg9WKt2Y1gMEz4IAPfd5mViZgXyQoXtja7VVs-K9sh5lWVQ9mKcEsMvIsTuMJ2Y2Wv_GxV4GIvtsPJUPyvOy5XEmb_yzwuhGx-3A-5q_0NVMNhq4o0uc0rNG3psL_HCdf4dZ/s320/first-light.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First light at 10,000 ft<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aHLMxrTzm3ANJKVZ0jVmKJwt9jfwiJ3w9YOmG_6hmADNYkM8eZvhvLV-506aMdQyJZcwaCyEyyZbGU5DaqhR8QPAF4XPFcd917apwA6g09zGHKFBU7_DXEprcdKKfeGs7p_YVAr-iXNG/s1600/DSC_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We continued on and negotiated the fixed ropes section successfully. Soon we were
approaching the Exum Hut.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPkqd7V7cm7_y6MmamUA4h0KvMqdrbPx-79-0jQRSScUaZBj65bqFENym7k8bFFrEHjWXgo769KP6nFNbILFYuUc1bvZfwcB6pW13hh7L2_VjkxLieidINnb-AvEs89238KJ7w8ukoikE/s1600/DSC_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDTvijded4QEtpXPWgBZ5BtopjcfWj6ydwI2NhRThr0fSahFKrPgyIV4K2e1uxQI9kjdyFbP_Go9KjfxaFLrTIRWa7b6eZjPcpiu24wqmr50sEHo0l7A4zRAvaxWFmSGSxsQlJqasmqEM/s1600/DSC_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDTvijded4QEtpXPWgBZ5BtopjcfWj6ydwI2NhRThr0fSahFKrPgyIV4K2e1uxQI9kjdyFbP_Go9KjfxaFLrTIRWa7b6eZjPcpiu24wqmr50sEHo0l7A4zRAvaxWFmSGSxsQlJqasmqEM/s320/DSC_3455.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>"<em>Since this was a one day summit, and we had a team of four Brenton kept us on a tight schedule at the Hut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate, repacked kit and put on our gear at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This felt just like other missions I had been on where small teams move fast and light following tight schedules on their way to accomplish something awesome, while most people are still sleeping". Brad</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr1uDZksDBx7vKzpiqGHucWpGKNIZxbWNUEfEdjfHdOBe6wLbq-blvNPvz1bRBMkzuMY3K-it7AXStmD638dKLAsF92loQ-z47sloO7rlQHZq3miqqA5drngAAV4V1Uvo1ufCRbwO09b6/s1600/DSC_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr1uDZksDBx7vKzpiqGHucWpGKNIZxbWNUEfEdjfHdOBe6wLbq-blvNPvz1bRBMkzuMY3K-it7AXStmD638dKLAsF92loQ-z47sloO7rlQHZq3miqqA5drngAAV4V1Uvo1ufCRbwO09b6/s400/DSC_3439.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning up high</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was fun to watch Mark, who had only rock
climbed the first time 2 days prior, climb through exposed sections and ledges (Wall Street), and witness the exhilaration of a first time climber overcoming an
alpine problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMyzXqFw5k3kmRGHeu9fWFtH4bGf9gRlNLDHjY11MT3jTnl9rItRtffOrBtucRjMVxbGSkfjgXuU8HyEFy8iT-GtP6TEYAEATBCzY9l-k1YhMjD38Zvluv5HzJ8cKzq7ZVjFxDoUyN7Cy/s1600/DSC_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMyzXqFw5k3kmRGHeu9fWFtH4bGf9gRlNLDHjY11MT3jTnl9rItRtffOrBtucRjMVxbGSkfjgXuU8HyEFy8iT-GtP6TEYAEATBCzY9l-k1YhMjD38Zvluv5HzJ8cKzq7ZVjFxDoUyN7Cy/s320/DSC_3442.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark the climber<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><em>“Fear is the biggest enemy of finding
your true capabilities, Faith, and Trust are the biggest enemy of Fear!” Mark</em></strong>
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">We made it past Wall Street,
and up the Golden Staircase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed
as a group, short roping and using body and terrain belays where we could, and
moving together like a team of seasoned operators that had been working
together for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving as a roped up
team of four, everyone on the team was an active member of making the summit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brenton would lead a pitch, establish the
anchor site and start off on the next pitch once Sean and arrived and assume
belay for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved like this over
most of the upper Exum Ridge.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxuDP4Y41E84clcjDsAG3lnKbG8G7dUADoxHthro0lRSNZkvEwCD3FqT6MwFcfe_mzWW3NYyfaXCBDYDYH3rSVv81iDxszB3GEPp4O-_TvHs40WODYb8co6u-T3m7ldSkOG3rb49dtn4y/s1600/climbing-pic.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxuDP4Y41E84clcjDsAG3lnKbG8G7dUADoxHthro0lRSNZkvEwCD3FqT6MwFcfe_mzWW3NYyfaXCBDYDYH3rSVv81iDxszB3GEPp4O-_TvHs40WODYb8co6u-T3m7ldSkOG3rb49dtn4y/s400/climbing-pic.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Exum Ridge route is one of North America's classic mountaineering routes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkag7R3i3Sp5fq_dQPoKBlflfDwOTnqvcjq-eYJJFze6bhYeRBqqC_cLUfM3-AlQpiBWF4Z_5mWq8UUF_YW2FAMaU0wRk2EJauzGa0GcVhyphenhyphenlhK-919J7n__eL3iF9XHP_yxyAnoJ3UYjsw/s1600/Brad-ledge.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkag7R3i3Sp5fq_dQPoKBlflfDwOTnqvcjq-eYJJFze6bhYeRBqqC_cLUfM3-AlQpiBWF4Z_5mWq8UUF_YW2FAMaU0wRk2EJauzGa0GcVhyphenhyphenlhK-919J7n__eL3iF9XHP_yxyAnoJ3UYjsw/s400/Brad-ledge.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearing the end of the final
pitch, Brenton motioned for me to move to the side, and we made a gap for Mark
and Sean to pass between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark was
the first of our group to step onto the summit, with Sean following close
behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our summit was spectacular, and
our team was relieved to be there, having pushed hard all morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyfX4jDcITC-fyHNhxXYC3Ca_DiNi5LWyiRs6RAmSstvt1tDmSb7uvwKWF8bnzquyZzJORSKb4iDuj8AlHUYu6OPuOWODrryOBL3_YA6qCMNvRhgJQ0uhyd31n47eFkQMkplhMjhEpt0d/s1600/summit-shot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyfX4jDcITC-fyHNhxXYC3Ca_DiNi5LWyiRs6RAmSstvt1tDmSb7uvwKWF8bnzquyZzJORSKb4iDuj8AlHUYu6OPuOWODrryOBL3_YA6qCMNvRhgJQ0uhyd31n47eFkQMkplhMjhEpt0d/s320/summit-shot.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of the Grand Teton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNWLlWbYTFvveCA772gu6Q3aTz52dS1ARc5lHFuJcFBWggp9ns067hEPAtD25BmCfZxN7jBW2rCic3mFk-upnmhxK3ztiIelYau1tBti_1USWPmK1Eq_po6MCFE3v6ZvNFKWO2gUMF1QO/s1600/Brad-and-sean.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNWLlWbYTFvveCA772gu6Q3aTz52dS1ARc5lHFuJcFBWggp9ns067hEPAtD25BmCfZxN7jBW2rCic3mFk-upnmhxK3ztiIelYau1tBti_1USWPmK1Eq_po6MCFE3v6ZvNFKWO2gUMF1QO/s320/Brad-and-sean.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad & Sean</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkag7R3i3Sp5fq_dQPoKBlflfDwOTnqvcjq-eYJJFze6bhYeRBqqC_cLUfM3-AlQpiBWF4Z_5mWq8UUF_YW2FAMaU0wRk2EJauzGa0GcVhyphenhyphenlhK-919J7n__eL3iF9XHP_yxyAnoJ3UYjsw/s1600/Brad-ledge.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short break on the way down</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzes3wrINaNEF1PXJ8Taq9rswmlFZheW34m6qxmmGOXDxHDQUj72tTYG82ix3deV2bqd86u2NdGNumx57bse39PVQjd3NkqbllOWUzJFGUobP3tuyOoO6vIUyHAlo5iWN-360X6GaVZ6E/s1600/DSC_3541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the Exum Hut</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a quick lunch, we left the saddle and
began the hike down back through Garnet Canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
The summit was awesome, but we still had to get out as a team. The "Exfil" is always one of the most important phases of any operation. We moved </span>fast, but focused on not falling or
getting injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short break during the hike out (Middle Teton in background)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The one day summit of the Grand Teton was a great mission, and an awesome end to the week. Our group had come to Jackson to train hard, move fast and do something big. We spent three days refining skills and achieving high levels of competence in critical topics that you need to know if you are operating in a mountain environment. How to move fast and light, and not get hurt in Alpine terrain. How to pick safe, efficient routes. How to pack. Getting water in the field. How to train like an elite athlete and prepare your body and mind for big missions. How to focus like a SOF operator. How to push through obstacles and open your mind to new environments. How to plan and execute a big mission, as a team. Climbing the Grand Teton is an epic experience, to do it as a group and watch the transformation of individuals into a cohesive Mountain Ops team was awesome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">A big thanks to Brenton and the Exum team, Coach Rob and Mountain Athlete and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Contact <a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP</a> at <a href="mailto:brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com">brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com</a> to learn more and to reserve a spot on a 2014 AOG Teton Mission.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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Jackson, WY (Info)<br />
<a href="http://www.jacksonhole.com/" target="_blank">Jackson Hole Mountain Resort</a> 6311 Ft Elevation. Base Camp for the 2013 AOG Teton Mission. Located 12 miles NW of Jackson, WY. In the winter the resort boasts some of the most advanced in bounds and back country skiing in the world. In the summer, the resort serves as a perfect launching point for multi-sport adventures including: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, paragliding, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wilderness and backcountry travel and family adventures. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton_National_Park" target="_blank">Grand Teton National Park</a> Home to the spectacular and awe inspiring Teton Range. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton" target="_blank">Grand Teton,</a> the highest peak in the range, rises to 13,770 feet. The Tetons are home to some of the most challenging and technical alpine climbing in North America and attract thousands of climbers and back country adventurers each year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.exumguides.com/" target="_blank">Exum Mountain Guides</a> North America's oldest and most prestigious school of mountaineering. Exum has been guiding clients on the Grand Teton for over 80 years. Exum's elite guides offer unmatched instruction, inspire initiative and responsibility and lead their clients through one of a kind mountaineering and climbing adventures as active participants.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">Adventure Operations Group</a> A veteran owned company dedicated to the pursuits of modern adventurers and the human performance lifestyle. AOG offers guided adventures, team missions, coaching, leadership training and instructional programs. Through preparation, elite training and "SOF Focus", AOG leads individuals through transformative missions designed to push the outer limits of personal performance, mindset, teamwork, gear and adventure travel. AOG shares epic experiences along with our clients as we continue to go BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS. Get more out of your self, your team and your next adventure with AOG.<br />
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AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-52859117593251414832013-11-20T07:39:00.001-05:002013-11-20T07:42:33.786-05:00AOG Teton Mission- Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXQdqxygYuwvFgsgSnaboHZDzKupi8kLHDF8sqml0QsDgbaZyS_0TOH2pnG41LFIbXZ3u83bwDhA-Vt-5VUi0cggp7znTyfAEsAVZGW4wSmLInLbI7onKLKddDv6zQbuP3jQRTP8C61Cv/s1600/aog_logo_300%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXQdqxygYuwvFgsgSnaboHZDzKupi8kLHDF8sqml0QsDgbaZyS_0TOH2pnG41LFIbXZ3u83bwDhA-Vt-5VUi0cggp7znTyfAEsAVZGW4wSmLInLbI7onKLKddDv6zQbuP3jQRTP8C61Cv/s1600/aog_logo_300%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div>
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Who: Brad, Sean, Mark, Brenton and Coach Rob<br />
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What: Adventure Operations Group- Teton Operator Course (Summer)<br />
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Where: Jackson, WY; Teton National Park and "off grid" spots<br />
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When: August 7-12, 2013<br />
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Why: Fast and light mountain ops and a big final mission<br />
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<em>This course will advance the performance and push the limits of motivated individuals and teams. You are trained by AOG and Exum Guides in leadership, mountain survival, tactical shooting and alpine climbing. The training is preparation for a big final mission, an epic test of mountaineering skill and endurance requiring total focus and team commitment. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
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Background </div>
Jackson, WY and the surrounding Teton's are the perfect environment for extreme outdoor challenges, advanced multi-sport adventure travel, tactical and survival awareness and human performance training. <br />
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The Mission </div>
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In August 2013 Adventure Operations Group and Brenton Reagan (Exum Mountain Guides) teamed up for 4 days in Jackson, WY. The Teton Operator course is an exclusive offering from AOG and is designed as a multi-day mountain adventure course with a big final team mission. The goal was to push the limits of fast and light alpine movement, mountain survival, leadership, tactical shooting, downhill mountain biking and climbing. We tap into the elite training environment of the Tetons and the warrior mindset to master individual challenges, learn advanced team skills and go "Beyond Normal Limits."<br />
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<strong>Now scheduling for summer 2014 courses. Contact </strong><a href="mailto:brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com"><strong>brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com</strong></a><strong> for more info.</strong><br />
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<strong>Day 3 </strong></div>
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<strong>Day 3</strong></div>
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After a great breakfast in Teton Village, the team departs for our first evolution. Today we would be joining Coach Rob Shaul, owner of Mountain Athlete for a special event. We linked up with Rob at an undisclosed mountain training site for a custom session of his elite "range fitness" training. A large and growing number of Rob's clients are drawn to the military and tactical focused products of Mountain Athlete, known as Military Athlete. Rob has created a custom curriculum designed to replicate the body's physiological reactions to the stresses of combat. Through a series of tailored and timed events, Rob slowly and progressively builds students heart rates, reduces fine motor skills and then leads them through advanced pistol and rifle drills for time. The effects of even minor physical exertion are dramatic and immediately visible as missed shots, missed times and overall inconsistent performance is typically experienced by all. The need for maximum functional fitness is constantly reinforced to all who sign up for Military Athlete courses. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfneGakFSwIoTETYK95wym1L-BWJ8utMEsRkYVnFLCpc21nrXILfmUH8mP0oxUgCNFtCBdeIv3BMqzWv8MgiPl2-GkGnC9G5kwB1O4EU6tMCKwNOVjuKJ6fdtIlf3GDbYqGqarA4pWaWYL/s1600/Brenton-and-Sean.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfneGakFSwIoTETYK95wym1L-BWJ8utMEsRkYVnFLCpc21nrXILfmUH8mP0oxUgCNFtCBdeIv3BMqzWv8MgiPl2-GkGnC9G5kwB1O4EU6tMCKwNOVjuKJ6fdtIlf3GDbYqGqarA4pWaWYL/s400/Brenton-and-Sean.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21KNXYN0NGcmOP3WQ9jYpMzKXf4CCXiDel2IY0KSR7O6SAuvxzolsqixNwZTL9YwC4DLahrd8Ptm92blhyY3o8oSOO2efhszAIXygFoM-AuJzuMoHpCOgxxMIUgdS2Ha-LtPyDUzX0bd-/s1600/Sean-and-Brenton-push-up.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21KNXYN0NGcmOP3WQ9jYpMzKXf4CCXiDel2IY0KSR7O6SAuvxzolsqixNwZTL9YwC4DLahrd8Ptm92blhyY3o8oSOO2efhszAIXygFoM-AuJzuMoHpCOgxxMIUgdS2Ha-LtPyDUzX0bd-/s400/Sean-and-Brenton-push-up.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shot timer, burpees and shooting</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8ovIS7emhvovbIkj4sJjExK1OfebdZTfCkkK6ANAIiY-B76cSYDeJuZ5EHLLXVSwd8tTd2LeYmaUvgJlLrKXTl9kFGSzAgnCQ56OIo565MGIMEXKOSjDQmEeJPTRzR2oXIpynaEwefeC/s1600/brenton-day-3-range.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8ovIS7emhvovbIkj4sJjExK1OfebdZTfCkkK6ANAIiY-B76cSYDeJuZ5EHLLXVSwd8tTd2LeYmaUvgJlLrKXTl9kFGSzAgnCQ56OIo565MGIMEXKOSjDQmEeJPTRzR2oXIpynaEwefeC/s400/brenton-day-3-range.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Focus</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgB8qqJGt2p0WVUSgjBqCK7NM0okKCArQKrGI5RNgV1n-Dsf9JgRSzkXGVmZFzWtwQITP-3ZdFqwOJasd7Bp7O1b7GkcUCUp9Ohqz1Hb7C5y-BQiyCA_1AkHdzH3v6s_RYZkATCgy1uW8/s1600/Rob-and-Brad-shoot-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgB8qqJGt2p0WVUSgjBqCK7NM0okKCArQKrGI5RNgV1n-Dsf9JgRSzkXGVmZFzWtwQITP-3ZdFqwOJasd7Bp7O1b7GkcUCUp9Ohqz1Hb7C5y-BQiyCA_1AkHdzH3v6s_RYZkATCgy1uW8/s400/Rob-and-Brad-shoot-2.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>No mistakes when your up against Coach</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT-2tYAN4DNlcHpoU7o7nFbbtyUYBm56V9L7-CDmKPiZi423TJes3YzephfSVqmc1C3S2_rxh20beLfX0dkDutVeY5_xQ9kX6ISJOMiVDodUV_b0XMfSD5a8ODPj__B6ITfC2WQmrBJ8m/s1600/Rob-and-Brad-shoot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT-2tYAN4DNlcHpoU7o7nFbbtyUYBm56V9L7-CDmKPiZi423TJes3YzephfSVqmc1C3S2_rxh20beLfX0dkDutVeY5_xQ9kX6ISJOMiVDodUV_b0XMfSD5a8ODPj__B6ITfC2WQmrBJ8m/s400/Rob-and-Brad-shoot.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Shot timer pressure</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjOVtT99h3RbiJwqxVkxrgGgHs2hkvGeczTEVGiuao4oCHQbjT1ZTcX89SXVCpheh_QlIuRo3swKd5z-cPnsfmqSK87mYU6NMUBg0lvoAF7F-bUiSdKNoR-bT-ZcHzuNiiiISt9FwWO5i/s1600/DSC_3352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjOVtT99h3RbiJwqxVkxrgGgHs2hkvGeczTEVGiuao4oCHQbjT1ZTcX89SXVCpheh_QlIuRo3swKd5z-cPnsfmqSK87mYU6NMUBg0lvoAF7F-bUiSdKNoR-bT-ZcHzuNiiiISt9FwWO5i/s400/DSC_3352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Fun competition, great training, "Beyond Normal Limits"</strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><em>Fitness for action</em></span></div>
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The range fitness evolution was great fun, but more importantly great training. After a few hours on the range with Coach Rob, it was clear that we all needed more work on our tactical fitness. You can never stop training and improving. The basics should always be your focus, but demonstrating fine motor skills under stress is an important facet of training that was reinforced by our Military Athlete session. </div>
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Today the training was over after our range fitness session and we drove back to Teton Village laughing about who was top shot, who cheated on burpees and who broke rule #1 on the range.</div>
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Our afternoon was spent planning, prepping gear, shopping for food, relaxing and most importantly, thinking about what was in store for us the next day.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHzTHwiInNEv38uApz3B_nmiHgz-6kMdC39kHuVFbEETYbQOqAaL5axk4ovf1PCavGWKvbvcrsGUzYxMeW9UGk1RN_dnWkmyx7uU0Xz435oDrZMqb7ohxiwKLFP929nGX3IGFcezAg_27/s1600/DSC_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHzTHwiInNEv38uApz3B_nmiHgz-6kMdC39kHuVFbEETYbQOqAaL5axk4ovf1PCavGWKvbvcrsGUzYxMeW9UGk1RN_dnWkmyx7uU0Xz435oDrZMqb7ohxiwKLFP929nGX3IGFcezAg_27/s400/DSC_3058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>The final op</strong></td></tr>
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<strong></strong><br />
Jackson, WY (Info)<br />
<a href="http://www.jacksonhole.com/" target="_blank">Jackson Hole Mountain Resort</a> 6311 Ft Elevation. Base Camp for the 2013 AOG Teton Mission. Located 12 miles NW of Jackson, WY. In the winter the resort boasts some of the most advanced in bounds and back country skiing in the world. In the summer, the resort serves as a perfect launching point for multi-sport adventures including: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, paragliding, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wilderness and backcountry travel and family adventures. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton_National_Park" target="_blank">Grand Teton National Park</a> Home to the spectacular and awe inspiring Teton Range. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton" target="_blank">Grand Teton,</a> the highest peak in the range, rises to 13,770 feet. The Tetons are home to some of the most challenging and technical alpine climbing in North America and attract thousands of climbers and back country adventurers each year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.exumguides.com/" target="_blank">Exum Mountain Guides</a> North America's oldest and most prestigious school of mountaineering. Exum has been guiding clients on the Grand Teton for over 80 years. Exum's elite guides offer unmatched instruction, inspire initiative and responsibility and lead their clients through one of a kind mountaineering and climbing adventures as active participants.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">Adventure Operations Group</a> A veteran owned company dedicated to the pursuits of modern adventurers and the human performance lifestyle. AOG offers guided adventures, team missions, coaching, leadership training and instructional programs. Through preparation, elite training and "SOF Focus", AOG leads individuals through trans formative missions designed to push the outer limits of personal performance, mindset, teamwork, gear and adventure travel. AOG shares epic experiences along with our clients as we continue to go BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS. Get more out of your self, your team and your next adventure with AOG.<br />
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Contact <a href="mailto:brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com">brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com</a> for information about scheduling a 2014 AOG Teton Mission.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">www.adventureoperationsgroup.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.adventureoperationsgroup.blogspot.com</a><br />
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AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-11301334283203715792013-11-18T06:56:00.000-05:002013-11-18T06:56:00.212-05:00AOG Teton Mission- Part 1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXQdqxygYuwvFgsgSnaboHZDzKupi8kLHDF8sqml0QsDgbaZyS_0TOH2pnG41LFIbXZ3u83bwDhA-Vt-5VUi0cggp7znTyfAEsAVZGW4wSmLInLbI7onKLKddDv6zQbuP3jQRTP8C61Cv/s1600/aog_logo_300%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXQdqxygYuwvFgsgSnaboHZDzKupi8kLHDF8sqml0QsDgbaZyS_0TOH2pnG41LFIbXZ3u83bwDhA-Vt-5VUi0cggp7znTyfAEsAVZGW4wSmLInLbI7onKLKddDv6zQbuP3jQRTP8C61Cv/s1600/aog_logo_300%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div>
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Who: Brad, Sean, Mark, Brenton and Coach Rob<br />
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What: Adventure Operations Group- Teton Operator Course (Summer)<br />
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Where: Jackson, WY; Teton National Park and "off grid" spots<br />
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When: August 7-12, 2013<br />
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Why: Intense mountain ops course with a big final mission<br />
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<em>This course will advance the performance and push the limits of motivated individuals. You'll be trained by AOG and Exum Guides in leadership, mountain survival, tactical shooting and alpine climbing. The training is preparation for a big final mission, an epic test of mountaineering skill and endurance requiring total focus and team commitment. </em><br />
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Background </div>
Jackson, WY and the surrounding Teton's are the perfect environment for extreme outdoor challenges, advanced multi-sport adventure travel, tactical and survival training.<br />
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The Mission </div>
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In August 2013 Adventure Operations Group and Brenton Reagan (Exum Mountain Guides) teamed up for 4 days in Jackson, WY. The Teton Operator course is an exclusive offering from AOG and is designed as a multi-day mountain adventure course with a big final team mission. The goal was to push the limits of fast and light alpine movement, mountain survival, leadership, tactical shooting, downhill mountain biking and climbing. We tap into the elite training environment of the Tetons and the warrior mindset to master individual challenges, learn advanced team skills and go "Beyond Normal Limits."</div>
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<strong>Now scheduling for summer 2014 courses. Contact </strong><a href="mailto:brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com"><strong>brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com</strong></a><strong> for more info.</strong></div>
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<strong>Day 1 & 2</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fkgs4oWC1fRmkjteOFelXU_4FBmkZEE_8EETZhQ-lJ888gX8FTyj25w_Uvb3iMAONC7sLVrWKFOxjqlrOreydWxSfgn31g56gJRQ42PJfKzq2LvW-6GONN6sXR64dZHCyxFnzE0zrYx6/s1600/DSC_2401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fkgs4oWC1fRmkjteOFelXU_4FBmkZEE_8EETZhQ-lJ888gX8FTyj25w_Uvb3iMAONC7sLVrWKFOxjqlrOreydWxSfgn31g56gJRQ42PJfKzq2LvW-6GONN6sXR64dZHCyxFnzE0zrYx6/s320/DSC_2401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Day 1: 0745- The AOG team meets Brenton Reagan, Senior Guide with Exum at the Gondola in Teton village.</strong></span> <strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">After a short Gondola ride, we're off on the first mission, a Cody Peak run.</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Cody Peak Run</strong><br />
Time: 3 hours<br />
Difficulty: Moderate (fast hiking, running, scrambling)<br />
Gear: Small Pack, lightweight shell, 1 liter water, running shoes, sunglasses<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Cody Peak (10,800)</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">This was a short, fun conditioning session designed to get the team accustomed to moving fast and light at a higher altitude</span></strong></div>
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<em>"The Cody Peak run is a great conditioning event for those not accustomed to moving at altitude. The pace is challenging, but the goal is for all to finish, have fun, try out their gear and to practice some basic alpine movement skills." Brad</em></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fast and light is the rule</span></strong></div>
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<em>From Day 1, the pace of the course is challenging and follows the standards normally reserved for Special Operations and Military mountaineering clients.</em></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">The finer points of maintaining balance and control while down climbing steep terrain</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Downhill Mountain Bike </strong></div>
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Time: 3 hours</div>
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Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced</div>
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Gear: Approach shoes, shorts, t-shirt or base layer shirt, eye protection, small pack (light snack, hydration bladder) Your mountain bike, helmet and body armor will be provided.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kitted up and ready to go big, and fast</span></strong></div>
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<em>"The feeling you get when putting on helmets and armor, adjusting your equipment to fit perfectly and preparing yourself mentally for the "red zone" is familiar to all warriors, regardless of the type of battle one may be preparing for." Brad</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Warrior mindset not included, but highly encouraged</strong></span></div>
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For 3 hours we blasted steep trails, high speed turns and landed big jumps. Downhill Mountain Bikes are meant to be ridden all out. We completed 10 runs on the course before heading back to refuel, change clothes and prep for the next mission.</div>
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<em>"Pushing your limits in new environments is a great way to reset your adaptability and improve leadership skills. AOG's missions call for a higher levels of skill and performance and always go Beyond Normal Limits"</em> Brad</div>
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Warrior Fitness session at <a href="http://www.mountainathlete.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mountain Athlete</a></div>
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Time: 60 Minutes</div>
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Difficulty: Strenuous, advanced functional fitness workout</div>
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Gear: PT shorts, Shirt (that you don't care about), running shoes, 1 liter water</div>
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Mountain Athlete, and owner Rob Shaul are dedicated to training the most elite athletes in the world. Some of Jackson's best free skiers, climbers, professional guides and endurance competitors train with Mountain Athlete. Their programs are so popular with extreme athletes that naturally the Special Operations and other military units are drawn to the elite human performance programming. </div>
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After arriving at the gym, we were met by Coach Jordan, one of the full time Mountain Athlete trainers. He led us through a quick orientation to the gym layout, and briefed us on the custom WOD he had prepared for us. Pain soon followed. There were few pictures taken of the suffering. Any hope that Coach Jordan was planning to take it easy on us quickly diminished. After the morning Cody Peak run, downhill mountain bike session, and a 60 minute WOD, we were ready for some serious grub and sleep back at Teton Village. </div>
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As our team worked through 60 minutes of the most elite fitness programming available anywhere, it was clear to the team that we still have a lot to learn about training. I can't wait for the next chance to work out there!</div>
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The gym, and the athletes that train there inspire elite performance. Want to learn more about our workout or become a mountain athlete client? Check out their website at: <a href="http://www.mountainathlete.com/" target="_blank">www.mountainathlete.com</a> or join us for the next <a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/Teton_Mountain_Operator.php" target="_blank">AOG Teton Mission</a> to find out!</div>
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Day 1 missions complete: Cody Peak run, Downhill mountain bike course and Mountain Athlete session. </div>
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<strong>Day 2</strong></div>
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<strong>Day 2: Mountain Ops- Rock climbing and Team Alpine Movement</strong></div>
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Time: 4 hours</div>
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Difficulty: Moderate- hiking, bouldering, technical climbing (up to 5.7)</div>
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Gear: Lightweight hiking pants, synthetic t-shirt, approach shoes, day pack (lunch, 1 liter water, sunscreen, sunglasses, lightweight base layer top/bottom, rain shell</div>
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* All rock climbing equipment provided</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Learn route finding and mountain navigation</strong></td></tr>
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The pace for day two continued to move rapidly. Our team progressed quickly through bouldering, balance on rock, basic climbing holds and movements, rope management, belaying, route finding and alpine team movement. One of our team, Mark, was a first time rock climber.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Mark gets a class on rope management and belaying</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Fist time climbers will advance quickly and safely through the basics in the perfect classroom</strong></span></div>
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"<em>The terrain in the hidden falls area was perfect for rapid skill progression and before we knew it we were three pitches in. The team was doing great, but I was most impressed with Mark, who before today had never rock climbed. He was motivated, had a great attitude and grasped the techniques quickly. Brenton had Mark belay me up an easy section and I can already sense that Mark truly feels he is learning new critical skills and is an active participant of our mountain team</em>." Brad</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Small teams rely on every member for survival</span></strong></div>
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We complete the last pitch and scramble to a large table top rock where we break for lunch. After a few team pics, Brenton reviews everything we've covered this morning. </div>
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<strong>Day two continued: Tactical Marksmanship refresher</strong></div>
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Time: 2 hours</div>
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Difficulty: Moderate (M4 Rifle and 9mm Glock pistol instruction)</div>
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Gear: Long Pants, shirt, hiking boots, eye protection, M4, Glock 9MM (or similar), Small Go bag (snack, 1 liter water)</div>
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We spent the afternoon at a nearby range. After a quick intro and safety brief, we headed to the pistol range for some work on the basics. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Reviewing the fundamentals </strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Slow aimed fire, both eyes open</span></strong> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Whether leading pitches, backcountry ski routes or working the M4, Brenton has focus.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brad works with Mark on mastering the M4</span></strong> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVE0MN3uoFZG38-ce9X7WyezoefN_XIlGlD-FYkbAkedz-Uu1HeohjFBsG-7QNIRv7aZT8PZ6cmzCMvukuePqmdxcLI6HCejdJPDCzsss62pckmU4sf3_bpyXH_0PBh4EOGzxRYnjLbpm/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVE0MN3uoFZG38-ce9X7WyezoefN_XIlGlD-FYkbAkedz-Uu1HeohjFBsG-7QNIRv7aZT8PZ6cmzCMvukuePqmdxcLI6HCejdJPDCzsss62pckmU4sf3_bpyXH_0PBh4EOGzxRYnjLbpm/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Another well deserved winner at one of the many great restaurants in Teton Village after a long day of climbing and shooting</strong></td></tr>
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Jackson, WY (Info)<br />
<a href="http://www.jacksonhole.com/" target="_blank">Jackson Hole Mountain Resort</a> 6311 Ft Elevation. Base Camp for the 2013 AOG Teton Mission. Located 12 miles NW of Jackson, WY. In the winter the resort boasts some of the most advanced in bounds and back country skiing in the world. In the summer, the resort serves as a perfect launching point for multi-sport adventures including: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, paragliding, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wilderness and backcountry travel and family adventures. <br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton_National_Park" target="_blank">Grand Teton National Park</a> Home to the spectacular and awe inspiring Teton Range. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton" target="_blank">Grand Teton,</a> the highest peak in the range, rises to 13,770 feet. The Tetons are home to some of the most challenging and technical alpine climbing in North America and attract thousands of climbers and back country adventurers each year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.exumguides.com/" target="_blank">Exum Mountain Guides</a> North America's oldest and most prestigious school of mountaineering. Exum has been guiding clients on the Grand Teton for over 80 years. Exum's elite guides offer unmatched instruction, inspire initiative and responsibility and lead their clients through one of a kind mountaineering and climbing adventures as active participants.<br />
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<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">Adventure Operations Group</a> A veteran owned company dedicated to the pursuits of modern adventurers and the human performance lifestyle. AOG offers guided adventures, leadership training and instructional programs. Through preparation, elite training and "SOF Focus", AOG leads individuals through transformative missions designed to push the limits of personal performance, mindset, teamwork, gear and adventure travel. AOG shares epic experiences along with our clients as we continue to go <strong>BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS</strong>. Get more out of your self and your team with AOG.<br />
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AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-91090000228821831822013-10-30T22:30:00.001-04:002013-10-30T22:30:07.040-04:00<em><span style="font-size: medium;">"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. "</span> Theodore Roosevelt</em><br />
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Long before I started AOG, I read this quote hanging on the wall in a small office, in a non-descript building on Hunter Army Airfield near Savannah, GA. It was in a simple frame and stamped with a unit crest that signified that it had been presented by those who truly understood what it meant to be in the arena. It stopped me in my tracks the first time I read it. The context at the time was that I was in my first <em>arena, </em>learning the great enthusiasms, about victory and how to dare greatly. I wasn't alone. I was surrounded by others also in the arena, like minded volunteers for the extreme. Brothers who helped define it and share it. They were, as we were reminded daily, "Modern Day Spartans". <br />
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We knew that we were doing the unspoken deeds that most would never know or care about, and that quiet knowledge was the glue that bonded us. The coolest thing was the recognition that we were all dedicated to the cause, the mission and pushing the limits. There was no chance of finding a cold or timid soul in that company. We were, united, of our own accord.<br />
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Years later, I find myself in another, different arena. Full of stress, chaos and disunity of thought and action. When I look around, I sometimes barely recognize my environment or the people in it. There are those who know neither victory nor defeat, nor ever will. Those who work in ways that are unfamiliar, ways that are learned from years of modest enthusiasm, selfish devotions or just simply untrue causes. Those who seek to divide, maintain the status quo and advance themselves by a willingness to endure a soul crushing existence of middle of the road word and deed. They promulgate a negative bandwidth of communication and endeavors aimed at anything but actual success, victory or the team life.<br />
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It is in these times when I must retreat from this arena. To seek the solace in the familiar feel of the wilderness, of a ruck, wet feet and a time hack. To move fast, light and far. To rage against the normal limits that exist somewhere between victory and defeat. To feel pain, discomfort and to remember the truth that it makes me stronger. To seek the undiscovered parts of my soul in this world as I find new ways to test myself, lead others and exceed the standard. To find familiar bonds of brotherhood, new missions and to keep faith with the accord of warriors that are entering their first arena. <br />
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These are the times that you must focus on keeping the fire of your soul stoked. Question the status quo. Liberate yourself from the oppression of predefined boundaries. Go beyond normal limits.<br />
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Are you in the arena?<br />
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B-rad<br />
<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP</a><br />
<br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-40248658058203673392013-10-11T08:00:00.001-04:002013-10-11T08:07:15.082-04:00AOG Q&A with Travis Rolph of Mayflower Research & Consulting<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At <a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">AOG</span></a> our mission is to train for “beyond normal limits” mindset and performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drawing inspiration and influence from the Special Operations community, as well as other elite performers and outdoor athletes, we lead individuals and teams to accomplish more than they imagine possible by applying “SOF Focus”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The principles of SOF focus are grounded in the <em><a href="http://www.soc.mil/USASOCHQ/SOFTruths.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">truths</span></a></em> of Special Operations Warriors and in the mindset of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">constant preparation</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">improving capabilities</i> that all elite performers possess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">AOG recently caught up with Travis Rolph, retired 5th SFG Green Beret, owner of <a href="http://www.mayflower-rc.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Mayflower Research & Consulting</span></a> and modern day adventurer, to hear about his most recent mission, competing in the <a href="http://www.g2gultra.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;">Grand to Grand Ultra</span></a> race. The Grand to Grand ultra is a 7 day stage race that covers approximately 169 miles over an epic <a href="http://www.g2gultra.com/race/course" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">course.</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">W</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hat was your motivation for this mission</b>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "To see if I could do it" and </span>“ I needed a 7 day break with no cell phones”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Travis also said that the preparation process itself was a huge factor in his decision to run this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The discipline and focus required to get ready for such a big race was something he looked forward to. </span>Each day he forced himself to stop working at a set time and to put in the training miles necessary to prepare his body for running long distances day after day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><em>Prior to training for the Grand to Grand Ultra, one of the most epic stage races in the United States, Travis had never run a sanctioned race longer than a 10K.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<strong>What was the most critical component of your training plan</strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>“The most important physical component was focusing on back to back high mileage days”.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Travis, like many of us follows a balanced training plan of cardio/strength/agility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the G2G however, he backed off of everything except long distance conditioning and cardio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>“The most important mental component was food planning”.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Participants in the race had to carry all of their food for the entire 7 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a 2000 calorie per day minimum established by the race rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travis made his own food for the race, and ate more than 2000 calories/day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What was the biggest challenge of the race</strong>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>“Dryness of the weather”-</em> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Living and training in the Southeastern US, Travis was accustomed to running in high heat, but also high humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dryness of the weather in Arizona fundamentally changed the way his clothes and gear interacted with his body, causing unanticipated challenges due to blisters and chafing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>“Choice of shoes”-</em> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a Green Beret Travis was no stranger to moving through sand in desert environments, but his choice of shoes for this race, (semi porous running shoes) proved to be less than optimal for the deep, fine sand. The shoes collected sand worse than he anticipated causing complications from severe blisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the longest leg of the course, he stopped nine times in one day to dumb sand out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Mayflower gear is some of the best in the business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone who knows the importance of good gear for our Special Operations Forces, do you think that gear plays a role in an individual’s mindset?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, do you think that individual’s perform at a higher level knowing they have the best gear?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> <o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>“Combat is a stressor, running 30 miles a day is a stressor and in each case there are numerous sub stressors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you can remove stressors, you perform better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good kit allows you to focus on the mission”.</em> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span> </o:p></div>
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<strong>How would you describe the mental advantage that SOF Operators have over others when dealing with everyday challenges and obstacles? </strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>“We’re all A type’s who accept challenges and jump in with both feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re all highly confident, analytical problem solvers”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SOF types know how to work smarter not harder and think their way through problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Multi-Tasking with the ability to prioritize the important from the not important is critical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What does the outcome need to be”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are the steps to get there”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The type of training we do, and the way we do it, contributes to the SOF Analytical mindset, (or what we at AOG call SOF Focus).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you know the required outcome, and identify the steps to get there, you rely on your training and mindset to push through to the end.</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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Congratulations to Travis for completing one of the most epic and challenging ultra foot races in the world! Great job on your first ultra! Travis embodies the true spirit of AOG and is an inspiration to all of us to keep pushing "Beyond Normal Limits". De Oppresso Liber.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Travis's next adventure may be another ultra marathon to validate some gear changes. He's also working on a special project. We're unable to reveal any details at this time, but look for updates from Travis and <a href="http://www.soldiersystems.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Soldier Systems</span></a> in the near future and stay tuned for a possible future joint Op between Travis and AOG.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">B-Rad</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Adventure Operations Group </span></a></div>
</span></span></span></b><br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-37498441104009644732013-09-22T18:03:00.002-04:002013-09-22T18:10:23.564-04:00This stuff will make you strongerYes, it's worth it. Yes, it's really that good. Yes you should buy one. Why, because we say so. We are a group of folks who put this stuff to use in hostile, dynamic and austere environments of high adventure and high callings.<br />
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Arc Teryx Atom LT Multicam</div>
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Many of you may never know what goes into the <a href="http://leaf.arcteryx.com/?EN" target="_blank">Arc Teryx LEAF</a> line. Trust me when I say that the genetics of AC LEAF is the kind of stuff you need to get into. By simply putting on a jacket, you can join a modern legacy of an elite brotherhood, warrior athletes who push the limits in ALL THINGS. A group that moves in the shadows, and avoids the spotlight. Individuals who trust products that help them move further, faster and lighter. <br />
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For outerwear, clothing and gear they trust no brand more than Arc Teryx and the LEAF team. What happens when you match forged SOF Focus with the most talented and focused product design engineers on earth? Arc Teryx LEAF is what happens.<br />
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If you believe that the right fit, the right feeling and the right brand can enhance your performance, cause you to dig a little deeper, train a little harder and connect with a core group of experts who take it to the limits every day, the get into some Arc Teryx and get ready to go above and beyond.<br />
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This stuff is awesome.<br />
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B-RadAOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-91441442871911099262013-09-20T22:03:00.001-04:002013-09-20T22:03:37.169-04:00CreativityToday there is a broad recognition that a well designed business- one that delivers customer delight-has a significant competitive advantage. (Robert Safian- Fast Company)<br />
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How important is creativity to your team, your organization and your mission? What can you do to foster creative disruption? How can you harness the power of creativity to jump start your personal performance? If you are in need of getting the creativity going, then these questions are a good place to start. <br />
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What does a Green Beret know about creativity? What does a SEAL, Marine or Ranger know about good design? A lot actually. <br />
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Imperatives such as "Develop Multiple Options" and phrases such as "never surrender", "will not fail" along with the full range of missions that SOF teams have conducted throughout history, and for which they must stay prepared for, necessitate a certain creativity that many don't realize. <br />
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Small teams, highly trained and sent forward into remote, austere environments are often on their own. Of course there is satellite connections to rear command and control elements, but for practical purposes, it's you and your team. In 100% of missions, the situation on the ground is different than expected. The ability to react, change and adapt, is key to survival for commandos, and has been as long as we have history of special operations. What's the secret to adaptability, flexibility and creativity? It's in the training and preparation of highly trained individuals who are formed into highly trained small teams, who are tasked with the most difficult missions imaginable. You might say it's by "design". SOF units understand that their success, and high level of performance is by design. It's this understanding and knowledge of what has gone into the building of themselves and their teams, that allows them to continue to perform at high levels throughout future missions and their lives. <br />
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SOF teams also understand that for each mission they are given, failure is not an option. If it was, they would have sent someone else. If a SOF team fails, or performs poorly, they have embarrassed the country, their organization and each other. The power of SOF pressure is enormous. It causes out of the box thinking, high level collaboration and a mission focus that is simply unparalleled. <br />
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How can you or your team learn from this?<br />
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First, realize that creativity is key to you and your team's success. Creativity is often viewed by conventional people and organizations as risky, unnecessary or worse. Avoid this type of thinking. Creativity is the answer for many team's lackluster performance. Challenge conventional wisdom. The most successful people, the most successful teams and companies apply creativity at high levels to gain ground against their opposition.<br />
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Second, learn to foster creative disruption. Boldly proclaim creative ideas and thoughts to your team mates. You will be surprised at how quickly "creative leadership" will catch on and soon you will be viewed as a thought leader and change agent within your team. Encourage those who lack creativity and surround yourself with other creative types. <em>Be bold and act courageously, but ensure that you possess the ability to carry thru with action on your creative ideas. If not, you'll lose credibility.</em><br />
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Finally, there are two ways to harness the power of creativity to jump start your personal performance. 1) Recognize that you are probably not as creative as you think you are and start training today. Find activities that require balance, quick reactions, boldness and highly developed skills. Challenge yourself to learn a new skill that will require you to act boldly. You will be surprised how quickly you will start to see changes in your thinking. Surfing, Kayaking, Climbing and Mountain Biking are just a few examples of readily available activities to super charge your creativity. 2) Force yourself to disconnect and unplug on a routine schedule. You have to separate yourself from your normal battle rhythm so you can take stock and really evaluate what needs to be done in your life or on your team. Escaping from the chaos once in a while will separate you from the pack. <br />
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Creativity is what will get you, and your team through unexpected situations and allow you to overcome major obstacles on your way to successfully completing mission after mission.<br />
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B-Rad<br />
<a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">www.adventureoperationsgroup.com</a><br />
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<br />AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579920980881571682.post-70199939148192449102013-09-07T11:11:00.000-04:002013-09-07T11:11:05.736-04:00Adventure Operations Group<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_522b3e93e97233356996888">
Adventure Operations Group (AOG) offers instructional programs, leadership training and guided adventures for individual and groups. We promote a unique adventure lifestyle that will elevate your capability and keep you ready for big missions and the toughest assignments. </div>
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AOG's programs are unique and emphasize mental focus, advanced skills, stress inoculation and adaptability. We specialize in Team Training, Human Perfo<span class="text_exposed_show">rmance Coaching, Adventure Travel and Other Consulting Services. Working with AOG is the best way to forge "SOF Focus" performance for your corporate group or enhance your personal capabilities. Contact AOG today to learn how we can get you or your team to a new level of focused performance. AOG is the Special Operations "Hard Skill" Adventure Company. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.adventureoperationsgroup.com/" target="_blank">ADVENTURE OPERATIONS GROUP</a></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="mailto:brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com" target="_blank">brad@adventureoperationsgroup.com</a></span></div>
AOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03627613520439948878noreply@blogger.com0