2020 Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun: Sept 12-13, Spencer, TN

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce the Legion 9/11 Memorial has found a new home, and barring a total breakdown of society and/or declaration of martial law by then, is back on the schedule for September!  The best place to learn more and see all the different conversations is on the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/277920603202750.  Click "Interested" or "Going" and you'll be notified any time there's new information there.  For anti-FBers I'll try to report what I think important here and in a few other public forums.

There will never be another Rockcastle, but at Dead Zero Shooting Park (with the generous aid of a few neighbors) we have 2,250 acres of property to play on, up to 1,000 yd rifle range, an actual marsh, mountains, small river crossings, and much more to come.

And as always, all proceeds from the match go to benefit the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38 (which provides for soldiers and their families from the 5th Special Forces Group out of Fort Campbell).

Prepare yourself.

Intro:
 
The 2020 Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun is a centerfire biathlon – competitors will complete a 5k-ish or 10k-ish run combined with a shooting competition. The event is a test of man and equipment alike. It is intended to give participants an idea of how being hot, cold, exhausted, and challenged by the environment affects their shooting, and to test the effectiveness of their gear under field conditions. This event is not intended for inexperienced shooters – all participants are expected to be familiar with the operation of their firearms, and to observe basic principles of firearm safety at all times. With the exception of emergencies, Range Officers (ROs) are not allowed to help participants in any way. Good attitudes are a must. If you are the type of person who gets upset when minor changes are made to a plan or when you don’t always get your way, this is not the event for you. 
 
Basics:
 
Participants will receive both a score for their run based on how long it took them to complete the course, and a score for their shooting based on how long it took them to clear each course of fire. The run score and shooting score will be equally weighted in determining the participant’s final score. This is true run-what-you-brung field-style shooting.  For the most part, if you want to carry it for 5 or 10 clicks, be our guest.  

There are three equipment classes to reflect the different ways Green Berets fight:  “Lightfighter” in which you can carry whatever you want, but are limited to one pistol and one rifle; “Operator” in which you must wear body armor with plates installed (front and back at a minimum), and are still limited to one pistol and rifle; and “Tier One” in which you must FINISH the race with a pack weighing at least 45 lbs (not including your main rifle and pistol) – but that pack may (and should) contain ANYTHING that can give you an advantage.  The only limit is that pistol targets must be engaged with pistol rounds, and rifle targets must be engaged with rifle rounds.  Want to carry a PCC?  Be our guest.  Think a scoped bolt gun or different upper in 6.5 Creedmore will give you an advantage?  Go for it. You can even carry a shotgun to engage steel pistol targets if you want (birdshot only).  Any weapons carried must be IN ADDITION to a primary rifle and pistol, and weight of the pack must be stand-alone (a plate carrier would not be included or required, for example).  Packs may be removed prior to shooting, as that is how 5th Group would generally do it as well – but this will be done on your run time and BEFORE any wait time starts.

Shooters are expected to have all their firearms sighted in and all their gear ready to go on the morning of the shoot. There will be no zeroing at the event. Think of this as a test of how you and your equipment would perform in a Second Amendment situation if you had to go take care of business at your current state of readiness, whatever that is. Run order will be more or less random. We will try to be accommodating to participants who wish to share firearms or equipment (we can have one person run in the morning and the other in the afternoon), or to partners who wish to run together.  Due to issues with back-ups and large groups in the past, only two runners can start together.
 
Equipment:
 
The only equipment that is strictly required to participate is a safe center fire rifle, a safe center fire pistol, enough ammo to clear the course (at least twice the minimum required hit count is recommended), eye protection, ear protection, a flashlight, and some form of stopwatch.  Rifle targets must be engaged with rifle rounds (no larger than 30-06), and pistol targets must be engaged with pistol rounds. In everything but the “Tier One” class, competitors must carry one rifle and one pistol.  Everything else is up to the participant.  Shooters may use any type of gear they want to carry their equipment with, the only requirement being that pistols must be carried in a secure holster that covers the trigger if they are to be carried loaded. Rifles may be carried any way you like, as long as they remain pointed in a safe direction.  You may not use tracers or armor piercing bullets that have a hardened penetrator core, as we will be using lots of steel targets that we don’t want to see damaged.  To be safe – if your bullet attracts a magnet or has a green tip, leave it at home.  

Rules:
 
First and foremost, all participants will be expected to comply with basic firearms safety at all times. If you demonstrate inability or unwillingness to follow basic firearm safety, you will be asked to leave, with no refund and no apology. Muzzles must be pointed in a safe direction at all times, and fingers must be off the trigger unless the firearm is pointed at a target. Long guns shall only be loaded when a shooter is at a rifle stage, after the RO has given the “fire” command. Shooters may leave their handguns loaded at all times if in a secure holster. However, loaded handguns must remain in that holster unless the shooter has been given the “fire” command on a shooting stage.  Some stages will be active, involving moving and shooting.  Firearms may remain loaded during movement, but strict muzzle discipline must be maintained. 

Shooters will be disqualified (DQ’d) and not allowed to finish the course for the following violations:  having a loaded rifle anywhere EXCEPT on a shooting stage after the “beep”, dropping a loaded pistol, pointing a loaded weapon at someone, or having a Negligent Discharge (ND).  It is solely the judgement of my Staff that I trust if these should occur, and if you argue with an RO you will lose.  

Procedures:
 
When a shooter approaches a station, he will be required to show a RO an empty mag well and empty chamber on his long gun(s). If another shooter is currently on the stage when he arrives, the one who just arrived will be instructed by a RO to start his stopwatch to keep track of his wait time (this will be subtracted off the participant’s run time when his run score is calculated). It is purely the shooter’s responsibility to keep track of his wait time. The ROs have no responsibility whatsoever to help you do this. Even if a RO offers to help you keep track of your time, you have no one but yourself to blame if this is not done. When the shooter is ready to shoot the stage, the RO will record his wait time if any. The shooter will be given a quick summary of the course of fire. The RO will ask if the shooter understands the course of fire. If the answer is yes, the shooter will be given the “fire” command, at which time he may load his rifle and/or draw his pistol and begin shooting the stage.  All stages will have a zone where the shooter must fire from -- either a particular hole in a barricade that you must shoot through, or a marked zone on the ground, in which every part of your body or equipment which touches the ground must remain inside of when you fire.  Hits made from outside the designated area will not count toward completion of the course of fire. Every shooting stage will have a 3 minute time limit.  This is to keep the runners moving and to prevent large backups of shooters waiting to shoot a stage.  At the end of that 3 minute period, the shooter will be stopped and time penalties applied to their score for any target not fully neutralized as per the course of fire requirements.  If for any reason the “cease fire” command is given, you will immediately cease fire, holster your handgun, and unload your rifle.  You will do likewise when you complete a stage, or time out. The RO should tell you your time for the stage. The RO will record your time on their iPad.  You may want to carry a pen and notepad to keep track of your score in there is a mix-up with the scoring. Every shooter must show a RO an empty mag well and chamber on his rifle before leaving each stage. A RO will give directions on where to go to continue down the trail. Shooters are NOT required to leave their rifle’s bolt open during the run… this is actually discouraged, as it will allow lots of that beautiful Tennessee red clay to accumulate inside the action. There will be ample opportunity for this to happen on the course.
 
The Run:
 
The path for participants to follow will be marked with brightly colored flags and/or tape. Shooters must stay close to the marked path. Do not cut corners.  Failure to follow the marked trail may take you into the impact area of a hot range!!!  If the trail takes you through some difficult terrain, this is on purpose!  Parts of the trail may be down a road.  Keep to the left edge of the road and watch for traffic.   
 
Your Fitness:
 
This event is in a remote area, and you need to be aware of over-exertion. We should have some folks with medical skills on hand, but your health is your responsibility.  If you start having problems, slow down... drink some water... listen to your body!  There is no shame in walking the course; know yourself and your limitations.  
 
Accommodations:
 
Dead Zero Shooting Park is in a remote area south of Spencer, TN, so lodging may be challenging.  Primitive camping will be allowed on-site for $10/night.  Call Dead Zero at 423-800-7758 to make a reservation to camp. Cabins and campgrounds will full hookups are available at Fall Creek Falls State Park about 15 miles away, but the Mountaineer Folk Festival is being held there this weekend so most of these sites are booked well in advance.  The city of Dunlap is less than 20 miles to the south and has a couple hotels, restaurants, and a Walmart.  The cities of Chattanooga and Cookeville are within about 40 miles and have all sorts of nicer options for food and lodging.

There will be people on site all day Friday, as the ROs will be running the course.  Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:30 a.m on the morning of the match.  The safety briefing begins at 7:30 a.m.  Anyone who does not get signed in by 7:30 will not be allowed to participate, so be on time.  The first runner will be sent out at 8:00 a.m., and another runner will be sent out in a uniform interval thereafter. The ROs will have run the course the day before. They will be scored along with all the other contestants. After the last runner has crossed the finish line, we will calculate the results. The winners will be announced, and trophies and prizes will be awarded as 5th Group sees fit.

How to Sign Up:
 
The registration fee for the Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun is $100 for the 5k and $150 for the 10k.  Registration will be limited in number so all runners can finish the course before dark.  Registration will be handled through Practiscore, Dead Zero will have you sign a waiver the morning of the match, and we will collect full payment (CASH or CHECK ONLY – NO CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND THERE IS NO ATM ONSITE).  Make sure you are familiar with all of our rules and procedures before signing up.  All participants must register under their true names.  Tickets are non-transferable.  Pre-registration is mandatory, and no walk-ons will be allowed on match day as space and time is limited.  

Several discounted slots are being held for active-duty 5th Group personnel.  If you are 5th Group, please email mstennett@twlakes.net to confirm your status and claim your reduced competitor slot.  

All proceeds from the match will go the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38.  Learn more about them here: http://sfa38.org/

Cancellation Policy:

Please cancel your registration through Practiscore as soon as you know you can’t come.  We always have several people on the waitlist, and if you don’t cancel early enough not only can they not get in, but the Special Forces Association won’t max out the contribution we can make to them.  DON’T BE THAT GUY who just decides not to show up and doesn’t tell anyone.

Directions:
 
The start and finish line are both located near the Pro Shop at Dead Zero Shooting Park, 1195 TN-111 Scenic, Spencer, TN  38585.  Chattanooga, TN has a small airport and is less than an hour’s drive from Dead Zero.  Nashville International Airport is a little under two hours’ drive. 

Edited August 23, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Magiccarpetrides]

This sounds awesome but my lack of any professional training and couch potato lifestyle will exclude me from something this cool.

[Matt in TN]

5 hours ago, Magiccarpetrides said:

This sounds awesome but my lack of any professional training and couch potato lifestyle will exclude me from something this cool.

You might be surprised - we have people of all levels come shoot with us.  If you can be safe with a firearm during strenuous activity (good muzzle awareness and finger off the trigger while moving) you'll be fine.  And you have plenty of time to get into shape!

[Matt in TN]

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing on Friday of 5SFG Medal of Honor recipient (R)Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins. We mourn the passing of a distinguished member of the Special Forces Regiment. Our thoughts and prayers are with CSM Adkins’s family during this difficult time. De Oppresso Liber

Take a minute out of your day to read the story of an amazing man we just lost:  https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/march-9-12-1966-csm-bennie-adkins-awarded-medal-honor/?fbclid=IwAR0DyerNfHctTEZUbBbKtzO_MScklHghtADPUZ6ubDnCUU2-isnIBpPpFMI

A small snippet to get you to click the link and read more: "During the 38-hour battle and 48-hours of escape and evasion, Adkins fought with mortars, machine guns, recoilless rifles, small arms, and hand grenades, killing an estimated 135 - 175 of the enemy and sustaining 18 different wounds."

I used to think I was a badass. Then I started learning about these men and I quickly realized I had no idea what "badass" even meant.

Think about how on earth a Match Director might take a situation like this and turn it into something that MOST people can finish in 3 minutes. And that ROs can reset with minimal time and effort 200 times in a weekend.

And then you'll have an idea what you might expect for just ONE stage in this match.

[RED333]

Thank you very much for the post!

Edited April 20, 2020 by RED333

[Matt in TN]

If you've never been to a Legion RNG before and are having trouble visualizing what you might expect - here's a short but great documentary put together by GunStuff TV (https://gunstuff.tv/) who joined us last year for the 5k. Keep in mind we're at a completely new facility this year so all of the details will be different, but the general idea will be the same.

There are LOTS of Legion videos out there now, so if you'd like to see more just go to youtube and search "Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun".

Edited May 4, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Registration will open on Practiscore one week from today on Saturday, June 13th at 10:00am Central Time.  In the past these matches have sold out in literally minutes, so if you want in - plan to be near your computer right when it opens.

We've had some online payment complications, so to simplify I will only take full payment on match day.  Only cash and checks (made out to the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38) will be accepted.  No credit/debit cards will be taken, and there is no ATM onsite.  Please plan accordingly, as if you don't pay you can't run.

Also please be sure that if you register you really plan to come, and if you have to cancel do so online with as much notice as possible.  We always have MANY shooters on the waitlist who would like very much to get in - and if you take up a slot and don't show up it will both keep another shooter from getting in and reduce the amount we can donate to the SFA.  DON'T BE THAT GUY.

Here's the registration link for the 5k:  https://www.practiscore.com/5k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2020-1/register

Here's the registration link for the 10k:  https://www.practiscore.com/10k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2020-clone/register

[Matt in TN]

Edited first post with new payment and cancellation details.  Reposting them here to be sure everyone sees the change:

How to Sign Up:
 
The registration fee for the Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun is $100 for the 5k and $150 for the 10k.  Registration will be limited in number so all runners can finish the course before dark.  Registration will be handled through Practiscore, Dead Zero will have you sign a waiver the morning of the match, and we will collect full payment (CASH or CHECK ONLY – NO CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND THERE IS NO ATM ONSITE).  Make sure you are familiar with all of our rules and procedures before signing up.  All participants must register under their true names.  Tickets are non-transferable.  Pre-registration is mandatory, and no walk-ons will be allowed on match day as space and time is limited.  

Several discounted slots are being held for active-duty 5th Group personnel.  If you are 5th Group, please email mstennett@twlakes.net to confirm your status and claim your reduced competitor slot.  

All proceeds from the match will go the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38.  Learn more about them here: http://sfa38.org/

Cancellation Policy:

Please cancel your registration through Practiscore as soon as you know you can’t come.  We always have several people on the waitlist, and if you don’t cancel early enough not only can they not get in, but the Special Forces Association won’t max out the contribution we can make to them.  DON’T BE THAT GUY who just decides not to show up and doesn’t tell anyone.

[Matt in TN]

Wow - the 10k sold out in 3 minutes, and the 5k filled up in 43 minutes.  Thank you all!

If you didn't get in, be sure to get on the waitlist.  I'm holding several slots for 5SFG personnel, and if they can't come I'll release these slots to civilians about two weeks prior to match day.  And we do always have a few cancellations - 

Be warned:  the bad (and good) part about this location is that it's in the middle of nowhere, so lodging will be tough to find.  Start looking now.  You can "primitive camp" (no water or electric hookups) onsite for $10/night.  The closest hotel I'd recommend is the Mountain Inn & Suites in Dunlap, TN (17 miles away).  Cookeville and Chattanooga have lots of good options for lodging and restaurants, but they're a bit farther from the range.

[Matt in TN]

Everyone is always curious to see how the competition is shaping up, so below is the Division breakdown as it stands now. The "heat" as usual is in Lightfighter. However, many of the 5SFG guys don't sign up until the last minute once they know they won't be deployed or in a training cycle, and most of those guys go Tier One or Operator.

Has anyone started training yet???

[Matt in TN]

Now that the Oklahoma match is over - it's time for another hint:  one of our stages will be based on an event in the life of OSS & Marine Colonel Peter J. Ortiz.  The OSS in many ways was the precursor to modern Special Forces, and 5SFG wants to take you on a tour of SF History for this match.

There are literally entire books written about Ortiz, but here's a short article to get you started:  https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/marine-col-peter-j-ortiz-oss-career-reads-like-fiction/

A blurb to get you to click the link and read more:  

"His legend grew, there are several stories of him waltzing into German occupied towns in full uniform and having a go with the German troops. While the stories vary, they reinforce the fact that he was not afraid to go anywhere in his operational area. In the book “Herringbone Cloak–GI Dagger: Marines of the OSS” written by LTC Robert Mattingly, perhaps the best version of these events unfolded:

Ortiz, in particular, was fond of going straight into the German-occupied towns. On one occasion, he strolled into a cafe dressed in a long cape. Several Germans were drinking and cursing the maquis. One mentioned the fate which would befall the filthy American swine when he was caught. (The Nazis apparently knew of Ortiz’ existence in the area with the maquis) This proved a great mistake. Captain Ortiz threw back the cape revealing his Marine uniform. In each hand, he held a .45 automatic. When the shooting stopped, there were fewer Nazis to plan his capture and Ortiz was gone into the night."

I know these all sound like crazy Hollywood movies, but take a minute to reflect on the fact that these men actually existed, and these stores actually happened.  And around 50 years from now when they finally get declassified, maybe we'll be lucky enough to read some similar stories about the fine young men we'll run with in September.  I have no doubt they are doing all this and more.

Edited July 13, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I am thrilled to announce Barrett has just signed on as a major sponsor and donated an MRAD to be given away at this year's match. This is a $6,600 rifle and is especially fitting because it's the civilian version of SOCOM's new M22 Advanced Sniper Rifle.

More to come as I nail down a few last details, but you will have an incredibly unique opportunity at this year's match because of this partnership. I suggest bringing lots of cash (to be donated to SFA as a part of this opportunity), brushing up on your wind reading skills, lowering your heart rate, and stabilizing your breathing while pulling the trigger smoothly.

If you're coming to the Legion Match for the prizes you're there for the wrong reasons - so I don't want this to start the wrong kind of hype for this match. But it is just such a perfect fit I can't help but share the good news! Be sure to thank Barrett for their support of this match, but more importantly for creating awesome weapons that help our guys crush the souls of their enemies!

https://barrett.net/

[Matt in TN]

Some things you need to know:

Shooters will be disqualified (DQ’d) and not allowed to finish the course for the following violations:  having a loaded rifle anywhere EXCEPT on a shooting stage after the “beep”, dropping a loaded pistol, pointing a loaded weapon at someone, or having a Negligent Discharge (ND).  It is solely the judgement of my Staff that I trust if these should occur, and if you argue with an RO you will lose.  

You will have a maximum of 3 minutes to complete each shooting course of fire.  Any targets not fully neutralized per the COF will add 10 seconds each to your shoot time.  Any "no shoot" targets hit will also add 10 seconds each to your shoot time.  In the civilian word hitting a "no shoot" carries a much stiffer penalty, but SF has different rules.  "Good guys" are not always that good, and if there's any question one might shoot you in the back later it's best to be safe.  That's all I'm going to say about that.

This will be specified during each stage briefing, but in general torso targets take 3 rifle hits or 5 pistol hits to neutralize (oh yeah - and D-zone hits don't count).  SF would never just put two hits into someone and move on - they shoot until the target is no longer a threat.  Since we can't do that here, I asked them for the average number of hits they made in the field to accomplish that task.  That's where we came up with the 3/5 rule.  Some steel targets will only take one hit to neutralize - but again, it will be made clear during the stage briefing.  Pay attention.

Your net run time (finish time minus start time minus any wait times) will make up 50% of your total score.  All of your shoot times combined will make up the other 50% of your score.  So you most both shoot well and run fast to do well at this match.

Any questions???

Edited August 14, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Samson Manufacturing (https://www.samson-mfg.com/) has supported every match I've put on, and the Run N Guns at Rockcastle literally would never have happened without Bryan Ray's help getting me started.  So I'm honored to announce that not only is Samson returning to sponsor yet another match, but with a bigger donation to the prize table than they've ever done before!

If you need high quality handguards and accessories you should look no further than Samson.  I'm a lifetime customer and you should be too - 

Edited August 14, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

ROUND COUNT: Anyone who has shot Legion before knows this can be complicated as you have a few different options. Let's start with simple: If you shoot every target as I intend (and how I plan to shoot it), you will need to make:

5k: 56 rifle hits & 30 pistol hits
10k: 69 rifle hits & 50 pistol hits

If you've never done this before, I highly suggest carrying around TWICE that number to leave room for misses and problems. If you've done this before - you're on your own to decide how much you need!

Any rifle targets could theoretically be neutralized with pistol (if your rifle goes down, for example), but it will take 5 pistol hits to neutralize a torso target that would only take 3 rifle hits to neutralize. And you may need extra handgun ammo elsewhere if things go badly for you. So a little extra handgun ammo is never a bad idea. Pistol targets can NOT be engaged with rifle for safety reasons - sorry.

Tier One guys can carry whatever weapons they want in that giant pack, just keep in mind pistol targets need pistol rounds and rifle targets need rifle rounds. You can use a shotgun to engage pistol targets as well, but you must use nothing bigger than birdshot.

What else am I forgetting? Any questions?

Photo by Lisa Stennett

[Matt in TN]

Stage 7 (10k only) sees a return of the Horse Soldiers and ODA 595:

In the days following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the Defense Department sent two teams of Army Special Forces soldiers to Afghanistan to bring down the Taliban. SFODA 595, the “Horse Soldiers,” went on missions that were extended for weeks and months.

They did it all without body armor or tactical vehicles, living with Afghan partners and following an Afghan plan – often using horses and pack animals. 595 was charged with leading the Northern Alliance and the men of former (assassinated) Ahmed Shah Massoud to unite Afghanistan against Taliban rule. These Green Berets were among the first to deploy to Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Some of them rode into battle on horseback alongside fighters from the Northern Alliance.

There were no guarantees that General Dostum of the Afghan Northern Alliance would safeguard the team, and many members had never ridden horseback before. The team found itself uniquely postured to react to the Nation’s call to duty after the 9/11 attacks.

And as a SPECIAL BONUS: Horse Soldier Bourbon (https://horsesoldierbourbon.com/) is donating two bottles of their finest, signed by Mark Nutsch, who was Captain of ODA 595 when they went into Afghanistan. These will go to the stage winners in whichever two Divisions have the most competitors.

Edited August 20, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Stage 2:  MoH Winner Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, 3SFG

Medal of Honor Citation, awarded October 6, 2010:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller distinguished himself by extraordinary acts of heroism while serving as the Weapons Sergeant in Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3312, Special Operations Task Force-33, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan during combat operations against an armed enemy in Konar Province, Afghanistan on January 25, 2008. While conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol through the Gowardesh Valley, Staff Sergeant Miller and his small element of U.S. and Afghan National Army soldiers engaged a force of 15 to 20 insurgents occupying prepared fighting positions. Staff Sergeant Miller initiated the assault by engaging the enemy positions with his vehicle’s turret-mounted Mark-19 40 millimeter automatic grenade launcher while simultaneously providing detailed descriptions of the enemy positions to his command, enabling effective, accurate close air support.

Following the engagement, Staff Sergeant Miller led a small squad forward to conduct a battle damage assessment. As the group neared the small, steep, narrow valley that the enemy had inhabited, a large, well-coordinated insurgent force initiated a near ambush, assaulting from elevated positions with ample cover. Exposed and with little available cover, the patrol was totally vulnerable to enemy rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapon fire. As point man, Staff Sergeant Miller was at the front of the patrol, cut off from supporting elements, and less than 20 meters from enemy forces. Nonetheless, with total disregard for his own safety, he called for his men to quickly move back to covered positions as he charged the enemy over exposed ground and under overwhelming enemy fire in order to provide protective fire for his team.

While maneuvering to engage the enemy, Staff Sergeant Miller was shot in his upper torso. Ignoring the wound, he continued to push the fight, moving to draw fire from over one hundred enemy fighters upon himself. He then again charged forward through an open area in order to allow his teammates to safely reach cover. After killing at least 10 insurgents, wounding dozens more, and repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire while moving from position to position, Staff Sergeant Miller was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His extraordinary valor ultimately saved the lives of seven members of his own team and 15 Afghanistan National Army soldiers. Staff Sergeant Miller’s heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty, and at the cost of his own life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
 

[Matt in TN]

I am thrilled to announce that Alan's Arsenal LLC (https://www.facebook.com/AlansArsenal/)is returning yet again this year as a full match sponsor.  Be sure to check out their webpage at http://alansarsenal.3dcartstores.com/ and keep them in mind for any firearms needs - ESPECIALLY if you're in the Clarksville, TN area.

[Matt in TN]

Reminder: You will need eye and ear protection and a stopwatch of some sort in addition to your rifle, pistol, and all your ammo.

 

If you show up at a stage without eye and ear protection you will not be allowed to shoot and will get a zero for the shooting stage. If you do not have a stopwatch, you will have no way to measure any "wait time" you may receive while waiting for a shooter ahead of you to shoot. IT IS NOT THE RO's RESPONSIBILITY TO MEASURE YOUR WAIT TIME. Bring your own watch.

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Tactical Solutions, Inc. has joined us as an Obstacle Sponsor, and will be providing a TS 10/22 for the prize table.

Be sure to check them out at https://tacticalsol.com/

Edited August 25, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Stage 3:  MoH Recipient Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris, 5SFG

Medal of Honor Citation, awarded March 18, 2014:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Commander of a Strike Force drawn from Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Chi Lang, Republic of Vietnam on September 17, 1969.

On that afternoon, Staff Sergeant Morris’ affiliated companies encountered an extensive enemy mine field and were subsequently engaged by a hostile force. Staff Sergeant Morris learned by radio that a fellow team commander had been killed near an enemy bunker and he immediately reorganized his men into an effective assault posture before advancing forward and splitting off with two men to recover the team commander's body. Observing the maneuver, the hostile force concentrated its fire on Staff Sergeant Morris’ three-man element and successfully wounded both men accompanying him. After assisting the two wounded men back to his forces lines, Staff Sergeant Morris charged forward into withering enemy fire with only his men's suppressive fire as cover. While enemy machine gun emplacements continuously directed strafing fusillades against him, Staff Sergeant Morris destroyed the positions with hand grenades and continued his assault, ultimately eliminating four bunkers. Upon reaching the bunker nearest the fallen team commander, Staff Sergeant Morris repulsed the enemy, retrieved his comrade and began the arduous trek back to friendly lines. He was wounded three times as he struggled forward, but ultimately succeeded in returning his fallen comrade to a friendly position.

Staff Sergeant Morris’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
 

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Devil Dog Arms has joined on to sponsor Stage 1.  Not only are they loaning us the pistols that will be used to make this stage more authentic to the original story, but they are donating an $1,149 pistol for the prize table!

Check out their website at https://www.devildogarms.com/

And just to address this head on: the person involved with the Stolen Valor scandal that happened at Devil Dog is no longer affiliated with them in any way, and all new leadership is there now. I had to be absolutely sure of this before I could in good conscious allow them to be involved with the Legion match.  More info here:  https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/01/19/stolen-valor-scandal-gun-company-returns-marines-on-board.html

Edited August 28, 2020 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I cleared up some of the onsite camping confusion while I was there clearing trails today - I know some of you have called and not received a great response on the phone.

Onsite camping at Dead Zero Shooting Park will be PRIMITIVE (no power or water hook-ups, only portapots for bathrooms) - basically pitch a tent or park a camper in the grass be self-sufficient.  This will cost $10/night.

Please email info@deadzeroshooting.com and let them know which nights you want to stay.  This will help us have some kind of idea how many people to make arrangements for.

[Matt in TN]

Stage 4:  Special Reconnaissance, Operation Desert Storm
[excerpt taken from a Master’s thesis written by Major William M. Johnson]

 
The first mission was conducted by a split detachment, comprised of three SF soldiers from 1st Battalion, Detachment A-532, and commanded by Master Sergeant Jeffrey Sims.      The team had wanted more low-level reconnaissance planes to photograph the infiltration sites just prior to D-day but the Air Force had been busy with sorties for the two Army Corps.

The infiltration, conducted on the evening before G-Day, 23 February, by MH-60 from the 160th SOAR, crossed the Iraqi border at 2100 hours and was in position north of the Euphrates River and less than 100 miles from Baghdad.  Upon touchdown at their pre-designated position at 2200 hours that night, they would have roughly five hours to prepare their hide site.  The helicopter had landed in a freshly plowed field, its furrows almost three feet deep.  Boots sank into the loose dirt.  They were greeted by the eerie and unwanted sound of dogs barking from somewhere nearby.  No one owning the dogs was apparently interested in their midnight howling.  In eight hours, the XVIII Airborne Corps and the VII Corps would cross the border. 

By first light, after hours of hiking to their position and digging their hide site, MSG Sims and his fellow operators were in position.  During the night, a 50-car train rolled closely by and MSG Sims SATCOM communicated this information directly to the XVIII Airborne Corps.

As soon as the sun shone, people came out.  Farmers and sheep herders began walking within hundreds of yards of the hide- site.  For the next eight hours, the team sweated out discovery as people passed by their position.  No one had expected so much foot traffic.  One sheep herder walked in front of the hide-site within a foot of the peephole. Miraculously, the herder did not notice the hide-site and walked on.   Another shepherd, this one with a dog, strolled dangerously near.  At roughly 1400 hours the team's luck got worse.    A small girl and her grandfather stood frozen, staring in the direction of the hide* site.  They slowly made their way to the hole.    The old man tried to look inconspicuous, but inched closer to the hide-site.  Then the girl bolted toward the hide-site.  The old man, who appeared to be in his sixties, followed closely behind.  Slowly, she lifted the lid and gazed wide-eyed at the three Green Berets.  The three men aimed their 9-mm pistols, equipped with silencers, right at the girl's head.  The team was already compromised and shooting the two civilians would serve no purpose.  The old man started screaming at the other shepherds now wandering several hundred yards away "Americans are here!  Americans are here!”  The old man and the little girl scrambled to their feet and ran away.  Sims let them go.  Meanwhile, the team radioed for extraction due to their compromised position.

After running to another ditch, some 500 meters away, Sims knew they'd simply have to find another hole from which to make a stand.  Within 30 minutes, Iraqi troops began arriving by truck along the highway.  The team began sniping the enemy soldiers, knocking them down one by one.  The killing was methodical.  No rifles were set on automatic.  That would waste precious ammunition.  Then two busloads of soldiers arrived, increasing the odds against the team's survival.  Armed civilians began sneaking across the right and left flanks.

Several village men stood on an old masonry wall surrounding a stone house nearby and waived their hands to direct the soldiers to Sim's position.  The Green Berets picked off one of them.  But the precious firing could not protect them forever.    Villagers and soldiers crept up along the irrigation ditches.    The team would gun down several and the squads would retreat.  But not for good.  More buses carrying soldiers came.

Finally, one and one-half hours after they had been compromised, an F-16 Eagle roared overhead. At Sims direction, the plane dropped cluster bombs and thousand-pounders into ditches just 300 yards from Sims' position.

ODA 532 was rescued by a single MH-60 flown by CWO Randy Stephens and CWO John Crisufulli.  It was the only daylight hot extraction carried out during DESERT STORM, with over 240 nautical miles covered by the 160th SOAR crew across enemy territory in broad daylight.  The extraction itself was one of intense fire-fight, as MSG Sims element all survived and got aboard the aircraft.    It was a successful extraction.

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Timney Triggers has signed on as an Obstacle Sponsor and pledged $1,000 in product for the prize table.

Please check them out at https://timneytriggers.com/ for all your trigger needs.  Better yet, buy one from Alan's Arsenal LLC (http://alansarsenal.3dcartstores.com/), who is a Timney dealer!

Edited September 1, 2020 by Matt in TN