2021 Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun: Sept 11-12, Spencer, TN

[Matt in TN]

 

Intro:

The 2021 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 rifle-rated 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, 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 the 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 the 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 an 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 the RO an empty mag well and chamber on his rifle before leaving each stage. The 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) the morning of the match. 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.

Pictures, as always, by the amazing Lisa Stennett

[Matt in TN]

Note that 2021 will be the TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY of 9/11, so I want to do this year's match up bigger and better than we ever have before.  MOAR explosions, mental tests, special guests, and hard challenges!

I'm talking flyovers of entire squadrons of jets and helicopters.  Real tanks and artillery.  Parachuting badasses from the sky.  Our biggest ever (by far!) net donation to the SFA.  The only problem is that I have none of these things (yet).  If you know someone or know someone who knows someone who could help provide any of these things - reach out to them and make it happen.  Coordinate with me so we don't break any laws or destroy the facilities, but Dead Zero has already said they are good with just about anything we can dream up.

We DO already have in the works top-tier training opportunities and side matches that will be available for very reasonable donations to SFA.

[Matt in TN]

For the most up-to-date information and to be in on all the discussion and smack-talk, be sure to click "Interested" or "Going" to the Event Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/events/2870563023163635/?active_tab=discussion

I will try to cross post anything I think is important here for all you non-FBers, but it's hard to keep up with everything.

[Matt in TN]

Registration will open at 10:00am (Central Time) on Saturday, June 12th.  This will leave you 90 days to train up after you know you're in - don't waste that time!

This match always sells out in a few minutes, so be sure to be near a computer when it opens or you won't get in.  If you don't get in, get on the waitlist as soon as you can.  We always have cancellations, and I'm holding several slots for 5th Group that I will give to civilians if they can't come.

I'm going to mandate again this year that you choose only ONE match so we can get as many different people to attend as possible.  Sorry - no 15k option.

Here's the 5k registration link:  https://practiscore.com/5k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2021/register?fbclid=IwAR2t4Cxkkd-eSy3ioieq6RzslSFkf09xFXTXb5_H20TluS7a4FUbAhqj6C0

Here's the 10k registration link:  https://practiscore.com/10k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2021/register?fbclid=IwAR0tzCT25pDCMx4kPHr4rwCf-pnVtz2m1d1hEWjKgYG2bG69pkyGETe7RYo

There will be no online payment option - we're only doing cash at the door again to make the SFA donation as straightforward as possible.

Just out of curiosity - how much would you pay (knowing the money goes to SFA, of course) to shoot out of a Little Bird piloted by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (the Night Stalkers)???

[Matt in TN]

I am excited to announce that the mighty Sean Murphy with will be donating twelve hours of his time to both help you get better at RNG and raise money for SFA!

The theory here is that if you're signed up for the 5k, you come a day early and pay Sean $100 for 6 hours of "RNG tune up" training on Friday, then go out and crush your run on Saturday.  Similarly, if you're signed up for the 10k, show up a day early for 6 hours of training on Saturday, then crush your 10k run on Sunday.  All proceeds from the classes go to SFA.  Sean also has an option to buy ammo for the class at his cost if you're having trouble finding enough in this crazy market - if you have plenty, bring your own, but if you want to buy it he can supply it.  

Be sure to register and pay for the correct class to lock in your slot ASAP - there are very limited spaces and they'll sell out quick!

Click here to register for the 5k Training Class on Friday, September 10th:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rng-skills-class-fri-sept-10-legion-rng-event-dead-zero-shooting-park-tickets-158310179007

Click here to register for the 10k Training Class on Saturday, September 11th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rng-skills-class-sat-sept-11-legion-rng-event-dead-zero-shooting-park-tickets-158291984587

And for anyone who doesn't know Sean - he's a national level top ranked competitor in several different disciplines, highly skilled, and a helluva nice guy to boot.  Here's just a few of his wins from last year alone: 

2020
Mammoth Sniper Challenge - 1st Place, Toughman
Bushnell Elite Tactical Sniper Challenge - 1st Place, LRRP
Competition Dynamics Team Rifle/Carbine Challenge - 1st Place
Legion 9/11 Memorial Run-n-Gun 10k - 1st Place
17 South Sweat N’ Bullets Run-n-Gun 5k - 1st Place
The Gun Run-Clinton House Run-n-Gun 5k - 1st Place
Panteo DMR Match - 1st Place

$100 is a STEAL for ONE HOUR of training time with him.  For six hours this is laughable.  Jump on it now before someone beats you to it!

[Matt in TN]

We've had some questions about armor details for Operator Class, and all the great options on the market now make this more difficult than ever.  The guiding principle should be:  "WOULD YOU WEAR THIS TO WAR???"

Rifle rated armor plates (front and back) must be worn at a minimum.  Smaller 9x9 "CCW" plates do NOT qualify.  I totally get their purpose and even think they're kind of cool, but you'd never (hopefully) wear those if you were going to a place you were likely to be shot with a rifle.  You need full coverage.

Use your body as a guide, but I'd guess 8x10 plates would be a minimum.  If you're a big dude,  you need bigger plates.  If you're a 4'9" woman weighing less than 100 lbs, something smaller than 8x10 may work - but don't push it!

 

I'm not picking on Freeman here - just using their ad as an example in the pic below.  There are several CCW armor makers now.  Their stuff is cool, but this is not the place for it.

 

[Matt in TN]

Stage 1:  05 Dec 2001, Afghanistan:  In memory of ODA574 Master Sgt Jefferson Donald “Donnie” Davis, Staff Sgt. Brian Cody Prosser, and Sgt 1st Class Daniel H. Petithory. 

ODA 574, Alpha Company, 3rd Btn, 5th SFG deployed from Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (nicknamed K2 by the Special Forces) just outside of Tarin Kowt on 14 November, accompanied by Pashtun militia leader, Hamid Karzai, who was returning from exile.  Twenty members of Karzai’s militia and five other members of ODA 574 and Karzai were also wounded. 

A JDAM 2,000 lb penetrating warhead was dropped from a B-52 targeting enemy in caves on the other side of a river 2,000 yds away, but due to several issues hit the friendly forces who called in the fire mission.  No one in the area had any idea what happened for several minutes afterward, and chaos reigned after the blast with survivors only knowing they’d been attacked, smoke and debris made seeing anything all but impossible, RPG rounds were cooking off (which led them to think the attack was continuing), and the less disciplined militia were firing their AKs into the smoke adding to the confusion and impression of further attack. For more information on this event and much more, read the book The Only Thing Worth Dying For:  How Eleven Green Berets Forged a New Afghanistan by Eric Blehm.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00338QEUQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

You will be shooting pistol from a confined smoke-filled place from awkward positions in this stage.  You MAY want to bring a gas mask if you have respiratory issues (or if you just want to bring it!), but you have to carry the gas mask for the entire match along with your other gear.

5SFG didn't have gas masks and just had to fight through the smoke. Think of them while you're coughing and gagging and trying to see clear static targets that aren't shooting back at you.
 

[Matt in TN]

This Saturday will be 8 weeks until Match Day.  If you haven't already, NOW would be a great time to start a focused training program.

If you've never done anything like this before, google "Couch To 5k" and choose one of those programs that looks good to you.  If this is not your first time, choose a training program that's more advanced but still within your reach - there are a ton of good free programs out there.

Some general guidance:

1.  Repeatability is key here.  The exact training program you choose doesn't matter nearly as much as COMMITTING to it, and then doing it no matter what.  Many studies have shown that doing a physical activity two times per week is just enough to maintain your current level.  I've settled on 3x/wk focused training as something that's sustainable for me.  6x/wk will get you even more improvement, but you have a higher risk of injury and/or burnout.  You do you.

2.  Be sure to increase your nutrition plan and rest plan to go with your harder training.  Working harder alone is not enough to improve - your body must have the fuel it needs to do the work, and the focused rest time it needs to rebuild the stressed muscles.  Adequate sleep is the most overlooked part of a training plan - don't be that guy!

3.  Train no more than once per week with weight.  Running in full gear every day sounds like a great way to get stronger (I did it for my first two years!), but it's just too hard on your joints and is unsustainable.  Now I focus on speed and endurance during the week with no weight, but do a trail run on the weekend with a 20lb weight vest.  That's plenty.

Comment here to share what you're doing and give others ideas, or if you have any questions about your own training plan.  And get to work!!!

 

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Foot Solutions Acworth will be providing almost $600 in running gear including Brooks Cascadia Trail Running Shoes, Aetrex Lynco Orthotics, and Thorlo Experia Prolite Running Socks.

I am especially excited for this one, as I've solicited several running gear companies over the years and they all shied away when they heard guns were involved.   Support those who support us!

Check them out at https://footsolutions.com/acworth

 

[Matt in TN]

I had a great site meeting with my Co-MD this weekend and we have several new exciting developments coming!

Today's is that 10k folks need to be prepared to make RIFLE HITS OUT TO 600 YDS.  5k folks will be 300 yds and under.

The 600 yd target will be a full-sized torso (not the Jeep!).  I saw FALs hit that same target all day long at 600 yds a couple weeks ago.  No big deal, right????

Round count coming soon...

[Matt in TN]

I am excited to announce that not only will we have CJ Solar donating his time and award-winning talent to entertain us Saturday and Sunday, but he and his guitar player will be COMPETING with us and running the course on Friday with the Staff!

Check out his new album Get Away With It, which follows Solar’s critically-acclaimed debut 2016 EP, Hard One toTurn Down. Critics at The Daily Country wrote, “Solar injects a hefty (and welcome) dose of Southern rock into his country, which melds perfectly with hisgravelly vocals.” Country Music Rocks was “immediately captivated by all five songs and hoped that [the EP] obtains the recognition it deserves.” The Rowdy found it “exactly what country fans are looking to savor.” And The Shotgun Seat welcomed Hard One to Turn Down as “the perfect pairing of country storytelling and rocking rhythms, married by his dynamic vocals” and named him one of their “17 to Watch in 17."

Learn more about CJ at https://www.cjsolar.com/

 

[Matt in TN]

I'm thrilled to announce Magpul Industries Corp. signed on as a sponsor today, and pledged to donate $3,500.00 in product to the prize table.  Thanks Magpul!!!  https://magpul.com/

 

[Matt in TN]

The post everyone has been waiting for:  ROUND COUNT!

The MINIMUM required hits are as follows:

5k:  48 rifle and 41 pistol

10k:  68 rifle and 46 pistol

The shooting this year will be the most difficult we've done yet, so I highly suggest NOT skimping on the ammo you carry so you don't run out.  I personally will carry 150 rds rifle and 105 rds pistol for the 10k when I run it - and I know exactly what is coming.

10k folks in particular could burn up a LOT of pistol ammo quickly if they struggle.  Don't run out.

And just because I'm a nerd, the pic shows how this year's round count compares to all the other Legion matches over the years.  I did keep it a little bit low because of the ammo shortage, but it is NOT the lowest it's ever been.  

I'm really excited for everyone to see the stages this year.  We have a very balanced match with several unique challenges, all based around remembering fallen 5th Special Forces Soldiers.  I hope you're ready!

 

[Matt in TN]

Stage 2 is in honor of CPT Michael Y. Tarlavsky, who was fatally wounded in action on August 12, 2004 in Najaf, Iraq.  In this stage, react to a grenade attack and move and shoot through a city environment to beat back CPT Tarlavsky's attackers.

 - De Oppresso Liber -

 

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased and not at all surprised to announce Samson Manufacturing has returned as a sponsor this year and pledged $1,200.00 in product to become an Obstacle Sponsor.  Bryan Ray was instrumental in helping me put on the very first RNG at Rockcastle Shooting Center in 2017, and through him and Brian Vaught Samson has sponsored every single match I've ever put on.

Not only do they support the shooting sports above and beyond any reasonable call, they also make lots of great products.  Check them out at:  https://www.samson-mfg.com/

 

[Matt in TN]

Stage 3 is in honor of SSG Gary R. Harper, Jr., who was killed in action when his reconnaissance mission was attacked by enemy forces near Baghdad, Iraq on October 9, 2005.

In this stage, use covering fire while moving to suppress enemy fire during sprints between various points of cover, and engage enemy from behind that cover to fight your way through SSG Harper's reconnaissance mission.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

Edited August 17, 2021 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

I am thrilled to announce Licentia Arms has joined on as a sponsor and pledged a $4,150.00 certificate that will be raffled off Sunday night at the 10k Awards Ceremony.  The intent is that this certificate will entitle you to one of their custom PVS14 setups, but they've already mentioned it could be credited toward a dual tube setup if you'd rather go that route.  I can't speak for them, of course, but I'd imagine they'd also be willing to credit that amount toward a $40,000 quad tube setup if you REALLY want to go nuts!

Licentia Arms builds only the highest quality custom Night Vision Gear using L3 Unfilmed White Phosphor Aviation Spec Tubes.  They also have a GREAT website with tons of information for those of us who are overwhelmed just trying to get started in NV.  For example, check out their "Night Vision 101" Article here:  https://licentiaarmsco.com/night-vision-101/

They will have a demo bay setup Saturday night (starting at 8:30pm and going until we run out of ammo) where you can use much of their equipment under live fire conditions.  A single $10 raffle ticket purchase allows you entry to that demo bay, but you can buy as many of those $10 raffle tickets all weekend long if you want to increase your odds of winning.  You must finish the race (5k or 10k) to be eligible to buy raffle tickets.  You do NOT have to present to win, but if you are not there your tickets must be marked LEGIBLY with your contact information or we'll have no way to contact you.  I can't imagine anything more sad than drawing the winning ticket only to find it blank or unreadable - but if that happens I'm going to draw another.  As with everything this weekend, all proceeds from the raffle go to the Special Forces Association, Chpt 38.

Former 5SFG personnel will be helping to run the demo bay Saturday night so you can pepper them with all the NVG related questions you want, and get great answers bought with the sweat of their real world experiences.  Don't miss this unique opportunity.

Like them on Facebook at @licentiaarms, follow them on Instagram at @licentia_arms and check out their website at https://licentiaarmsco.com/ - and be sure to tell them you're there because they sponsored the Legion match!

[MacGyver]

This looks like it's going to be a great match.

[Matt in TN]

Stage 4 is in honor of SFC Aaron A. Henderson, who died October 2, 2012 of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device attack on September 30 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

In this stage:  fight off the enemy from multiple sandbagged positions, drag your wounded teammate to safety, and use a radio to call for medevac and receive your next instructions.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

[Matt in TN]

17 hours ago, MacGyver said:

This looks like it's going to be a great match.

Thank you, sir - we are sure trying hard!

[Matt in TN]

Scoring & Penalties:

Your overall score will be 50% net run time and 50% total shooting score.  So you have to both run fast and shoot well to win.  If you fail to fully neutralize a target, 10 seconds will be added to your shoot time for that stage.  Any targets not designated one hit each during the shooting brief will take THREE rifle hits or FIVE pistol hits to neutralized - and D-zone hits don't count.  Remember, 5th Group doesn't just shoot twice and move on - they shoot until the target is no longer a threat.  We can't do that in a game, so we use the average number of hits they make on attackers based on their real-world experiences.

There will be difficult obstacles along the way.  Skipping those obstacles will result in SEVERE penalties added to your run time.  I will have staff at each obstacle to keep you honest.  Do the obstacles.  Embrace the suck.

Match DQ's will be issued for the following infractions:

1.  Dropping a loaded pistol anywhere on the course.
2.  Muzzling anyone (even yourself) with a loaded weapon.
3.  Negligent discharge (there is no such thing as "accidental" discharge) of your weapon.
4.   Having a loaded rifle anywhere on the course EXCEPT when actively shooting a stage.

Legion Veterans:  What am I forgetting?
Legion Newbies:  What scoring/penalty questions do you have that I haven't addressed here?

[Matt in TN]

This incident was a main driver of starting the very first Legion 9/11 Memorial Match in 2017, and was the first stage of that very first match.  One of our founders was the XO for these fine young gentleman, and wanted to do something to honor them.  I thought it fitting to bring it back for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, and honor them once again. 

Stage 5 is in honor of SFC Matthew C. Lewellen, SSG Kevin J. McEnroe, and SSG James F. Moriarty, who were killed in action on November 4, 2016 during an ambush at a vehicle checkpoint in Jordan.

In this stage:  fight off the enemy from inside a vehicle and use barricades for cover while fighting off an ambush.

- De Oppresso Liber -

[Matt in TN]

I am pleased to announce Vortex Optics has signed on as a sponsor, and pledged $2,400.00 in optics for the prize table. Check them out at https://vortexoptics.com/, and be sure to thank them for sponsoring this match!

Edited August 20, 2021 by Matt in TN

[Matt in TN]

Primitive camping (no hookups, no power, no water) will be available on site at Dead Zero Shooting Park for $10/night.  No need to make reservations - just show up and check in at the Pro Shop to pay.  If the Pro Shop is closed when you arrived, find a spot out of the way and pay the next day when it opens.

We are bringing in extra portapots for this, but you need to plan on bringing everything else you might need with you.  There is a Dollar Store about 15 minutes north of here, and a Walmart about 20 minutes south of here if you need supplies.

BE SURE to be respectful of their land and leave your campsite in a better condition than you found it.  Fires are fine, but keep a close eye on them.  If you leave any trash I'm going to put you on garbage patrol for all 2,000 acres of property we are using this weekend.

[Matt in TN]

We have several unique terrain-based obstacles this year that will test both your physical skills and your mental toughness.  If you have any claustrophobic tendencies, you may want to start learning to face them and power through.  As with all of our matches - the 5k has an "easier" version of this obstacle, but the 10k has the "all in" version.  Be ready.

It's also come to my attention that I should warn everyone they will get wet on this course, so you should dress appropriately.  If you're smart and skilled you can minimize this to avoid almost all of the water.  If you're neither of those things or just prefer to plow through the depths - that's fine with me too.  

And of course Mother Nature has a say too.  She may decide we ALL get soaked no matter what we do.  It has certainly happened before.  Be prepared for anything you might encounter in fairly rough/remote terrain in the Southeastern United States.  I'm pretty sure there are no alligators onsite - but I'd prefer them to all the ticks and chiggers I can PROMISE you are there.  Treat your clothes with Permethrin.  Apply Deet liberally.  DO NOT wear shorts, no matter how hot it is - especially if you're doing the 10k.  You will regret it.