The True Believer
“Every minute I stay in this hotel room I get weaker. Every minute Charlie squats in the bush, he gets stronger.” CPT. Ben Willard
We’re getting in the best shape of our lives by focusing on rucking and building mental toughness. Don’t be stingy. Invite a friend or two.
We’re putting the finishing touches on the first RTFU t-shirt. It’s damn cool. You will want one. More to come.
My "Danger Close" podcast episode with Jack Carr aired this week. You can check it out on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Before recording the podcast, I was reading one of Jack’s books, The True Believer.
In the front of the book is a quote that I have heard and loved since I was a young Marine. It is attributed to a Special Forces Instructor.
Somewhere, a True Believer is training to kill you. He is training with minimum food or water, in austere conditions, day and night. The only clean thing on him is his weapon, and he made his web gear. He doesn’t worry about what workout to do-his ruck weighs what it weighs, his run ends when the enemy stops chasing him. The True Believer doesn’t care how hard it is; he only knows that he wins or dies. He doesn’t go home at 1700; he is home. He knows only the cause.
When I became a sniper instructor, I had this quote made into posters, laminated, and hung around the classroom and barracks.
It has always reminded me of the opening scene of Apocalypse Now when Captain Benjamin Willard (played by Martin Sheen) lays sweating in a Saigon hotel room under a slowly spinning fan as the Doors, The End plays.
Perhaps, like me, you are no longer in the profession of arms, or perhaps you never were, but regardless, this quote is a lesson for all of us. Replace 'kill' with 'beat', or make the sale, or get the job, or get the girl.
Someone is working harder than you to get the thing you want. And if you don’t do something about it, they will win. They will lift more, run faster, try harder, and accomplish more.
So, get out there, ruck the fuck up, and start acting and training, like a true believer.
John
You know you have a few friends who need to Ruck the Fuck Up. Share this with them.
“You can either surf, or you can fight!”
— Lt. Col. Kilgore
If you have read Tough Rugged Bastards, I’d appreciate a review on Amazon.
If you can’t read, you’re in luck. It’s now available on Audible.
Good Deals
My pals at SOFLETE provide world-class training, supplements, and gear. I love their training app. You can get 20% off with the code: Walkingpoint20
Salty Britches coupon code: RTFU20 will get you 20% off an already ridiculously underpriced insurance policy against chafing and blisters.
I now have a new favorite all-purpose belt from the Marine Raider-owned company BoldBannds. Bold Bannds are not only stretch/roll proof but also antimicrobial, waterproof, crackproof, bombproof, and maintenance-free. The owner, Chris Bannister, will work with you to create your personalized belt. Use the coupon code RTFU to get 10% off.
I love this sentiment and always have. Without understanding this, it is hard to understand the depth of suffering one will undergo to be in an elite organization. And even then, there is more to give.