Thanks for registering for the Leadership in the Valley staff ride in March of 2017. So far we have 18 signed up from USNA and 7 from 2d Reconnaissance Battalion (USMC) to join us on the trail - though not all have registered to receive these e-mails. If you know of anyone scheduled to go who has not registered on-line for these emails, please have them register for this event at: http://www.theomna.com/events.html
In the weeks ahead, we'll send you periodic updates. This is the first. Here are some thoughts as you prepare for this great adventure: - Do not worry! This is not some kind of "forced march" -- it is quite literally a "walk in the park". A 75-100 mile walk perhaps -- in a National Park along the Appalachian Trail -- where you'll learn a lot about leadership, history, fieldcraft -- but still a walk in the park. You'll be walking with 3 old-timers -- retired Marine leaders from the last century -- so rest assured this is not any kind of a speed march. Our rate of movement will be 3 miles an hour or less, a sustainable pace with lots of learning opportunities every day. This will be a lot of fun!
- You are responsible for five things:
- Shelter. Both underway and in camp, you'll need to provide your own shelter from late-winter conditions. Tent or tarp or bivy sack for camp. Rainsuit or poncho for the trail. You'll want to bring warm clothing, but not too much. Bring whatever you like, but remember you'll have to carry it in a daypack or stage it in a small bag in a support vehicle. Sleeping bags are recommended, though you can substitute a blanket and lots of situps and pushups all night to stay warm! More on this later, but know that you are responsible for sheltering yourself from the elements.
- Food and water. We will provide two catered meals for you -- one at the opening introduction on Sunday night and one at the warrior campfire on Wednesday night. The rest of the meals are your responsibility, Monday through Friday. Bring whatever you like, but remember you'll be carrying it. We'll draw water from streams, so you'll need to be prepared to purify it. More on this later.
- Mobility. Most all you need you will carry on your back -- so you'll need a small backpack or daypack. Additional overnight gear can be staged in one of our support vehicles in one additional bag. The most important equipment you'll carry are your shoes and socks. Choose them well. It is most important that the footwear you choose be comfortable and well broken-in. Start walking in your footwear now to toughen your feet and break in your trail footwear.
- Hygiene. You are responsible for keeping yourself clean. Concentrate on feet and teeth. Bring your own toilet paper (in case there is no snow).
- Leadership. You are responsible for leading yourself and your peers, and preparing yourselves in body, mind, and spirit to participate meaningfully in this great learning opportunity!
- More information to come. In the weeks ahead, we'll send you more detail on each one of these five points. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. For USNA midshipmen, CDR Jorg Nommensen or Dr. Joe Thomas are in Luce Hall, both are veterans of this trek. For USMC NCOs, you can reply to this email to contact J.D. Baker, Eric Carlson, and David Mohr (the three old-timers hiking with you). We can help you with all your preparations for this trip.
- Please share this email with your buddies who are going but have not yet signed up. We'll provide a list of who registered and who didn't next week to your senior leaders at Annapolis and Camp Lejeune. Look out for each other and make sure nobody is on the "failed to register for emails list."
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