Operation DAGGER

Operation DAGGER

November 15-17, 2024

Virginia Beach, 1964 Fisher Arch, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA

Distance: Unknown miles

Weight: The weight will fluctuate depending on the event phase. All candidates must be able to carry 50+ lbs.

Brief Start Time: Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2000 hrs

Event Start Time: Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2100 hrs

Start Location: LFT Gym VB

Event Finish Time: Sunday, November 17, 2024 at approximately 1600 hrs

Finish Location: LFT Gym VB

Situation.

Operation DAGGER is a 36+ hour course based on the infamous All Arms Commando Course, held at the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines in Devon, England. The first formal commando training course was established at Achnacarry, Scotland in 1942 and some elements remain exactly the same to this day. The specific tests which volunteers are put through are not as important as the fact that their fortitude should be tested to the limit.

Mission.

Physical Standards: Candidates may not encounter all of these tests, but should train as if they will. Physical standards are objective - PASS or FAIL. You will also encounter other physical and mental tests during the exercise.

🗡2 mile run (PT clothes) in under 20 minutes.

🗡40 Push-ups in 2 minutes.

🗡40 Sit-ups in 2 minutes.

🗡10 Pull-ups in 2 minutes.

🗡Full regain (watch THIS video).

🗡Fireman’s carry, over 200m carrying own and colleague’s equipment and weapon (combined weight of 62 lb), in 120 seconds (Real time is 90 seconds).

🗡30 ft rope climb (with 21 lb plus rifle) (Same as the real test).

🗡12-mile load carry - at night, as a formed body carrying 50 lb marching order and personal weapon within 4 hours (Real weight is 69 lb).

🗡9-mile speed march. This is a 9-mile speed march, as a formed body, which is to be completed in 120 minutes whilst carrying 21 lb and personal weapon (Real time limit is 90 mins)

🗡Endurance course. This is an individual test comprising a challenging 6-mile course whilst carrying 21 lb and personal weapon in under 90 minutes (Real time limit is 73 minutes).

Personal Characteristics: Candidates must display the Commando Values (excellence, integrity, self-discipline, humility) and Commando Spirit (courage, determination, unselfishness, cheerfulness).

Anyone who completes Operation DAGGER will earn the real Commando Patch worn by British Commando forces. The top student will also earn a Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife.

Execution.

Candidates will meet at LFT Gym VB on Friday November 15th. At 2000 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions.

Service Support

Mapping.

Candidates will be able to use Google Maps for all routes during Operation DAGGER.

Weight.

Candidates must have the ability to have up to 50 lb in their pack. It is strongly advised this is made up of smaller amounts so you can have 20 lb or 40 lb etc. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.

Equipment.

All the equipment below must fit in your backpack. You may be required to carry it all with you during the exercise. We have linked some of the items; these are for suggestions only and recommend you research your own products before purchasing.

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Secondary bag for time we may need to dump some of the gear.
• Spare Socks x 4 minimum
• Spare Underwear
• Spare Pants
• Spare T-Shirt
• Waterproof Top
• Warm Hat
• Warm Gloves
• Trash Bags x 3
• Small Towel
• Small Wash Kit (toothbrush, soap, toothpaste etc)
• Small Sewing Kit
• Small Boot Brush and polish/wax
• Phone (fully charged)
• Phone charger (enough to charge your phone twice or more)
• Head Torch (spare batteries and / or spare head torch)
• Hydration bladder(s) (we suggest having a spare)
• Water bottle (to use when you’re not allowed the water bladder)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Blister kit
• Pocket Knife
• Reflective Bands x 2
• KFS (Knife Fork Spoon)
• 48 Hours of MRE(s)
• Chem-light/Cyalume x 10
• Small red light (for use on main roads)
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Emergency stretcher
• Emergency shelter x 2
• Roll Mat
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Entrenching Tool
• Waterproof Tarp Cover, 8X10-Feet (Green/Black/Camo color)
• ParaCord (50+ ft)
• Bungees x 8

Dress.

Candidates' dress will be a personal choice. You will get wet and dirty.

Water.

There will be bottled water available to candidates throughout the exercise.

Rations.

Candidates should have a minimum of 1 meal plus 3 snacks on them at any time.

Medical.

Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.

Transportation.

Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement. You will not be allowed to your car once the exercise has started.

Command and Signal

GBF HQ: 941-993-9432

The Fine Print

Numbers.

Maximum number of candidates 30. Minimum number of candidates 10.

Refunds.

Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.

Event Changes.

Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.