Operation YOMP

Operation YOMP

Distance: 8 +/- miles

Event Start Time: Saturday 18 March 23 at 0800hrs

Start Location: First Landing State Park Boat Ramp restrooms, VA

Event Finish Time: No Later Than Saturday 18 March 23 at 1200hrs

Finish Location: First Landing State Park Boat Ramp restrooms, VA

Situation

Operation YOMP takes place in the beautiful First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. Operation YOMP is based on true events during the 1982 Falklands War. After disembarking from ships at San Carlos on East Falkland, on the 21st of May 1982, Royal Marines and members of the Parachute Regiment yomped (or “rucked” in American) with their equipment across the islands, covering 56 miles (90 km) in three days carrying 36kg (80 lbs) loads.

Operation YOMP is a test of endurance, fitness, and mental strength.

Mission

Candidates must complete the 8+/- mile route in under 4 hours to PASS. To earn the GBF Operation YOMP Dog Tag, males must complete the route in under 2.5 hours, and females in under 3 hours.

Execution

Candidates will meet at First Landing State Park. At 0800hrs, GBF Staff will give an event brief before checking candidates maps and kit. Candidates are advised to carry paper maps (waterproofed), in addition to their smartphone, for navigation. Each candidate must carry 80 lbs plus any water and food. Once GBF Staff are happy with all the candidate's kit, they will be released to begin the route.

There may be a checkpoint at the turnaround point where candidates can fill their water. This will be confirmed on the day.

Candidates finishing in under 2.5 hours (males) or 3 hours (females) will receive the highly sought-after 'GBF Operation YOMP’ dog tags.

Service Support

- Mapping. You can navigate this route easily from the AllTrails app on your Smartphone. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS for redundancy. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership.

- Route. Operation YOMP. This is a looped route and is flat and well-used so please be aware of the public.

- Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice but they are reminded this is a rural event with little provision for support on the trail. Wet weather gear is advised in case of inclement weather conditions.

- Equipment.

This list is mandatory:

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone
• Phone charger
• Hydration bladder(s)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Blister kit

- Replen. There will be water and bananas available at the end.

- Rations. Candidates should have 2 x energy bars as emergency rations. It is the candidates' own decision if they wish to take food with them.

- Water. Candidates must carry a minimum of 2 litres of water at the start in addition to the 80 lbs. The use of hydration bladders is encouraged.

- Medical. A personal medical kit is required by every candidate. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions prior to starting the event. If any GBF staff deems a candidate is medically unfit to continue, they may be withdrawn from the event for their own safety.

- Transport. Transport to and from the event will be at candidates own arrangement. There is a fee for entry into the state park.

Command and Signal

GBF HQ - 9419939432

Weight - candidate’s backpacks must weigh 80 lbs without water and food. Candidates are invited to complete this event with a backpack under 80 lbs but they will not be eligible for a GBF Dog Tag.

Numbers - Maximum number of candidates 50. Minimum number of candidates 10.

Cost - $69 until 1st September then $79

Refunds - Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher for future events. Refunds within 30 days of an event will not be possible.