Operation EIGHT (V)
“Eight miles. The soldier’s march.”
Overview
The fourth step in the Green Beret Fitness Number Series is built on the British Army’s 8-mile Combat Fitness Test (CFT).
This is not a race. Soldiers were expected to march 8 miles (12.9 km) in under 2 hours, carrying 25 kg (55 lbs) of fighting kit. The march was always completed as a unit, led by a PTI, with one aim: arrive fit to fight, not exhausted.
Crossing the line inside the time limit is the standard. Whether it’s 1:57 or 1:59, the discipline is what matters, steady pace, steady mind, and the strength to keep moving without collapse. If you arrive at 1:38 in a crumbling pile of sweat and snot, then you’ve missed the point.
The Challenge
Ruck 8 miles (12.9 km) within 2 hours with the following loads:
CSS (Combat Service Support): 15 kg (33 lbs)
CS (Combat Support): 20 kg (44 lbs)
Combat: 25 kg (55 lbs)
Commando: 25 kg (55 lbs)
Time Standard
All tiers must finish under 2 hours.
Commando candidates are expected to demonstrate discipline by finishing closer to the PTI pace window (1:50–1:55).
How to Earn It
Record your ruck with GPS tracking (Strava, Garmin, Coros, etc.) showing distance and time.
Post a photo or short video clip before or after your ruck as proof.
Tag @green_beret_fitness so it can be verified.
⚠️ Important: GBF cannot see or verify attempts from private accounts. Only public tags will be recognized.
What You Get
The official Operation EIGHT (V) patch (available for purchase regardless of tier).
A shout-out on the Green Beret Fitness Instagram page if you tag us and your profile is public.
The satisfaction of completing the same standard that prepared soldiers for combat.
Eligibility to pursue the Skull & Dagger patch, awarded only to candidates who complete all six Number Series challenges at the Commando tier.
⚔️ Special Reward
The first 100 candidates to complete and verify all six challenges at Commando level will receive the Skull & Dagger patch free of charge.
The Fine Print
All four tiers earn the Operation EIGHT (V) patch.
When you complete each challenge, write on the patch what tier you achieved: CSS, CS, Combat, or Commando. As your fitness improves you can either cross it out and update it, or purchase a new patch to mark your progress.
Only Commando finishers across all six challenges qualify for Skull & Dagger eligibility.
Attempt as many times as you need. Only successful, verified completions count.
Train smart. Hydrate. Know your limits. This challenge is on you.
All decisions by GBF are final.