Operation NINE (V)
“Nine miles. The Commando Speed March.”
Overview
The fifth step in the Green Beret Fitness Number Series is built on the Royal Marines’ 9-Mile Speed March, one of the most feared and respected tests on the All Arms Commando Course.
Candidates were expected to cover 9 miles (14.5 km) in 90 minutes, carrying fighting kit and moving as a formed body. It was never about racing. The point was to prove that you could carry the load, hold the pace, and arrive with enough left in the tank to fight.
Operation NINE (V) follows that same principle. Complete the distance, carry the weight, hold the standard. No excuses. No shortcuts.
The Challenge
Ruck 9 miles (14.5 km) in 90 minutes with the following loads:
CSS (Combat Service Support): 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
CS (Combat Support): 15 lbs (7 kg)
Combat: 20 lbs (9 kg)
Commando: 31 lbs (14 kg) — modeled after the real Commando standard of webbing (21 lbs) plus rifle (10 lbs) combined
This is not about best effort. It’s about discipline under load and proving you can move with intent, not collapse at the end.
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 NINE (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 pride of completing a challenge rooted directly in Commando training.
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 NINE (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.