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Ep 112 | Mark Schmitz – Disaster at Abbey Gate

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Mark Schmitz’s son, LCpl Jared Schmitz, was one of the 13 Americans murdered at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, on 26 August 2021 during the evacuation from Afghanistan.

He was just 20 years old. He was there on a humanitarian mission working the infamous Abbey Gate. When Afghans made it past the Taliban checkpoints, they were desperate to get on a flight out of Afghanistan. Jared and his fellow Marines, and others, were there among crowds so large and compact that he said if your arms were at your side, you couldn’t raise the above your head.

We discuss how this suicide bomber made it to the bottlenecked gate and was able to kill so many. Why the sniper wasn’t given permission to kill him beforehand. And, what has been the government’s response since. Note: this bomb also killed over 100 Afghan civilians.

He has also created The Freedom 13.org that supports the veterans still with us. They have big plans for retreats in each state so that Veteran’s and their families can stay for free, much like and Airbnb, but with land, shooting, fishing, riding, etc. Learn about their upcoming events, including how to donate or volunteer, by visiting here: https://thefreedom13.org/pages/events

If you’re listening on Apple Music or Spotify, please rate the podcast with 5-stars and subscribe or follow. I’m tired of average podcasts with lame topics getting more listens than mine. Please help spread the word!

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I’m a proud affiliate of GORUCK. Please use this link if you want to check out their workout, rucking, running, apparel and other equipment. It doesn’t cost you any add’l money, but allows me to get a small commission to help this podcast reach larger audiences:

https://www.thadforester.com/gr-affiliate

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GORUCK 15L Bullet Rucker Review – After 28 Mile Ruck

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In May 2023, I completed our annual Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. This was the first year I’ve used the GORUCK Bullet Rucker instead of the GR2 that I’ve used the past 12 years (along with using for many months of training each year).

This 15L Bullet Rucker had the capacity for everything I needed, although it was a little snug. I really like the size and simplicity.

So that you have all the details of this event, I’ll fill you in so you know why I carried what I did and didn’t carry other things, like water and food/snacks.

-it’s an organized event with police escorts and planned rest stops every 5-7 miles.
-each stop had drinks and snacks, along with a lunch stop
-we had a trailing car that provided drinks between stops when needed
-the weather was in the 50’s to upper 70’s, so it never got too hot
-we were on paved city and county roads the entire 28 miles, however 6 miles was on a dirt road

Here is a link that will take you to GORUCK’s site, so you see more info and purchase if you want: https://www.thadforester.com/gryt-rucker

I am an affiliate, so if you use my link, I’ll get a tiny commission and it will not cost you a thing. And here is my previous review comparing with the GR 2:

https://youtu.be/3pjYDF5aImM

Here is what I carried in my Bullet Rucker (shown in the video and in pic below):

-5 pair Balega hidden comfort socks, 1 pair Darn Tough socks (in case my feet had serious issues. They didn’t!)
-1 extra pair SAXX underwear
-1 extra pair GORUCK Simple Shorts
-2 extra shirts
-blister kit
-Gold Bond powder
-Body Glide
-2 Bulletproof Bands (compression bands for achilles prehab at each rest stop)
-cell phone power charger
-1 Rx Bar

And if you want to learn more about the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck, click here: https://markaforester.com/jag28walk2023/ We have another coming up May 18, 2024. Join us!

GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts (aka ToughStretch) Review – after 3 years

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You can read more about these and purchase here: https://www.thadforester.com/grtrainingshorts-yt

After three years of use, it’s time I do a review on these GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts (formerly called American Training Shorts).

I have 3 pair and all are XL. My waist is 36″.

They wick sweat very well, don’t stick to my legs when I am sweating or wet during my workout, and dry very quickly. They have the typical GORUCK ToughStretch, which basically means they are 4-way stretch material.

I cover a couple cons, but overall, I like them enough to have several and have been using multiple times/week during warm weather for training (parking lots, sidewalks, roads, tennis courts, grass and garage workouts – down on and off the ground often). I wear them to play tennis too. Each pocket holds 2 tennis balls well.

These are $75, with the Tiger Stripe pattern being $85. Obviously not cheap. Worth it? Depends what’s important to you. In the long run, these have the GORUCK Scars Lifetime Guarantee. That’s def something to consider.

What are the brands that you like or are trying to decide between them and GORUCK?

You got questions? Ask me.

Get the shorts or read more about them on GORUCK’s site here: https://www.thadforester.com/grtrainingshorts-yt

You can see more of my GORUCK gear and apparel at: https://www.thadforester.com/affiliates/

GORUCK Review: Indestructible Grid Fleece – Half Zip – Polartec

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After extensively wearing this since 2021, I thought it was time to let you know how it’s held up to exercising outside, rucking and just wearing around b/c it looks good. In addition to this short article, you can watch my review on YouTube below:

What I like:

  • Warmth. I’ve had since 2021 and wear it all the time in non-summer months. I regularly exercise outdoors and ruck (multiple times/week) and this Polartec Grid Fleece is my go-to. When it’s below 45 degrees, it’s a second or third layer (depending how cold) and covers my neck. When it’s over 45 degrees, I don’t need any other layers with this. It also wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and warm.
  • Toughness. Given how much I wear this, there are no signs of wear. The reinforced shoulders with ToughDry fabric do their job for the straps of a rucksack or backpack.
  • Looks. It just looks good to me. In addition to being a mainstay for outdoor workouts, I wear around casually all the time.

In addition, it comes with the Scars Lifetime Guarantee – you break it, they fix it! I’ve put my fleece to the test and worn often, mostly with a weighted ruck sack on my back and with outdoor F3 workouts (on grass, parking lots, sidewalks, tennis courts, etc). There is no better lifetime guarantee on the market.


Pairs perfectly with the GORUCK Commando Pullover-Merino Wool, as seen above.

In my video review, I also cover sizing, torso length (important) and a few other details and that it shows little signs of wear.


The boys and I were in the woods today and the temp was in the mid-40’s. I had one long-sleeve t-shirt on underneath this Indestructible/Polartec Grid Fleece. It’s incredibly warm for it’s thickness. I wear it all the time in cool and cold temps.


To read more about it and/or purchase, visit:

https://www.thadforester.com/gr-grid-fleece-half

Thanks for watching/reading. If you enjoy, please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. I purchase GORUCK gear and clothing regularly. I also use it often– almost daily.

Note: GORUCK has never sent me anything to review. All of my reviews are b/c I purchased and use the products. However, I’d never object to them sending me gear to review…

For more GORUCK rucking and training gear:

https://www.thadforester.com/grtrainingshorts-yt
https://www.thadforester.com/gryt-sand
https://www.thadforester.com/grballistic
https://www.thadforester.com/gryt-rucker
https://www.thadforester.com/grsocks
https://www.thadforester.com/roughrunners-2/

GORUCK Indestructible Challenge Shorts Review

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Fit, function, ToughDry material, and why I recommend them in under 6 minutes.

To read more and/or purchase, go here: https://www.thadforester.com/grapparel

I’ve been wearing GORUCK apparel for 8 years. These shorts are tough, aka abrasion resistant, dry very fast, stretch, and are water repellant.

I also explain why they are practical for everyone, not just those participating in a GORUCK event. But, if you want to learn more about the GORUCK events, visit here: https://www.thadforester.com/goruck-events

Update: On May 18, 2024, I completed the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk, which is a continuous 28 mile ruck. We got heavily rained on. I wore the Challenge Shorts and once again proved why I like them. They didn’t cling to my legs as we walked on the hilly terrain in the rain and sun. They completely dried before the next round of rain came.

Also mentioned in this video are the GORUCK 24.7 Simple Shorts and some differences between the two. You can watch my review on them here: https://youtu.be/hTHwJ_de1H0

See more GORUCK apparel here: https://www.thadforester.com/grapparel

Let me know any questions or comments.