2021 Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun: Sept 11-12, Spencer, TN

[kotengu]

The post everyone has been waiting for: ROUND COUNT!

The MINIMUM required hits are as follows:

5k: 48 rifle and 41 pistol

10k: 68 rifle and 46 pistol

The shooting this year will be the most difficult we've done yet, so I highly suggest NOT skimping on the ammo you carry so you don't run out. I personally will carry 150 rds rifle and 105 rds pistol for the 10k when I run it - and I know exactly what is coming.

10k folks in particular could burn up a LOT of pistol ammo quickly if they struggle. Don't run out.

And just because I'm a nerd, the pic shows how this year's round count compares to all the other Legion matches over the years. I did keep it a little bit low because of the ammo shortage, but it is NOT the lowest it's ever been.

I'm really excited for everyone to see the stages this year. We have a very balanced match with several unique challenges, all based around remembering fallen 5th Special Forces Soldiers. I hope you're ready!

 

[kotengu]

Stage 2 is in honor of CPT Michael Y. Tarlavsky, who was fatally wounded in action on August 12, 2004 in Najaf, Iraq. In this stage, react to a grenade attack and move and shoot through a city environment to beat back CPT Tarlavsky's attackers.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

[kotengu]

I am pleased and not at all surprised to announce Samson Manufacturing has returned as a sponsor this year and pledged $1,200.00 in product to become an Obstacle Sponsor. Bryan Ray was instrumental in helping me put on the very first RNG at Rockcastle Shooting Center in 2017, and through him and Brian Vaught Samson has sponsored every single match I've ever put on.

Not only do they support the shooting sports above and beyond any reasonable call, they also make lots of great products. Check them out at: https://www.samson-mfg.com/

 

[kotengu]

Stage 3 is in honor of SSG Gary R. Harper, Jr., who was killed in action when his reconnaissance mission was attacked by enemy forces near Baghdad, Iraq on October 9, 2005.

In this stage, use covering fire while moving to suppress enemy fire during sprints between various points of cover, and engage enemy from behind that cover to fight your way through SSG Harper's reconnaissance mission.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

[kotengu]

I am thrilled to announce Licentia Arms has joined on as a sponsor and pledged a $4,150.00 certificate that will be raffled off Sunday night at the 10k Awards Ceremony. The intent is that this certificate will entitle you to one of their custom PVS14 setups, but they've already mentioned it could be credited toward a dual tube setup if you'd rather go that route. I can't speak for them, of course, but I'd imagine they'd also be willing to credit that amount toward a $40,000 quad tube setup if you REALLY want to go nuts!

Licentia Arms builds only the highest quality custom Night Vision Gear using L3 Unfilmed White Phosphor Aviation Spec Tubes. They also have a GREAT website with tons of information for those of us who are overwhelmed just trying to get started in NV. For example, check out their "Night Vision 101" Article here: https://licentiaarmsco.com/night-vision-101/

They will have a demo bay setup Saturday night (starting at 8:30pm and going until we run out of ammo) where you can use much of their equipment under live fire conditions. A single $10 raffle ticket purchase allows you entry to that demo bay, but you can buy as many of those $10 raffle tickets all weekend long if you want to increase your odds of winning. You must finish the race (5k or 10k) to be eligible to buy raffle tickets. You do NOT have to present to win, but if you are not there your tickets must be marked LEGIBLY with your contact information or we'll have no way to contact you. I can't imagine anything more sad than drawing the winning ticket only to find it blank or unreadable - but if that happens I'm going to draw another. As with everything this weekend, all proceeds from the raffle go to the Special Forces Association, Chpt 38.

Former 5SFG personnel will be helping to run the demo bay Saturday night so you can pepper them with all the NVG related questions you want, and get great answers bought with the sweat of their real world experiences. Don't miss this unique opportunity.

Like them on Facebook at @licentiaarms, follow them on Instagram at @licentia_arms and check out their website at https://licentiaarmsco.com/ - and be sure to tell them you're there because they sponsored the Legion match!

 

[brunop]

Dude.

Nice raffle.

 

[kotengu]

Stage 4 is in honor of SFC Aaron A. Henderson, who died October 2, 2012 of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device attack on September 30 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

In this stage: fight off the enemy from multiple sandbagged positions, drag your wounded teammate to safety, and use a radio to call for medevac and receive your next instructions.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

[kotengu]

Scoring & Penalties:

Your overall score will be 50% net run time and 50% total shooting score. So you have to both run fast and shoot well to win. If you fail to fully neutralize a target, 10 seconds will be added to your shoot time for that stage. Any targets not designated one hit each during the shooting brief will take THREE rifle hits or FIVE pistol hits to neutralized - and D-zone hits don't count. Remember, 5th Group doesn't just shoot twice and move on - they shoot until the target is no longer a threat. We can't do that in a game, so we use the average number of hits they make on attackers based on their real-world experiences.

There will be difficult obstacles along the way. Skipping those obstacles will result in SEVERE penalties added to your run time. I will have staff at each obstacle to keep you honest. Do the obstacles. Embrace the suck.

Match DQ's will be issued for the following infractions:
1. Dropping a loaded pistol anywhere on the course.
2. Muzzling anyone (even yourself) with a loaded weapon.
3. Negligent discharge (there is no such thing as "accidental" discharge) of your weapon.
4. Having a loaded rifle anywhere on the course EXCEPT when actively shooting a stage.

Legion Veterans: What am I forgetting?
Legion Newbies: What scoring/penalty questions do you have that I haven't addressed here?

 

[kotengu]

This incident was a main driver of starting the very first Legion 9/11 Memorial Match in 2017, and was the first stage of that very first match. One of our founders was the XO for these fine young gentleman, and wanted to do something to honor them. I thought it fitting to bring it back for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, and honor them once again.

Stage 5 is in honor of SFC Matthew C. Lewellen, SSG Kevin J. McEnroe, and SSG James F. Moriarty, who were killed in action on November 4, 2016 during an ambush at a vehicle checkpoint in Jordan.

In this stage: fight off the enemy from inside a vehicle and use barricades for cover while fighting off an ambush.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

[kotengu]

I am pleased to announce Vortex Optics has signed on as a sponsor, and pledged $2,400.00 in optics for the prize table. Check them out at https://vortexoptics.com/, and be sure to thank them for sponsoring this match!

 

[kotengu]

Primitive camping (no hookups, no power, no water) will be available on site at Dead Zero Shooting Park for $10/night. No need to make reservations - just show up and check in at the Pro Shop to pay. If the Pro Shop is closed when you arrived, find a spot out of the way and pay the next day when it opens.

We are bringing in extra portapots for this, but you need to plan on bringing everything else you might need with you. There is a Dollar Store about 15 minutes north of here, and a Walmart about 20 minutes south of here if you need supplies.

BE SURE to be respectful of their land and leave your campsite in a better condition than you found it. Fires are fine, but keep a close eye on them. If you leave any trash I'm going to put you on garbage patrol for all 2,000 acres of property we are using this weekend.

 

[tac-40]

And don't forget the insect repellant. Ticks were nasty last year and I don't expect them to have gone away since then. One bite cost me - tested positive for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. All my stuff is now treated with this and it will receive a booster just before I leave for the match.

 

[kotengu]

We have several unique terrain-based obstacles this year that will test both your physical skills and your mental toughness. If you have any claustrophobic tendencies, you may want to start learning to face them and power through. As with all of our matches - the 5k has an "easier" version of this obstacle, but the 10k has the "all in" version. Be ready.

It's also come to my attention that I should warn everyone they will get wet on this course, so you should dress appropriately. If you're smart and skilled you can minimize this to avoid almost all of the water. If you're neither of those things or just prefer to plow through the depths - that's fine with me too.

And of course Mother Nature has a say too. She may decide we ALL get soaked no matter what we do. It has certainly happened before. Be prepared for anything you might encounter in fairly rough/remote terrain in the Southeastern United States. I'm pretty sure there are no alligators onsite - but I'd prefer them to all the ticks and chiggers I can PROMISE you are there. Treat your clothes with Permethrin. Apply Deet liberally. DO NOT wear shorts, no matter how hot it is - especially if you're doing the 10k. You will regret it (see Tac's warning above!).

 

[kotengu]

Stage 6 (10k only) is in honor of Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton, an LCPO (Leading Chief Petty Officer) of a 4-man EOD Team, who served closely with 5SFG. Senior Chief Dayton was tragically killed in the line of duty in Syria on November 24, 2016.

In this stage: defuse a bomb, then fight through an attack when things go wrong.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

[kotengu]

Remember - you will need eye and ear protection to shoot. If you show up at a stage without either, you will not be allowed to shoot and will have to take a zero for that stage. Many people carry extras, because $hit happens and you don't have to run back an extra mile to figure out where you dropped yours. You don't have to wear it when you run if you don't want - but it is mandatory for shooting.

You'll also need a stopwatch of some kind to record your wait times if you have any. If you show up at a stage and someone is already there shooting it, the RO will tell you to start your wait time. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to time this and track it accurately - the RO will NOT do it for you. When it's your turn to shoot, the RO will ask for your wait time and it will be subtracted from your net run time.

While you are on wait time, you are NOT ALLOWED to eat, drink, sit, meditate, sleep, reload magazines, move gear around, or anything else that could give you an advantage over someone who does not have wait time. It's supposed to simply be a "time out" to not penalize you for back-ups at shooting stages. Just stand there and enjoy the brief rest that the guy in front of you probably didn't get.

 

[brunop]

Here's a pro-tip for the first timers...

If you are running up hard on a stage and thinking of passing someone in the last 100 or 200 (or 300) yards, don't do it.

AMHIK ... and you're welcome.

 

[kotengu]

Here's a pro-tip for the first timers...

If you are running up hard on a stage and thinking of passing someone in the last 100 or 200 (or 300) yards, don't do it.

AMHIK ... and you're welcome.

This is the smart thing to do in order to maximize your shooting score. But my ego simply won't allow it. I'm blowing by that guy. Every. Single. Time.

 

[kotengu]

Stage 7 (10k only) is in honor of Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Robert Farmer, who was killed by a suicide bomber in the line of duty in Syria on January 16, 2019.

In this stage: Intel has identified the HQ of the people who sent the suicide bomber. Attack from a distance, taking out High Value Targets (HVTs) including the commander, officers, and bomb maker himself. Protect yourself from enemy flanking maneuvers as needed.

- De Oppresso Liber -

 

[kotengu]

A correction on Jon's bio from his widow - it seems he had so many deployments they wouldn't all fit on the one page:
⁠
Jon had a total of 10 deployments, 7 combat deployment and 3 operational. He supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in October 2007 and January 2009; Operation New Dawn in August 2010; Operation Enduring Freedom January 2012 and January 2014; Operation Inherent Resolve November 2017 and November 2018 until his passing in January 2019.
⁠
She also notes that he was actually shot at more on the operational deployments than the combat.

 

[kotengu]

I am pleased to announce The Star Spangled Brewing Co. has signed on as a sponsor! Not only will the owner be running the race with Staff on Friday, but they will be providing FREE BEER to all match finishers on Saturday (possibly Sunday if you 5k guys don't drink it all!) near the finish line.

We must be clear here so we don't screw this up: ONCE A BEER TOUCHES YOUR LIPS, YOU WILL NOT TOUCH A GUN FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. And of course and always: don't drink and drive. This is intended for competitors to relax and enjoy a beer or two after finishing their race and while they wait for everyone else to finish. Donations to the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38 are appreciated, and we'll make it easy for you to donate right when you pick up your free beer.

Like them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/StarSpangledBrewingCo/) and check out their website at: https://www.starspangledbrewingco.com/ - and be sure to thank them for supporting the match!

 

[kotengu]

I'm thrilled to announce that Spike's Tactical is returning yet again as a Title Sponsor this year, pledging three different rifles to the prize table with a total value well over $5,000.00.

Be sure to like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/spikestactical/, check out their website at https://www.spikestactical.com/, and tell them THANK YOU for sponsoring Legion!

 

[kotengu]

I'm pleased to announce Nightforce Optics has returned yet again as a sponsor, and sent two 50% off certificates and two certificates for their X-Treme Duty Unimount ($260.00 each). It's hard to put a value on these as it depends on what you buy - but these prizes combined could be worth well over $4,000.00.

Be sure to "like" NF's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NightforceOptics/) and check out their website at: https://www.nightforceoptics.com/ for any optic needs you might have. And don't by shy about asking Sean Murphy's advice - he's the Nightforce guru and always happy to talk optics, and will be with us all weekend long!

Be sure to thank both Sean and Nightforce for sponsoring the match. It really makes a difference!

 

[rowjimmy]

Scoring & Penalties:

Your overall score will be 50% net run time and 50% total shooting score. So you have to both run fast and shoot well to win. If you fail to fully neutralize a target, 10 seconds will be added to your shoot time for that stage. Any targets not designated one hit each during the shooting brief will take THREE rifle hits or FIVE pistol hits to neutralized - and D-zone hits don't count. Remember, 5th Group doesn't just shoot twice and move on - they shoot until the target is no longer a threat. We can't do that in a game, so we use the average number of hits they make on attackers based on their real-world experiences.

There will be difficult obstacles along the way. Skipping those obstacles will result in SEVERE penalties added to your run time. I will have staff at each obstacle to keep you honest. Do the obstacles. Embrace the suck.

...

So you're saying there are around 16 rifle and 8 pistol targets (give or take) to be engaged across the whole course?

I'm my biggest obstacle...and this extra 20 lbs I'm carrying...

 

[tac-40]

So you're saying there are around 16 rifle and 8 pistol targets (give or take) to be engaged across the whole course?

I'm my biggest obstacle...and this extra 20 lbs I'm carrying...

I have a feeling that means that if you are required to engage a rifle target and fail to neutralize it, you will have to transition to pistol and engage pistol targets and neutralize them. Like the adjustable box stage at Stimpy's match last year - fire two shots at each of the long range rifle targets with weak side shoulder. Any missed targets required you to shoot and hit pistols targets. so technically, those shots don't add to the round count.

 

[kotengu]

So you're saying there are around 16 rifle and 8 pistol targets (give or take) to be engaged across the whole course?

I'm my biggest obstacle...and this extra 20 lbs I'm carrying...

Not necessarily. There are many steel targets that only require one hit. I try to minimize paper to minimize pasting and reset times.

Everything will be explained in the stage brief - but I like to give extra warnings ahead of time for oddities as people don't always listen when they are sucking wind.