THE FORGE
The Forge is the third tier of our Competence Series. Held in various wilderness areas in the Western United States, the Forge is a five day land navigation and backcountry experience. Attendees undergo multiple blocks of instruction each day along with practical exercises.
The majority of training blocks are specific to moving and surviving in the outdoors with minimal equipment for extended durations. Additional training blocks, such as medical, combatives, and/or communications are added based on the cadre members attending and the needs of the client/organization.
This event is physically demanding and conducted at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Attendees are expected to be physically prepared prior to the event, to include the capability to carry 35-50 lbs. through mountainous terrain.
The Forge will most likely have attendees doing things they have never have done before. It tests your physicality and mental toughness, yet it is not an assessment. Although the course demands much, it isn’t a selection course, nor is it designed to be. Camaraderie, teamwork, and scenarios are integrated into the course.
Vitals
Duration: 5 days
Dates: Females will be July 15-19, Males will be July 22-26.
Location: Maroon Bells Wilderness, Western Colorado
Group Size: 8 first years, 4 Team Leaders, 2 Cadre, 14 total people.
Required Equipment: Full Packing List HERE.
2021 Specifics
This year will be the first year we fly to our destination in Western Colorado. Our launch point will be Redstone, Colorado, a 3.5 hour drive from Denver International Airport. We strongly suggest you fly in the evening prior (7/14 and 7/21 for female and male event dates) to 1) acclimate a night and 1) ensure you are at the launch point in time. Grand Junction is closer but will require you to connect flights.
After registration is full, we will send a roster allowing you to coordinate travel plans with other attendees. You are responsible for airfare to and from Colorado and transportation to and from the launch point. We suggest getting a rental car with others on the trip and driving from Denver Airport.
You will need to be at the Launch Point by 4:00pm on Day 1 (Thursday, 7/15 and 7/21).
We will hike out on Day 5. Expect to return to the vehicles by 12:00pm on Day 5. This will allow you to fly back the same evening, if needed. We suggest booking airfare at 5pm or later to be safe. Usually, a group will stay an additional night at an Air B&B and relax with some amenities. This will be coordinated after registration is closed.
Although the event is only 5 days, we suggest flying in a day early and a day later for the best experience.
