Rucking Around the World: How Armed Forces Train with Weight

Rucking has long been a staple of military training across the world, though the term itself is relatively new. Different militaries have their own unique history and approach to loaded marching. Comparing rucking standards and practices provides insight into how various armed forces prepare their troops for the physical demands of combat and deployment.

The United States military has consistently utilized loaded marches to build strength, endurance, and mental toughness. During World War II, soldiers trained with 45-pound packs to simulate the weight of supplies and equipment carried in combat. Since then, the U.S. Army has implemented formal rucking marches of up to 12 miles as part of physical readiness testing. Times under 3 hours for a 12-miler are considered excellent.

U.S. special operations units like the Army Rangers, Green Berets, and Navy SEALs conduct intensive ruck training. Ranger School requires passing a 12-mile march with a 65-pound pack within 3 hours. SEAL training involves a brutal 20-mile march with a 100-pound pack known as the “Sugar Cookie.” This grueling rite of passage tests physical and mental limits.

The British Army has long utilized loaded marches for conditioning and selection testing. In the 19th century, British soldiers marched up to 50 miles per day carrying 60-pound packs. Modern infantry still perform loaded marches as part of physical training and testing. The Combat Infantryman's Course requires marching 15 miles in under 2 hours and 40 minutes with a 33-pound pack.

Canada's infantry regiments conduct intensive ruck marches as part of their training. The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada requires new recruits to complete a 13-kilometer “Ruck Up” with a 24-pound pack within 2 hours and 30 minutes. This ensures soldiers meet the fitness standards needed for combat missions.

Many European militaries employ loaded marching extensively. The French Foreign Legion is renowned for its brutal rucking capacity. Legionnaires frequently train with 100+ pound packs, earning them the nickname “mules of the Foreign Legion.” The Norwegian Army conducts 9-hour ski marches with 55-pound packs in full winter gear.

Asian militaries also utilize rucking. The South Korean Army implements “Road March” tests on 20-kilometer courses. Chinese special forces have been filmed in training conducting tactical ruck marches over rugged terrain carrying heavy loads. This likely mirrors real-world mission requirements.

Australian soldiers conduct intensive ruck training as part of the Special Air Service (SAS) selection process. Candidates complete a 40-mile march through the bush over 18 hours with a 55-pound pack and weapon. They are known as the “Fan Dance,” this punishing rite of passage was originally devised by the British SAS.

The Israel Defense Forces rely on rucking to forge mental resilience. IDF infantry frequently train with packs weighing up to 120-pounds, complemented by calisthenics and running. This prepares them for the reality of patrolling with heavy kit in desert conditions.

Many other militaries including Sweden, Switzerland, India, and Indonesia use loaded marching to condition recruits and test soldiers' mettle. Rucking builds the endurance, toughness, and discipline required to overcome challenges in combat.

While terminology and distances may differ, loaded marching remains an irreplaceable training tool for armed forces worldwide. Rucking develops the cardiovascular and muscular strength vital for soldiers to bear the weight of battle. More importantly, it forges mental stamina, courage, and an unbreakable will to win. Any military that takes fitness and readiness seriously will utilize rucking in some form.

The unique rite of passage of rucking instills grit, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment across cultures and nationalities. American soldiers take pride in completing the grueling “Bataan Memorial Death March” alongside allied troops from different countries. They feel a connection to the World War II heroes who survived the real Bataan Death March. British Royal Marines fondly remember “yomping” across the Falkland Islands with 100-pound packs during the Falklands War in 1982. This unfathomably tough march over boggy terrain showed their tenacity and earned them global respect. For the Israeli paratrooper who rucks over 120 miles to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, finishing this journey is like conquering Mount Everest - it represents overcoming the deepest personal challenges and tests of willpower. These examples demonstrate how rucking builds bonds between soldiers from different nations who have all conquered the same difficult trial. Despite differences in uniforms and languages, the shared pain and collective accomplishment of a hardcore ruck march unite soldiers across national borders. It is a global brotherhood earned through sweat and perseverance.

While modern technology has lightened combat loads, the intensity of today's unconventional warfare puts added physical and mental strain on troops. Rucking remains relevant as it so closely simulates the relentless, backbreaking effort of slogging through rugged terrain under heavy loads.

Modern elite forces continue to embrace rucking. U.S. Special Forces soldiers partner with Colombian commandos on 60-mile ruck marches through the Andes to honor fallen comrades. Malaysian special operators conduct “death marches” of nearly 100 miles through the jungle as the ultimate test of stamina.

Rucking develops hard-to-quantify traits like discipline, solidarity, and courage under stress. The shared hardship of marching for hours with weight on your back builds camaraderie between soldiers. Working as a team to complete the journey teaches cooperation, selflessness, and commitment to the group.

While outsiders may consider these grueling events unnecessary, soldiers know that such self-imposed challenges strengthen the bonds between brothers-in-arms. The team that soldiers together fights together.

Militaries clearly recognize the tangible and intangible benefits of rucking. It conditions the body, transforms the mind, and bonds soldiers together. That is why this simple, timeless training practice remains deeply ingrained in military culture worldwide. No high-tech simulator or training method can replicate those unique attributes.

Rucking develops the physical and mental stamina required to bear the heavy weight of combat equipment, hardship, and loss. But the passage of a ruck march also symbolizes resilience, camaraderie, and the strength of the human spirit. That is why soldiers carry vivid memories of rucking challenges throughout their lives.

Soldiers from all corners of the globe have endured the agony and tasted the triumph of pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits under heavy loads. While terminology, distances, and gear may differ across nations, militaries and warriors everywhere share this common bond. The rite of passage proves commitment, tests courage, and builds bonds that last a lifetime.

Although at Ruckliving we have no direct connection with the military, we recognize its heritage and the importance the practice bears. We are glad we have adopted it as our hobby, proudly spreading the rucking message so every time more people get to embrace it. Happy rucking y'all!