Hatchet Force Team Challenge 4 Main

presents:

Hatchet Force Team Challenge IV, March-April, 2012

Since Hatchet Force was formed in 2002 many people have asked what type of training Hatchet Force conducts. The Hatchet Force Team Challenge was created to demonstrate to these curious people what the Hatchet Force training regimen is all about. This event presents some of the same challenges that Hatchet Force encounters during their own training exercises. The Challenge is a great opportunity for the competing teams to experience some real world tactical and skills challenges that generally cannot be experienced outside of the military or law enforcement communities. The event is invite only for both competing teams as well as supporting OPFOR personnel to ensure the quality of the experience is high. The rewards are great, with the winning competing team taking home the Hatchet Force Arrowhead trophy. But even greater are the intangible rewards of camaraderie, teamwork, and fulfillment as well as the pride of accomplishment for even completing the event - win or lose. Even the supporting OPFOR personnel have fun, and for Hatchet Force team members and associates the Challenge is well worth the effort put forth to produce it. At the end of the event we have a great time with the war stories of the day during the Hatchet Force prepared hot meal.

The 4th annual HFTC will be more challenging than ever before. The teams will be conducting missions for a longer time period, possibly including night operations. Yes, there is a cost associated with attending this event. Unfortunately we are not able to produce this event for little or no cost, but we do our best to keep the costs to a minimum. OPFOR invitees are required to pay $50 per person, and competing team members are required to pay $120 per person. Once you are invited you will be given instructions on payment. If you like what you have read so far, continue reading or go straight to the appropriate sign links on the left. Remember, without enough signups for both teams and OPFOR there will not be an event. Also, just because you sign up does not mean you will receive an invitation to the event. We definitely consider everyone that signs up, and if we do not now you we will likely contact you for more information about you and/or your team.

Some of the tasks and missions included in the competition will be:

Real Steel Weapons Course: This tactical shooting course will consist of 4 sections; Pistol, Rifle, Accuracy (scoped engagement), and throwing weapons. Teams will need to provide their own weapons and ammunition. Hatchet Force may be able provide a limited amount of assistance with these items (contact Ed Morlan).

Ropes Course: The ropes course will consist of at least Rappeling and some type of rope bridge. Some knots will be tested, as will the swiss seat. Additional rope work may be required in the tactical portion of the Challenge as well.

Land Navigation: The land navigation portion of the Challenge is integrated into the tactical operations portion. Teams are not allowed to utilize a GPS for land navigation; orienteering utilizing a map with the Military Grid Reference System, compass and terrain association are the tools of this trade.

Tactical Operations: Tactical operations is by far the longest and most difficult portion of the Challenge. Competing Teams will be required to conduct, amongst other tasks, Assembly Area Procedures, Reconaissance Patrols, Raid Patrols, React to Contact, and Movement to Contact. Combat will be simulated with airsoft weapons and the competing teams will need to provide their own. A minimal packing list will also be issued to the competing teams that are invited to participate, and this equipment will be inspected prior to the start of the Tactical Operation portion of the Challenge.

The general tasks that need to be performed to accomplish the mission types outlined above will constitute the scoring criteria. Some, but not all, of the scoring criteria will be tactical movement, noise and light discipline, land navigation, communication, and teamwork and cohesion. Hatchet Force team members will score the teams during the course of the event, and OPFOR will also have input into the scoring system. Everything is hands on, and competing teams should already have the skills and equipment necessary to accompish the tasks outlined above. Teams should be using the time available from now to the Challenge to hone their skills, develop their teamwork, and check their equipment. If time and geography permits, Hatchet Force members may be available to conduct training sessions.

Last year a new concept was tested for OPFOR personnel. OPFOR were divided into groups and were given tactical missions similar to the competing teams. Not as in depth, not as long, but just as tactically challenging. We intend to continue this type of OPFOR tasking for all Hatchet Force Team Challenges. OPFOR participants are always welcome and needed, and we want the Challenge to be worth the time and effort you put into it. Without OPFOR the event would not be possible given the personnel resources required to produce the Challenge, and this is our way to Challenge the OPFOR in the same manner we Challenge the competing teams. Participating as OPFOR is a great way to observe the participating teams, participate in some good tactical engagements, and enjoy the comraderie of like minded people. Plus you are hugely appreciated and just might get motivated enough to participate as a competitor in the future!

For general questions please email inquiries@hatchetforce.com.