help.freedomopsuk@gmail.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
GTE 42 - THE HILLS - GUILDFORD, ENGLAND.
ALEX ‘SHARKBAIT’ BUGLER:
“Well, to sum up GTE in a couple of paragraphs is a difficult thing to do!
I have never experienced such a wide range of emotions in one weekend.
The weeks building up to it also, the big big debate - Trail running shoes or boots? Hours spent training in one or the other but then the sudden doubts and thoughts to change crept in, all advice from us experts shared (all never done it before). Luckily I took a bag the size of my house so took both.
The night before, the handing out of T shirt, great food, great beer, the anticipation of the day/night to come..
King builder, what a buzz. All of us hungry, excited PAX showing our best selves to the Cadres leading us into the super gloom 12 hours later.
The nerves now set in, the adrenaline there, do i sleep, do i get totally wired and go 24 hours?
Next up was the classroom, where to be honest I was in 2 minds of do I need this bit? I’m a great leader right? The answer was yes I did need it and what a gift to get even the classroom part! Still things I use to this day.
The main event drawing closer, sharing lifts, goodbyes to Ms and Kids as if we are some sort of warriors going into battle. Now you are buzzing, the bag check probably brought around the biggest laughs I’ve ever had. Strictly and his sandwich bag, Walter and his underweight but definitely ‘the correct weight’ secret laughs though with the ever more serious Cadres giving us a taste of the night ahead.
The night ahead is a tough one, but you WILL get through it with the men that become friends for life on that night. That is no exaggeration, it will change you and your path.
I’ll never forget sitting at the top of newlands corner crying my eyes out listening to personal pax stories and struggles.
Only to then get back into it and complete the night.
I can’t wait to do it all again with the finest men I know.”
ADAM ‘PUSHBIKE’ BABBAGE:
“Last year’s GTE was a real rollercoaster of events and emotions.
It was structured in a way that really highlighted our strengths, but more importantly it found ways to pick at our fabric to expose weaknesses – fortunately it was no match for the resilience, guile and shared hardship instilled in us though the hours of beatdowns that preceded it at our respective AO’s.
These experiences helped each and every PAX pit his lows against another mans highs and smash through whatever GTE had to throw at us. Your unity with the PAX around you is YOUR strength.”
GTE 55 - THE FORTRESS - GUILDFORD - ENGLAND.
Werner ' H2O' Delport :
"Participating in a GTE for the second time at 55, for me was just as impactful as the first, if not more so. As a husband and father, I came back to continue sharpening my leadership skills and deepen my resolve to lead well at home and in my community.
Even though I knew what to expect, the physical and mental challenges still pushed me to my limits. What stood out this time was the opportunity to support and guide other men through the process, men who like me, were seeking to become better leaders. The lessons of perseverance, teamwork and accountability hit just as hard the second time around, reminding me that leadership is a lifelong journey.
GTE isn't just an event, it's a reset, a reminder, and a recommitment to being the best man I can be for my family and those that I serve."