Leading up to the workshop, I pushed myself physically to train and prepare, but I soon learned how immensely challenging it is to move with over 50 lbs of body armor and equipment loading you down.

A small piece of advice I received from a Marine beforehand? Hydrate and change your socks. This is truly key—we started to run low on water and an extra pair of socks saved my hands that night in the windy rain.

My knees and shins are covered with cuts, I’m surprised I didn’t break an ankle while running down loose soil and dirt. Already strained, then combined with a CASEVAC—carrying another wounded person to safety—lead to one of the most physically demanding weeks I had ever experienced.