This year, I’m trading comfort for challenge.
I’ve officially signed up for the One Shepherd Basic Warrior Course, a decision that’s equal parts adrenaline and insanity, depending on who you ask. But for me, it’s something deeper: a chance to step out of theory and into the mud.
For those unfamiliar, One Shepherd is an immersive leadership development program built around military-style training. We’re talking 7 days in the field, full MILES gear (the same laser engagement system used by the military), night operations, small unit tactics, leadership rotations, and very little sleep. It’s designed to simulate the pressures of combat leadership, force rapid decision-making, and develop confidence under stress.
You eat, sleep, and operate as a fire team, conducting missions like ambushes, reconnaissance patrols, base defense, and raids. Every action is scrutinized. Every decision has consequences. You lead, you follow, you adapt, or you fail and learn.
Why Am I Doing This?
Because writing about warriors isn’t enough.
I want to understand what it feels like to be under that kind of pressure, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. How does fatigue change your judgment? How does fear creep in when visibility drops to nothing and the OPFOR is out there somewhere, hunting you? What happens when you’re the one in charge and the clock is ticking?
I’m not going to pretend this will make me a soldier. It won’t.
But it will make me a better leader, a better thinker, and, let’s be honest, a better writer.
I’ll be documenting as much of the journey as I can before and after the course (while I’m in the field, it’ll be radio silence). Expect a few updates on gear, training prep, and maybe a war story or two when I get back, complete with sore feet, bruised ego, and hopefully a few new insights.
Interested? See this link for details.
Until then…
Ruck up. Move out.