look·y-looˈlo͝okēˌlo͞o/noun
GORUCK events are one of a kind. That being the case, people who happen to find themselves in the same spot as a GORUCK event tend to be a little…perplexed. The above definition of a “looky loo” is fitting for people who stop to spectate as a GORUCK event to a non-participant can kind of look like a car accident.
At a GORUCK event, participants are usually in formation with American flags flying high, carrying a variety of items ranging from sandbags to couches. Sometimes each other.
Usually people ask, “what is this?” or “what’s going on here?” or best of all “what’s wrong with you guys?” and there are usually an assortment of assumptions:
- Some sort of protest (btw we hate terrorism, we love freedom and dogs)
- The “Feds”
- Vagrants
- Crazy mofos (accurate)
After a quick conversation with one of our Cadre, these “looky loos” love the idea and some people even become more motivated themselves:
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. A crowd of 30 something weirdos always tend to attract some attention. Even if it is from your dog (or in this case cat, any dog under 20 lbs is a cat, fact!)
The great thing is that it could be anyone from the 5-0 to your grandmother out with her friend on their morning walk.
It even pulls people away from their cell phones and boring conversations with their friends that they were only half listening to anyways, at least after that they actually have something to talk about.
Safety is the number one concern though and we are always happy to have people keeping an eye on us. Especially when we are in the water, can’t have anyone drown. And sometimes, people just gotta get in the fun and see what a buddy carry is all about.
Kids always seem interested and we love it. Shaping America’s youth one mind at a time. Converting future couch potatoes and keyboard ninjas in to hard working, sweat loving weirdos.
Segways are cool. That helmet is cool. Sorry if our log got in the way though. 100% guarantee that when she got home that day, it wasn’t her segway tour she told her friends and family about.
We love the beach as much as the next person. What’s not to love? Water, sand, fun. Maybe fun means something a little different to us. Maybe after see a Challenge, it’ll mean something different to you as well.
Truth is that we love having fans and people to root us on. So if you ever see us out and about, give us a high five maybe cheer us on. But, maybe, if you want something more. If you want to get out of your comfort zone and see what it’s like on the other side of the looking glass. Don’t be a “looky loo”, become a GRT and instead of telling the story of a bunch of weirdos carrying a log and a few rucksacks, BE one of those weirdos. It’ll be the best decision of your life, promise.
“Some sort of protest (btw we hate terrorism, we love freedom and dogs)”
Hopefully this is a joke and I’m just tone deaf…
Protest is American. Always has been. Always will be.