GTE35 Backblast | Bono

Congratulations. You just completed your GTE weekend. More than likely you are walking gingerly, your shoulders hurt, your skin is raw where you needed more lube, and through it all you are smiling.

You are probably walking around with your head held higher and you may have a feeling of confidence and success energizing your actions. You are probably looking through any photos you can find posted to remember specific “pain” points and help preserve this weekend. You are describing the event to co-workers who may not care or family members who think you are crazy.

You just completed one of the most challenging events in your life. By design, it tested each of us. Every single one of us. Each of us who attended the patching at the GTE felt some serious pain and failure throughout the evening that was transformed into a leadership lesson when the cadre handed you a patch and gave you a hug.

Failure is the fourth stage of the LDP because the most powerful
lessons in life come from failing and overcoming that failure. We each were laid raw and vulnerable. We each were given tasks that were impossible to accomplish as individuals. We were forced to rely on our brothers and therefore become brothers to men who were strangers Friday morning.

Now the real work of a GTE begins. As you finish unpacking your gear and washing your ruck, memories will fill your mind. You will also begin to unpack the events and conversations you had over the weekend. The lessons learned at the Rally, the KingBuilder, and GrowSchool. You will say the Mission, Credo, and 5 Core Principles as you fall asleep (well maybe not). You will start planning how
you would train much harder for your next GTE and which of your brothers you will recruit to be UTL (Under the Log) with you. You may even scan the GTE schedule.

Shared hardship and struggle forms bonds of brotherhood that can not be broken. The men you trusted under the log will be men you will continue to rely on for years. Stay connected and ask follow up questions to them about the conversations you had. Make plans locally at your AO or Region to put
lessons into place. Be a leader who builds leaders.

So, what are some next steps you might consider?

Sign up for the QSource email

Purchase Freed to Lead and/or QSource. .

Start a QSource Ruck or Coffeteria.

Record your own AAR and share it. Form a ShieldLock
and a Whetstone.

Sign up to Q some workouts and weave in lessons learned.

The possibilities are only limited by your willingness to complete your GTE journey.

Always remember that Sunrise and the hope that came from it. However, life is not always beautiful sunrises. What mattered through it all is your brothers who helped you. The pain will pass, memories will last forever. Always remember that you overcame it all…with your brothers.

– Bono