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FREEDOM CRUCIBLE
TRAINING EVERY DAY MEN TO BE PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY PREPARED FOR VOLATILITY, UNCERTAINTY, COMPLEXITY, and AMBIGUITY (VUCA)
“You can live unconquered with an uncommon resolve if you prepare yourself to make that decision in the moment of truth.” – Adam Davis
Watching the news can leave you fearful, hopeless, and overwhelmed. Disasters, crises, and conflict seem constant. Personal struggles—relationships, career, health—add to the weight. You might be tempted to hide, but deep down you want to step up and lead.
Meet Your Guide
Hi, I’m Chris Reardon. I’ve served over 18 years as a U.S. Marine Corps Officer, including four years at the U.S. Naval Academy, training to lead under extreme pressure. Inspired by films like Saving Private Ryan and We Were Soldiers, and driven by the events of 9/11, I committed my life to building the physical, mental, and moral strength to face adversity head-on—and now, I help others do the same.
The Freedom Crucible is an outdoor tactical challenge inspired by the Marine Corps’ Crucible. Over the course of a day, you and your 12-person squad will face realistic tactical scenarios, physical obstacles, and guided discussions featuring video testimonies from U.S. Special Operations veterans.
The mission:Build the confidence and resilience to overcome crisis and danger.
Stop the Bleed Training
Experience hyper-realistic point-of-injury scenarios originally designed for tactical professionals. You’ll interact with live role players outfitted with Hollywood-grade bleed makeup and special effects to simulate the urgency and intensity of a real crisis. Under the guidance of elite instructors, you’ll be put “on the clock” and “on the spot” to build the mental toughness and emotional control needed to avoid freezing in life-or-death situations.
Physical Fitness Gut Check
Ruck up to 6 miles with a 40-pound pack, moving between tactical lane training events led by military, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals. Work as a team to overcome obstacles, building trust in your equipment and skills under pressure. Take on additional fitness challenges, including swimming and boat training, that push you both individually and as a squad.
Tactical Lane Training
Train with seasoned military and law enforcement instructors to survive active shooter, hostage, mugging, or home invasion scenarios—so you become a survivor, not a victim. Face live role players using blank ammunition that looks and sounds like real gunfire, preparing you before a real crisis strikes. Work through tactical decision scenarios with your team, guided by proven strategies and survivable solutions that put you in control.
During the Freedom Crucible, our volunteers will lead multiple video-guided discussions using the powerful Surrender Movie! Discover powerful testimonies from U.S. Special Forces Operators on how to build resilience in the face of life’s toughest battles. We are very appreciative of Shield of Faith (SOF) Missions for being an official sponsor of the Freedom Crucible event, with the opportunity for all participants to watch this award-winning film!
Two Paths. One Goal: Resiliency
Unbeatable Mind Track
Led by Retired Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine (Founder of SEALFIT/Unbeatable Mind) and Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.
Learn mental strategies for courage, hope, and inner strength in times of difficulty, danger, and loss.
Faith-Based Track
Hear Christian testimonies from Special Forces Operators featured in the Surrender Movie.
Discover how trust in God gave them peace and resolve to overcome life’s hardest trials.
A program used in U.S. military religious services with overwhelming interest and participation.
Why Join This Experience?
Gain practical tools to build emotional, mental, and spiritual resiliency.
Learn directly from elite warriors who’ve faced life-and-death missions.
Reflect and discuss insights with military and veteran guides trained to facilitate deep conversations.
As part of the emotional and spiritual preparation for the real-world crisis, danger, and battlefield of life, military and veteran squad leader volunteers will guide you through each tactical lane.
In the same way Marine Corps Drill Instructors share stories of Marines from the past, you’ll hear powerful accounts of American heroes whose courage and sacrifice remind us that freedom is not free.
These stories will inspire you to:
Appreciate the mental and spiritual preparation needed to face your own moment of truth.
Understand the cost of courage when called to sacrifice for faith, family, and country.
Honor the legacy of those who stood firm in the face of fear and danger.
Heroes You’ll Hear About
Adam Brown Navy SEAL Team 6 Operator Silver Star recipient, posthumously honored in Operation Enduring Freedom.
John Basilone U.S. Marine Corps Legend Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his bravery in the Pacific during WWII. Gave his life on the sands of Iwo Jima.
Desmond Doss U.S. Army Medic Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for extraordinary bravery without a weapon in WWII. His story became world-famous in the film “Hacksaw Ridge.”
Vincent Capodanno U.S. Navy Chaplain & Catholic Priest Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Ran into heavy machine-gun fire during the Vietnam War to rescue wounded Marines.
Alvin York U.S. Army Sharpshooter Congressional Medal of Honor recipient in WWI. Singlehandedly turned the tide of battle by neutralizing multiple German machine gun nests.
Kyle Carpenter U.S. Marine Corps Iraq Veteran Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Survived after shielding his brothers-in-arms by throwing himself on an enemy grenade.
Guide and support volunteers. Squad Leaders must have military experience. Assistant Squad Leaders may or may not, but both roles require a Christian faith background.
FREE REGISTRATION for the first40 qualified individuals! (Open on a first-come, first-served basis)
This opportunity is open to Military Members, Veterans, First Responders, College Students, and JROTC Cadets who are ready to sharpen their mindset, strengthen their skills, and elevate their readiness for any challenge.
Imagine this: a veteran, first responder, college student, or JROTC cadet walks into the Freedom Fitness America “Freedom Crucible” ready to give their all—but your support makes it possible.
Your donation today means they don’t miss this moment.
You’re saying: I believe in you. I’ve got your back.
Be the reason someone steps up. Be the reason a team pulls together. Be the difference.
An outdoor tactical challenge blending physical fitness, obstacle courses, and real-world life tactics training—modeled after the Marine Corps Crucible.
Who can participate?
Anyone looking to test their limits, build resilience, and gain tactical skills—no military or law enforcement background required.
Do I need to be in peak physical shape?
No. Challenges are scalable for all fitness levels. The focus is teamwork, resilience, and growth—not perfection.
What training will I get?
You’ll receive hands-on training in Stop the Bleed first aid, Life Tactics survival skills, and Resiliency & Fitness challenges led by tactical professionals.
Who are the instructors?
Elite military veterans, law enforcement officers, and tactical experts with real-world experience.
How do I register?
Simply click the “Register Now” button on this page, choose your event date, and secure your spot. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.
How is this different from Tough Mudder or GoRuck?
Unlike obstacle races, the Crucible trains you in real-life survival and tactical scenarios—so you leave not just tested, but prepared for real-world challenges.
Freedom Fitness America
Training men to be physically, mentally, and spiritually ready for their moment of truth.
