Dare Yourself to Go The Distance

In the days of old, before the world was well explored and mapped, unique teams of adventurers and experts would come together to explore. These hardy explorers sought out exotic destinations in various environments and climates which were unexplored and seldom mapped. They sought the forested horizon in the hinterlands beyond coastal waters, travelled up rivers into jungles seeking the headwaters, trekked across sweltering deserts, explored the poles on skies or by dog sled and made first accents on distant peaks atop remote ranges.

In this modern era, professional outdoor adventures are typically made up of known destinations and routes to choose from a list.... you pay for your way onto a trip, and off you go following a guide who knows the way! Mountain trips often supply sherpas or porters, river trips provide rafts and guides, and backpacking ventures follow beaten paths and trails where many others have previously gone.

Here at TMGE, we rather delve into the unknown, seeking that edge that inspires us to do and experience more, challenging our mettle and what we think we know! We're looking for those individuals who want to test their boundaries and be part of a unique team of actual explorers.

Do you want to travel to places others do not? Do you want to explore the edge of the map and risk going off it? How would you like to contribute to setting the course and making decisions on how to navigate there, while testing your knowledge, abilities and leadership skills? How about being a very active part of a team of like-minded individuals, joined and mentored by former and active military special operations, law enforcement SWAT and private military contractor personnel?

                            This is the Expedition Challenge! (ExC)

That is what we provide- an unscripted experience like no other on the face of the planet! We aim to recreate the experience of those explorations of old, delving into various Environmental Climate Zones.

Our Team provides bespoke adventures for highly motivated and athletic, outdoor adventure clientele. You will know the state, province, or country you're travelling to out of necessity, but beyond that, the exact goals of the ExC will be unknown and provided as the ExC progresses. You will however begin with an objective goal and rough itinerary designed explicitly for your team. Think of it as a Mission Objective. 

Leadership Instructor Staff (LSI)

Our unique Leadership Staff Instructors provide a mentored learning experience for civilians in how these personnel conduct planning, training and completion of objective tasks and goals in varying conditions.

We are not a traditional guide service, and you are not "catered" to in any way. You are instead an active member of the team and are expected to function as such, engaging in any tasks requiring completion. Although our LSI are there for your safety and to push you as mentors and coaches, our expeditions are self-supported by you, and you will carry your own load. We can guarantee discomfort as we present challenges based on the terrain and skill building goals of the ExC you volunteered for.

While on-route during the expedition, our LSI will also provide daily refreshers and training in varying subjects to expand your knowledge and physical hard-skills that are specific to the expedition. Any team member with expertise may be included to instruct and demonstrate their knowledge.

Completion of the Expedition Challenge will result in increased self-confidence, mental resilience, improved technical skills, a solid self-examination of your functional athletic fitness and of course, incredible memories!

Each Expedition Challenge is designed for the Environmental Climate Zone you selected to explore. You will be grouped with others looking for a similar experience.

It Takes More Than a Pulse!

Unlike many adventurous, guided activities offered around the globe, our Expedition Challenges incorporate many multi-disciplined adventure sports into one exploit into the wilderness without foreknowledge of exactly what is to come! If you're looking for a true adventure, you've found it! Expedition Challenges are physically and mentally demanding by design. The main competition however is with yourself, to push through each day of discovery and to test your mettle against the obstacles in your path.

"The impediment to action advances action; what stands in the way becomes the way."   ~ Marcus Aurelius 

Application & Adventure Bio

Anyone can apply to participate in an Expedition Challenge, by way of submitting an Application & Adventure Bio via the Team Contact page on this website. Applications for our Expedition Challenges will be rigorously screened, and only selectees will be invited to participate.

This application bio is written by you outlining your previous outdoor adventure experiences and knowledge base. We require a group of individuals for each ExC with various skill sets forming a well-rounded team. This outline could include any of the following, and more: Accomplishments, experiences, training, certifications, licensing as well as personally believed strengths and weaknesses. Transparency is paramount for us to build the best teams possible.

Your Expedition Challenge is divided into four phases; we make it simple; not easy:

Selection, Planning, Preparation & Execution 

Selection

Here is where it gets interesting, and we separate ourselves from all other organizations.

We strictly limit the size of our expedition teams, ensuring a reduced signature on the environments we move through. Some exotic developing world locations may be less permissive than others, and smaller groups enable greater operational flexibility.

This is accomplished by conducting the initial screening phase known as Selection. As previously warned, "it takes more than a pulse!" We do not accept just anyone. Your position on an Expedition Challenge team must be earned at Selection. Only candidates who successfully complete Selection will ultimately take part in the Expedition Challenge. We will provide you with all the information necessary to be successful. You will provide the self-motivation to be prepared to standards upon arrival.

Arrival at Selection

Expedition teamwork starts in the competitive Selection phase of your journey. You should arrive with all your equipment, fully prepared for your pending expedition. Your advanced mental preparation and physical training will make this a successful process for you. During this screening phase you will be seriously tested. 

Selection Grading & Evaluation

Selection is an objectively graded and documented, pass/fail process with no predetermined time limit. Selection combines benchmark qualifiers and Reality Based Training methods testing your capabilities and decision making under stress to ensure a safe and fulfilling expedition for all involved. Any subjective elements of performance that are deemed inadequate for successful completion of Selection will be fully evaluated by all LSI and medical staff present. 

We reserve the right to eliminate any candidate who does not demonstrate attributes to be a desirable team member and/or safe under duress, whether it be physical, mental or emotional. This process is risk mitigation at its core. Where we go, you cannot quit on your team.

Fitness for Selection: Tellus (Land) Marinus (Sea)

All ExC team participants must have a well-rounded level of fitness and abilities to travel through both land a water terrain obstacles. You should arrive at Selection being capable of performing the following land a water-based physical events:

- 10 dead-hang pull-ups

- 50 push-ups

- 75 Sit-ups

- Be able to carry a 45lb. pack or rucksack over at least 5 miles of untracked, undulating terrain

- 25M underwater swim

- Swim non-stop for 1000 M with the first 500M completed in    15 minutes

- Perform a static breath hold underwater for 1 minute and 30 seconds.

During and/or following the physical challenges of Selection, you will participate in evolutions and scenarios which will evaluate your technical skills, decision making, team-mindedness and motivation. 

You should not suffer from any phobias, including but not limited to acrophobia, aquaphobia, motion sickness or claustrophobia.

Medical Evaluation Form:

Additionally, you will need to provide a Medical Evaluation Form signed by a medical provider clearing you for strenuous physical activities without limitations. This form will be provided to you once your Application & Adventure Bio is approved to attend Selection and must be provided to TMGE prior to travelling to attend Selection.

Medical Assessment Review:

Upon arrival at Selection, you will meet privately with one of our LSI medical professionals on staff for a Medical Assessment comprising of a review of your Medical Evaluation Form, review of personal medical history and a final functional movement and vital signs (heart rate & blood pressure) assessment. This review is private, and USA HIPAA standards are strictly adhered to. You must pass this final medical assessment to participate in Selection. 

After the assessment is completed, our LSI will conduct the Selection evaluation. Anyone who does not pass Selection will meet with the lead LSI for a review of their performance. This review will provide the participant with the reason they did not pass the Selection.

Anyone who does not pass Selection will be required to discontinue with the Expedition Challenge, typically resulting in returning to your point of origin. We do not expect to turn anyone away, but it is a possibility if you have not prepared adequately or if you demonstrate a clear mental or emotional incompatibility as a member of a dynamic team or for the rigors of the Expedition Challenge.

Planning

The Planning phase begins immediately following successful completion of the Selection phase. You will be provided adequate time to return to your accommodations to shower, change, gather equipment and belongings and then meet for your first team meal together. After the days stories and exploits have been shared, we will get down to business. 

Note: There is no guarantee of down-time from this point forward. 

You will receive a briefing consisting of an Expedition Situation Report which outlines the Mission Objective, Safety Briefing and a Contact List for your fellow team members. Buddy Safety Teams will be assigned, Equipment Lists are reviewed, and an Equipment Layout will be conducted assuring the minimal packing list has been adhered to.

Discrepancies with individual kit and equipment loadouts will be addressed and delt with on a case-by-case basis. If you arrive fully prepared and packed according to the equipment list provided prior to your travel to Selection, this will be a quick process. If you have not, you may not be able to continue on with the ExC because some location may not facilitate reconciling all equipment issues. Any other unexpected personal logistics that must be taken care of are completed at this time.

Buddy Teams

Single points of failure are unacceptable, right down to the individual.  You and your assigned buddy will perform the initial check of each other's Equipment Layout. Buddy teams can be comprised of two individuals who chose to participate in the ExC together prior to arrival, or they may be assigned by the LSI during Planning. Buddy Teams may also be reassigned at any point during the ExC to facilitate performance of the entire group. It is imperative that you and your buddy communicate with candor and maintain situational awareness of each other at all times. There is no room for ego, and none is needed. Any issues that arise during the duration of the ExC must be communicated to each other, and if any issue may be construed as a safety issue, then also communicated to an LSI. The team pulls together and will support each other to resolve all issues.

Upon completion of the Planning phase, Buddy Teams will assure all equipment is packed and nothing is left unattended to. 

Execution 

Congratulations, your Expedition Challenge begins now!

Further details of the ExC will be provided on an as-needed basis throughout the process of preparing to attend Selection and the Expedition Challenge itself. As mentioned earlier, unlike other adventures you might have undertaken, you embark on this Expedition Challenge without all the information you would like to have, but you will have what you need. You've assured us that you are ready to go, you've demonstrated your capability to succeed, and now you'll embark and meet the unknown head-on!

Each day of your Expedition Challenge will consist of short knowledge reviews and training topics in the field followed by the challenges themselves. Usually, the training will encompass the knowledge required to complete the challenges safely. 

Mutual logistical support of the expedition team is a requirement of all participants and daily tasks will be assigned which may include cooking, gathering of resources, filling and purifying water bottles, fire maintenance, shelter crafting, standing watch, navigation and route finding, scouting, team leadership, etc.

Our experiential training model consists of providing opportunities for individuals to succeed by completing challenges and tasks set forth by the LSI staff. All challenges are subject to change based on experiences on the ground.

Getting Started

So, how does all this begin? You simply decide what environments you want to embark on an ExC in selected from the Geographical Climate Zone page in the website header. Your Application & Adventure Bio. should state your selections.

We will then follow up with you after screening of your bio and you will be added to the list of selectees. Once enough selectees are chosen to enable an Expedition Challenge in one of the climate zones of your choice, we will follow up with you to advise of the country where the Expedition Challenge will be held and when it will occur. Depending on demand, expeditions typically need to be planned many months to a year in advance.