Situation
The Area of Operations (AO) for Operation COATIS is the Raccoon Creek State Park near the Ohio and Pennsylvania border. Raccoon Creek State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses 7,572 acres and features the beautiful 101-acre Raccoon Lake.
Operation COATIS is the smaller cousin of Operation RACCOON. This event is still a test of endurance, navigation, fitness, and mental strength.
Mission
Candidates must complete the 10 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to PASS and under 3 hours to earn the GBF Op COATIS Dog Tag.
Execution
Candidates will meet at the start point at the Heritage Trail Parking Lot. At 0730hrs, GBF Staff will give an event brief before checking candidates maps and kit. Candidates are advised to carry paper maps (waterproofed), in addition to their smartphone, for navigation. Each candidate must carry 20 lbs plus water and food. Once GBF Staff are happy with the candidate's kit, they will be released to begin the route.
There is no checkpoint or water refill point for Operation COATIS. There are lots of restrooms on the route though.
Candidates finishing in under 3 hours will receive the highly sought-after 'GBF Operation COATIS dog tags.
Service Support
- Mapping. You can navigate this route easily from the AllTrails app on your Smartphone. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS for redundancy. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership.
- Route. Operation COATIS
- Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice but they are reminded this is a self-supported, rural event with little provision for support. Wet weather gear is advised in case of inclement weather conditions.
- Equipment.
This list is mandatory:
Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
Phone
Phone charger
Hydration bladder(s)
Whistle
Compass
Pocket knife
Emergency rations (see below)
Personal First Aid Kit
This list is recommended:
Maps (waterproofed)
GPS
Blister kit
MRE(s)
- Replen. Candidates should carry enough food and water to last the duration of the course.
- Rations. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 x energy bars as emergency rations. It is the candidates' own decision if they wish to take extra food with them. The finish will have bananas.
- Water. Candidates must carry a minimum of 3 litres of water and be self-sustained for the whole route. The use of hydration bladders is encouraged. There will be water at the start and finish.
- Medical. A personal medical kit is required by every candidate. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions prior to starting the event. If any GBF staff deems a candidate is medically unfit to continue, they may be withdrawn from the event for their own safety.
- Transport. Transport to and from the event will be at candidates own arrangement.
Command and Signal
GBF HQ - 9419939432
Weight - candidate’s backpacks must weigh 20 lbs without water and food.
Numbers - Maximum number of candidates 40. Minimum number of candidates 10.
Situation
The Area of Operations (AO) for Operation COATIS is the Raccoon Creek State Park near the Ohio and Pennsylvania border. Raccoon Creek State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses 7,572 acres and features the beautiful 101-acre Raccoon Lake.
Operation COATIS is the smaller cousin of Operation RACCOON. This event is still a test of endurance, navigation, fitness, and mental strength.
Mission
Candidates must complete the 10 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to PASS and under 3 hours to earn the GBF Op COATIS Dog Tag.
Execution
Candidates will meet at the start point at the Heritage Trail Parking Lot. At 0730hrs, GBF Staff will give an event brief before checking candidates maps and kit. Candidates are advised to carry paper maps (waterproofed), in addition to their smartphone, for navigation. Each candidate must carry 20 lbs plus water and food. Once GBF Staff are happy with the candidate's kit, they will be released to begin the route.
There is no checkpoint or water refill point for Operation COATIS. There are lots of restrooms on the route though.
Candidates finishing in under 3 hours will receive the highly sought-after 'GBF Operation COATIS dog tags.
Service Support
- Mapping. You can navigate this route easily from the AllTrails app on your Smartphone. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS for redundancy. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership.
- Route. Operation COATIS
- Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice but they are reminded this is a self-supported, rural event with little provision for support. Wet weather gear is advised in case of inclement weather conditions.
- Equipment.
This list is mandatory:
Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
Phone
Phone charger
Hydration bladder(s)
Whistle
Compass
Pocket knife
Emergency rations (see below)
Personal First Aid Kit
This list is recommended:
Maps (waterproofed)
GPS
Blister kit
MRE(s)
- Replen. Candidates should carry enough food and water to last the duration of the course.
- Rations. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 x energy bars as emergency rations. It is the candidates' own decision if they wish to take extra food with them. The finish will have bananas.
- Water. Candidates must carry a minimum of 3 litres of water and be self-sustained for the whole route. The use of hydration bladders is encouraged. There will be water at the start and finish.
- Medical. A personal medical kit is required by every candidate. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions prior to starting the event. If any GBF staff deems a candidate is medically unfit to continue, they may be withdrawn from the event for their own safety.
- Transport. Transport to and from the event will be at candidates own arrangement.
Command and Signal
GBF HQ - 9419939432
Weight - candidate’s backpacks must weigh 20 lbs without water and food.
Numbers - Maximum number of candidates 40. Minimum number of candidates 10.
