Discover the GWOT 100: A Fitness Movement with Purpose
This February, a remarkable fitness initiative called the GWOT 100, organized by Team RWB, is bringing together service members, veterans, and civilians to log miles in a unique and motivating way. This grassroots movement is not only focused on covering 100 miles but also aims to reconnect a community shaped by the Global War on Terror through shared stories and camaraderie.
Participants can walk, run, ruck, cycle, swim, or row their way to the 100-mile goal throughout the month. However, the real significance of the GWOT 100 extends far beyond physical fitness. Each milestone achieved unlocks digital badges associated with historical locations and operations from the war in Iraq, transforming personal fitness into a collective narrative of service. Already, more than 24,000 people have signed up, a number that continues to rise.
Recently, Military.com had an insightful conversation with the leadership of Team RWB about the organization’s mission, its commitment to veteran well-being, and the reasons behind the GWOT 100’s growing popularity within the military community.
Team RWB: Building Community Through Fitness
At the heart of Team RWB is a mission dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans through meaningful connections fostered by physical activity. Executive Director Michael Sullivan underscores this purpose:
“Leaving the service can strip away important aspects of identity and purpose. Without something to step into, that loss can become overwhelming.”
Team RWB’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: they create consistent opportunities for veterans to engage in movement together, whether it’s a weekly 5K run, a ruck march, or even a casual walk. The emphasis is on the journey shared within a supportive community rather than the specific activity undertaken.
Across its 150+ chapters nationwide, veterans and supporters meet weekly for local activities, checking in on one another and fostering a sense of reliability—something many veterans miss after military service.
Fitness as a Gateway to Connection
Although often perceived as a running club, Team RWB emphasizes that it’s more than just fitness:
“Fitness is the vehicle, not the destination,” explains Deputy Director John Pinter. “Connection is the outcome.”
This philosophy is backed by robust data. Team RWB has developed a validated well-being instrument called the Enriched Life Scale specifically for veterans, which measures improvements in well-being over time.
Engagement is crucial. Studies have shown that veterans who actively participate in Team RWB events experience tangible improvements in well-being, highlighting that the community aspect is key to overall health.
The Meaningful Miles of GWOT 100
The GWOT 100 is a free event focused on completing 100 miles during February, and it’s designed to be inclusive.
“If you can move a few miles a day, you can do this,” Pinter emphasizes. Consistency is key.
What makes the GWOT 100 unique is the intertwined history and storytelling. As participants log their miles, they unlock digital badges that provide historical context tied to the Global War on Terror, with each badge tied to specific routes, locations, and operations.
Originally rooted in the grassroots Taji 100 event, Team RWB reimagined this challenge, broadening its storytelling framework for national participation. The long-term vision aims to construct a narrative through earned medals, creating a complete map of service and sacrifice over the years.
“This event is storytelling in motion,” Pinter notes. “Every mile holds meaning.”
A Surprising Rise in Active-Duty Participation
Interestingly, many active-duty service members, particularly in the Air Force, are joining in on the GWOT 100 challenge, forming teams and logging miles together. This appeal partly stems from the challenge being voluntary.
“It’s not mandated, which gives it a different feel,” Pinter says. This blend of physical challenge, virtual engagement, and storytelling resonates with younger service members who appreciate shared experiences in digital spaces.
This connection is invaluable for Team RWB, as it helps build relationships even before service members transition out of the military.
“When they transition, they already know who we are and that a community is ready for them,” Sullivan explains.
Rewriting the Narrative About Veterans
Team RWB’s leadership is clear in their mission: they aim to transform narratives about veterans.
“We reject the notion that veterans are broken or defined solely by trauma,” Sullivan asserts. “Veterans are a national asset.”
The organization encourages veterans to continue serving—first themselves and then their communities—by leading and connecting with others. Team RWB embraces everyone, regardless of their fitness level or background, making participation free and open to civilians.
“This isn’t about who is the quickest or the strongest,” emphasizes Pinter. “It’s about belonging.”
How to Join Team RWB and the GWOT 100
Joining Team RWB is simple! Begin by downloading their free mobile app available in major app stores. This app allows members to find local events, connect with others nearby, and participate in challenges like the GWOT 100.
Registration for the GWOT 100 is open throughout February, with optional gear packages for those who wish to support the organization further.
For the many already involved, the benefits are clear: they are moving more, learning more, and most importantly, connecting with others.
If you’re interested in being a part of this empowering journey, follow this link to Team RWB’s GWOT 100 to sign up and join the collective effort, one mile at a time.
Conclusion
Team RWB’s GWOT 100 is more than a physical challenge; it’s a movement fostering connection, purpose, and shared stories within the military community. By engaging in this initiative, participants not only improve their fitness levels but also become part of a supportive network that celebrates the legacy of service. Whether you’re a veteran, an active-duty service member, or a civilian, there’s a welcoming opportunity for you to be involved. Join in, and you might just find more than camaraderie—you may discover a renewed sense of purpose.
