"If you've got goals, go crush them! It's that simple."

Hear from semi-pro Texas football player, turned Army Ranger.

With his tips on how to get your mind and body up to the standards they need to be to become one of those hard-core US Rangers.

First up, tell us a little about yourself and your background?

My name is Cameron Freeman and I'm a Sgt in The US Army. I'm originally from Washington DC and I've been in the Army 4 years now.

What was your inspiration to join the military?

My inspiration to join the military was actually different than most. I was actually deep into football and was playing semi pro in Texas but due to an injury I wasn't able to continue playing.

At the time football was everything to me. It's what kept me going so once it was gone I needed something else to push me and feed my drive, so I followed my big brothers footsteps and joined the army. 

How did you prepare for Service / Special forces physically? 

When I was preparing for Ranger Selection (RASP)  I was already in decent shape, lifting weights 6 days a week and running often.

So when it became time for me to prep for RASP I just shifted focus to more body weight work (push ups, pull ups, sit ups, dips, etc) and lots and lots of Rucking! Every time I ran it was never less than 4 miles. 

What was the hardest part of selection for you?

There wasn't any part of it that was harder than the next. I just kept reminding myself that this sucks but I'm not out here alone, the guys to my left and right are going through the same suck-fest as I am.

I think that's what it's all about, recognizing that you're doing it as a team.

How did it feel marching out and knowing what you had achieved?

The feeling I got once I achieved my goal of becoming a Ranger was amazing to say the least but short lived because in our organization it's so much easier to get in than it is to stay in!

You have to live up to the standard day in and day out and exceed all expectations or you will be kicked out.

If you had limited time and equipment, what 5 exercises would you choose to perform?

1. Pull-ups
2. Push-ups
3. Deadlifts 
4. Squats
5. Speed Rope  

Can you pass on 3 tips for mental toughness that guys could start using today?

1. Get it in your head that if it's worth doing, that it won't be easy, it's gonna fkn suck! Deal with it. 
2. People are gonna tell you that you can't do something or you won't make it. Never let the thoughts of others whose goals don't match yours stop you! 

1. DON'T FKN QUIT! And DON'T BE FKN WEAK! That was engraved in our heads daily! 

What values/lessons of life have you learned from your experiences in the military?

At the risk of sounding cliché, I've learned that you get out this military what you put in.

If you decide to crush everyday things will start to fall in place positively as they should. Set goals, work towards something that continuously challenges you and makes you better. 

Do you have any regrets in your career that you wish you could go back and change?

I don't have any regrets, I've taught myself at an early age to do my best to never live with those.

"I'm where I am in my career because I didn't sit on my ass, I set goals, crushed them and repeated."

 

Are there any books/movies that you have found have been particularly motivating or helpful to you in your life? 

 Books:
*Chosen soldier
*Outlaw Platoon
Both those books are outstanding. 

Movies:
*13 Hours
*The secret soldiers of Benghazi 

Any final words?

If you've got goals, go crush them! It's that simple.

It may not be easy, it may be the toughest thing you've ever dealt with in your life but that's the beauty in it!!! I find beauty in knowing that this is gonna suck because once I beat it I become that much stronger!

It's all about mental toughness. Once you conquer the mind, you conquer the body.

.......................................................................

Some valuable lessons from one of our brothers who has to push to be at the top of his game everyday.

If you want to see more of what Cameron is up to them make sure you follow him here on his Instagram.@Cam202