Your next horizon
is earned.
Explore the official club progression content used in the Savage app. Requirements and evaluation matter; a trip count alone does not guarantee promotion.

Savage Member
Your first tracks
Savage Member
Your first tracks
Skills & responsibilities
- Prepare your personal profile, vehicle and emergency contact.
- Join your first Rookie trip and follow the Marshal’s briefing.
Driving limits & guidance
- Choose a Rookie trip open to first-time members.
Path to the next level
- Complete one Rookie trip with Present attendance. The system then upgrades Savage Member to Rookie automatically.
Progression method: First Rookie trip

Rookie
Build your foundation
Rookie
Build your foundation
Skills & responsibilities
- Side sloping with safe vehicle control.
- Straight, controlled dune cresting.
- Basic technical routes between dunes.
- Safe descents with correct steering and controlled braking.
- Convoy discipline and radio communication.
Driving limits & guidance
- Maximum 40 km/h.
- Side slopes no steeper than 10°.
- No dune switching. No medium or high dunes.
- The leader adjusts difficulty to the least experienced participant.
Path to the next level
- Show confidence and consistency in every Rookie skill.
- A Marshal verifies mastery and may submit a promotion request in the app.
- Marshals vote on performance, consistency, safety, attitude and readiness.
- Driving ability and evaluation determine promotion; trip count alone does not guarantee an upgrade. No numeric trip minimum is specified for this step.
Progression method: Marshal voting

Advanced Rookie
Control & confidence
Advanced Rookie
Control & confidence
Skills & responsibilities
- All Rookie skills.
- Small dune switching: downhill first, then small climbing switches under Marshal supervision.
- Dune liner control and 30/70 or 70/30 weight distribution.
- Controlled medium-dune ascents, throttle control and safe descents using gravity and braking.
- Convoy spacing and response to leader signals.
Driving limits & guidance
- Maximum 45 km/h.
- Dune gradients no steeper than 15°.
- Active leader and Marshal supervision.
Path to the next level
- Complete at least 4 Advanced Rookie trips.
- Be confident and consistent in all Rookie and Advanced Rookie skills.
- Bring the required recovery gear and understand its use.
- Pass the official Ranger Evaluation: side sloping, straight cresting, technical driving, descents, switching, vehicle control and momentum, failed attempts/refusals, convoy discipline, radio communication and recovery equipment.
- Marshals assess readiness throughout the trip. Final results and Marshal feedback are announced in the WhatsApp group.
Progression method: Official Ranger Evaluation

Ranger
Precision on the dunes
Ranger
Precision on the dunes
Skills & responsibilities
- All Rookie and Advanced Rookie skills.
- Medium technical driving between dunes.
- Precise, controlled single dune switching.
- Consistent vehicle control, convoy discipline and radio communication.
Driving limits & guidance
- Speed must remain below 55 km/h.
- Slope gradients no steeper than 25°.
- One dune switch only; no multi-dune switching or high/medium dunes.
- No drifting. The leader adjusts speed and difficulty to the least experienced member.
Path to the next level
- Generally complete at least 4 Ranger trips with at least 4 different Marshals.
- Master every Ranger skill and carry the complete required recovery equipment.
- From the fourth trip onward, discuss readiness with the Trip Marshal at the briefing.
- After the trip, the Marshal assesses performance and decides whether to submit a Promotion Vote Request.
- A Marshal may recommend a ready member earlier, even on their first Ranger trip.
- Promotion uses Marshal voting and demonstrated readiness. Reaching the trip minimum does not guarantee promotion.
Progression method: Marshal voting · early recommendation possible

Advanced Ranger
Read the terrain
Advanced Ranger
Read the terrain
Skills & responsibilities
- All Rookie, Advanced Rookie and Ranger skills.
- More complex medium technical terrain, including sand and rocky surfaces.
- Precise single dune switching at higher speed and basic slow multiple switches.
- Basic navigation, terrain awareness, convoy direction, easy exits, safe bypasses and GPS use for safe convoy rejoining.
- Develop professional driving skills while remaining a follower.
Driving limits & guidance
- Maximum 60 km/h.
- Slope gradients no steeper than 25°.
- Only one high-speed dune switch per trip.
- No high-speed multi-dune switching or tackling medium/high dunes at high speed.
- The leader adjusts speed and difficulty to the least experienced member.
Path to the next level
- Complete at least 6 documented Advanced Ranger trips across different terrain and conditions.
- Your performance should be observed by at least 3 different Marshals.
- Have all club-required recovery and safety equipment, properly maintained, and know how to use it.
- Marshal evaluation covers technical control, dune reading, switching, recovery, safe decisions under pressure, convoy/radio discipline, navigation, safe rejoining, attitude, responsibility and teamwork.
- Observation, direct assessment and evaluation drives form the comprehensive evaluation.
- Previous comments, feedback, ratings, consistency, safety record and convoy behaviour are reviewed.
- Collective Marshal feedback determines the final decision. Club administration processes an approved upgrade.
Progression method: Comprehensive Marshal evaluation

Senior
Lead with responsibility
Senior
Lead with responsibility
Skills & responsibilities
- All Advanced Ranger skills.
- High technical driving in complex terrain with advanced vehicle control.
- Precise multiple dune switches and terrain awareness.
- Advanced navigation and effective use of navigation devices.
- Lead and sweep convoy skills that prioritise safety and efficiency.
Driving limits & guidance
- The leader adapts speed and difficulty to the least experienced participant.
Path to the next level
- Attend the Veteran Training course and at least 3 Lead and Sweep trips, coordinated with the Senior Marshal, Marshals and Veterans.
- Attend at least one trip in Al Qoua’ or a comparable high-level area.
- Demonstrate advanced navigation and confidence in all recovery situations.
- Carry all required recovery and safety gear.
- Contribute frequently to club events and demonstrate dedication.
- Give clear, effective English briefings appropriate to the trip level; manage safety, communication and the convoy.
- Receive Marshal nomination for the Final Upgrade Evaluation Lead and Sweep Trip in Abu Dhabi — Sweihan.
- Pass the final assessment of driving, leadership, recovery and overall contribution to be considered for Veteran.
Progression method: Veteran training & final evaluation

Veteran
Earn your Marshal shield
Veteran
Earn your Marshal shield
Skills & responsibilities
- Master all previous-level skills.
- Complex off-road techniques, convoy management and confident decisions under pressure.
- Sustained involvement and meaningful contribution to club activities and values.
Driving limits & guidance
- Leadership, safety and continued club contribution remain essential.
Path to the next level
- Complete a minimum of 30 led trips.
- Club leadership evaluates performance, leadership capabilities and continued commitment before Marshal promotion.
- The trip milestone is one requirement, not automatic approval.
Progression method: 30 led trips + leadership evaluation

Marshal
Set the standard
Marshal
Set the standard
Skills & responsibilities
- Maintain strong driving, leadership and commitment to the club’s missions and values.
- Organise safe, suitable routes; support participants and manage emergencies.
Driving limits & guidance
- Organise and post at least 2 trips per month during the active season.
- Failure to meet this responsibility may lead to Committee review and a downgrade to Senior, depending on the Committee’s evaluation.
Path to the next level
- Continue contributing, mentoring members and meeting active-season trip responsibilities.
- Senior Marshal selection criteria are not included in the June 2026 ODOS document.
Progression method: Leadership & ongoing responsibility

Senior Marshal
Club leadership
Senior Marshal
Club leadership
Skills & responsibilities
- Support club leadership and safe member development.
Driving limits & guidance
- Selection rules and additional responsibilities are not defined in this document.
Path to the next level
- The June 2026 ODOS document does not define this appointment path; further club guidance will be added separately.
Progression method: Separate club guidance
Overlander and Overlander Marshal progression guidance is not included in this trail yet. Personal progress and recorded milestones are available inside the app.

