You are referring to what is called Yo Yo attempt. A popular topic here as of recently. I am novice at hiking so here are some threads to reference to give yourself a good idea as to what people's opinions are going to be.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?51267-Yo-Yo-Hiking

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...er-in-the-mind

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...aight-up-Yo-Yo

The site below may be helpful in getting in contact with people in the military who are planning to hike the trail as well.

http://warriorhike.com/