Joining the ranks of the world’s elite special forces units is a dream for many, but it’s a goal that comes with immense challenges. These highly specialized military formations, such as the SAS, Spetsnaz, and Commandos, are renowned for their unparalleled skill, bravery, and physical prowess. To earn a spot in these coveted units, candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process that pushes the boundaries of human endurance and determination.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of the six toughest special forces fitness tests from around the globe. From the grueling Russian Spetsnaz challenge to the demanding trials faced by the PARA SF Commandos, we’ll explore the unique requirements and the unwavering dedication required to succeed. By understanding the true nature of these elite tests, you’ll gain insight into the exceptional caliber of individuals who make up the world’s most formidable special operations forces.
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While the United States military is often regarded as the most formidable in the world, the truth is that some of the most demanding special forces fitness tests hail from other corners of the globe. These tests are designed to separate the exceptional from the merely capable, pushing candidates to their absolute limits both physically and mentally.
1. Russian Alpha Group Spetsnaz
If there’s one test that stands out as the most challenging of them all, it’s the fitness evaluation for Russia’s elite Alpha Group Spetsnaz. Applicants seeking to join this prestigious special forces unit must undergo a punishing seven-part physical assessment that includes:
- 3000m run in 10:30 minutes or less
- 100m sprint in under 12.7 seconds
- 10 x 10m suicides in under 25 seconds
- 25 pull-ups or more
- 90 push-ups and 90 sit-ups in 2 minutes
- A minimum of 30 dips with no break
- 10 reps of their own bodyweight on the bench press
- Hand-to-hand combat against a typically larger opponent, with failure to win the fight resulting in disqualification
The sheer physical and mental demands of this test are staggering, with reports indicating that only a small fraction of applicants successfully complete the process. This level of rigor is a testament to the uncompromising standards of the Spetsnaz, who seek to recruit only the most elite and capable individuals.
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2. Israeli Sayeret Matkal
Renowned for their secretive operations and versatility in all types of environments, the Israeli Defence Force’s Sayeret Matkal special forces unit also maintains a notoriously challenging selection process. Candidates must demonstrate their physical prowess through the following tests:
- 3km run in under 14 minutes
- 3 squats with a 60kg barbell (with 11 reps considered a good score)
- Suicide runs in a 15kg weighted vest in under 14 seconds
- 60kg bench press for 3 reps (with 12 reps considered average)
- 3 pull-ups in a 15kg weighted vest (12 reps is the target)
While these requirements may seem manageable on the surface, the Sayeret Matkal’s selection process is notoriously rigorous, with a significant portion of applicants failing to make the cut.
3. Indian Army Para Special Forces
The Indian Army’s Para Special Forces are widely regarded as one of the toughest special operations units in the world, with a staggering 90% failure rate during the three-month selection course. Aspiring candidates must first pass the following fitness test:
- 5000m run in 20 minutes or less
- 14 strict chin-ups in a row
- 40 push-ups in 1 minute
- 80 sit-ups in 2 minutes
- A shuttle run, similar to the beep test, as a pass-fail assessment
The sheer physical demands of this test, combined with the intense training and selection process, make the Indian Para Special Forces one of the most challenging special operations units to join.
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4. US Army Delta Force
The United States’ elite Delta Force is often considered the cream of the crop when it comes to special operations units. To even be considered for the second round of selection, applicants must first complete a grueling six-exercise fitness test, with the following minimum requirements:
- 40m inverted crawl in under 25 seconds
- 37 sit-ups in 1 minute
- 32 push-ups in 1 minute
- A run, dodge, jump course in under 24 seconds
- A 2-mile run in under 16:30 minutes
- A 100m swim fully dressed, including a jumpsuit
Even after passing this initial fitness test, candidates must then endure an 18-mile speed march and a 40-mile march, with a staggering 90% of applicants failing to make it through the selection process.
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5. UK Special Air Services (SAS)
The United Kingdom’s Special Air Services (SAS) is the oldest and most renowned special forces unit in the world. The selection process for this elite unit is considered one of the most challenging, with an estimated 85% of applicants failing to make the cut. Potential SAS candidates must demonstrate their physical prowess through the following tests:
- 45 push-ups and 45 sit-ups, with no rest
- A 1.5-mile run in under 9:30 minutes
- A jump from a 10m tower into water
- A 25m water swim in full uniform while holding a weapon
- A 200m swim in uniform, followed by a 5-minute water tread
- An underwater object retrieval and dive test
- An 8-mile hill run in under an hour
The sheer endurance and mental toughness required to pass these tests are a testament to the caliber of individuals who make up the legendary SAS.
6. Australian Commandos
Rounding out our list are the Australian Commandos, widely regarded as some of the toughest soldiers in the world. To qualify for Commando selection, applicants must complete the following grueling fitness tests:
- A minimum of 60 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and 10 pull-ups, with additional reps earning more points
- A run, dodge, jump course in under 50 seconds
- A 2.4km run in 11:30 minutes or less, while wearing a 7kg patrol uniform and carrying a rifle
- A 2-minute water tread and a 400m swim in 18 minutes, all while in full uniform and shoes
- A 15km endurance march in 2 hours and 20 minutes, carrying a 28kg pack
The sheer intensity of this testing regimen, with only minutes between each exercise and a mere 5 minutes between the 3km run and 100m sprint, is a testament to the unwavering fortitude and determination required to join the Australian Commandos.
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Conclusion
The fitness tests employed by the world’s top special forces units are a true testament to the unwavering dedication and exceptional physical and mental capabilities required to join their ranks. From the grueling challenges of the Russian Spetsnaz to the demanding trials faced by the Para SF Commandos, these tests push candidates to their absolute limits, weeding out all but the most exceptional individuals.
By understanding the details of these elite fitness tests, aspiring special forces candidates can gain valuable insights into the level of commitment and determination needed to succeed. Whether your goal is to join the SAS, Para SF Sayeret Matkal, or any other renowned special operations unit, the road ahead will be paved with immense challenges – but for those who possess the fortitude to conquer them, the rewards of serving in these elite formations are truly unparalleled.
