Special Forces Preparation
We won't ask if you have what it takes.
The question is:
Will you do what it takes?
Physical Preparation
To earn a Green Beret, you must be able to meet extreme demands day after day for weeks at a time with limited sleep and, in some cases, insufficient nutrition.
In general, this is where you need to be.- Rucking: 15-minute miles is the minimum, but your chances of success go up as you approach 13-minute miles.
- Running: 14:24 2-miler and a 38 to 40-minute 5-miler is good so long as you are meeting ruck goals.
- Pullups, Plank, Pushups: The minimum standards should be easy. If not, you will struggle.
- You must progress. One more rep, pound, mile, or second faster every week is required to get better. When you hit a wall, and stop progressing, it is time for a recovery week.
- You must incorporate strength training. Bench, squat, deadlift, and farmers carry. Strength is the biggest deficiency we see from modern candidates.
- Focus on weaknesses. It does you no good to spend four days a week on the things you are good at.
- Run, but not too much. Same with rucking. If you are following a program that is destroying your body, you will not make it. See our sample plan.
- What you do at night is as important as your workouts. Proper rest and nutrition are key to meeting the demands of Special Forces preparation.
Mental Preparation
With a few exceptions such as family, earning a Green Beret must be the most important thing in your life for you to meet the challenges ahead. If you are a "maybe" on this, you are wasting your time.
You must push all weakness and uncertainty from your personality. If you are doing research to figure out if you will be tested on normal or hand-release pushups, your mind is in the wrong place. Prepare physically and have confidence in your ability to meet unknown challenges.
Here are some ways to mentally prepare.- Get aggressive about seeking out leadership roles in your daily life. To be successful at SFAS, when you are in charge, do it decisively. When not in charge, be the best worker.
- Get tactically proficient. Buy a Ranger Handbook and learn it. Use makeshift models or a whiteboard to walk through every duty position for each task. Being able to do this without referencing the handbook will set you up for success after SFAS.
- Get out and do land navigation. Land navigation failure at SFAS is more a function of poor physical and mental preparedness than it is failure to grasp the simple concepts. However, rucking cross country is a great way to build confidence and mental and physical toughness.
- Read books about Special Forces history and operations. Your desired end state is to be a Green Beret, not a professional ruck marcher. Understanding what you are trying to become will increase your motivation.