Note that each service has its own enrollment and training requirements, which can be demanding in and of themselves. For instance, the British Army’s basic training regimen is 26 weeks long and includes rigorous physical training and tactical exercises. Note also that, like other services of the British Armed Forces, the SAS accepts members from countries of the British Commonwealth (like Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, etc. ).
Though women have been integrated into the British Armed Forces since the 1990s, they are excluded from most combat-oriented units. Because of this, at present, women are not allowed in the SAS. There are, however, signs that this may change in the near future. [4] X Research source
Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll want to wait for the next selection process to begin. The SAS selection process takes place twice per year — once in the winter and once in the summer. This is true regardless of the conditions: no matter how hot or cold it gets, the selection process moves forward.
The BFT consists of a squadded 2. 5 km (1. 5 mile) run in 15 minutes followed by the same distance run individually in under 10. 5 minutes. Those who fail at this point aren’t physically prepared to become members of the SAS.
Compass and map test Swimming test First aid test Combat fitness test
The “Fan Dance”, a 24 km (15 mile) hike in the Brecon Beacons (a mountain range in Wales) that takes place at the end of the first week of the phase and serves as a major “weed-out” event. The “Long Drag”, the culminating test of this phase of the selection process. Candidates must complete a 64 km (40 mile) hike in the Brecon Beacons in less than 20 hours. During the hike, candidates must carry a 25 kg (55 lb) pack, a rifle, food, and water. Candidates are forbidden from using established trails and must navigate solely by map and compass.
During this phase, every recruit that is not already parachute qualified is trained in this skill. In addition, recruits are trained to the British Army Regimental Standard for signalling.
Personal care and first aid plays a big role during this phase. Because ordinary cuts, insect bites, and blisters resulting from training can easily become infected in the jungle, it’s important for every recruit to know how to care for his wounds.
The culminating test of this phase is an exercise in which recruits have to complete set objectives while evading capture by a Hunter Regiment of opposing soldiers. Regardless of whether or not recruits are captured during the exercise, they must take part in Tactical Questioning exercises (see below).
While Directing Staff aren’t allowed to torture or seriously injure recruits, their treatment is quite severe. Recruits may be, for instance, blindfolded, deprived of food and water, forced to stay in painful “stress positions”, subjected to continuous loud noises, and forced into small cages. Punishments may be psychological, as well, and may include verbal abuse, insult, humiliation, trickery, and more.
Note that, at the end of the selection process, recruits relinquish any rank they may previously have held and become troopers. In the SAS, all recruits have to work their way up from the bottom. However, if a recruit leaves the SAS, he is immediately restored to his previous rank with credit for time served. The exception to this rule is with officers, who retain their rank upon joining the SAS.
Cardio training is an absolute must. Many of the toughest challenges during the selection process, like the “Fan Dance” and the “Long Drag”, are endurance-based. This means that a strong focus on cardio training, especially running and hiking, is one of your best bets for having a strong advantage during training. In addition, spending lots of time performing these activities will get you used to the feeling of spending all day outdoors. See How to Add Cardio to Your Workout. While cardio training is very important, you won’t want to neglect strength training. SAS candidates are expected to have the strength to carry heavy packs on long treks in the wilderness and to be lethal in combat, among many other responsibilities. A thorough regimen of strength training exercises balancing lower body, core, and upper muscle groups can help you achieve the level of strength you’ll need. See How to Lift Weights.
Precise instructions for how to mentally prepare can vary from person to person. Some may respond well to concentration-improving exercises, while others may favor meditation. Regardless, everyone can benefit from having very realistic expectations of the selection process. It’s not a gung-ho, Hollywood-style macho exhibition — it’s an intensely demanding experience for which very few are truly prepared.
Though some candidates are allowed a second chance at the selection process after failing, this is not necessarily guaranteed. After two fails, candidates are barred for life from attempting again. As you prepare for training, keep in mind the official SAS motto: “Who Dares Wins”. By attempting to join the SAS, you are making a significant risk (or “dare”) — that the time and effort you put into preparation and training won’t be in vain. With the right inner drive, this risk becomes slightly smaller — if you want the prize, you’ll push yourself to the absolute limits of your ability to get it.
