Selection Preparation
This section is here to help all of those that would like to attend a Special Operations selection. Here we will go over some programs that we ourselves used or that we know others have used that were successful. We are NOT making these programs because we're not physical trainers and we won't pretend to be. We're just dudes that used these and happened to be successful at these selections. We will NOT be talking about the selections themselves or what they have in store for guys attending. We just want to help guys and gals be able to prepare for a selection without having to pay some random prior SOF dude that's scamming you for "programs" to help you pass selection.
At the bottom of this page is the phone number to a SFAS recruiter that we know personally. He specializes in active duty service members that are looking to attend SFAS. He is however capable of getting guys and gals in to RASP as well. He does NOT typically deal with people looking to enlist in to the Army for the first time, only Active duty. Despite not typically handling those cases he is willing to get those that are not currently Active duty to the right guys to enlist. Serious inquiries only. We are not recruiters, we just want to help those that want or need the help to go do some bad ass stuff in SOF.
Any and all information provided in this section is open source, we're just putting it in front of your face. Good luck!
Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS)
The link below will take you to our advice and potential programming that may benefit you while attending SFAS.
Ranger Assesment and Selection Program (RASP)
The link below will take you to our advice and potential programming that may benefit you while attending RASP.
SFAS
Special Forces Assessment and Selection (also known as SFAS) is the process individuals undergo to become a member of Special Forces, also known as a Green Beret. The selection process ranges from 19 to 24 days long and tests a soldier's rucking ability, land navigation, endurance, and ability to work in a team. This course is designed to challenge your physical abilities, but your mentality and character will be assessed just as stringently. Being physically fit, and having a good head on your shoulders is paramount. Below are a few things that may help you out.
Ruck based program
Below is a ruck based program we have used to prepare for SFAS.
General advice or if we had to do it agian
Get your mind right. You cannot half-ass selection; you will fail. You have to be 100% bought in without doubt in order to succeed. This means make sure things are right not only mentally and physically, but at home, too. You will have zero room to worry about your home life while you are gone. Get things straight before you go, or it will pull your focus away from the task at hand.
This selection is about endurance. No one cares if you can bench 400 lbs if you can't run fast, too. Work on your endurance; you should be able to move far and fast with weight on your back. Your bench press will recover after you're selected, we promise.
Take off the "tin foil hat". People think they know how to game the system. The only people who know what the cadre are looking for, are the cadre. Stop trying to figure out what they're thinking, or how other soldiers are performing. Take every moment as it comes, focus on the task at hand, and do your best. After that, it's out of your hands, homie. You either make it or you don't. Give it your all and the cards will fall where they may.
During your train up, wear OCP's (Army duty/field uniform). The only event completed in a traditional PT uniform is the PT test. EVERYTHING else is conducted in OCPs, so get used to the weight and feel of them before you go. You don't want the first time you run with pants on to be at selection. You will chafe and make everything harder for yourself.
On a similar topic, the best prevention I have found for blisters and hot spots is to train in the exact boots and socks you will wear when you attend selection. Minimum 12 weeks out you should be training in said gear. This will make your feet strong and accustomed to what you will be "interviewing" in.
Yes, this is a job interview. Conduct yourself accordingly. Right place, right time, right uniform. You should be motivated, humble, and professional.
You will be assessed on your ability to work in a team environment. People joke about being told "just be a good dude" like that's the secret sauce and that's all it takes. In my assessment, being a good team player not only means knowing how to lead and how to follow, but also when to lead and when to follow. Give your input, if you get shot down, back your team's play. Pull your weight and plug holes where it's needed. And as always, just be a good dude.
-When rucking, eat MRE snacks (before and during) if you can get your hands on MREs. You'll be grazing as you move at selection so get your gut used to it. You don't have to do this your whole train up. Keep it reasonable, but get used to it. Many will witness the emergency road-side poop.
RASP 1
Ranger Assesment and Selection Program (also known as RASP) is the selection process individuals undergo in an attempt to become a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Once you complete RASP and are selected, you are deemed an Airborne Ranger. The assessment and selection process is about eight weeks long. This course is designed to push you far out of your comfort zone. Your ability to overcome mentally and physically challenging tasks will be tested regularly, so be prepared to be uncomfortable. Your physical skill, land navigation, and ability to overcome adversity will determine whether or not you are selected. Below are a few things that may be able to help you
General advice or if we had to do it again
If we had to attend RASP 1 again I would prioritize running during my train up for the assessment and selection. Running is something that you're going to do every day. Whether you have a ruck on your back or not, you will find yourself moving your feet, and fast. Now that does not mean to neglect everything else, strength is also very important. Unfortunately the Army continues to change the PT standards which means the Regiment has to do the same to some extent. Overall ensure you can complete 61 T push ups in two minutes, hold a plank for 3:40, run a two mile under 13:00, and run a five mile under 40:00. To train push ups you can simply do weighted push ups. Just placing a weight on your back and doing push as you desire, I did 200 a day 5 days a week to prepare. I had to do sit ups back when I went through but I know people simply do planks to get good at planks, wild concept... To get better at running you should get out and run but do not overdue it and injure yourself. Increase your running gradually to prevent injury.
Rucking to be honest, the standard is pretty easy. If you want to crush the 12 mile ruck(2:05 or faster), which you should, you need to train for it. Ruck running is terrible for you so do not over train this, I wouldn't train this more than twice a week tops. I'd start at four miles and increase by two miles a week until I get to 14 miles. For the weight I'd go with 45-50lbs dry, but that's all up to your abilities. Something important to note is that not every training day needs to be a PR, you WILL get hurt training that way. Last thing on rucking, run the entirety of the downhills, walk the uphills, and walk/run the flats.
Land navigation, not the most difficult courses but ensure you have a general understanding of land nav. Understanding your compass, attack points, reading a map, and basic orienteering will get you through land nav in RASP.
Our physical goals if we had to go back would be a two hour 12 mile, 34:00min five mile, and maxing all other physical events.
Other than all above just don't quit, or do, if you quit then the Regiment just wasn't for you, which is okay. We don't care what your job is or what unit you're in as long as your a cool dude and you're good at your job, Regiment just isn't meant for everyone.
Good luck guys/gals!
Here is the number to the SF recruiter for those serious about joining the SOF community. Serious inquiries only.
1 (910)-578-2029