The Special Air Service (SAS) is one of the world's most renowned and toughest special forces units. To become part of this elite group, aspirants must go through an intense selection process known for its rigor and high dropout rates. This write-up aims to provide an in-depth look into the SAS selection process, shedding light on the key entry requirements, physical and mental tests, as well as critical thresholds that potential candidates need to meet.
SAS Selection Process: Entry Requirements
Before embarking on their journey to join the SAS, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Must be a serving member of the British Armed Forces or Commonwealth forces.
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 32 (there are exceptions for personnel with other specialist skills).
- Have a minimum of 39 months of service left upon starting the SAS selection course.
- Must be physically fit and medically suitable to undertake operational roles.
Having met these requirements, the actual SAS selection process starts, which has several stages.
SAS Selection Process: Physical Phase
The SAS selection process begins with a physical phase, designed to test physical endurance, mental resilience, and navigational skills over the toughest terrains in Wales.
Test Week (Weeks 3-4)
The Test Week is the most challenging part of this phase, featuring both individual and team-centered tests. Some of these tests include:
- Hills: The candidates must navigate through various points scattered on a set of hills in a specified time.
- Endurance: A 40-mile (64 km) march across the Brecon Beacons carrying a 55lb (25kg) backpack, not including food, water and other personal items. This must be completed within 20 hours.
Jungle Phase (Weeks 5-9)
Candidates who pass the first physical phase are flown to Belize, Brunei or Malaysia, where they face the Jungle Phase. It is effectively an advanced version of the physical phase testing fitness, navigation and survival skills in the harsh jungle terrain.
SAS Selection Process: Mental Phase
After the Jungle Phase, survivors progress to the mental phase.
Tactical Questioning (Week 10)
This phase places candidates in a simulated 'prisoner of war' camp, where they face harsh interrogation by trained military interrogators. The process is designed to assess the mental strength of the candidate, their ability to resist interrogation, and their adherence to the 'Code of Conduct'.
SAS Selection Process: Skills Phases
After the completion of the Physical and Mental Phases, the SAS selection process moves to the Skills Phases.
Phase 1, Combat (Weeks 11-14)
Here, the candidates learn a variety of specialist combat skills including battle craft, demolitions, and other essential SAS skills.
Phase 2, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (Weeks 15-18)
This phase imparts the essential skills of espionage, such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, and target acquisition.
Phase 3, Counter-Terrorism (Weeks 19-22)
This final phase essentially determines whether a candidate has what it takes to join the SAS. Trainees learn the ins and outs of managing hostage situations and conducting assaults.
SAS Selection Process: Probationary Phase
Successful candidates then join an operational SAS squadron for a trial period of six months, where they build on their learned skills and experience life as an SAS soldier.
Despite the high dropout rates, the SAS selection process is not designed to cause candidates to fail. Rather, it is engineered to identify those who have the physical and mental fortitude to successfully carry out the tough and demanding roles within the SAS. As they say, "Who Dares, Wins."
Whether you're a serving officer or a budding recruit, the key to surpassing the SAS selection process is consistent training, a focused mind, and an indomitable spirit. It certainly is one of the most challenging pathways one could venture down in the military world, and those who make it through are deserving of their place in the elite Special Air Service.
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