Physical Fitness Requirements from the the Austrian Special Forces

Jagdkommando Physical Fitness Test

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The Austrian Jagdkommando, "JaKdo", is the special forces unit of the Austrian Military, which can be compared to Germany's K.S.K.

Motto: "Numquam Retro"
Translation (Never Retreat)

Established in: "1962"

The Physical Fitness Test of the Austrian Jagdkommando is very intense. The Pre-Selection process includes what is called AU Testung. Furthermore, the candidates will be thoroughly tested before earning the right to be part of the selection. Only About 15% of the candidates will make it through the selection and the training phase.

To join, one must be an Austrian Citizen, less than 34 years of age and be an enlisted soldier, who made it through Basic Training. Female and Male are welcome to join the selection. So far, only one woman made it successfully through selection.

Chart Standards J.A.K.D.O.

#	Exercises	Pass	Good	Great	Gold
1	Pullups	+ 6 reps	+ 10 reps	+ 15 reps	+ 20 reps
2	Air Squats	+ 48 reps	+ 64 reps	+ 72 reps	+ 80 reps
3	Pushups	+ 31 reps	+ 40 reps	+ 45 reps	+ 50 reps
4	Sit-Ups	+ 25 reps	+ 35 reps	+ 40 reps	+ 45 reps
6	Split Squat Jumps	+ 19 reps	+ 31 reps	+ 36 reps	+ 41 reps
5	2400 Meter Run	-12:00 min	-11:00 min	-10:30 min	-10:00 min

The candidate is only allowed a minimum of a minute of rest in between exercises. To pass, a candidate needs to not only pass the bare minimum requirements, but he also needs to outperform the other candidates. The yearly offered selection slots are limited, therefore JaKdo only chooses those candidates deemed to be the best fit. The candidates will then go through 3 weeks of more physical testing, such as an 8km ruck march (20KG), which has to be accomplished in under 60 minutes. They have to climb a slightly upward 30-meter rope, swim a distance of 300 meters in clothes without shoes in less 11 minutes, have to jump from a 10-meter tower into the water on command and pass a 72-hour survival test. This is only pre-selection.

Physical Requirements and Information from other units

For Other Units, click below
Bundesheer	Eko Cobra	ARD
KSK	Kampfschwimmer	Foreign Legion
Para SF	Col Moschin	Bordo Bereliler
Delta Force	Army Rangers	Devgru
JW Grom	GRUMEC	Recces
For General Fitness information and MsigWarrior Blog, click here

During Selection, the candidates will furthermore be vigorously tested. Hungerwoche, which translates to Hungerweek, is one of the most demanding events the candidates will face. They have to overcome various tasks and activities, while only being fed a piece of bread and 1 liter of water a day. Even though after the Selection, which is called Jagdkommandogrundkurs, the candidates will go through further training, as they now will be specifically trained for various units within the Jagdkommando. One still can be deemed an inappropriate fit and be kicked out, even though at this point, he or she has already earned the prestigious Jagdkommando badge.

J.A.K.D.O. Fitness Test Video

Attributes of a JaKdo Operator:

Adventurists, yet not a Rambo personality, nor someone who is Lebensmüde (Weary of Life). Individualistic, yet not selfish. Team player, but not a follower; Someone who wants to lead and carry responsibilities and who is good at it; Men and women who have something to lose, therefore do not behave carelessly; Individuals who can turn aggression on and off. Individuals who want to do good and believe in good.

Fun Facts Jakdo

- Even though there is an age limit on entry to Jakdo. However, once in the unit, one can stay as long as he can handle the tasks, and as long as he performs to standard. Usually ones the operative realizes that he cannot withhold any longer, he switches to a more supportive role or takes on a different task in a different unit in the Bundesheer.