Physical Fitness Requirements from the Russian Spetsnaz

Alpha Group Spetsnaz Physical Fitness Test

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Alpha Group - Spetsnaz, Спецназ ФСБ "Альфа", of the FSB (Federal Security Service) Special Purpose Center, is one of the special forces units of Russia. They are trained in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, covert operations, etc... They are also an extended arm of the police if needed.

Established in: 1974
Included into FSB in 1998

Motto: Победить и вернуться
Translation: "Win and come back"

To join, the candidate needs to be at least 175 cm tall (5ft 9). Exceptions are made for outstanding candidates. Candidates should be younger than 28 years when joining the Selection Phase. However, again, exceptions are made for soldiers with combat experience. Candidates usually sign up for at least 5 years. Most Candidates will stay way longer in this demanding unit.

Chart Standards P.F.T. Alpha Group

#	Exercises	Pass	Good	Great	Gold
1	3000 Meter Run	10:30 min	10:00 min	9:45 min	9:30 min
2.1	100 Meter Run	12.7 sec	12.0 sec	11.5 sec	11.0 sec
2.2.	10x10 M Suicides	25:00 sec	24:00 sec	23:00 sec	22:00 sec
3	Pullups	+ 25 reps	+ 28 reps	+ 30 reps	+ 32 reps
4.1	Pushups	+ 90 reps	+ 100 reps	+ 110 reps	+ 120 reps
4.2	Dips	+ 30 reps	+ 40 reps	+ 50 reps	+ 60 reps
5	Sit-Ups	+ 90 reps	+ 100 reps	+ 110 reps	+ 120 reps
6	Benchpress BW	+ 10 reps	+ 12 reps	+ 15 reps	+ 18 reps
7	Fight	Hand 2 Hand Combat. Pass or Fail.

Pre-Selection Alpha Group Spetsnaz

Candidates have to pass the physical fitness standards one, day followed by further testings on the next day. The 3000-meter run has to be performed within 10:30 min. Further 6 testings are to be performed. Sometimes, candidates have to perform a suicide run or a straight 100-meter sprint. Between the 3K and the sprint, the candidates are allowed a break of 5 minutes. In a light jog, the candidates are running now to the gym, where they have to perform pullups. In between each event, candidates have 3 min break time. The max time for pushups and sit-ups is 2 min. For the Benchpress, the bodyweight will be used as a benchmark, but never more than 100kg. No break allowed, they have to face a usually heavier opponent in 3 Rounds of 3 min Fighting. If they act defensively, they will not pass.

Physical Requirements and Information from other units

For General Fitness information and MsigWarrior Blog, click here
GRU Spetsnaz	K.S.K.	Delta Force
JakDo	GRUMEC	Bordo Bereliler
DevGru	SAS	Kampfschwimmer
Para SF	JW Grom	Commando Marine
GIGN	GSG 9	BOPE
All other available units, click here

Alpha Group Spetsnaz Workout

They usually also have to go through a Workout Circuit, before even facing the hand to hand combat event. It consists of 10 Rounds of 15 pushups, 15 situps, 15 half burpees from a sitting position into a pushup plank back into a sitting position, and 15 burpees from the sitting position. There is no rest in between each exercise. 3 Minutes break, the candidates put their gloves, mouthpiece, and headgear on, and the fight on. Stand your ground and fight back. Show Determination and Skills.

Spetsnaz Fitness Test Video

Alpha Group Spetsnaz Selection

Those candidates who come from other specialized Units might have to prove their shooting skills or/and their swimming skills. They then will go through a mental evaluation, where they undergo various interviews with psychologists and staff members, where they face a lie-detector test. Furthermore, family members and spouses are questioned to understand the candidate better. Those candidates who are considered suitable for the Unit will be invited into an Airborne Course and a Mountaineering Course. One of the most important questions a candidate is asked is whether the candidate is willing to sacrifice his life to save someone else. After those 2 courses, the candidates will undergo very specialized training, which can last up to a year. In the first three years of service then, the new employee is under the constant and close supervision of commanders and senior operatives. A more experienced operator will serve as his mentor.

Spetsnaz Alpha Group PFT

Characteristics of an Alpha Group Spetsnaz

The Alpha Operator is a person who can make quick decisions in extreme situations, involving situations where life is at risk. Dedication, Courage, and High Intelligence are very important attributes of an effective operator. They also need to have excellent analytical skills. An important feature of the service in Alpha Group is the ability to work in a team and be ready always, in any situation, to help a friend.

Alpha Group Spetsnaz Operator - Facts

In 2011 - Alpha Group received further international fame, as they won the "Super SWAT International Competition" as the best international team. A relatively unknown fact is that 2 women made it into the unit previously. Alpha Spetsnaz Operators are known to fight without bulletproof vests at times.