Physical Fitness Requirements from the British SAS

S.A.S. Physical Fitness Test

The Special Air Service Unit of the U.K. is one of the most known special force unit around the world. Many countries learned from the SAS and many countries copied their training to the best of their abilities. Only a few to name; Sayeret Matkal from Israel, ARW from Ireland, Australians S.A.S., New Zealands S.A.S.R, and Delta Force in the United States. The selection process for this unit is considered one of the hardest in the world.

Motto: "Who Dares Wins"

Established in: "1941"

To join, one must be a U.K. Citizen or a Citizen from one of the Commonwealth countries. The Selection process is held twice a year and the attrition rate is ridiculously high. More than 85% of the candidates won't finish the Selection Course. A candidate cannot be more than 32 years old, once Selection starts. Candidates have at most 2 attempts to pass the course. A third try is not allowed.

S.A.S. Modified Test

#	Exercises	Pass
1.	Press Ups	+ 45 reps are needed to pass
2.	Sit-Ups	+ 45 reps are needed to pass
3.	1.5-mile run	The run has to be finished in under 09:30 min
4.	Water Entry	Jump from a 10-meter tower.
4.	25-meter water swim	3 Meter water entry in full kit + Swim in uniform and weapon.
5.	200 m swim	Tread Water for 5 min + Swim in uniform.
6.	Dive Test	Underwater Swim + Object Retrieval.
7.	8 Mile Hill Run	In less than 60 minutes

The way into S.A.S. is intense. To join Special Air Service, whether 21 squadron, 22 squadron, or 23 squadron, one must go through many physical testing and "beatdowns" to make it. This modified test includes the briefing course (basic requirements, and a swim assessment) and also part of the pre-selection test.

Pre-Selection is very hard, selection is cruel. During Pre-Selection, the candidates start rucking and running and performing on the assault course. It is to understand that the weight of the ruck and distance will increase, and the cut off times will decrease.

Physical Requirements - Other units

All other available units, click here
UK Army	Royal Marines	S.B.S.
KSK	Seal Team Six	JakDo
GRUMEC	NZSAS	Delta Force
Para SF	JW Grom	Bordo Bereliler
MARSOC	JW Formoza	Kampfschwimmer
JTF2	CSOR	Navy Seals
For MsigWarrior Blog, click here

Selection Phase from the SAS seems to be the hardest around the world. The candidates will go through Hill Phase, which includes High Walk and Test Week. High Walk is an escorted hill march over 23km to, again, weed out those who want to be there, from those who don't. Test Week is a series of timed marches, with rucks getting heavier and heavier. Test week concludes with a 64km ruck march with more than 70 lbs in total. During Summer, candidates are confronted with possible heatstrokes and aggravating insects. During Winter, candidates face extreme cold and hypothermia.

S.A.S. Fitness Test Video

7 Attributes of a SAS Operator:

1. Physically Robust
2. Mentally Robust
3. Self-Confident
4. Self-Disciplined
5. Ability to Work Alone
6. Ability to Assimilate new information quickly
7. Ability to Assimilate new skills quickly

More information

SAS Soldiers have to be able to remain sharp and focussed under duress.

Bear Grylls Quote on the qualities needed to join the SAS: Be self-motivated, resilient. Calm, yet have the ability to smile when it's grim. To be unflappable, able to react fast and have an improve, adapt, and overcome mentality. Good tunnel vision, when it comes to crunch time.