These days, many individuals decide to enlist in the military. Therefore, the demand is somewhat high getting into elite units. People who enroll must be in shape, mentally strong, and fit the division. However, should you try getting into special forces? Or is it not worth it?
As a general rule, getting into special forces units is worth it. Additionally, service there will not only build you as a better person, but it’ll also enrich you with various experiences. Hence getting into shape to enlist in special forces is a wise choice.
Special forces are, well, unique. Therefore, not everyone who enrolls will get into it. The instructors are not going to give an easy time. Thus coming with the previous high physical condition will increase your chances of getting into elite units.
So, how to get in shape for special forces? Should you even consider getting there? Lastly, how are the instructors choosing the most suitable people for this job?
What are special forces?
Worldwide, there are plenty of elite units that perform extraordinarily. Thus many people try getting into such places. Well, rightfully so. Common knowledge is that the best individuals enlist to such units. Consequently, if they accept you in there, you’re a unique individual.
Special forces are highly trained individuals capable of functioning in the land, air, and water. Usually, certain operators are experts in different fields of work. As a result, we have plenty of individuals with various pieces of training and expertise fields.
Internationally, the most complex missions go to special forces. Because of their lengthy and professional training, they’re the most capable individuals in their military. Hence having such units to perform challenging operations is vital for its succession.
Before you continue, I have an article on what makes special forces special. I highly encourage you read it to learn more about these elite units.
The Navy Seals, for instance, are one of the most elite units in the world. Therefore, they’ll get the most complex missions worldwide. Now, if you’re a tad knowledgeable on the operations they did, you’ll understand how powerful they are.
How do special forces train?
I’ve been a special forces operator for a lengthy period. Consequently, I am an insider for you. I am knowledgeable about the way various units train and get in shape. Hence understanding how they work out will assist you in getting into them.
As a whole, a combination of aerobic exercise and weightlifting train the operator to a high level. Additionally, in the operators’ training, they go through many weeks of long walks, patrols, and carrying high amounts of weight. Consequently, that builds their confidence and abilities.
That said, in my training, we ran 2-4 times a week. The distance we did varied from 3-8 km. In addition, we were at the gym weightlifting 3-7 times a week. With that, we had self-defense lessons. All these built up my team’s confidence and physical condition. Ultimately, it leads to us being ready for special operations.
An important note to add is that there were some weeks that we didn’t eat or sleep for days. Hence, the physical condition isn’t the sole purpose of the training. The operators must be mentally ready for any given scenario. Therefore, it’s not all about how jacked you are.
How are special forces chosen?
If your physical condition were the only factor in choosing which people get in, special forces would not be a thing. In addition, the units are looking for people who are complete. That way, they’ll be able to solve complex missions.
Intelligent individuals who are physically strong, capable of working under stress, and complete will get into such units. While your physical condition impacts the outcome, your persona will eventually be the deciding factor.
Therefore, to get into special forces, you must be well-rounded. That way, elite units will sense that you’re suitable for their roster. Later, the instructors will have no choice but to accept your application.
In addition, self-confidence is vital for your success. If you want to be sure you can get into such units, nobody will. Therefore, you won’t be able to make it. On the other hand, if you’re a confident, well-rounded individual, getting into special forces will reflect no problem.
Pros and Cons of Special Forces.
Although special forces are helpful, there are many disadvantages such units reflect. Yet, from my experience, I can safely say that there is plenty of knowledge few people are aware of its existence. Consequently, learning and understanding the pros and cons of special forces is crucial before enlisting.
As a general rule, special forces are lethal, tactical, best for the most complex missions, and, most importantly, ready. That said, they’re also individual-based, they have long periods of training, and, overall, small. Hence before getting into elite units, you must understand the pros and cons.
They’re tactical.
If you’ve seen the homepage of this site, you understand that I’m a big fan of tactical gear. Not only is it lightweight and comfortable, but it’s also helpful and has high utility.
Special forces are highly tactical. The meaning of that is they’re ready for the most complex missions. They know how to stay hidden if needed, and, lastly, they’re highly skilled in what they do. Therefore, such small forces are lethal and tactical.
Originally, tactical equipment was for special forces. To this day, the military buys such means from different companies. However, the market has become large throughout the last couple of years.
If you want to learn more about the best tactical shirts, pants, and helmets, I highly encourage you to follow the links to my other articles.
They’re Lethal
Complex operations require different means. Usually, most military units are capable of performing simple missions. However, when it comes to such operations where a single mistake can cause a national disaster, you must have a highly skilled force working for you.
Special forces are highly lethal. Consequently, they’ll ensure there’s enough strength activated on the enemy. They’re capable of inflicting high amounts of physical violence. Therefore, there’s no stopping such units while they’re on duty. They’ll reach the place, complete the mission, and flee.
Because of their deadliness, they’re highly capable of most missions, even simple ones. Therefore, they can get active on anything the military will need them to do. Because of that, special forces must be ready for any given situation at all times.
Most suitable for complex missions
Complex operations are ones with consequences on a national level. Because of that, you can send untrained troops to go at it. The result will be a disaster, and they won’t complete the operation. Therefore, better-skilled operators are required.
For complex missions, you want highly skilled operators completing them. Therefore, special forces are the most suitable to solve such jobs. Because of that, the period of such operators is lengthier than the average soldier.
We all heard of stories that sounded imaginary. Well, special forces operators live these stories. Consequently, we’ve all heard of heroic elite units operations that went perfectly. However, for the most part, if such force completes a mission quietly, you won’t know any piece of trace from it.
Individual-based
My team and I were 11 people when we finished training. Consequently, you can understand that it’s not a force that can deal with missions that require plenty of people. Additionally, each one of us had had unique expertise.
In special forces units, every operator has a different expertise field. Consequently, if one isn’t capable of functioning, the force gets weaker. Because of that, the importance of the individual in such units is higher than other branches in the military.
Have lengthy training.
My training lasted for 16 months. If you don’t understand the meaning of that, that’s a year and four months dedicated to military training. Afterward, I kept on training and being active.
Because special forces operators must be highly skilled, their training is lengthier than other soldiers. Thus the number of operators you can train is lower than other branches. The average training period of elite forces is 16 months of basic unit training.
They’re a small force.
Some branches in the military fit more suitably for a mission that requires a vast number of people. Because of that, smaller teams will be unable to complete such operations, whether they’re highly skilled or not. Therefore, special forces operators will have a challenging time with such missions.
As a whole, special forces teams are much smaller than the average squadron. Because of that, they’ll be unable to complete various types of operations. Such missions require a more considerable number of people. Consequently, smaller teams will be useless.
As I’ve mentioned previously, my team and I finished training as 11 individuals. In most places, such a number doesn’t add benefit to missions. However, with the complex operations we dealt with, 11 people was a sufficient number.
Conclusion
From my experience, the service in such elite units changed my life. It built my character to such a degree that I can achieve anything I want. Consequently, the benefits my service granted me were worth the time.
In addition, such service is beneficial to your country. For that reason, it’s essential people of high value will enlist to such forces.
So, should you get into special forces? My answer is definitive, and it’s yes, you should. It builds up character, mental strength, and physical condition. Therefore, these are crucial characteristics to have in life.
Although I’m a big fan of special forces units and operators, they have many disadvantages. First, they’re highly individual-based, their training is longer than usual, and, lastly it’s a small force. Therefore, there are plenty of missions such units can’t solve.
That said, I highly encourage you to try and get into special forces. In addition, if you want to read more on the topics of self-defense, military, and weapons, I recommend you visit my site.