Any tips on Preparing for Special Forces Assessment & Selection (SFAS)?

2015-04-15T19:23:36-04:00

I will be attending SFAS at Fort Bragg in June. Just wondering if anyone who has been through selection or has extensive knowledge of the course could provide me with any specific or vague ideas of how to prepare other than rucking and running ALL the time. Any tips or tricks to give me an upper hand or a more vast knowledge-base headed into it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-04-15T21:09:17-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I went through SFAS over a decade ago... And though I didn't wind up becoming an 18 series, I'm pretty sure most of what I'm going to say here still applies:

1st: Before you go PT... You have to be able to ruck and run more than anything else. Set up a PT program where you ruck at least 1x-2x a week, with increasing weight and distance.

2nd: Don't OVERTRAIN - train, but when you hit your limit - back off... I know a lot of guys who tried to train up until the week before they left, and they wound up injuring themselves... Also, when you get to about two weeks out from going - back off your training/PT. You want to do enough to maintain, but at this point, you need to focus on preventing ANY injuries before you go.

3rd: When you are in put in charge of a group during SFAS, take friggin charge - I mean TAKE charge. You need to assign two people underneath you as you lieutenants, and have them do things such as make sure that they check the planning board every hour. They need to help you control the rest of the guys. They need to run errands for you and also get other guys to run errands. When you have a team exercise/event, make sure the WHOLE team is participating as much as possible, and last, identify who has what strengths and who has what weaknesses. Try to use those strengths where you can. If someone isn't working out in a particular position, put them in a different position.

A couple of last pointers: Take everything litterally! If the blackshirts say to run between the cones, and the cones are set up so that there's a puddle between them, run through the puddle, not around it!

If they say your ruck needs to weigh 65 lbs. without water, you better make it weigh 70 lbs without water, because somehow, it's going to lose 5 lbs before you get to the finish line, and you better make sure that it weighs that much WITHOUT water.

If you are told to check the board every hour, make sure you or someone reliable checks it every hour!

If you get hurt, TELL SOMEONE in charge, and first, try to get some ranger candy (800 mg Motrin). Take one pill no more than 1x every 8-hours. Any more than that, and you risk an OD on Motrin - which is bad.

Drink a lots of water, but also make sure you take salts/carbs in during SFAS to prevent Hyponitremia (where your body flushes all its electrolytes and you die from over-hydration).

June is snake/tick/spider season. Watch where you dump your ruck, and make sure you clear your area first when you lay down, and check your clothing/sleeping gear/boots before you put any part of your body in them. Bring lots of sunscreen and insect repellent.

There's way to much to cover - most of it is common sense - just use your head, and if you find yourself in a situation where you have to make a decision, then MAKE A DECISION and don't be afraid to change your mind if NEW information indicates you're going down the wrong path!

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Apr 15 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-04-15T22:26:03-04:00

You can check out this 2 hour show about SFAS which Discovery channel made, in case you haven't seen it yet. It will give you a good idea for some of the events you will be going through, though of course just watching them doesn't help... it will give you a bit of an insight as to the mental preparation you will need to do.

My tips:

1) Make sure your feet and body are tough enough for rucking better than anyone else
2) Be in excellent overall shape
3) Be prepared to be surprised
4) Don't get yourself hurt during any events (you don't need to be the #1 guy every time - pace yourself - but don't in the bottom half either).
5) Practice land navigation before you go. Get somebody with good and recent land nav experience to work with you. Consider joining an orienteering club near you and challenge yourself.

If you're in good shape, master land nav, and have a strong mental outlook, you will be far ahead of your peers.

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Weeks-Hell-Part-1/dp/B004GH7C1I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=8-1&keywords=two+weeks+in+hell

Watch Surviving the Cut Season 0 Episode - Amazon Video

Green Berets are America's unconventional warfare specialists. Go inside their selection process, a 2-week hellish interview with tasks specifically designed to break a man and expose his real character. And finishing this test, doesn't mean you passed.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 15 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-04-15T22:53:04-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, I think you've received some excellent advice from LTC Yinon Weiss and SFC Private RallyPoint Member! I've seen the Discovery Channel show and it's excellent. However, I think that SFAS is now three weeks long instead of two as it was in the show. I was there long ago and nothing that I could say would be meaningful or helpful, although MAJ Weiss' advice regarding land navigation most certainly should be heeded.
Ironically, I was there so long ago (1970) that SF was not a branch and it was not a non-accession specialty. In other words, I went to BCT, AIT, jump school and then straight to Camp Mackall. SFAS did not exist.
Best of luck to you. Honestly, I don't know that I'd survive SFAS even if I was 21 again!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 1:00 PM

2015-04-19T13:00:49-04:00

I attended SFAS last year, the main things that got people were improperly setup rucks and bad boots. You will be on your feet moving most of the day after gate week, and you will probably end up going through some streams or rivers once you hit Hoffman. When they tell you to ensure your pack is waterproofed, they mean it. A 50lb ruck only gets worse when all of it is soaked in water.

EDIT: Also, i still have the basic packing list if you want a copy of it, feel free to message me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-04-19T13:23:13-04:00

There have already been some very good tips on here. I attended SFAS June of 2013. Here are some things that i wish i would have been more prepared for.

* Strengthen your shoulders. I did a lot of rucking to prepare but my shoulders were the worst.

* Do your best to get along with your peers. You can be the number one person in every single event and still get peered out because your bunkmates, teammates, and platoon don't like your attitude and how you handle certain situations.

* Follow all the rules even the little ones you don't think matter. The cadre are always watching. The are looking for people who can lead and follow when no one is watching.

* Check out this website. it has a forum and great insite from former, current and prospective Spec Ops guys. http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/index.php?s=94cfa01f63161ccb6c20c709235698b8

Good Luck

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Dec 4 at 2015 4:21 AM

2015-12-04T04:21:31-05:00

I don't know much about it SSG. But aren't certain parts "peer-rated", I'd say don't brownnose or do anything incompetent but don't be a "threat". Don't stand out too much.

Hope you got a high pain tolerance, high level of endurance and stamina, etc. Good Luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 7:25 AM

2015-12-04T07:25:32-05:00

This guy I'm heading to selection.

In the back ground on repeat MOUNTAIN!!!!

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Dec 4 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-12-04T09:17:26-05:00

What selection? SFAS?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 9:25 AM

2015-12-04T09:25:32-05:00

I am plan on going one day. I haven't been yet but I have been to Ranger. There are a few things that I would focus on. PT is a no brainer. You will ruck a lot. Rucking for long periods of time will be something you will do often. Land Nav is something that you should also be strong in. The Star Course is a killer. But the more important you should focus on Team Work. It is all about what you bring to the table. The Army is full of dudes that are strong but dudes that are smart and strong that are team players are something that you don't find everyday. A lot of guys want a Green Beret but a lot of guy don't want to be a green beret. Being a Squad Leader should have gave you some good experience to which you can use to help you there. I will say that you will just have to be a team player and be strong. I am sure you will do well.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 4 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-12-04T09:37:43-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Aside from the normal difficulties of making it through.....Part of it involves integrity-so for example if told to stay off the paved surfaces, do it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-12-04T09:55:14-05:00

Good luck SSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 4 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-12-04T10:19:04-05:00

Do your best, don't give in, and don't look back!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 12:32 PM

2015-12-04T12:32:16-05:00

Congrats SSG wish you luck

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-12-04T12:40:52-05:00

SSG(P) Christopher Erickson - Hey brother, you have any guidance for this young man here?

I'll just echo what most have already said - remove the word quit from your vocabulary and focus on one thing at a time, vs worrying about getting through the entire day or week..etc..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-12-05T20:26:15-05:00

Send me an e-mail, [login to see] . We (B1/20 SFG) have a 98% pass rate at SFAS. I'm sure I can give me some very useful info.

Response by SFC William Crews made Dec 6 at 2015 1:29 PM

2015-12-06T13:29:09-05:00

Land Nav, Land Nav, Land Nav. oh, and with a ruck and weapon. Map reading, rucking and good boots. If you are a good performer on the APFT then you should be good for the physical fitness part. Make sure you can run a 5 mile at 8 min pace consistently. You will be running in uniform and in sand with running shoes. Mind games; hurry up and wait, run an unknown distance with unknown standards. Other than that, they are fairly laid back but are looking at you and your professionalism and performance daily. Are you consistently performing at the same level or do you sand bag when you're able.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Feb 22 at 2016 5:26 PM

2016-02-22T17:26:36-05:00

Did you make it? What tip that you received prepared you the most for SFAS?

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 9 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-06-09T14:09:12-04:00

Best of luck and prep, prep, and prep....ruckmarches!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2017 9:42 AM

2017-03-07T09:42:11-05:00

This is an awesome read. Although I'm in the TXARNG as of now, I plan to go the 18x route. Great read.

Response by LTC David Zimmerman made Apr 25 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-04-25T18:19:35-04:00

I went through in 1989 and supported SFAS when I was in charge of Phase 3.

1. Think 1 thing! Graduate! Never, ever allow the word Quit in your world. Not an Option.
2. Shut up and Listen. Write shit down. Don't out think the instructions.
3. Dont be a Gazelle, be a Mule. Push yourself at 110% . Constant! It s a marathon, not a sprint.
4. They can See You and through You.. Do the right thing always. Be 5 minutes early, lay out your gear, check it twice, write shit down, Make rules and follow them, check yourself and your stuff everytime you leave a place (bunk, classroom, Land Nav Point), assess your body nightly, stretch every morning and night, shower every day, and take care of your FEET. Don't cheat, lay down, talk shit, be stupid on the classroom assignments, or think for one second you can charm your way through.
5. Accept the Suck.
6. Pattern the Suck. On Navigation or Tasks, trot 100 steps, walk 25, and/or jog up hills, walk downhill. Your body will not quit, your mind will.
Sing, recite poetry, do math problems, name all the girls in your senior class, or have a conversation with God on why he made the Platypus. Keep your mind strong. Quit can't take over a sound and active mind. If it is not in your vocabulary, it won't happen.
7. Be the Hero. Hero's aren't made in an instant. They learn, observe, change, endure, err, take responsibility, learn, choose, and most of all, Act.
You are your own Demon. Rage against fear, pain, and strive. Accept it and then be Heroic.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 12:07 AM

2019-11-18T00:07:31-05:00

Make it?