United Kingdom Special Forces Selection

United Kingdom Special Forces Selection is the selection and training process for members of the United Kingdom's three Special Forces formations: 22 Special Air Service, Special Boat Service, and Special Reconnaissance Regiment. Members of the SAS and SBS undergo common selection up to the award of a sand-coloured beret to SAS Troopers whereupon SBS candidates undergo further selection to qualify as Swimmer Canoeists and SAS personnel undergo further specialist training. Until the late 1990s candidates for the SAS and SBS underwent selection under the auspices of the prospective unit.

Selection is reported to be one of the most demanding military training courses in the world with a reported pass rate of less than 10%. In 2013 three soldiers died during a selection exercise. It is a test of strength, endurance, and resolve over the Brecon Beacons and Elan Valley in Wales, and in the jungle of Belize, taking around 6 months to complete.

Selection is held twice a year regardless of conditions. Personnel must have a level of prior regular or reserve military experience and for regulars must have at least 39 months of service remaining on completion of selection as well as not exceeding the age of 35. Candidates are limited to a maximum of two attempts with personnel failing being Returned to Unit.

Selection is broken down into a number of phases, beginning with a Briefing Course several weeks in advance of commencement.

POBC and SFBC are designed to give officers and ratings/ORs interested in volunteering for Service with UKSF a clearer understanding of what is involved, what UKSF expects of its officers and soldiers and how to prepare properly for UKSF Selection. The POBC or SFBC are not a method of pre-selection nor is there any obligation to attend a subsequent Selection Course by individuals. To get the most out of these courses, volunteers should aim to attend a course as early as possible, ideally between six and nine months prior to the intended Selection course. Early attendance enables any preparation advice gained during the course to be implemented. Over the week, potential candidates are briefed in detail on Special Forces employment and on the activities during selection. Candidates undertake a map and compass test, a swimming test, a first aid test and a combat fitness test. There are also numerous "DS walkabouts" and runs in the hills. Candidates will be notified of the likelihood of failure on selection and provided with a training programme to prepare for the process.

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