Inside the SAS: The Real Reason Only 5% Make It
📚 Main Topics
Background and Motivation
- The speaker's journey from commando reconnaissance to SAS selection.
- Initial lack of awareness about the Special Boat Service (SBS) and aspirations for special forces.
Selection Process Overview
- Joint selection process for the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS).
- Changes in recruitment policies post-9/11, allowing candidates from various military branches.
Preparation and Training
- Introduction of a briefing course to prepare candidates for selection.
- Importance of physical fitness, mental preparation, and navigation skills.
Selection Experience
- Description of the six-month selection process with a high attrition rate (95%).
- Emphasis on being a "gray man" to avoid drawing attention during selection.
Challenges and Tests
- Navigational challenges and physical tests during the hills phase.
- Anecdotes about instructors and unexpected challenges to test candidates' resilience.
Cultural and Environmental Factors
- Differences between the SPS and SCS in terms of culture and environment.
- The impact of weather and seasonal conditions on training and selection.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Self-Motivation is CrucialCandidates must be self-driven and prepared for unexpected challenges.
- AdaptabilityThe ability to adapt to different environments and conditions is essential for success.
- Team DynamicsUnderstanding the dynamics of teamwork and the importance of camaraderie during selection.
- Humor in Tough SituationsThe use of humor by instructors to alleviate stress and build resilience among candidates.
🧠 Lessons Learned
- Preparation is KeyEngaging in preparatory courses can significantly enhance readiness for selection.
- Mental ToughnessCandidates should be prepared for mental challenges and surprises that test their limits.
- Networking and InsightsLearning from those who have previously gone through the selection can provide valuable insights and strategies.
- Cultural FitChoosing the right unit (SPS vs. SCS) based on personal preferences and strengths can influence success in selection.
Transcript excerpt
0:00 All right. So, we've been talking about the SAS selection. Um, what was your experience going through that? Was it something that obviously when you decided to do it, you knew what you were getting into, but like were you s super nervous showing up? Was there um anything that that took caught you off guard or took you by surprise? Uh, so through through my through my time in in the commando commander reconnaissance, it's almost like a natural stepping stone to to tier one special forces. Like I said, go when I joined the military, I'd never even heard of the SPS. You know, I never had any aspirations of being special forces,
0:31 but my career was naturally tunneling me or funneling me in in that direction. So, there was guys I'd worked with who'd gone on and and pass selection. Some had passed, some had failed. And so, I had an insight into selection. I actually had a crack at selection uh I was an instructor on the commander course and I I blew my knee out. Um and so, you only get two attempts on selection. Uh so I knew I only had one opportunity left. So when I was back at the um the the diving school and I applied for selection. So unlike unlike
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