Developing Physical Capability Standards That are Predictive of Success on Special Forces Selection Courses

Abstract

This study aimed to develop minimum standards for physical capability assessments (vertical jump, sit and reach, push-ups, seven-stage sit-ups, heaves, agility, 20-m shuttle run, loaded 5-km pack march, and 400-m swim) that candidates must pass before they can commence Australian Army Special Forces (SF) selection courses. Soldiers (Part A: n = 104; Part B: n = 92) completed the physical capability assessments before commencing a SF selection course. At the beginning of these selection courses, participants attempted two barrier assessments (3.2-km battle run and 20-km march). Statistical analysis revealed several physical capability assessments were associated with performance on the barrier assessments and selection course outcome (Part A); however, these statistical models were unable to correctly classify all candidates as likely to pass or fail the selection course. Alternatively, manual analysis identified a combination of physical capability standards that correctly classified 14% to 18% of candidates likely to fail, without excluding any candidates able to pass (Part A). The standards were applied and refined through Part B and included completing the 5-km pack march in ≤45:45 minutes : seconds, achieving ≥level five on the sit-up test, or completing ≥66 push-ups. Implementation of these standards may reduce attrition rates and enhance the efficiency of the SF recruitment process.

Implementation of an Ability-Based Training Program in Police Force Recruits

“…The 20 m PSRT was selected as the outcome measure for several reasons. Firstly, this is a test commonly employed in tactical occupations (3,10,20). Secondly, 20 m PSRT scores are the current standard unit of measure by this police academy.…”

The Physical Fitness Effects of a Week-Long Specialist Tactical Police Selection Course

“…The small sample size available is a clear limitation of this study. It should be noted, however, that data from the entire selection course were used and other studies in this area have also used smaller sample sizes, given the unique nature of this occupation [ 1 , 5 ]. The measure of body composition would have been ideal, however given the logistical and time burden to perform these measurements, it was not feasible to conduct this measurement.…”

“…Consequently, the selection courses for entry into these units are physiologically and psychologically demanding, designed to match the operational requirement of this job role [ 5 ]. Reported failure rates in military special forces range from 45 to 55% in the US [ 6 ] to 30 to 82% in Australia [ 5 ] and 69% in Specialist Police in Australia [ 1 ].…”

“…Consequently, the selection courses for entry into these units are physiologically and psychologically demanding, designed to match the operational requirement of this job role [ 5 ]. Reported failure rates in military special forces range from 45 to 55% in the US [ 6 ] to 30 to 82% in Australia [ 5 ] and 69% in Specialist Police in Australia [ 1 ]. The length of these courses may range from as little as one week [ 1 ] to 10 weeks [ 3 ] and they are designed to identify individuals who have the physical capabilities desired within these units [ 1 ].…”

A review of the physiological and psychological health and wellbeing of naval service personnel and the modalities used for monitoring

“…Research that sought to establish normative data for military personnel in the U.S. used a single leg vertical jump, a 6-m timed hop and a triple hop and found that males performed better in power than females and those who were under 30 years old performed better on power than those over 30 years old [124]. A vertical jump test was also employed in a study on the Australian army special forces for developing the minimum standards for a pre-selection physical capability assessment [125]. A review of the methods that could replace or supplement the current test among U.S. Navy personnel found that the standing long jump was highly correlated and could be used as part of the navy’s physical readiness test [126].…”