What are the toughest military training programs in the world?
Do you think military service is hell? Can't stand physical exertion for more than 30 minutes? Do you see soldiers as good-for-nothings, just big muscleheads?
You're about to discover what goes on behind the scenes. Some of you are probably aware of particularly rigorous military selection processes... In this article, we've compiled a list of the most grueling ones for you.
This is not for the faint of heart. You're about to dive into a parallel world where men are pushed to their absolute limits. From France to the US to the UK, discover how soldiers aspiring to join the elite put their lives on the line just to become members of a special unit.
Our selection of the toughest military training programs :
1. Foreign Legion Commando Training.
Visit the official website of the Foreign Legion.
The legendary equatorial forest training course in French Guiana is the specialty of the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment. The training prepares recruits from around the world to combat illegal gold mining, which is particularly prevalent on the Brazilian border.
The course consists of a week in the heart of the Guiana jungle, in the swamps, under the blazing sun, crawling through mud, overcoming obstacles, and more. The tropical temperatures and humidity make every activity practically insurmountable: obstacles covered in mud, trellises that weigh tons because they are soaked with water, ground that seems to suck our feet in, and muscles paralyzed by repeated effort.
These hellish conditions on Earth are followed by four-hour runs along entire beaches.
To view images from this selection: click here
2. Live ammunition training by the Russian army.
Visit the official website of the Russian Army.
Russians generally know how to get people talking about them. The Spetsnaz in particular are the subject of much debate. Their training techniques and even their methods of operation are often a source of controversy.
But this is the Russian army we're talking about: officers have set up a live-fire training program in which soldiers are riddled with bullets (they wear bulletproof vests) and must solve mental tests and then respond as accurately as possible under these high-stress conditions.
Another exercise requires them to work in a degraded situation, as they have to shoot at targets while “civilians” walk in front of them. The aim here is, of course, to simulate an attack that would take place in a public space.
3. Extreme March of the British Special Forces
The British SAS is known for its rigorous training. New recruits undergo a grueling five-month boot camp, including the death march. Two of their trials are recognized as the toughest:
The Fan Dance: a 24 km forced march in Brecon Beacons. This trial does not take place on small paths along the side of the road, but in a mountain range in Wales. It's enough to make your thighs burn. The trial is obviously eliminatory and takes place during the first week of the selection period.
The Long Drag: this is the culminating event of the selection process. Candidates must cover 64 km in Brecon Beacons. The time limit is less than 20 hours to complete the entire course. During this march, SAS candidates must carry a 25 kg backpack, a rifle, their food, water, etc. The navigation rules are strict: no known trails, only their map and compass.
However, the SAS selection process is often criticized as being too dangerous: to date, there have been a dozen deaths during this test. These tests are only one stage, as recruits will subsequently receive training in escape and infiltration techniques.
4. Hell Week in the US Army.
Visit the official Navy Seals website.
The training week for recruits to this elite section of the US Navy is not called Hell Week for nothing: only one in two recruits manages to complete it. Renowned for being colossal, capable of carrying very heavy loads during special operations, these elite soldiers first have to undergo an extremely rigorous selection process.
Soldiers are subjected to forced marches on vertical dunes for several hours while carrying tree trunks and regularly bathing in icy waters. And they sleep a total of just four hours over the entire week. This is the price they must pay to become members of the highly prestigious Navy SEALs. In fact, some American recruits who have survived Hell Week say they covered 200 miles during that week. That's 322 km. A figure that seems completely surreal... But it may not be so far from reality when you consider that just going to eat requires them to walk 10 km.
Unfortunately, several recruits have already lost their lives during these military selections: death from cold, drowning... the causes are many, as the trials are so harsh.
Our advice
We understand that these various selection stages can be fascinating. These men are capable of pushing themselves beyond their limits, pushing their bodies into zones of extreme discomfort for such long periods of time.
This may seem insurmountable to some, while others may find it appealing. Belonging to a prestigious corps, being part of a close-knit unit...
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that, above all, these men are being trained for a specific purpose. Their selection process should not be treated as something “folkloric,” because it is far from being a game.
At the end of their respective training courses, they will have to carry out highly dangerous missions where their lives will be at stake.
To learn more about these prestigious units, we invite you to visit their respective websites.
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