The physical standards for SFET and selection define the objective baseline and competitive benchmarks candidates must meet to be eligible firstly to attend and then to pass selection.
Passing these barriers does not guarantee a spot on selection or passing selection criteria.
These standards prioritise functional endurance under load, efficient movement in boots and webbing, aquatic competency in combat kit, and repeatable upper-body and core capacity under fatigue. The Barrier Standards table lists both a Minimum Standard, which qualifies a candidate to continue through the pipeline, and a Competitive Benchmark. Candidates should aim to meet or exceed competitive benchmarks to improve their chance of being granted a spot on selection.
SFET
| Test Component | Minimum Standard | Competitive Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Cadence Push-ups | 40 reps | 65+ reps |
| Cadence Heaves (Pull-ups) | 7 reps | 12+ reps |
| 3.2 km Webbing Run (with 8 kg webbing + 4 kg weapon) | <16 minutes | <14.5 minutes is excellent |
| 90-min Ruck March “Stomp” (with 28 kg pack + 4 kg weapon) | ~11 km | Maintain ~8 min/km pace |
| Water Test (2-min tread + 400 m swim in cams and boots) | <16 minutes | <13 minutes |
| Sit-ups (varies) | ~60 reps | Higher scores improve ranking |
SELECTION
| Test Component | Standard |
|---|---|
| Pack March | 20 km < 3 hrs 15 min with 28 kg pack + 4 kg weapon |
| 3.2km webbing run (in boots) | <16 minutes (with 8 kg webbing + 4 kg weapon) |
| Swim Test | 2-min tread + 400 m swim in cams and boots <16 minutes |
| Cadence Push-ups | 60 reps |
| Cadence Heaves | 10 reps |
These standards are minimum thresholds for continued consideration and competitive benchmarks for ranking during SFET and selection. Training must focus on repeatable performance under load and target the Competitive Benchmarks rather than only the minimum. Preparing to consistently exceed the listed minimum across all components maximises the chance of recommendation for selection and demonstrates the durability, pace, and adaptability special forces selection demands.