Special Forces Selection: What it takes to Succeed

The next generation of Special Forces Soldiers and Officers are currently vying for a position within Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) this year.

In the last six months, hundreds of ADF members participated in the Special Forces Assessment Program (SFAP) held monthly at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney. They conducted the Special Forces Entry Test (SFET) and Special Forces Diagnostic Assessment (SFDA) (for specialists such as Engineers, Signallers and Medics) as well as a number of education sessions, QDE’s and interviews. Upon completion, candidates received an indication of the likelihood of being panelled on the next Selection Course (May 2025).

The ADF School of Special Operations (ADFSSO) witnessed a high calibre of diverse talent across the Services (Army, Navy and Air Force) – physically fit individuals with high levels of emotional intelligence and technical trade proficiency. ADFSSO also screened hundreds of non-ADF applicants via the ADF Careers entry pathway (Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme) and enlistments were offered to suitable candidates.

RAR members continued to perform well during the SFAP assessments, remaining competitive to secure a spot on the Selection Course panel, to be released at the end of March this year.

Physical and mental preparation for Selection is critical to success. The effort put in prior to attending will determine who makes it to the end and who is selected to serve in SOCOMD.

Format
To become a Special Forces Operator or Engineer, there is one recruitment process, one application and one Selection Course to secure a position in a SOCOMD unit.

SF Operator candidates undertake the whole course, Module 1 & 2 – approx. 3 weeks.

SF Engineer candidates undertake Module 1 of the course – approx. 1.5 weeks.

Activities
Selection is a rigorous and highly demanding course designed to place physical and mental hardship on you in an unfamiliar environment. The arduous and ambiguous activities assess your character and suitability to successfully pass the relevant training continuum required to become a member of the Special Forces.

Your past experiences, personally and professionally, will come into play. How you handle stress, how you react to uncertainty, your communication style, your planning approach, and your problem-solving skills will all be evaluated.

Criteria
You’ll be assessed against 13 attributes – Leadership, Trainability, Teamwork, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, Initiative, Adaptability, Integrity, Communication, Emotional Regulation, Humility, Independence, and Judgement.

Previous candidates found ‘Trainability’ and ‘Independence’ challenging.

Trainability is the ability to assimilate skills and knowledge to the degree and speed necessary and apply those skills and knowledge. To improve on this, you’ll need to try learning new skills that may not come naturally to you.

Independence relates to self management in the absence of external feedback and validation.

Withdrawal
During the Selection Course, challenging activities result in a higher rate of withdrawals – the vast majority are members withdrawing at their own request.

Exit interviews have identified pre-existing injury and fatigue, negative thinking/intrusive thoughts, and family as factors underpinning a candidate’s decision to withdrawal. Good preparation involves forecasting those factors that could impact your thoughts, emotions and behaviour during Selection, evaluating the importance of those factors, and developing skills to counter their impact.

Additionally, navigating long distances without supervision using a map and compass is challenging for many candidates. The ability to navigate between two points (measured as a straight line distance) will determine if you do, or do not make it to the end of selection, just as much as passing the 3.2km, 20km and meeting the 13 attributes. Take the time to learn how to navigate properly; it is an important skill and can greatly improve your chances of success.

Being Selected
Making it to the end of Selection isn’t a case of brain vs brawn – you need both. They are of equal importance. You may have exceptional cognitive abilities, but if you’re physically exhausted during Selection then how will you perform compared to someone who is physically optimised? This remains relevant once you’re serving within the Command.

Individuals selected come from diverse backgrounds and go beyond those who ‘fit the mould’. There is no ‘one type’ of person who is selected. What makes someone successful in the process is the combination of physical strength, cognitive ability, character and mental resilience.

Irrespective of the role, the 13 attributes is the best description for the ‘type’ of person selected.

Preferences
Upon completing Selection, candidates may be deemed suitable for training and employment in multiple roles and functions. The Command will determine which Regiment individuals will serve within, based on personal preference and organisitonal need. Service in SOCOMD is voluntary and based on offer and acceptance.

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Special Forces Soldiers and Officers into the Command in the coming months.

Next Opportunity
If you’re interested in joining SOCOMD, submit your Expressions of Interest (EOI) today.

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Fardy, DSM
Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor
Australian Defence Force School of Special Operations