Commando Selection Training Course

The Commando Selection Training Course of the Australian special forces is one of the toughest military courses in the world, like other selection courses it is an "interview" to gauge a candidates potential for further Commando reinforcement training.
Prerequisites
All currently members of the Australian Defence Force have the opportunity to attempt selection. Civilians are also able to apply to attempt the Commando Selection and Training Course through the Special Forces Direct Recruitment Scheme (SFDRS). SFDRS members are required to complete initial Recruit Training before completing the Rifleman Initial Employment Training (IET's), at the School of Infantry, Singleton. Those who successfully complete the IET's will be qualified Riflemen, but are required to undertake further training known as Accelerated Infantry Training (AIT's).This course is designed to train the members in advanced Infantry Minor Tactics and build mental and physical robustness in order to prepare the participants for subsequent Commando Selection. SFDRS members who are unsuccessful at any stage of their training are subsequently posted to one of the Infantry Battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment. Before attending the Commando Selection and Training Course, the members must pass a series of tests, previously called Barrier Tests, Special Forces Screen Test and now called the Special Forces Entry Test, to ensure the members possess a basic ability to potentially endure the rigors of selection.
Previous Barrier Test
During the previous barrier test, candidates were required to complete the following minimum standards over a 24 hour period (usually compacted into 6 hours):
* Run, Dodge, Jump (RDJ) test with webbing (7kg) and weapon in 50 secs
* 60 push ups in battle PT kit, less webbing and weapon
* 100 sit ups (dressed as above)
* 10 chin ups (dressed as above)
* 1.5 miles(2.4km) run in 11.00min (dressed as per RDJ)
* 2 min tread water and 400m swim in 18 minutes (full Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform)
* Pack march (20kg pack), which the candidates must walk 9 miles (15km) in 2hrs and 30min.
Special Forces Screen Test
The Special Forces Screen Test was conducted over approximately a 7 hour period and includes a range of physical assessments. There were also cognitive screening aspects to the test, which involved an interview before a Special Forces panel. Both of these activities were designed to determine the candidates suitability to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course.
To be assessed as suitable, the candidate had to complete a fitness assessment involving:
* Push ups (cadence)
* Chin ups (cadence)
* Vertec (vertical leap)
* Flexibility Test
* Sit up Test
* Beep Test (Level 10.1)
* Agility Test
* Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery Test
* Pack March (5km carrying 40kg)
* Swim Test (2min tread water before swimming 400m in DPCU)
There was no minimum standard during this testing and the candidate will be measured against all other candidates. At the conclusion of a Special Forces Screen Test, a Selection Advisory Committee was convened to determine whether candidates have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether suitable to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course.
Current Special Forces Entry Test
Special Forces Entry Test: SFET for Commando Selection is conducted once a year, during which candidates have to complete a number of physical, tactical and cognitive tests over a short period of time (usually compressed into 6-8 hours). The test includes maximum push ups, sit ups and heaves to cadence; a 2.4km run for time (dressed in full uniform, 8kg webbing and Rifle); a timed pack march (with a pack weighing an additional 20kgs); an extensive swim test (in full uniform). Candidates will also be required to complete a number of cognitive tests designed to test and assess their mental and behavioural suitability for selection as a Commando. Additional tests including tactical planning exercises and individual interviews are also conducted. Once this has been completed the individual results will be measured against all applicants, with only the top 80-100 applicants selected to commence the Commando Selection and Training Course.
Commando Selection Training Course
Not a lot is publicly known about the Commando Selection and Training course. Having mastered basic Infantry skills during the Infantry Initial Employment Training and Accelerated Infantry Training, the Commando Selection and Training Course is designed as both a selection and training course. This is a very challenging and arduous course that is conducted over 6 weeks.
A large part of this course is focused on the employment of the Commando in the field operational environment. Therefore, much of the course is conducted in the field. The course also requires Commando reinforcements to participate in live-fire, field firing activities, conducted by night and day, using live ammunition, and a range of supporting weapons.
At the completion of this training, candidates should be proficient in the basic Commando tactics at the team and platoon level, by day and by night, in the field operational environment. On successful completion of the Commando Selection and Training Course you will commence the 15 month Commando Reinforcement and Training Course (CRTC) continuum known as the reinforcement cycle .
The Commando Reinforcement and Training Course consists of the following:
*Commando Movements and Tactics Course Course (4 weeks)
*Special Forces Weapons Course (including heavy weapons) (3 weeks)
*Advanced Close Quarter Battle Course (4 weeks)
*Commando Urban Operations Course (6 weeks)
*Close Quarter Fighting Course (2 weeks)
*Advanced Marksmanship Course (2 week)
*Special Forces Demolitions Course (2 weeks)
*Special Forces Breaching Course (2 weeks)
*Special Forces Basic Parachute Course (including water insertion) (3 weeks)
*Commando Vehicle Operators Course (4 weeks)
*Commando Amphibious Operators Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Military Roping Course (2 weeks)
*Helicopter Insertion and Extraction Techniques (2 weeks)
*Combat First Aider Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Signals Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Foreign Weapons
*Advanced combat first aid course
This training is only the start. On the successful completion of the CRTC candidates earn the right to wear the coveted Sherwood Green Commando Beret and posted to either the 2nd Commando Regiment. Commandos will be expected to undertake a range of further Commando specialist courses once within the unit. Below are just a sample of courses that they may be exposed to during subsequent Commando specialist training:
*Advanced Driving Courses
*Further Advanced Breaching Courses
*Mortar Operator
*Special Forces Sniper
*Special Forces Climbing and Mountain Warfare
*Arctic Warfare
*Language training
*Special Forces Military Working Dog Handler
*Advanced Combat Survival

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