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 serving male members of the Australian Defence Force have the opportunity to attempt selection, however Applicants must be currently qualified Infantrymen at 343-2,This is the Private proficient rank of Rifleman. Non-Infantry members are required to complete 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 implement all competencies learned through Recruit Training Course and IET's. It builds mental and physical robustness. Before Attending the Commando Selection and Training Course, the members must pass a series of tests, previously called Barrier Tests, Special Forces Entry Test and now called the Special Forces Screen test, to ensure the members possess a basic ability to potentially endure the rigors of selection.

Previous Special Forces Entry Test
SFET is conducted twice a year. Candidates have 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, which the candidates must walk 9 miles (15km) in 2hrs and 30min.

Current Special Forces Screen Test
The Special Forces Screen Test is conducted over approximately a 7 hour period and includes a range of physical assessments. There will also be a cognitive screening aspect to the test, which will involve an interview before a Special Forces panel. Both of these activities are designed to determine the candidates suitability to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course.

To be assessed as suitable, the candidate must complete a fitness assessment involving:


 * Push ups (cadence)
 * Chin ups (cadence)
 * Vertec (vertical leap)
 * Flexibility Test
 * Sit up Test
 * Beep Test
 * Agility Test
 * Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery Test
 * Pack March (5km carrying 40kg)
 * Swim Test (2min tread water before swimming 400m in DPCU)

There is 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 will be convened to determine whether candidates have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether suitable to attend 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 Commando Initial Employment training also known as the reinforcement cycle.

Commando Initial Employment Training consists of the following:


 * Special Forces Weapons Course (including heavy weapons) (3 weeks)
 * Close Quarter Combat Course (1 week)
 * Advanced Close Quarter Battle Course (4 weeks)
 * Commando Urban Operations Course (6 weeks)
 * Close Quarter Fighting Course (2 weeks)
 * Advanced Marksmanship Course
 * Special Forces Demolitions 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)
 * Combat First Aiders Course (3 weeks)
 * Special Forces Signals Course (3 weeks)

This training is only the start. On the successful completion of the Initial Employment Training and earning the Green Beret, the Commandos will be expected to undertake a range of further Commando specialist courses. Below are just a sample of courses that may be exposed to during subsequent Commando specialist training:


 * Advanced Driving skills;
 * Methods of Breaching;
 * Mortar Operator;
 * Special Forces Sniper;
 * Cold weather / Mountaineering Operator;
 * Language training;
 * Military Working Dog Handler; and
 * Combat Survival.