Who is this program for?
- Military members preparing for a Special Forces selection phase
- Anybody who wants to train like a Special Forces Operator
How does this program work?
This will be a six month program designed to prepare military members for Special Forces selection. The term Special Forces is used broadly and does not necessarily mean U.S. Army Green Beret.
This program will not contain the exceptionally large volume of swimming or rucking that might be required for a SEAL or SAS selection phase, although both modalities will be included.
The program will be broken down into two phases, each with a different focus:
- Phase 1: Structural Balance / Absolute Strength / Aerobic Base
- Phase 2: Strength and Power Capacity / Volume Building / Skill Work / Aerobic Power
- Phase 3: Muscular Endurance / Anaerobic Training / Toughness Training / Rucking / Swimming
Download Phase 1 Special Forces Prep: Structural Balance, Strength, Aerobic Base as PDF
Why should I use this program?
Whether you are looking to increase your chances of passing Special Forces selection, or you simply want to train at this level, this program follows an intelligent progression over nine months that incorporates injury-proofing, strength, stamina, toughness training, and event specific modalities such as swimming and rucksack marching. It is written based on my experience as an ex-Special Forces soldier turned coach.
What equipment do I need?
Mondays and Thursdays will generally be strength specific days that you can perform at most gyms. Tuesdays and Fridays may require equipment typically found at a CrossFit-type gym. Saturdays will often include things such as boxing, swimming, biking, and running outside.
Week 7, Day 1
A1: Front Squat @ 31X1 x 5-6; rest 2min x 3
A2: Standing DB Press @ 30X2 x 6-7; rest 2min x 3
B: SLRDL @ 31X1 x 10-12; rest 90sec b/t legs x 3/leg
C1: Side Bridge L 90sec; rest 90sec x 3
C2: Side Bridge R 90sec; rest 90sec x 3
D: Powell Raise @ 3010 x 10-12; rest 60sec b/t arms x 3/arm
Notes:
- SLRDL: Single Leg Romanian Deadlift. This is done w/ 1 dumbell in each hand, reach down as far as you can while maintaining a neutral spine and retracted shoulder blades
- Side Bridge
- TRMXD -Powell Raise
- Front Squat
Day 2
15min AMRAP @ 90% effort Run 400m
15 Burpees
Walk 15min
15min AMRAP @ 90% effort Run 400m
15 Wall-Balls
Notes:
- Goal is a steady pace throughout. Score should be the same for the first and second half of each set
Day 3
A1: Thruster x 7-8; rest 2min x 3
A2: Bent Over BB Row @ 41X2 x 7-8; rest 2min x 3
B: Tall Kneeling Pallof Press @ 1511 x 10-12; rest 2
C: Band Pull Aparts @ 3113 x 10-12; rest 2min x 3 +10min Step Ups 18" w/ 30# vest
Notes:
- Anytime that you hit the top of the rep range, you must go up in weight on the next set
- Step-ups should be done at a continuous pace
Day 4
Run 350m
Walk 1minute x 10
Notes:
- Goal is same hard pace each set. Each set should be within 1-2 seconds of one another.
Day 5
AM:
40min Bike @ Z1 pace
40min Jog @ Z1 pace
PM:
20min Swim @ Z1 pace
Every 100m tread water for 15 seconds w/ 10lb brick
Notes:
- A good rule of thumb for Z1 pace is to maintain a HR between 120-135bpm
Click on the number below that corresponds to the week of training you're in.