US Military's Most Rigorous Training Programs?

I aspire to go the extra mile in everything I do. Following that, I'm exploring the option of joining the military after finishing high school. What is known to be the hardest training program in the US military?

The US Military has several well-known training programs that are recognized for their intensity and the mental, physical, and emotional strength required to complete them. Among the most challenging are:

1. Navy SEAL's Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training: Arguably one of the most demanding military training programs in the world, BUD/S pushes candidates to their physical and mental limits over the course of 24 weeks. Attrition rates are notoriously high, often over 70%.

2. Army's Ranger School: This 61-day combat leadership course is designed to test physical endurance, mental resilience, and tactical skills. Like BUD/S, Ranger School sees a high attrition rate as well.

3. Air Force's Pararescue Jumper (PJ) Training: Often termed as the “Guardian Angels,” PJs undergo a grueling two-year training program starting with the 10-week Pararescue/CRO Indoctrination Course and followed by a series of further specialized training sessions. They are trained to perform the most dangerous rescue missions in hostile environments.

4. Marine Corps' Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC): MARSOC's Individual Training Course (ITC) is 9 months long and includes physical conditioning, swimming, infantry skills, and extensive hand-to-hand combat techniques.

5. Coast Guard's Rescue Swimmer Training: Often overlooked, this is one of the most rigorous training programs as well. Candidates endure intense physical conditioning and rigorous testing in skills like swimming and lifesaving.

Each of these programs has unique challenges, and the "hardest" might vary depending on one's strengths and weaknesses. Personal assessment, introspection and some detailed research into the specificities of each would be key to deciding which path is the best fit for you.