Standards for Elite Military Training Programs

Hey, I'm a junior considering the military as my next step. I'm particularly interested in pursuing the elite training programs. From what I understand, these are notoriously difficult. Could anyone give me a run down of which ones are considered the hardest and why? Thanks!

You're right that military elite training programs are known for their difficulty and intense rigor, with each having its own set of unique challenges.

1. Navy SEALs: The Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is generally considered one of the toughest. It lasts for approximately 7 months and tests physical and mental endurance to the extreme. Hell Week, which is part of the program, is infamous for its rigorous trials, sleep deprivation, and cold temperatures.

2. Air Force Pararescue: Pararescue candidates have to go through a two-year training period, which includes physical conditioning, water confidence, parachuting, and medical and rescue techniques. The program has a dropout rate of around 80% due to its physical and mental demands.

3. Army Rangers: The 61-day Ranger School includes a grueling series of physical tests, extended patrols, and combat simulations. It has a notoriously high dropout rate due to the intense physical requirements and sleep and food deprivation.

4. Army Special Forces (Green Berets): The selection process for the Green Berets is intense, involving physical testing, survival skills and the development of unconventional warfare skills.

5. Marine Recon: Becoming a Recon Marine involves a two-stage process: Basic and Advanced. Both stages test everything from physical endurance to navigation skills.

6. Air Force Combat Weathermen: Often under-recognized, these individuals are part of the Special Operations community and undergo strenuous training that includes an initial 10-week boot camp, a 3-week Special Warfare Preparatory Course, a 4-week Special Warfare Assessment and Selection Program, among others.

Just remember that every candidate's experience will be unique, and what one individual may find challenging, another might not. In these programs, not only is your physical fitness put to the test but also your ability to think and act under high stress and exhaustion. If you're thinking about pursuing any of these routes, make sure that you're not only in top physical shape but also prepare yourself mentally. These programs are designed to push you past your limits and then some.