title: Developing physical capability standards that are predictive of success on Special Forces selection courses.
abstract: This study aimed to develop minimum standards for physical capability assessments (vertical jump, sit and reach, push-ups, seven-stage sit-ups, heaves, agility, 20-m shuttle run, loaded 5-km pack march, and 400-m swim) that candidates must pass before they can commence Australian Army Special Forces (SF) selection courses. Soldiers (Part A: n = 104; Part B: n = 92) completed the physical capability assessments before commencing a SF selection course. At the beginning of these selection courses, participants attempted two barrier assessments (3.2-km battle run and 20-km march). Statistical analysis revealed several physical capability assessments were associated with performance on the barrier assessments and selection course outcome (Part A); however, these statistical models were unable to correctly classify all candidates as likely to pass or fail the selection course. Alternatively, manual analysis identified a combination of physical capability standards that correctly classified 14% to 18% of candidates likely to fail, without excluding any candidates able to pass (Part A). The standards were applied and refined through Part B and included completing the 5-km pack march in ≤45:45 minutes : seconds, achieving ≥level five on the sit-up test, or completing ≥66 push-ups. Implementation of these standards may reduce attrition rates and enhance the efficiency of the SF recruitment process.
authors.affiliation: Human Protection and Performance Division, Defence Science and Technology Organisation, 506 Lorimer Street, Fishermans Bend, Victoria 3207, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Robin M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Orr
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Billing
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010560:Personnel Selection; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D055815:Young Adult