ORIGINS
Founded in 1957 – The Frømandskorpset, or “Frogman Corps” selection process sees 500-600 applicants every single year. Less than a dozen of them will complete the 9 month process. One of the reasons for their netted throws are to remove the human outline a their silhouette’s make to assist covert movement.
We absolutely have to remember – these are simply single exercises taken from a selection process that spans over 9 months. Those who complete the program are said to be those who possess a superhuman mental resilience. We will test some of the known elements, but in a far more controlled and comfortable atmosphere. Those who end up serving their countries will have completed these sleep deprived, running on little fuel set to a backdrop of constant mental and physical hardship. A state of discomfort for an entire 9 months.
Remember these people when taking up our chosen hardships. Remember what they go through when you think you will break.
PHILOSOPHY
We look to military style tests, workouts and courses for the physical and mental exertion they require. The work given is designed to require a mental resilience to not quit – with no upper end rep requirement forcing you to push your limit. No defined finish line means you are not working toward a set end goal. The end comes when you can no longer attack.
FULL PROGRAM
The full selection process sees fundamental training on land and water. Those taking part will have to prove their capability in both areas due to the deployment of this unit.
ENGAGE
The program is designed to get potential Frogmen into a mindset of consequence. All actions and mistakes carry a consequence – given as a reward. One should be grateful for being given the opportunity to improve, but also understand the weight of a mistake. A mistake in training may lead to additional weight being given for the day or “rewards” for the team.
A mistake on the field may lead to the death and destruction of an entire unit.
EXECUTE
GROUNDED
The ground section of the selection process sees applicants tested in various ways mentally and physically on land. Whilst the potential recruits will take these tests in full combat gear, boots and across rough terrain – we’ve made some changes to keep the gear requirements low but challenge as high as possible.
2.75KM RUN – 12 MINS
A relatively basic and simple test to ensure one is physically capable.
We strongly recommend ensuring you can meet this standard before progressing.
15KM HIKE W/ 20KG WEIGHT
This is to simulate a march in full gear so take a strong pace.
These would be completed in full gear on rough terrain in boots.
We can settle for what we have available – weighted vests, treadmills – make it work.
5KM HIKE WITH 20KG VEST & BAG
The Frogmen would regularly march as a unit with their boats on their shoulders.
To mimic this we look for marching with an Alpha bag on the shoulder.
REWARDS
A gift given to remind us that actions carry a consequence. A single round of rewards may look like:
25 PRESS UPS
Done to the tempo of one leading the exercise. Everyone moves in unison.
25 FIN KICKS
Just like flutter kicks but keep the head raised looking forward.
25 SIT UPS
Hands clasped behind the head for all reps.
25 JUMPING JACKS
The movement is a a narrow split lunge up to a hand clap over the head.
Alternating sides after each rep to balance the fatigue of the legs.
INTO THE WATER
The water portion of selection is one which is incredibly difficult to mimic. Recruits are tested in full gear in high pressure situations; from object retrievals and breathing exercises, to full gear storm scenarios. A Frogman must feel entirely at home in the water which is why such a diverse and challenging portion of the training is set there.
25M UNDERWATER SWIM
An exercise in controlled breathing during physical exertion.
For weaker swimmers aim for 5m increments in distance over time.
300M SWIM – 8 MINS
Time capped at 8 minutes to finish the full 300m swim.
Should be completed as a breast stroke or crawl.
SPECIAL THANKS TO CHANNEL
HEROES: SOF-LAW-RESCUE-INTEL
THE SELECTION
Below is a great documentary if you’d like to learn more about the Frogmen selection process.
