Candidates at Special Forces Training

Stop Blaming Genetics

ByDave

The impact of genetics on selection success is nowhere near what you see in sports.

For instance, less than 1% of American men are 6’6 tall – the average height of NBA basketball players.

And if we drill one level deeper, a very small percentage of men possess outlier ability to move in space and exceptional hand-eye coordination.

Essentially, the NBA is exclusive to those who are genetic outliers.

But what are the physical characteristics of a competitive special operations candidate?

  • 9:30 1.5-mile Run
  • 15+ Pull Ups
  • 335lb Deadlift
  • 9-minute 500 YD Swim
  • 15% body fat

And what percentage of able-bodied males are unable to achieve these numbers due to genetics?

In my view, nearly all able-bodied males can achieve the aforementioned numbers with appropriate training, effort, and consistency.

Why do I say this?

In isolation, these numbers are ordinary for average athletes who specialize in them:

  • The average runner can hit a 6min/mile
  • The average gymnasts do 15+ pull-ups
  • The average swimmer can swim 9:00 500yd swims

This is not to say training for selection is easy though.

It’s certainly not.

Selection requires you to be minimally proficient across the entire spectrum of strength, speed, and endurance – in addition to embodying the character traits of an operator.

Selection requires you to be proficient across the entire spectrum of fitness – strength, speed, and endurance – in addition to embodying the character traits of an operator.

For some with an athletic background, it may take 3 months to prepare.

For others, it may take more than a year to prepare.

My point is:

The genetic requirements that apply to most sports do not apply to the same degree as in selection.

The average male can outwork the competition, be a great person, and get selected.

The average male cannot do the same and reach elite status in most sports.

I hope you found this edition motivational.

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I'm a coach with a passion for helping athletes dominate the toughest selection courses in the world. Over the years, I've trained well over 100 athletes for Special Operations selection courses, including SFAS, RASP, Air Force A&S, BORTAC, SWAT, and MARSOC A&S. My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional performance training and the unique demands of tactical and military athletes.

I got my start coaching hybrid athletes, blending strength, endurance, and hypertrophy training to achieve peak performance. As I worked with more tactical and military athletes, I realized there was a need for a specialized approach tailored to the grueling physical and mental challenges of SOF selections. This realization drove me to focus on prepping SOF candidates for success, combining cutting-edge research, proven training methodologies, and real-world experience.

Whether you're preparing for selection, seeking to level up your fitness, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in these elite environments, I hope you'll find the information I share helpful.