TAKING THE FIRST STEP TO BE PART OF THE SPECIAL FORCES

Swimming in a pool generally doesn't pose a problem for most people. But ask them to swim while fully suited up in their combat uniform - complete with load bearing vest (LBV), boots and weapon - in the fastest possible time, it may be another story altogether.

For the hopeful candidates who took part in the Joint Special Forces Selection (JSFS), this was just one of the myriad tests which they had to undergo even before they can train to be a Special Forces (SF) trooper of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

The two week-long JSFS is so stringent, only about a third of the applicants managed to successfully enrol in the inaugural Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) in April last year. The eight-month course saw 17 trainees graduating on 18 Dec 2009.

For the latest run of the JSFS, 15 prospective trainees, ranging from regulars to Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and Operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen), attempted to secure a place for the second SFQC, which will begin in April this year.

Sharing his motivation in trying out for the JSFS, Second Lieutenant (NSF) Chen, an NSF platoon commander, said: "I want to make full use of my NS time, and it's a rare opportunity not many others can go through, so when the chance popped up, I wanted to challenge myself and see how far I can go."

Private (PTE) Kuna, an NSF, agreed, adding that he did not hesitate to sign up for the selection tests.

"If you like the tough, rugged military life and believe you have what it takes, then I think you should serve your country... To be a part of the elite forces in the SAF would really mean the world to me," he enthused.

In addition to medical checks, psychometric and IQ tests, the candidates' physical fitness, mental strength and determination were pushed to the limits in a range of daunting challenges. These include a water confidence test, demanding "endurance" regimes, as well as individual and team situational tests (SITESTs).

Many of these tests were designed based on activities that a SF trooper would have to perform in real operations, explained Captain (CPT) Michael from the Special Forces Training Wing.

During an agility test, for instance, each candidate is expected to quickly navigate and pass through a series of different obstacles, such as a balancing beam and a simulated window. This simulates actual conditions in which SF troopers fight in urban areas and the need to clear doors and windows in "double-quick time".

Similarly, one of the stations in the water confidence test requires candidates to execute a jump off a five-metre platform into water.

"This jump also helps to determine whether they have any phobia of heights, so that when we move forward with activities like rappelling during the SFQC, we know that they can handle operating from certain heights with greater confidence," said CPT Michael.

Most challenging of all were the individual and team SITESTs, which ensure that only the best and most committed are sieved out from the rest.

Stretching for hours on end, these high-intensity tests come in the form of various mission-like scenarios, which evaluate whether the candidates are still able to think and function effectively when physically tired and mentally stressed. They also assess the candidates ability to both lead and work together as a close-knit team.

And while being at the peak of your physical fitness certainly doesn't hurt your chances of passing, many of the candidates cyberpioneer spoke to felt that mental fortitude and a never-say-die attitude are the most crucial factors in making it through this gruelling two weeks of training and tests.

Self-confessed "terrible swimmer" PTE Kuna, who was nervous about the water confidence test, told cyberpioneer: "When you want something badly enough, you have to do anything to get it."

He said: "Swimming is one of my weaknesses, but I told myself to get through it and just try my best for everything."

"I guess it just boils down to the attitude, whether you want to improve, to excel and make the best of this experience," added LTA Chen.

At the end of the JSFS, all successful candidates will be informed and begin their journey to become a SF trooper.

The next JSFS is from 22 Mar to 1 Apr.