Special Forces Briefing Course (SFBC)
The SAS now run several weekend courses, which give a lot of information to the potential candidates for the Special Forces selection. Many soldiers arrive at (then) Hereford totally unprepared; this serves as a disadvantage to both the individual and the Regiment. Those attending will get a brief insight into the the role of Special Forces, a physical assessment and good advice on getting fit.
Joining Instructions For SFBC
Students will be told to find their way to Sterling Lines and what time to arrive, this normally between 1600 and 1700 hours on a Friday evening. Those traveling by train need to take a taxi, indicating that the driver should take them to the Main Gate Sterling Lines, they all know where it is. For those arriving by car, make sure to do so in plenty of time as you will need to book your car in at the guardroom on arrival.
Make sure you have your MOD Form 90 (Identity Card) with you and a copy of joining instructions. You will also need a Fit for Course Certificate or F Med 566 signed by your unit medical officer stating you are fit enough to attend the course.
All students are required to confirm their attendance with Training Squadron before joining the SFBC. IF the dates are not suitable, then students should get their unit clerk to liaise with Training Squadron and arrange an alternative.
Course Format
The idea behind the SFBC course is to ensure that prospective candidates are fully aware and prepared before they attempt Special Forces selection. It is also an opportunity for the Regiment to look at you to make sure they like what they see.
You will be given a series of briefings and presentations about the role of British Special Forces in general and specifically that of the SAS. This normally kicks off with a brief from Training Squadron OC. Next you will be briefed on what selection is all about and how best to prepare yourself, the weekend normally goes as below
Friday Evening
| Brief | Map Memory Test |
| TOETS | Military Knowledge Test |
| IQ Test | Map Reading Test |
| First Aid Test |
Saturday
Before breakfast you will do an APFA and a Bleep Test. After this you will be taken to the swimming pool where you will be required to jump off the high diving board. This is to assess your initial aptitude for parachute training. To be honest I have never quite worked out how they calculate this-just jump into the water to pass. During your visit to the pool you will also be required to swim 100 metres in 3 minutes, after which you must tread water for 10 minutes, all this is done in combat clothing and trainers. For the rest of the morning you will receive briefings on the Regiment, which include not just the combat side but also such subjects as welfare and daily living at Hereford.
In the afternoon you will be driven to a training area to the south of Hereford where you will carry out a series of fitness tests, these include BFTs (Battle Fitness Tests) and CFTs (Combat Fitness Tests). The BFT is straight forward and the first CFT consists of running 2 miles in 18 minutes , the second is 8 miles in 1 hour 40 minutes. All these tests are done back to back, none are particularly difficult but make sure you stay close to the leading group, don't fall back.
Saturday ends with a briefing on the activities of Special Forces detailing some of their specialist roles. You may get the opportunity to have a few pints on Saturday night, make sure it is a few.
Sunday
The DS will make you run for a bout one and a half hours during which time you will be required to carry other students. These exertions will include both the fireman's lift and baby carry, feats you must do going both uphill and downhill. When you are not carrying another student you will be sprinting.
Once you have survived the fitness training, you can relax by watching the Regimental video, which gives a rather glamorous laid-back image of the SAS. Before dispersal around lunchtime, you will receive a final interview: as I said at the start of this passage , watch how you perform, they are watching you, if they don't think you're SAS material, you won't be coming back to Hereford.
Dress And Equipment For Those Attending SFBC
| DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) Combat Suits, lightweights are the best. you will require two sets, one of which is used for swimming. |
| Boots - 2 pairs. (Do not use the new flat surface boot; make sure the boot has a heel.) |
| Training shoes - 2 pairs. (one is used for swimming.) |
| Normal unit working dress |
| Civilian tracksuit and running shorts - 2 sets. |
| Bergen (It is advisable to pre-pack your bergen with a weight of 35lbs.) |
| Sleeping bag. |
| Helmet Mk 6 type. |
| Belt with water bottles - 2. |
| Notebook, pen etc. |
| Washing and shaving kit. |
There are no special SAS secrets to passing selection: there is only reality. This reality comes down to your age and how well you have prepared yourself prior to arriving at Hereford. Your chances of passing are a great deal less if you are over thirty, or spend most of your day in a sedentary occupation, for example behind a desk or driving a tank. A good standard of fitness can only be achieved by hard work - there are no short cuts. There is a great deal of truth in the saying: 'No pain, no gain.' You may see some candidates at Hereford who think that they have found 'magic formulas' and short cuts to make them better performers. These hypochondriacs bring with them all sort of vitamin pills, supplements and concoctions, believing them to be superior to a good training routine and diet. Don't follow this route. Remember, a good breakfast is far more better than a handful pf vitamin pills.
Prior to arriving at Hereford for selection, it is essential that the candidate undertakes a hard-working, self-imposed training schedule. To build up energy, a good calorie-rich diet is also recommended. Other skills can be learnt prior to selection, and these should be practised during this build-up period. For example, learning to read a map and compass accurately will help you navigate well during selection, particularly when visibility is poor. And talking of visibility, an understanding of weather will also be helpful when you are on the Brecon Beacons.