Want To Train Like A Special Forces Operative?
The image in most people's minds when they think of military training is anything but leisurely; it's endless pull-ups, long-distance runs, and climbing over walls lined with barbed wire. Soldiers don't just train for strength, but for survival, pushing the limits of human endurance and mental toughness. While we may not have the capacity to train just like them, we can at least learn a thing or two from their sessions. Here are 20 military workouts from around the world.
1. Indian Army - Yoga
Indian army cadets know the importance of mindfulness for improving their mental and physical performance. Yoga has proven benefits for soldiers, including reducing high-altitude stress and enhancing hand steadiness.
2. German Bundeswehr - Maneuver Run
The German Military uses the Basic Military Fitness Tool (BMFT) to assess soldiers' functional strength and readiness before sending them on missions. Part of the test is a maneuver under fire run, a 130-meter circuit with abrupt changes in speed, body position, and direction, boosting fitness by improving agility, muscle strength, and coordination.
3. Brazilian Special Forces - Jungle Endurance Training
The Brazilian Special Forces have to undergo brutal training in the Amazon Rainforest based on physical endurance as well as tactical and survival skills. It includes an arduous 100-mile march through the unforgiving jungle during which they must navigate, find food, and fight against extreme fatigue.
4. Australian SASR - Ocean Conditioning
Australia's Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) must undergo demanding maritime training that involves combat diving, stressful aquatic scenarios, swim tests, and cliff jumps into water. This kind of training builds full-body muscle strength, enhances the lungs, and the heart.
5. Canadian Forces - Cold Weather Endurance
Canadian Forces undergo arctic training to ensure they can function in extreme environments. They must practice survival skills and combat scenarios in very cold weather, testing physical and mental resilience.
6. Norwegian Commandos - Endurance Skiing
Norwegian Commandos' training involves skiing, but not the fun kind. Operating in extremely cold conditions, they must ski through obstacles, heavy powder, and extremely difficult, mountainous terrain on telemark skis.
7. German Bundeswehr - Weighted March
The German Military must perform a weighted march called the Ruckmärsche. They must complete a specified distance under a certain timeframe while carrying a 33-pound backpack, building core stability, strength, coordination, and endurance.
8. Greek Special Forces - Tactical Diving
Greek Special Forces must undergo rigorous maritime training. This involves 100-nautical-mile swims, river crossings, and diving with hands and feet bond, testing endurance, stress management, and strength.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Baker on Wikimedia
9. U.S. Navy SEALs - Calisthenics
U.S. Navy SEALs use calisthenics and bodyweight training to build functional strength. Their circuits focus on things like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and burpees with little rest between sets.
10. Russian Spetsnaz - Combat Training
The Russian Spetsnaz uses close-quarter combat training to build physical and mental conditioning. Their fight training includes brick breaking, iron bending, and even knife fights to test quick thinking and adaptability.
11. Israeli Defense Forces - HIIT Circuits
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) uses HIIT to build soldiers' foundational fitness, functional strength, and endurance before they begin combat training. Exercises are often done with weighted vests and heavy gear to mimic battlefield conditions.
IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer on Wikimedia
12. The British Army - AMRAP Workout
The British Army uses grueling "as many rounds as possible" (AMRAP) style workouts to build stamina, speed, strength, and focus. They incorporate bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and squats as well as minimal equipment moves like box jumps and thrusters with barbells.
13. The French Foreign Legion - Mountain Marches
The elite military force, the French Foreign Legion, must undergo a grueling, long-distance, 7-day raid through the mountains, encountering challenging terrain, extreme weather, and high altitude. This test tests mental and physical endurance, strength, and coordination.
14. South Korean Army - Taekwondo
The South Korean Army trains in taekwondo to improve physical conditioning and combat skills. Martial arts take discipline to master and improve strength, agility, and resilience.
15. The Israeli Defense Forces - Krav Maga
Krav Maga is the type of martial arts the IDF is trained in. It combines techniques from boxing, judo, and karate to build mental toughness, strength, and aggression.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Lucas on Wikimedia
16. Egyptian Army - Heat Endurance Training
The Egyptian Army trains in desert environments to build tolerance to extreme temperatures. This boosts cardiovascular efficiency, muscle function, and the body's thermoregulation abilities.
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley on Wikimedia
17. Polish GROM - Strength & Endurance Hybrid Training
The Polish GROM is a special forces and counter-terrorism unit. This group's training involves a balanced program between strength and endurance, incorporating cardio and functional weight and bodyweight training to optimize fitness in all areas.
18. Australian SASR - Sand Sprints
The Australian SASR's training isn't limited to the water; they also hit the beach to get a well-rounded workout. This entails sprinting on sand and other difficult terrains to build greater muscular strength, balance, and endurance.
19. Japanese Army - Synchronized Drills
The Japanese Army performs synchronized calisthenics-based drills to build stamina, strength, consistency, and focus while reinforcing a sense of unity and teamwork. It's so effective as a military tactic that it became widely practiced across Japan in schools, nursing homes, and parks.
20. Italian Army - Mountain Warfare
The Italian Army, more specifically the Alpini Corps, trains in alpine conditions in the Italian mountains to enhance physical and mental stamina, strength, and survival skills. They learn combat skiing, mountaineering, climbing, and winter-based tactical skills.
