15 September 2009
“We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go
Always a little further: it may be
Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow
Across that angry or that glimmering sea …”
Extract from the poem – Hassan by James Elroy Flecker, which is inscribed on the Regimental Memorials “Granite Parachute”, Rennie Lines, Papakura Military Camp.
Ten months after they began what will undoubtedly be the most arduous training in their military careers, two men will soon be inducted into the NZDF’s elite fighting force— the 1 NZSAS Group.
The pair, an officer and a soldier, have spent much of the past year on what the SAS calls its “Cycle”. In layman’s terms, that’s the training that is undertaken once an aspiring SAS trooper or officer passes the selection course.
What’s special about the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Group? 1 NZSAS GP is a multi-role unit that works in whatever environment the government requires. NZSAS troopers are generalists rather than specialists, in that they master a broad range of skills to a very high standard. The unit’s ethos is embedded in every soldier: the unrelenting pursuit of excellence, embracing equality, humour, humility, and self discipline.
Training is carried out in a variety of environments; one month troopers could be exercising in mountains, the next in a desert or jungle, the next learning counter terrorism skills in an urban setting.
The skills needed by SAS troopers are vast. 1 NZSAS GP personnel require the individual and team skills needed by an SAS troop, four of which are in each Sabre Squadron: amphibious, air, mobility and mountain. Many advanced team and individual skills are needed, and every unit member undergoes specific training in counter terrorism, conventional and unconventional warfare. SAS trainers say their troopers “will never stop learning throughout their careers. They must continually become more skilled and adaptable for the ever-changing operational environments and complex missions we are required to undertake.”
While training is provided, the qualities this elite fighting force needs, as the SAS ode says, “to go always a little further” are innate. To successfully pass through the SAS cycle personnel must be physically and mentally robust, and reliable.
They must, say their trainers, have the self-confidence and intelligence to survive on their own when everything appears to be against them. “They must have self-discipline, stamina and the determination to keep themselves going—always."
And they must have the self-sacrifice to put a challenge before everything else.
A 1 NZSAS GP trooper must be mature and determined, with a good grounding in military skills, and at least three years experience as a soldier, sailor or airman also helps.
NZSAS Selection Course
Only New Zealand Defence Force personnel can apply to be selected for training within 1 NZSAS GP. Potential candidates are tested for willpower and tenacity, and general suitability to be a badged member of the group. Selection is conducted in two phases aimed at discovering an aspiring trooper’s qualities as much as their service skills.
Pre-selection is the administration by 1 NZSAS GP to prepare all candidates for the start of their first day.
Selection
During the selection process candidates use a variety of skills to overcome rigorous challenges designed to identify physical and mental robustness, with the ultimate goal being acceptance for further training. Candidates are neither encouraged nor berated— they must drive themselves to prove to selectors they have what it takes. The tests mainly involve a series of individual navigation exercises over various distances working against the clock and the elements, and staying within a permitted time (equating to 3.5 km per hour as the “crow flies” to pass)
Officer testing
Officer testing consists of various exercises designed to identify the intellect, character and leadership qualities necessary to become an SAS troop commander. It is primarily concerned with presenting battle orders such as mission analyses, estimates, and report writing.
Preparation for selection
The most difficult part of NZSAS selection is the mental commitment to apply to join the group. Most candidates find the fear of failure and the consequent reaction of their subordinates and peer group, to be the only barrier. The Army physical training instructor will assist potential candidates in their physical preparation where needed.
Candidates must be boot and pack fit for the navigation challenges. Those “going it alone” must take care not to over train and peak too soon. They need to be able to confidently pass the following Army standard fitness tests:
- Regular Force Fitness Test One (RFL 1)
- Battle Efficiency Test (BET)
- Swim test (in the sea)
- Carry standard military equipment and a 35 kilo pack 3.5x km an hour over any terrain (NZSAS Selection Standard)
Applying for Selection
Nominations close: 30 October
Pre-selection: 7–8 November
Selection: 9–17 November
Officer selection: 18–20 November
1 NZSAS Group selects candidates normally in early November. This selection process will change in the year 2010, with two courses annually during February and June. Personnel who want to apply for selection should:
- inquire about corps/trade change to NZSAS and complete an AFNZ 3 form found on the NZDF intranet site
- obtain a recommendation from their Unit Commander
- have all administration issues complete (R tests, Med Board, RFL)
- have basic navigation skills
- have Steyr TOETS
- be able to use an MBITR to a basic level
Once a candidate has been accepted for further training they will be issued a joining instruction package.
Meeting the mind challenge–CAPT “W”
“For me, the SAS cycle was more about a certain mind-set rather than a physical challenge. It was about training my mind to believe I could do it, that I could achieve what I wanted to.”
That’s how CAPT “W” an infantry officer for the past 10 years, views his NZSAS selection and Cycle process experience.
Becoming a member of the NZSAS was, for him, a natural progression in his military career, he says. “I have always looked up to the (SAS) unit, and have always seen it as a step up in terms of professionalism. It was about mind training. The physical challenges are achievable through training. But to get my mind attuned I used to do things like go for walks for seven to 10 hours at a time with a full pack on, that sort of thing, to get used to what that felt like mentally.”
He says the most challenging aspect of the Cycle was the special reconnaissance phase. It involved a lot of time in the bush and intense training.
“Yes it was physically very challenging, especially when we were being pursued. If I made a mistake I wanted to make sure I didn’t repeat it.”
Officers who attempt NZSAS selection forego their officer rank during Cycle. They need to be able to recognise the hardships their troops go through, and the most effective way to do this, NZSAS trainers say, is to experience those hardships and stresses themselves.
But CAPT “W” says he found the situation refreshing. “It was enjoyable to be all treated equally. I have made some excellent friends through doing that.”
He agrees there are different challenges facing an officer, but did not find them insurmountable. “The training is exceptional—that’s what I enjoyed most.”
He has a supportive wife and family who know how important his decision to join the NZSAS is to him. And his advice to other NZSAS aspirants? “It’s never too late. You just need to make the decision and follow it through.”
Close Quarter Battle – learning to fight the SAS way
The basic Close Quarter Battle course run for the NZSAS Cycle is one of the more memorable courses to date, says Sapper K.
The week-long course, which provides instruction in hand to hand fighting, and has been run for the SAS by an expert CQB instructor Mr “Tank” Todd personally for the past twenty years.
The basics are similar to those taught in the Regular Army courses but as the days progress more advanced skills are taught, the main one being combat milling. Designed to teach soldiers how to defend and attack, guard and strike, it also serves as a tool to give them exposure to taking some knocks and getting back up into the fight.
As expected there is some blood and bruises on most but all usually come away feeling satisfied they have stuck it out. Pugil sticks are also introduced to simulate bayonet fighting and again it is an excellent way to learn techniques to ensure survivability.
“Like all aspects of the SAS Cycle this year, excellent instruction coupled with a good instructors to student ratio prepared us well for the testing phase at the completion of day four,” says Sapper K. “Tasked as a individual to escape from an enemy strong hold, we had to fight our way past guards, disarm terrorists and knife wielding attackers and finally, for the cycle personnel only, neutralise unsuspecting sentries.
“For those of us on the NZSAS Cycle the CQB course is one more skill set learned, and one step closer to becoming a badged member of the NZSAS.”
Keeping an eye on the prize – Sapper “G”
Although he has been in the Army not quite four years, Sapper “G” says he has wanted to become an NZSAS trooper for as long as he can remember.
The cycle has been, he admits, very demanding. Before he applied for selection he talked to friends and researched as much information as he could. “The Cycle has been intense but very rewarding. The intensity of the selection process pales in comparison with the Cycle. You get to a point when you think you probably can’t push yourself any further but you do anyway and just keep pushing on and on. I just kept thinking that anything that is hard but that you really want usually needs a lot of work, and I was mentally and physically prepared to put in a lot of work.”
At no stage did he contemplate pulling out of the Cycle process, but says his energy levels waned at times.
“You have to maintain your mental stamina. You can’t have people here who want to quit when the going gets really tough.”
Sapper “G” is counting down the days until he is handed his NZSAS sandy beret and unit badge.
“It seemed so far away at one stage.”