16 February 2010
By Captain Alexandrina Bojilova, NZSAS Psychologist
“Pride is the recognition of the fact that you are your own highest value and, like all of man’s values, it has to be earned” – Ayn Rand
For more than four decades, the Special Forces have employed Military psychologists to help select “the best of the best” of the nation’s men. In that time, thousands have applied for selection; many more have had that dream, but never tried to make it reality. For these, self-doubt has become more familiar than the belief in their own potential.
Those who attempt selection want to pursue excellence and are motivated to gain the best training in the Defence Force, to be amongst motivated and dedicated comrades, to practise their newly acquired skills in combat operations and to be challenged every day.
The selection process is widely recognised as one of the highest achievements a service person can attain, as it magnifies the candidate’s ability to overcome gruelling physical challenges and a barrage of psychological assessments. Above all, selection tests the candidate’s determination and mental tenacity, and ultimately seeks individuals with the ‘never give in’ attitude.
For the many who have contemplated selection, the fears are much the same: “Will I fail?”, “Will they let me in if I complete selection?”, “Will I be seen as a ‘wannabe’ if I don’t make it?”, “Is this within my reach?” All the while, the only question that should be asked is “What if I let this dream slip away?”
An aspiring Special Forces operator may be concerned about discovering they don’t have what it takes, and worry about whether they are good enough. They may also worry about being told by the psychologist that they do not fit “The Profile”. Here is what you should know: There is no such thing as the “perfect” candidate!
The factors that carry aspiring candidates through selection are their unique characteristics, their self-awareness, their faith in themselves, their past experiences, the unique challenges they have overcome and even the mistakes they have made.
Hence, what matters is not “will they let me?” but “who will stop me?”.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I trust myself to stand on my own two feet and persevere in the face of setbacks?
- Am I determined to see the goals that matter, come to fruition?
- Do I hold respect for myself and value those around me?
- Am I physically robust enough to get myself out of harm’s way and prepared to defend my comrades when they need me?
- Do I trust my judgement and know I won’t take risks when risk should not be taken?
- Do I know my fears and do I face them?
- Can I speak my mind and voice unpopular decisions but be honourable and purposeful in doing so?
And above all
- Am I prepared to grow, learn and evolve into the best I can be?
If this is who you are or what you aspire to be, then you could be the “perfect” profile. There is only one way to find out. After all, the ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity. This is all the Special Forces Selection is designed to give you — an opportunity to show to yourself how much you can be.
Remember, if you dare to dream it, the win is yours to take … you just have to get here.
1NZSAS Selection Course 31 May–13 June 2010
- Pre-Selection 31 May–1 June
- NZSAS Selection 2 June–10 June
- Officer Testing 11–13 June
If you have shown interest in becoming a member of 1NZSAS GROUP, here is a gauge of your progress so far:
- MED Board complete
- RFL complete within one month of course start date
- R tests complete/autobiography
- Afnz3 submitted
- Training programme well underway
- Mentally focused
- If you have any issues, call the recruiting cell phone 021743 096
Grit, Determination, Perseverance Equals Success
Private ‘G’
Twenty hours of wading through dense bush, deep mud and murky water, with bugs attacking every centimetre of bare skin, is something Private ‘G’ prefers to forget.
Making it through the experience was, however, crucial to him being accepted for further training within the New Zealand Special Air Service. And make it he did.
The Meremere Swamp phase of the SAS selection course involves aspiring troopers working as a team, crossing the swamp carrying water-filled jerry cans, and eating nothing for the duration. They are without sleep for 20 hours, and everything must be done in silence, with only non-verbal communication allowed.
“Everything works against you in the swamp,” he says. “The bush seems impenetrable, the mud is thick and sticky, and you’re wet all the time. There are bugs all over you, and everything becomes a bit of a blur. But you have to rely on the team, and just keep on going.”
Private ‘G’ says he is delighted he made it through selection, and can now begin the rigorous SAS training cycle.
But success has not always been at hand; in November last year he attempted selection and failed. A tradesman, he did not have a great deal of field experience as most infantry soldiers would, and his navigation skills let him down.
“When I was training for this course I made sure my navigation was sorted. You need to be quick, be able to look at a map and know exactly where you are going. That is how you keep your times up.”
As he forged ahead he realised he was doing okay. “I could move quite quickly, and it was a great feeling knowing I was ahead of the pack and not miles behind everyone with so much time to make up like last time.”
Private ‘G’ says he used the supplied training programme to prepare for selection. He began training early, taking to the hills after work and at the weekend, carrying a pack weighing up to 52 kg.
“If you are used to carrying a much heavier pack, when it comes to selection and you’re carrying 35kgs, it’s much easier.”
He bulked his pack up with gym weights, put his head down, and walked. “It was hard at first, and took a lot of motivation, especially in winter when it was cold and wet.” He had the usual blisters and aching feet. “But you push through that, it’s all part of it. You just have to tape your feet up and not cry about it.”
There were some times during the 60 kilometre walk when he felt the pressure. “You have ups and downs on that walk, but it’s at the end (of the selection course) and you just keep pushing yourself on. You’re on your own though, so you can only rely on yourself.”
Private ‘G’ has never been without motivation to join the SAS. As a youngster he met former badged members of the SAS, and rubbed shoulders with them in his early days in the Army.
“I want to be here for the adventure and the challenges. It’s the pinnacle of soldiering.”