Grit factor
Little has been known about the SAF's Joint Special Forces Selection. Until now – PIONEER lifts the veil on five-episode video series, "Uncommon Grit".// Story by Benita Teo
// Photos from "Uncommon Grit"
It's one of the most gruelling selection processes in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) that only the strongest of mind, body and will can endure.
The Joint Special Forces Selection (JSFS) brings together the best of the best from the SAF to prove their mettle and earn their place in the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). This will bring them one step closer to becoming a member of the elite Special Operations Task Force.
Video series "Uncommon Grit" shines a light on the secretive and exclusive JSFS. It follows the journey of about 120 candidates from the Commandos, Naval Diving Unit and other parts of the SAF, who have come together to test their capabilities and resilience to the extreme.
Over 14 days, they undergo a series of evolutions or tests, which mimic the scenarios they may experience in operations and missions, both on land and underwater.
These include route marches while carrying "sand babies" (sand-filled gunny sacks), LBV (Load-Bearing Vest) runs, and swimming with their weapons.
Just as important as physical prowess is their mental resilience. Without knowledge of the time of day or how long each evolution will last, the candidates must push aside all distractions and forge ahead to complete their tasks, sometimes alone and sometimes as a team.
The elimination process is just as unrelenting: those who fail to meet the cut are sent home immediately.
Every individual seeks to be a better version of himself every day. There's a saying that 'the only easy day was yesterday'.
"Every day you seek to improve yourself, whether it's in the physical aspect, the mental aspect; just ensure that you can bring more things to the table," said Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Brian Thomas, Commanding Officer (CO) of the Special Forces Leadership School.
