Special Forces Assessment and Selection Preperation

What do we need to do to crush SFAS? Today in the Team Room we talk what we need to do to prepare our bodies and minds so we can go into Selection knowing we're going to get selected.
What should we talk about next in the TR? Leave your topic requests in the comments.
IG: @nick.machine.lavery
Twitter: @nick_lavery_
Facebook: Nick.Machine.Lavery
Business Inquires: [e-mail]
Website: www.machinenick.com

[@castonwolf6791]

"You need to do the thing, to be able to do the thing." Truer words were never said

[@NickMACHINELavery]

💯

[@nodaklojack]

Knew a SF guy. The answer to the ”Why am I here?” question was ”I was too dumb to quit.” He didn't have any other reason than he didn't want to quit. Suddenly the course was over and he was still there and he passed.

[@TheHellhound4460]

Having my OCS Board interview on October 18th! Preparing myself to make this major life chane. Pushed myself from being a 315lbs powerlifter to losing 85lbs, now at 230. Pursuing special operations as the driving force in my determination, with the Green Beret being the pinnacle. No matter the outcome I want to do my best to serve and help those around me. Finding you and your videos has been an immense motivational and educational tool.

[@NickMACHINELavery]

Well done. Leave it all on the field. Reach out direct with any questions

[@joshknix1866]

Probably shouldn’t go officer then. You only get 2 years of team time and you have to be a minimum of 0-3 to be an officer in Group and Batt.

[@litesnco3386]

Just know you have to spend your time in the barrel. I'm 3 years in and just dropped my SFAS packet. Also you have a better chance working with group in other than combat arms MOS which may help you network and maybe give you more of a chance to work on yourself. Just kill it at OCS so you have more of a choice in branching. 50 meter target. Reach out if you want to know the officer route up until selection

[@FwZaayyShorts]

@@litesnco3386 18x ray contract ?

[@litesnco3386]

@@FwZaayyShorts No xray, I went the officer route

[@johnlasseigne7676]

These guys make SFAS so deep. Just be a team player and be verbal, be a worker and involve yourself. Be value added. You will make it.

[@Dirk-my2zf]

Chicks make it dude. The us army is a woke joke dumpster fire.

[@xXphantom59Xx]

This is what my current provider says “ leal just fucking do it all these nerds doing prep program and shit are jokes PUT THE FUCKING RUCK ON AND GO”

[@Dirk-my2zf]

Girls have graduated from SFAS, GIRLS.

[@johnlasseigne7676]

@@Dirk-my2zf I don't believe it

[@johnlasseigne7676]

@@xXphantom59Xx that is possible. All I say is if you get blisters there, you didnt prepare. You should be able to do 30 miles with no blisters

[@janu_the_swiss-kickboxer1104]

Dear Sir. I lost about 30lbs in the last 4 months. I want to try to join the special forces in 🇨🇭. As you may know there are just two different forces, so I hope I'm doing the right thing in training. I think it's pretty hard to find the right way for preperation. But your videos are helping so much! Blessings from 🇨🇭

[@justhunt1070]

Your a legend a fucking stud thank you so much for for everything you have done for the greatest dam country in the world , im joining with an 18 xray contract at 32 years of age

[@harry554]

Hey can you let me know how it goes if I go, I’ll be joining at the same age

[@garrettobrien4489]

For those in preparation for SFAS off the street with 18X contract or from a line unit. For the PFT it is hand release push-ups, 2 mile run and then strict cadence pull-ups. In that order. It’s been constantly changing over the past 5 months. I think this will be the standard for the time being. Off of what he has discussed durability/mentality is probably the most important as an individual. Regardless of physical stature injuries and particular foot hygiene/health breaks most guys. There’s many pillars of success at selection and luck. Best way to attack SFAS is your physical readiness, learning from training, and absorbing knowledge and experience from your leadership and cadre.

[@witty401son]

What do you mean learning from training if they’ve never been in the military before

[@ninjacutz]

"you need to do the thing, to be better at the thing" bro, that should be a shirt....id buy it my man. your legendary.

[@carsongrover9924]

This is incredibly motivational, inspirational and informative. Good on you

[@retiredgoon512]

I hope everyone, especially potential new candidates, appreciate the information like this that you provide. I went through selection 30 years ago, but was unsuccessful. I completed it, but was not selected. I wish I had access to this type of information back then…..of course, times and technology, like internet access, have changed……and I’m not necessarily saying I would have been selected anyway, but I certainly believe I would’ve sustained a better chance 🤷🏼‍♂️ Best of luck to all future 18X candidates! 🇺🇸

[@NickMACHINELavery]

Boom. 100%. I appreciate the feedback

[@tonyg5292]

Shouldn’t have quit. You could’ve got there so be you were actually determined to be there.

[@gdaman3700]

@@tonyg5292he didn’t quit, he was just a non select. You can finish sfas but that doesn’t mean you will be selected. Don’t be so arrogant buddy

[@MidlandsJJ]

Listen to what this young man says gentlemen! I’m almost 50 and he has really helped me refocus on my priorities towards the end of my career! In any capacity I think Nick’s words and actions can be used as a compass to focus on to achieve your goals. 👍

[@shabanbello8531]

Thanks Nick, Amazing and helpful information. and also for the people in the regular army : most of this stuff apply to most of the army school 🤙🏾

[@KiDsHoToNe]

Thank you Nick, keep it coming prlase

[@johnmacri7440]

Machine love you brother. 🇺🇸

[@joegomez4807]

Wonderful video. Appreciate your commitment and service. The fact that you continued training is very inspirational. I did notice that at the begining of the video your right shoulder was higher than the other. Is it because if the prosthetic? If you experience shoulder discomfort try a chiropractor, they work wonders.

[@davidjohnson7426]

Nick man it’s crazy how you continue to inspire me in all facets of my life. I’m back in college and it’s a challenge, class tomorrow and now I’m ready to get after it.

[@NickMACHINELavery]

LFG

[@christophermetcalf2177]

Sir, can you make a video on some workouts that you do or some conditioning stuff you like to do to keep you injury free? Amazing Podcast with Shawn by the way, and amazing book! Thank you for passing this on for everyone!

[@albert_jo]

This was inspirational as hell - thanks for this. Went through osut/airborne a while back, prepping to go to SFAS next year

[@NickMACHINELavery]

Outstanding. Reach out with any questions

[@rf6934]

Sir, I graduated JFKSWSC in 2013. I was the oldest officer in my class. The cadre told me I made it to graduation because “I had a lot of heart” - - their way of saying I made it by the skin of my teeth. Thank you for this video, back then resources like this were not readily available like they are today. Watching your video makes me want to “try out” all over again. Former 88N, turned NCO, turned 11A, turned Civil Affairs Officer. About a year later a horrific static line injury almost removed my left arm. My mental toughness, and reaching out to my beloved peers and mentors, pulled me out of some very dark places. Guys like you, with your own stories to tell, motivate me to try harder. Someday I’ll share my story too. Thank you for this. 🪂🪂 A, ATW! 🪂🪂

[@NickMACHINELavery]

🫡

[@SuperDannyR]

Love these tips videos. Even though I’m not trying for SF I’m hoping to hit ranger school next year. Little tip about running and the feet is good knowledge. Land nav part too. Appreciate your time.

[@NickMACHINELavery]

Not yet you’re not. Eventually you may want to work at the tip of the spear. Once ready reach out with any questions. I appreciate the feedback. Good luck at Ranger.

[@andrewkwekel3195]

Thanks for the info Nick. I'm an 18X shipping soon and this information is gold.

[@CEDRICKINGMSG]

Got injured around the same time as Nick! Dude is the real deal!!!!!

[@tstar5360]

To say i'm nervous would be an understatement, but at the same time just absolutely amped up and ready to get after it leaving in January on an 18x contract at 19 years old. It's men and role models like you that really help keep me going and stay motivated even when those workouts get tough and the rucks get hard, it's all worth it in the end. Momentary pain for a lifetime of glory.

[@NickMACHINELavery]

Well said. Good luck. I’ll see you on the other side.

[@70stunes71]

I left at 19 years old, 42 years ago. 6 years later I was honorably discharged after spending my entire first Enlistment on overseas deployments. Good luck brother you can do it. Push through and come out Victorious on the other side :-)

[@traciesalgado9740]

Good luck!

[@ethanalexanderortiz7987]

Im shipping Jan for 18x as well. See you there brother

[@grahamtaylor4922]

@tstar5360 How did it go?

[@joe59788]

11:00 This section was pretty good to hear. Feel like it can be used for any job you take on or any career.

[@flagshipathletics8323]

Solid video.

[@NegroRotary]

Great book, I had it

[@paulc8588]

best video I've ever seen on selection, great job nick!

[@NickMACHINELavery]

More to follow brother. I appreciate the feedback.

[@SilasBLAC]

Very good information sir!

[@LLubdeRr]

If only 10 years ago i had the same mindset of today, i would be training with specopa and not wasting my time in an office doing a job i dont like

[@brandonjackson6539]

i really wish you had this channel out when i first joined

[@andew8922]

When we go to war put me in your trench brother god love you helping people keep going moving forward

[@kblitz21]

Great video with lots of information. I definitely continuing to watch your video to improve my overall fitness while trying to land a career as a LEO.

[@alanstone139]

Thank you Sir

[@albiecho03]

currently trying to find the mindset to try again

[@Marka2401]

InSep 1968 I started the Special Forces Training Group (now called the Q Course) there wasn’t any SFAS. Would I have been selected, yes. I was on the Texas &M Wrestling Team for two seasons and I was in peak condition when I dropped out to enlist Jan 28, 1968. With a GT of 126 I was tested for OCS and passed but after Infantry AIT my orders changed; rather then Ft Benning OCS I was to attend Jump School. I ran to the orderly room and asked to check my 201 File and saw where I had orders to Jump School with additional orders to Ft Bragg to attend the Special Forces Training Group. When I arrived at Ft Bragg Ihad a meeting with the Trasining Group CSM to bitch about my class date for OCS. He simply talked me out of going telling me that if I wanted to lead troops; he said stay and graduate ask for the 5th Group. While in the Nam ask for the Mobile Strike Force and you’ll command a company of indigenous soldiers. I asked, “as a SPC 4?” He responded with, “yes this course will prepare you to lead an indigenous troops; that’s why the course lasts 12 months.” Graduated Aug 2, 1969 and requested the 5th Group. After I arrived at the 5th Group Headquarters and after completing the COC two 2weeks on Hon Tra Island. I requested the Mike Force and damn if I was assigned to the IV CTZ Mobile Strike Force initially at B-40. After three months I was sent to A-401 where I was finally on a team. My first 30 day combat operation started just after 3 days on the team. I needed a reputation or how I would handle combat. After returning to the A Camp I was greeted to a cold beer and asked to join the team at the bar. I was sent with SFC Lott on his fourth tour back to back. I watched him and learned how to stay alive. Lott told the teammates that I was solid I didn’t freak out, I was calm under fire and never showed any fear. Your rank on a team isn’t at all important but your reputation was everything. Lot’s year was up and I took command of his 43rd Company with 112 Cambodians; excellent troops. I was sent on an additional four 30 day long combat ops with another SGT. In the Mike Force every company was commanded by two SF NCOs.

[@Picolnir]

Quick question Nick. Regarding leadership skills and what not, how does one such as myself build up my mental to become and exhume the leader inside? I want to become more pronounced, but was always afraid of failing when it comes to being a leader, and then being looked down on afterwards, no matter what subject it came to be.

[@Kumar-ez6md]

“Selection is a marathon with many sprints built in it”

[@NickMACHINELavery]

💯

[@HAMMERTIMEBB]

Us marine here. I got 4 years until I can go 18x. I cant wait.

[@user-fu8cn2xo5t]

Former Marine here. Been out since 2021 and getting ready to sign an 18x contract. Feel free to reach out if you wanna connect

[@SusieQ-qx3bs]

My son Eddie went 18X after a 2 year degree. He made Capt. In 2020!

[@ovidiumckay4566]

Any suggestions on working towards a 12 mile ruck ?

[@Dan-kr8fc]

This was awesome, where are some good veteran owned land nav courses or how would I contact someone? I'm going to SFAS soon and need land nav reps on similar terrain to get the pace count reps in instead of just terrain association.

[@mrbelo284]

Fieldcraft survival

[@phil5514]

Anyone have tips to practice/develop leadership skills?

[@primallouie]

Anybody prepping for SFAS and needs some deep tissue work, look up Battle Ready Bodywork in Fayetteville.

[@wb2605]

What you recommend to do for leadership skill training?

[@kylejanof5165]

Hi Nick. I want to be a green beret in the worst way. Can you please tell me what is the physical fitness test for Army special forces?

[@littlepsychopath]

Im so glad I've been fighting lol, I do 200 decline situps with a weight at a single time😂 and maybe 65 pushups

[@oiitzME1266]

Does a dui stop one from joining sf? Im legit looking at the Mexican marines of French FL if i cant jion the US Military...

[@anothydecicco4846]

Sound advice Nick, land nav is definitely a learned skill via reps. RLTW

[@NickMACHINELavery]

DOL

[@COBBADAMS]

First everything fookers!!!

[@mattjohnson6230]

😆

[@NickMACHINELavery]

Boom

[@macvsogtaino2350]

Just signed 18x.. should all 18x guys be maxing out army pt standards before basic or is sfpc designed to get us there? I do CrossFit and am in good shape but not sure I can max out the PT test even tho I’ve been doing push ups and CrossFit for months..

[@justhunt1070]

I listened to you on jocko and now im switching to shawn ryan

[@joshknix1866]

Hey Nick, if you had to do it all over again, would you still go SF? I’ve seen some army guys say they’d go CCT or TACP, and was interested in your take.

[@NickMACHINELavery]

100%

[@joshknix1866]

@@NickMACHINELavery Awesome! 💪

[@aboveaverage4296]

Nick, you are amazing person! Huge respect from IDF veteran🇮🇱🇺🇸 11:08 -so true

[@allday6096]

IDF huh… you like fighting stone-throwing kids, right? bunch of cowards

[@colt13199]

Dang im kinda too close to selection and not very confident in land nav 😢

[@Dirk-my2zf]

SF is so hard that girls are doing it! 😂

[@matthewmaldonado1712]

What are different ways to improve on leadership skills?

[@carabinapacifista5627]

Experience and social skills

[@lukedaniel7975]

Anyone got recommendations for books or media on leadership development other than SUT handbook and Jocko?

[@joshknix1866]

How to win friends and influence people is a great book for this stuff. It’s not a military book whatsoever but the principles remain the same.

[@justinmackenzi5549]

At what age did you go through selection? And what age range do you think is best to go through selection?

[@NickMACHINELavery]

25. The best age/time to go is when you determine this is the lifestyle for you then get yourself physically and mentally prepared to crush it.

[@chief5981]

I met a LTC who went through in his 50s. He was a civilian surgeon/ doctor and decided he wanted to join the military instead. No normal person would be allowed to do this but I guess his profession opened a unique door for him.

[@GarrettH-rl7ml]

Going to selection at the end of the month. Nervous as fuck

[@caelandavis9295]

How did it go?

[@tudortimus9733]

Song name?

[@rj8183]

Them hotspots come from outta nowhere too. Over exspress it brother OVEREXPRESS IT.

[@brandonemuchiha667]

Get some, don’t quit

[@DjTurt]

I’ve never understood being able to join straight to SF from being a civi. Criterion here is a minimal service in the reg Military before being eligible to apply. Foot admin, rucking, nav etc has already been taught. So a lot of what he’s talking about here is just.. basic soldiering.

[@spankhill7722]

Literally the only thing that makes me nervous about special forces is having to, at some point, get my ass kicked by a guy like Nick 😂

[@vladislavtheimpaler3525]

pls help me to find that book i cant

[@NickMACHINELavery]

www.amazon.com/Objective-Secure-Battle-Tested-Guide-Achievement/dp/057835201X/

[@codeninja7306]

He sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger 😂

[@glockspecific7757]

You hold your finger like a cop asking for ID🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@danielcabrera5348]

Duck tape your feet over the blister. Keep skin from rubbing on boot

[@Adamimp1]

Don’t need the soundtrack

[@blackkaiser5653]

I’m ready to get my re-up paperwork done to ship for it 18X contract… once they drop this fucking COVID mandate

[@Chris-zv8xm]

you’ll be waiting for a long time…

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

Covid bs will be there for a long time. Its why they are having a massive recruiting shortage right now between the epic mold problems, the mandates and the terrible leadership.

[@kalobshea6090]

You got an 18x contract as prior service?

[@Zahrio]

Ship out on Halloween for 18X, thanks for all of your advice. Very helpful.

[@macvsogtaino2350]

How’s it going ?