What is SFRE?
For candidates seeking a shot at Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) in the National Guard, one of the first steps is to attend a unit’s Special Forces Readiness Evaluation (SFRE).
SFRE is a one to three-day event for currently serving soldiers (and sometimes civilian candidates) who desire to become a Green Beret. The course is intended to test candidates’ physical fitness, critically thinking skills under stress, teamwork and leadership capabilities, and select candidates who would be successful at SFAS.
As the name Special Forces Readiness Evaluation implies, candidates are evaluated through each event and not all who finish with passing scores or times are offered an opportunity to attend SFAS. The cadre use a “whole man” criteria to select candidates, so it’s important to be a team player in addition to being a PT stud.
Physical Events
Although units within the 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups (SFG) conduct SFRE differently, there are some similarities. At every SFRE, candidates can expect to complete a modified APFT with the following events:
- Push Ups (Max in 2min)
- Sit Ups – (Max in 2min)
- Pull Ups (Max)
- 5 mile Run
- 12 Mile Ruck (45-55lbs dry)
While some groups will only complete the above events, others will also complete 30ft rope climbs, land navigation, and events similar to team week at SFAS – carrying ammo crates, log PT, buddy carries, rifle PT, etc.
Competitive APFT Scores at SFRE
While PT scores alone will not get a candidate selected, it’s critical to meet and exceed the standard. Being faster, stronger, and more endurant means that a candidate can complete the current task at hand with physical and mental energy in reserve. This leaves more energy to be a good teammate and prepare and recover for the next task.
Recommended scores for SFRE:
- Push Ups – 80 in 2min
- Sit Ups – 80 in 2min
- Pull Ups – 15
- 5 Mile Run – 35min
- 12 Mile Ruck- 2:45 (45-55lbs dry)
Recent SFRE Scores + Times
Here’s a snapshot of a recent SFRE class’ scores at 20th SFG in Alabama
Keep in mind, that all of the events were done in succession, in the same day. The Army minimum standard of a 12-mile ruck in 3 hours was only completed by 4 candidates following the 5-mile run.
How to Prepare for SFRE
It’s common for units to require currently serving soldiers to complete a few SFREs prior to SFAS, so it’s ok to attend for the experience with below average scores. If anything, a candidate might realize he doesn’t have what it takes or no longer wants to be a Green Beret, and that’s okay.
However, civilians planning to attend SFAS should exceed the minimum standards and be in the competitive range prior to attending.
Additionally, following a regimented program with rucking, running, weight lifting, grip strength, and calisthenics for at least several months is highly recommended. The first time a candidate rucks 12 miles with 55lbs should not be at SFRE!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, SFRE is simply for the first screener for candidates who want to attend SFAS. Candidates who aren’t selected at SFRE can always return for another shot. And not being selected is usually a good thing because it gives a candidate more time to prepare. In our last article, we outlined how National Guard soldiers have the highest selection rate at SFAS – 60%.
Instead of looking at SFRE as another obstacle to get to selection, view it as a challenge and opportunity to demonstrate one’s readiness. National Guardsmen are lucky to have the opportunity to attend SFRE.
Before you go to SFRE, check out this article on the Best Workout Plan for SFAS.
Read More
How to Join Special Forces as a Civilian
Rucking Program for SFAS
Resources to Train for Special Forces