Latvian Special Forces Seek Soldiers: Must Run 10 km with a Bag in One and a Half Hours 0 8

Passing the introductory physical fitness test provides the opportunity to begin the training phase for special forces soldiers or the ranger course. Both men and women can qualify for the ranger program.

Candidates for the training of soldiers and rangers of the Special Tasks Unit must complete an introductory physical fitness test, which includes an 800-meter run, 30 push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, 16 lifts of a 20 kg sandbag onto a platform 1.5 meters high, a 50-meter 'farmer's walk' carrying a 20-kilogram water canister in each hand, 20 squats with a 20-kilogram sandbag, and a final 800-meter run. All these exercises are performed in sportswear, and the total time limit is 14 minutes.

After this, candidates must complete a 10-kilometer march with a 15 kg backpack, which must be done in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Soldiers of the Special Tasks Unit are specially selected and trained military personnel who carry out special operations, support other units, and develop tactical, physical, and psychological skills for actions in high-risk situations.

Rangers are a substructure of the Special Tasks Unit, specializing in small group tactics, special reconnaissance, and conducting direct actions. The ranger unit is capable of performing all the primary tasks set for NATO Special Operations Forces — military assistance, special reconnaissance, and direct actions.