Foundations of Selection: Fitness, Intellect, and Character

This chapter focuses on the essential qualities required for candidates in Army Special Operations, namely physical fitness, intellect, and character. The speakers highlight the significance of these attributes and discuss the role of data analytics in enhancing performance during the selection process.

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Some of the most impressive advancements in performance come from our military. Earl Woods taught Tiger very early on the importance of standard operating procedure, and Bob Bowman took his swimmers to train with the military to build resilience.

I went to Camp Mackall in North Carolina to learn from the special forces about the systems they use to assess and select elite performers in the military. I learn about the characteristics of great soldiers, which happen to be many of the same things that make great athletes.

More specifically, I spoke with CSM Lee Strong and SM 'Chuy' Almonte.

CSM Lee Strong is a professional soldier with 27 years in the U.S. Army, 24 of which have been spent in a special operations community as a Special Forces soldier more commonly referred to as the “Green Berets”. He has conducted routine and contingency deployments in 11 countries across 4 continents, and served at every level of command within a Special Forces Operational Group.

SGM Chuy Almonte is also professional Soldier with 28 years experience in the US Army, 24 of which have been in special operations, both as a Support Soldier and a Commando. He has deployed in all corners of the globe - supporting of Joint Combined Exchange Training missions to Asia, combat operations to Afghanistan, Counter Narco-Terrorism missions in South America and Central Asia, and numerous missions throughout the African and European continents.

00:00:00 Intro

00:03:54 What Do You Look for in Soldiers?

00:07:08 ARSOF Attributes

00:11:30 Evaluating Attributes

00:19:24 How to Create Trust and Compassion

00:29:21 Goals for Soldiers

00:32:21 Who Drops Out?

00:37:08 Can You Instill Intrinsic Motivation?

00:40:40 Understanding Core Values

00:49:10 Habits of Successful Soldiers

00:52:50 Feedback and Data

00:58:00 Low Tech vs High Tech Training