How to Become a 707th Operator: The Ultimate Fitness Test

The 707th Special Mission Group (707 SMG), under the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command (ROKA-SWC), is South Korea’s premier counter-terrorism unit. Originally established in 1982 to provide security for the president and the commander of the Special Warfare Command during a politically unstable period, the unit evolved into a full-scale counter-terrorism force as South Korea stabilized and prepared for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

A photo of 707th Special Mission Unit operators in training : Source

Missions of the 707th Special Mission Group

The primary missions of the 707 SMG include:

Counter-terrorism operations: Neutralizing terrorist threats both domestically and internationally.

Hostage rescue operations: Conducting deep infiltration missions to safely rescue hostages.

VIP protection: Safeguarding high-profile individuals and responding to critical security threats.

High-risk infiltration operations: Executing reconnaissance and demolition missions deep behind enemy lines.

Photos of South Korea's 707th Special Mission Unit operators during counter-terrorism training : Image source

Recruitment and Selection Process

Despite its legendary reputation, the selection criteria for the 707 SMG remain largely undisclosed. However, it is known that there are two primary ways to become a member of this elite unit:

1. Selected personnel from brigades under the ROKA-SWC are chosen based on outstanding performance.

2. Highly exceptional candidates from the Special Forces Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) training program are identified and put through additional selection tests.

A photo of 707th Special Mission Unit operators in training : Source

Physical Fitness Standards

Since the 707 SMG recruits from active-duty Special Forces NCOs and candidates, passing the standard Special Forces physical fitness test is a prerequisite. (If you're curious about the ROK Special Forces fitness requirements, check out this post.) However, meeting the minimum requirements is far from enough. To be selected for the 707 SMG, candidates must exceed the maximum scores of the standard fitness test and undergo additional physical evaluations specifically designed by the 707 selection officers. While these details are not officially confirmed, information from former 707 operators and online sources suggests the following minimum physical requirements:

(Note: This information is unofficial and may vary depending on the year, selection officers, and the unit's current standards. It should not be taken as absolute fact.)

Test Item	Minimum Requirement
5km run	19 minutes 30 seconds or faster
Sit-ups	120 reps in 2 minutes
Pull-ups	25 reps
Rope climbing	11m
Parallel bar swings (using momentum)	50 reps

Additionally, candidates with martial arts certifications, communication or demolition expertise, and foreign language proficiency may receive extra consideration.

Final Thoughts

During my military service, there was an NCO in another company who had previously served in the 707 SMG. His level of physical fitness and operational skills were simply on another level compared to others. Recently, the 707 SMG has gained more public attention due to discussions surrounding martial law in South Korea. Unfortunately, some media and political narratives have cast an unfairly negative light on these operators, which is truly regrettable. I sincerely hope that South Korea's political situation stabilizes quickly, that normalcy is restored, and that the country's economy and security recover swiftly.

So, do you think you have what it takes to take on the challenge and become part of the legendary 707 SMG?