The Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command (ROKA-SWC) and Its Fitness Test / can you pass the test?

Elite special forces operate under extreme conditions, carrying out high-risk missions that demand extraordinary physical and mental endurance. In my previous post, I covered the general fitness standards of the Republic of Korea (ROK) military. Today, let’s take a closer look at the ROK Army Special Warfare Command (SWC), also known as the Special Forces, and its fitness test requirements.

 A Photo of SWC soldiers training with bayonets. (Photo source)

A Brief History of the ROK Army Special Warfare Command

The ROK Army Special Warfare Command was originally established as the 1st Combat Group on April 1, 1958. Later, in 1969, it was restructured and expanded into the Special Warfare Command by merging the 1st Airborne Special Forces Brigade and two ranger brigades.

The SWC has participated in key military operations, including long-range reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War and response actions following the 1976 Panmunjom Axe Murder Incident.

Emblem of the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command.

Mission and Training

SWC soldiers are tasked with a wide range of high-intensity operations, such as:

• Counterterrorism missions
• Infiltration and reconnaissance
• Special strike operations
• Guerrilla warfare and unconventional warfare
• Joint operations with allied forces

To prepare for these demanding missions, SWC operators undergo rigorous training, including airborne operations, mountain warfare, extreme cold-weather survival, and endurance training.

Guided by the motto “If you can’t, make it happen,” the Special Forces stand as an elite fighting force, dedicated to protecting national security through specialized operations.

Training of the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command. (Photo source)

Becoming a Special Forces Operator

To join the SWC, candidates must apply for the Special Forces Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) selection process, which includes a written test, a physical fitness test, and an interview. Only those who successfully pass all stages are selected for the unit.

SWC Fitness Test Standards

The fitness test for Special Forces selection consists of five categories:

Category	Grade 1	Grade 2	Grade 3	Grade 4-9	Fail
1.5km Run	Under 5:00	5:01 – 5:15	5:16 – 5:30	5:31 – 7:00 (increments of 15 sec)	Over 7:00
Push-ups (2 min)	80+	75-79	70-74	40-69 (increments of 5 reps)	Below 39
Sit-ups (2 min)	90+	85-89	80-84	50-79 (increments of 5 reps)	Below 49
20kg Sandbag Carry (50m sprint + 50m with sandbag)	Under 18 sec	18.01 - 18.5 sec	18.51 - 19.0 sec	19.01 - 23.0 sec (increments of 0.5 sec)	Over 23.0 sec
Pull-ups (Dead-hang)	12+	11	10	9-4 (increments of 1 rep)	Below 3

Notable Features of the Test

At first glance, the passing criteria may not seem extremely high. However, passing is just the bare minimum—most applicants aiming for the Special Forces achieve scores near perfection. Simply avoiding failure is not enough if you want to stand out.

• The 1.5km run, push-ups, and sit-ups follow the same scoring criteria as the general military fitness test (check my previous post for details).
• The 20kg sandbag carry involves sprinting 50 meters, picking up a 20kg sandbag, and sprinting back.
• The pull-ups must be performed in a strict dead-hang style. While legs do not have to be completely straight, excessive kipping is not allowed.

Photo of SWC soldiers conducting maritime infiltration. (Photo source)

My Encounters with SWC Soldiers

During my time in the ROK Army reconnaissance battalion, I had the chance to work with several former SWC operators. One of my squad leaders had been a member of the SWC's Top Team, the best of the best. His fitness level was beyond anything I had seen.

The reconnaissance battalion is already composed of highly fit soldiers, but the Special Forces veterans among us were on another level. Their endurance, especially in running, was astonishing. I am not exaggerating when I say they could run all day without stopping. In fact, Special Forces members reportedly run at least 10km daily as part of their routine training.

Special Forces soldiers training their physical fitness. Just looking at it feels exhausting. (Photo source)

Today, we explored the Special Warfare Command’s history, mission, and physical fitness standards. If you’re interested in testing your limits, I encourage you to try the fitness test yourself. Let me know your results in the comments!