Part 5/12:
In Hell Week, participants are awake most of the time, sprayed with hoses, submerged in cold water, made to run with logs under harsh conditions, and subjected to relentless physical and mental stress. Participants often see hallucinations within 72 hours—visions of mermaids, floating Buddha faces, or seeing the sky “falling.” These hallucinations stem from extreme exhaustion and sleep deprivation.
The Reality of Attrition
The dropout rate during Hell Week is staggering—often losing 75-80% of the class. It’s not just the weak but also the highly skilled, intelligent, and athletic individuals who quit. Many of the best athletes—Olympic-level swimmers, professional boxers, Ivy League students—find the mental and physical grind insurmountable.