Part 7/17:
The selection process for the UK's SAS or other elite units is described as grueling—broken into six phases over six months, including hill, jungle, reconnaissance, escape, and parachuting. His toughest challenge was the jungle phase, where survival, navigation, and endurance are tested under extreme conditions. He recounts completing a 60-kilometer endurance march despite a severe foot injury, highlighting his mental toughness.
The Reality of Selection and Post-Selection Life
Jay shares insights into the culmination of selection—receiving the insignia and official recognition of his status as a special forces soldier. The ceremony is understated: a brief meeting with the chief instructor and a formal issuance of the beret and belt at Herford camp.