Commando Selection Training Course The Commando Selection Training Course of the Australian special forces is one of the toughest military courses in the world , like other selection courses it is an " interview " to gauge a candidates potential for further Commando reinforcement training . Prerequisites . All currently serving male members of the Australian Defence Force have the opportunity to attempt selection , however Applicants must be currently qualified Infantrymen at 343 - 2 , This is the Private proficient rank of Rifleman . Non - Infantry members are required to complete the Rifleman Initial Employment Training ( IET ' s ) , at the School of Infantry , Singleton . Those who successfully complete the IET ' s will be qualified Riflemen , but are required to undertake further training known as Accelerated Infantry Training ( AIT ' s ) . This course is designed to implement all competencies learned through Recruit Training Course and IET ' s . It builds mental and physical robustness . Before Attending the Commando Selection and Training Course , the members must pass a series of tests , previously called Barrier Tests , Special Forces Entry Test and now called the Special Forces Screen test , to ensure the members possess a basic ability to potentially endure the rigors of selection . Previous Special Forces Entry Test . SFET is conducted twice a year . Candidates have to complete the following minimum standards over a 24 hour period ( usually compacted into 6 hours ) : Current Special Forces Screen Test . The Special Forces Screen Test is conducted over approximately a 7 hour period and includes a range of physical assessments . There will also be a cognitive screening aspect to the test , which will involve an interview before a Special Forces panel . Both of these activities are designed to determine the candidates suitability to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course . To be assessed as suitable , the candidate must complete a fitness assessment involving : There is no minimum standard during this testing and the candidate will be measured against all other candidates . At the conclusion of a Special Forces Screen Test , a Selection Advisory Committee will be convened to determine whether candidates have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether suitable to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course . Not a lot is publicly known about the Commando Selection and Training course . Having mastered basic Infantry skills during the Infantry Initial Employment Training and Accelerated Infantry Training , the Commando Selection and Training Course is designed as both a selection and training course . This is a very challenging and arduous course that is conducted over 6 weeks . A large part of this course is focused on the employment of the Commando in the field operational environment . Therefore , much of the course is conducted in the field . The course also requires Commando reinforcements to participate in live - fire , field firing activities , conducted by night and day , using live ammunition , and a range of supporting weapons . At the completion of this training , candidates should be proficient in the basic Commando tactics at the team and platoon level , by day and by night , in the field operational environment . On successful completion of the Commando Selection and Training Course you will commence the Commando Initial Employment training also known as the reinforcement cycle . Commando Initial Employment Training consists of the following : This training is only the start . On the successful completion of the Initial Employment Training and earning the Green Beret , the Commandos will be expected to undertake a range of further Commando specialist courses . Below are just a sample of courses that may be exposed to during subsequent Commando specialist training :