Although you will learn everything you need to know about Land NAV in basic training and in your land navigation course, it never hurts to get ahead of the curve. Don’t be that guy who doesn’t know how to use a compass and holds the map upside down – you should already know these basic skills when you get to selection. 

Buy a compass and a topographical map of your area, and learn how to use them. Search up online military Land NAV guides to pick up on some navigation best practices. Learn how to navigate without any technological assistance – get used to determining your location by matching terrain features to your topographical map. By studying individually before you go to SFAS, you’ll learn the basics of orienteering, figure out what you excel and struggle at, and get a better idea of the questions you should be asking your instructors during the course. In the special forces, knowledge is power.

Land navigation is as much mental as it is physical. You will be lost in the dark, unable to see ten feet in front of you, and not allowed to use your flashlight. If your mind gives up during Land NAV, you will fail. Learning to push through struggle and pain is critical for your success in SFAS. Without psychological toughness and discipline, no amount of knowledge or physical strength will help you pass land navigation. 

The best way to start building mental toughness today is to begin seeking daily discomfort. Do one thing every day that makes you uncomfortable. This can be anything from taking a cold shower in the morning to facing a phobia that you’ve had for years. Your mind and body are much tougher than you think. Seeking daily discomfort helps you get used to pushing the limits and continuing to fight despite facing adversity. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable, and you will excel in SFAS Land NAV.

Land navigation requires a different kind of physical fortitude than the type needed to perform fitness tests. In Land NAV, endurance and stability are the most critical factors to your success. When you do land navigation, you won’t be on a flat track, gym floor, or paged road – the environment is your enemy. Not only will you be required to carry heavy gear over long distances, but you’ll also have to traverse rugged, slippery, and unstable terrain features in the dark.

During Land NAV, you are under the constant risk of incurring a selection-ending injury. One wrong step that makes you twist your ankle while carrying bulky gear can put you out of commission and result in you failing the course. To prepare for the demanding nature of land navigation, you must build your endurance and joint stability. One of the best ways to do this is to run and ruck march over uneven terrain. Get off of the paved road and start running on fields and hiking trails. Even doing a light workout over rough terrain helps your body improve its joint stability and prevents Land NAV injuries. 

You can also supplement your rough-terrain training by cross-training in various different sports and disciplines. To build your ankle strength and stability, try swimming laps at the pool with fins (Click Here to read our Swim Like a SEAL Guide). You can also play high-impact sports like basketball to get your joints used to dynamic and demanding movements.

Land NAV is one of the closest experiences you’ll have in SFAS to a genuine operation. It combines route planning and strategy with high-output endurance. If you want to pass the course, you’ll have to dig deep both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, becoming fit is easier said than done. Being motivated for a handful of days isn’t enough. You must train for months to get ready for SFAS. So how can you stay inspired and accountable while on the path?

Operators Association has the answer. By becoming an Aspiring Operator, you unlock unlimited access to exclusive content like podcasts, Q&A live streams with Special Operators, a weekly accountability group, and much more! If you dream of becoming an operator, joining OA is the most consequential action you can take to maximize your chances of getting into the special forces. Become an Aspiring Operator and begin unlocking your full potential today.