Join me as I take on my toughest challenge yet, surviving a week with Air Force Special Operations. From intense physical training to combat simulations, I'll give you an inside look at what it takes to become a member of this elite force. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure unlike any other.
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Huge thanks to the U.S. Air Force for sponsoring and making this video possible!
THE DREAM TEAM:
Head of Production/Editor: Chance Saechao / ckstudiio
Creative Director: Washington Chua / washingtonchua
Cinematographer: Nate Reimers / natereimers
Management: Ken Kaczmarek | kaz@sameckholm.com
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
0:00 Background
1:52 The Week Ahead
2:27 Day 1- Selection
3:49 PT Test
5:14 3-Mile Run
6:53 1500M Swim
7:55 Gearing Up
8:50 Intro to Calisthenics
10:40 Pool Session #2
13:45 Medical Check
14:23 Ruck March
15:25 Beach Session
17:15 Day 2- Making the Team
18:34 Support Team
20:08 Cold Plunge
21:45 The Mission
25:30 Battlefield Surgery
28:20 Day 3- Free Fall
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Email: ✉️
contact@sameckholm.com
The toughest challenge I have ever faced. What training should I try next?
Is this what David Goggins was before he was a SEAL?
@@cgj2468 yah he was a TACP in the Air Force
@@SamEckholmCan I talk to you about an important topic?
SERE
Royal marine training
I can appreciate how he actually went through the same training the other guys went through instead of having a couple instructors give him some kind of private lesson for a day like most influencers I’ve seen
this is such a joke...only for enternteinment...
Hell week
Army Vet here - excellent video, well produced, glad to see the military sharing this kind of content. Win for all sides. Be all you can be.
Amen, Soldier. We had CCTs embedded with us down range and although the jokes about the “Chair Force” were endless, when it came mission go time those Airmen stepped up in a big way. Nothing but respect to our Air Force brethren.
Thank you for your service!
by army vet you mean that you served? or was deployed?
Served during two campaign periods, you?
Did the Army finally go back to "Be All You Can Be"? 😂😂. The US Army always has a serious identity crisis
Hey Sam, what an awesome experience this must have been for you. I haven’t watched all your videos (yet!) but this was the best one 👏🏼
Thanks so much!!
@@SamEckholmthe best of the best!! Hey 👋
I am big supporter of your channel.
I am big supporter of your channel.
I am big supporter of your channel.
Can't wait. You're putting some the best military content out there. Keep up the great work!
Hi, I’m a woman in her 20s and I’m training to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. I’m a civilian and I want to go enlisted. What advice would you give for women that want to be SEALs? If you had to go to BUD/S again, how would you prepare differently? What books or workout programs would you recommend? Most female SEAL candidates struggle with carrying the boats and logs, doing pull ups, having grip strength and completing the “Dirty Name” on the obstacle course. Also, a lot of female SEAL candidates break their legs or develop stress fractures.
Being able to partner with the USAF gave you some great access. I have really been enjoying your content. That F35 video. Damn ....
Welcome to the club, Sam. I hate water to this very day because of INDOC/A&S. -Former SOF/ST TACP 17th STS & 23rd STS
This might be obvious but am I missing something I thought A&S was at Lackland AFB
@@brodygillett4064 he said A&S but I'm assuming this is actually pre-dive since its at Hurlburt/Eglin.
@@miller7127 ok that makes way more sense. Thanks
@@miller7127pre dive is at Lackland
Hi, I’m a woman in her 20s and I’m training to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. I’m a civilian and I want to go enlisted. What advice would you give for women that want to be SEALs? If you had to go to BUD/S again, how would you prepare differently? What books or workout programs would you recommend? Most female SEAL candidates struggle with carrying the boats and logs, doing pull ups, having grip strength and completing the “Dirty Name” on the obstacle course. Also, a lot of female SEAL candidates break their legs or develop stress fractures.
Navy Vet Here . Awesome job Sam! God bless all our service men & women! A big HOOYAH to them all!!!!
Literally TV level production.. outstanding. Not to mention the actual content, absolutely brilliant.
I am former CCT of 12 years. It’s nice to see us getting the respect that I think myself and my comrades deserve.
Recognised you brothers for a long time. Nothing greater than AFSOC. Much respect
When an American Say What he and his comrades deserve make me laugh ........ What a JOKE . Korea Vietnam India ( 1971 ) Iran Iraq Afghanistan US ARMED FORCES 👎👎👆👆🤢🤢🤢🤢😁😁😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.
PJ here - my pops was a CCT. Hoo-yah brother!
Sam this was NatGeo-level beyond EPIC. The PT alone was crazy, props to you for that and the POV perspective you brought to the whole story of AF Special Ops - this was awesome. Every time I think "this is the best video yet", the next one is even better. I feel like we should write a thank you note to your AF Academy selections board - great pick and great foresight!!! Who knew 'that out of tune prom proposal vid kid' would now be a RockStar of military videography and communications? Let's go SAM ............... 😎
This confirms my desire to be a PJ, I hope to prove to myself that I am capable and willing. I ship to basic in June.
best of luck!
Good luck!
Goodluck Brother. You can do it!
Good luck man!
don't quit - maintain your mental toughness
The shaved guy that helped to explain the backpack is someone you want on your team. He stood out in a good way. 👌
That in field surgery and the whole walking blood bank idea is pure genius!!
I dont think people understand how truly impressive this is. Loving the content! Earned my subscription bro keep up the good work shining light into what the military is like.
Yes the airforce is a very badass branch
This video made me feel conflicted, but the free fall segment really hit me hardest. I spent 11 years in Air Assault. I was in the prime of my performance. A high-speed, low-drag machine. I was good at my job. Led a battalion, made the rank of Major, completed any mission that was given to me. Now I'm just fat and decrepit. I applaud you for taking on the challenge, Sam. It's tough, and not everyone can do it. You did great. Maybe I'll go hit the gym... -Former VDV, 31st Guards Air Assault Brigade.
Have you tried MTB in the woods?
I ship to basic then head to selection in a few months. I’m so stoked thanks for posting this video! Great quality
Best of luck!
Whatever you do, don't quit and make sure you're ready. You seriously don't want to get placed in a regular air force job, especially maintanence.
@@silasbrandt8577I did not need to hear this💀
@@Kthu1hu 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
What an episode!!! The sheer volume of exercises and combing makes it that much worth watching. Sam you absolutely did a number on this one.
That is amazing! Good job being able to hang with those guys. Truly impressive. I’m sure glad they’re there, keeping us safe!
That was an EPIC adventure. Amazing without dedicated training for the assessment. I am so impressed with how you hung with candidates. Great video as always, Sam!
Thank you Sam! Learned so much. And have a deeper respect for those who choose to be special forces. They are really the best of the best. And you held your own in the training. Kudos!
Major props to you doing this Sam. Absolute legend. Honestly if you actually trained for this for 6months to a year , I bet you have the foundation to actually make it.
Another great video, Sam!! Was fortunate to grow up there and know many of the amazing people at AFSOC! Keep up the great work and can't wait till the next video.
This is awesome. A career in the Air Force Special Warfare is what I am pursuing. Great video man, very insightful.
Me and you both
Me too but I’m scared that I won’t qualify for the training
You have to start somewhere! Prepare the best you can and go for it! @@Assaultnah
I've always known about the PJ's but I can honestly say I didn't know about a lot of the rest. They sure have some nice facilities for rehabilitation! Go USAF!
This was honestly such a badass video. Props man looking forward to more of these
I truly wish there was something like this where I can watch it and see how the different roles in all the military’s play. I joined the army Infantry in 2004, which i truly loved, but if I had more information, I would have choose a job that would better transition into the civilian world. Keep up the great work on everything that you were doing Sam. This is amazing stuff.
LOTS of respect Sam. You seemed like you really have what it takes. Didnt know you ETS’d , but good luck in your endeavors moving forward. I miss my days in the AF!
Amazing Sam! Thanks for sharing with us,I hope to see more of this! 🙌🏼
Looking planes inside out is cool but see what people are going through from first hand, top notch. Thanks Sam
Awesome video and look into the military. As usual great production quality.
This is actually perfect. I’ve been looking into Air Force Special Reconnaissance, so thank you for showing some stuff!
Brilliant video Sam, what an insight into what some of the process is, you've got to go through to be part of the Air Force Special Operations.
My dad just retired from the USAF as a TACP, and my grandpa was in the 24th STS. I know some of the most badass people on earth are from AFSOC. Most people tend to focus on SEAL's or Rangers, but AFSOC is honestly the best that there is. Keep it up!
24sts is the best but we wont let anyone know haha
Sam you’re an absolute beast. This was the best video of all of the ones I’ve seen on this channel. Congratulations on making it through that training program.
Former TACP here. Greatest job in the world! #TheStrongShallStand
Advice for someone who struggles with water based tasks?
@@peqbox That's honestly what I'm worried about too. I can train up to the other sections but there aren't many pools around me or places that offer lessons so I can improve.
Thank you for your service! #WarheadsOnForeheads lol
@@kasper_429 Cleared Hot! 💥😁
Amazing video! Learned a bit more about everything, definitely something I can't wait to see myself go through
Well done Bro. U are doing well keeping up as much as you can. Loved this such content to showcase what these special operatives are doing behind and what kind of sacrifice they did to get to what they do best😊
O yeah
This is extremely tough. What an impressive performance, Sam!
Great presentation Sam!! Keep up the wonderful work!!
Thanks for all your great vids Sam, especially this one!! Thank you to all of our Veterans!!! 🇺🇸
This seems like one of the hardest things you could do in your life, something you can look back on forever and be proud to have made it through. Hopefully I will find myself at A&S in the next year or 2, getting after it! Pararescue has been my dream for years. Respect to all of those who have given their shot at the pipeline and to all of those who serve in AFSW, I look up to you guys.
This has cemented my desire to serve in the navy or air force.
Wow Sam great video. I bet that hard to do and fun at the same time. After High School I’m wanting to go to the Air Force Academy for 4 years then join the Air Force and hopefully become a pilot. The video was long but it was so worth it to watch all of it. All your videos are so good to watching because I learn so many things that I didn’t know about before. Keep up the good work Sam.
What a job! Love your stuff man. Keep it up
I dont get how you can keep smiling through it all. It truly makes it so believable how much you enjoy sharing all this and at the same time living it. I thought your water rescue video was amazing, this one made that like you were wading in a swimming pool. Thank you
Currently a cadet in rotc training for STO. Devoting my all into this. Hope it works out.
Hope to see you soon!!
Good luck brother. You will make it. 👍
train train train
Goodluck Brother. You can do it!
Wow, you can tell this took some serious mental and physical toughness. Much respect to you and the guys for giving us a sample. Ironically the _only_ part of that first day I would have liked was the 1500m swim, and you did that plus loads more on a single day. No idea how you got out of bed the next day without a pneumatic lift.
Love all your videos sam. You got me into all things Air Force
This was another great top notch video including editing and production. There must have been tons of collab that needed to take place in order for a video like this to have been made and the man hours involved in making this video must have been tremendous. One day you will probably make it on over to the large screen making war movies such as Band of Brothers and Platoon especially with your background and professionalism. War is a reality and something that will always exist in today's world and thus the reason why the training is so intense. My father was Army special forces back in the 50s and he did his whole contract in Germany during the Cold War after training at Ft. Benning. .
Most can't even do what Sam put himself through for this video. AfSOC are the most slept on but chillest SOF jobs in the USSOCOM. They need more movies and books though.
LETS GOOO! I have been waiting for this FOREVER!!! Love ya Sam!
Definitely one of your best Sam! Thanks!
very inspiring to see you going through all these grueling tests with the same smile, high spirit and sens of humor. congrats
Oli!
That half hour flew by quick. Great video as always!
It is the most beautiful and transformative experience. To go through both physical and emotional torment. To push until you cannot and your body gives out. Again and again
Thank you for doing this. That was so cool
Totally night and day from USMC recon. But that's obviously with the cameras around. Either way very impressive with the layout and logistics of the schedule
Damn, great vid Sam, and I think this is the first time ever that I witnessed SOST been featured on public social media, great stuff!
So proud of our warriors. I'm amazed by their skill-devotion and toughness.
This is an amazing video! Thank you so much for creating and sharing it!
You Air Force angels from the sky saved my ass,,, blessed be boys
This came at a perfect time for me. Have been researching as much as possible for this process but couldn't find much. This might be the most detail i'll find in preparation for this. Thank you!
Hope to see you soon!
@@AirForceSpecialTactics Likewise, looking forward to the opportunity!
same, i can feel the muscle bruning and exhaustion just by watching everyone go through the pt tests
OnesReadyPoscast is a great spot to get info for this
Hi, I’m a woman in her 20s and I’m training to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. I’m a civilian and I want to go enlisted. What advice would you give for women that want to be SEALs? If you had to go to BUD/S again, how would you prepare differently? What books or workout programs would you recommend? Most female SEAL candidates struggle with carrying the boats and logs, doing pull ups, having grip strength and completing the “Dirty Name” on the obstacle course. Also, a lot of female SEAL candidates break their legs or develop stress fractures.
@SamEckholm another great video. The quality of your videos is absolutly amazing. Kepp up the great work
I loved the commandor...or whatever position he had. He was clear and direct and still manage to give motivation through smart choices of wording, like: the fact that Sam wouldnt have the same CONTEXT, despite understanding the excersizes.
The work that special forces do is a unique kind of hell. These guys and girls are the elite of the elite. If they go down, there's no one else to call really, and that's why you don't see many go down. They're incredibly strong and capable! 😮
@@brandonreyes2417 Really? No female has ever qualified? A shame.
@@justalpha9138 That's not true. A handful of females have passed since they began allowing it almost a decade ago and are operating under AFSOC. Also, technically speaking, Air Force Special Operators are not 'Special Forces.' Special Forces are Green Berets and operate within Special Operations.
@@EnclaveDesigns I thought that was the case. I know it's still unfortunately true for Navy Seals though
@@justalpha9138 so unfortunate :(((((( the military are just soooo sexist :((((( (women are weaker 💀💀)
Hi, I’m a woman in her 20s and I’m training to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. I’m a civilian and I want to go enlisted. What advice would you give for women that want to be SEALs? If you had to go to BUD/S again, how would you prepare differently? What books or workout programs would you recommend? Most female SEAL candidates struggle with carrying the boats and logs, doing pull ups, having grip strength and completing the “Dirty Name” on the obstacle course. Also, a lot of female SEAL candidates break their legs or develop stress fractures.
I was completely absorbed by the human drama in this one. Great content, looking forward to more!
Never watched this guy before. Amazing content! Absolutely one of my favourite KZhead Channels now. So entertaining.
Thia is awesome stuff. Not only that you really spend a day in the life but also just how much has to be left out. I mean this with zero disrespect. (My family is mostly former airforce, which I'm very proud of.) Seeing how little we're actually allowed to see is just a verification of just how far ahead our armed forces are compared to everyone else! I'll stand up for that everyday.
TEAM CRUSHED IT. Straight gas on the edit.
I look forwards to every time Sam puts out a new video
Another great video Sam, Thank you!
One of your best yet. Great work.
working towards this career field. amazed at how much goes into it. awesome to see an in depth experience.
Same man I’m from Trinidad but really want to join the AirForce in the states so I’m really interested and looking at everything AF Good luck though🙏🏾
This deserves 10 million views n more
This is so inspirational. Thank you!
Great content Sam. Loving the longer videos.
Everyone who reads this, we don't know each other and probably never will but I wish you all the best in life and all the luck in the world 💘💘💘
As a former TACP, it was the best thing I ever did. At the same time it was the worst thing. I never knew a body could hurt like that, lol. No matter how much it hurt and no matter the challenge, I loved every minute of it. You have to be physically fit, intelligent (you have no idea how much they stuff into your brain during the classroom stuff), but the most important thing is a mental fortitude you don't find in the average person. When you can't do any more, you have to have the mental toughness to push through it. When I want through the course, generally they would start 22 and graduate 4-6, on average. Since all these different units were generally assigned to the Army, the Air Force had a policy that no operator would ever fail in front of the Army, so the training was brutal. You could go to Army schools such as Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger, SFAS, Pathfinder, MFF, Scuba, depending on the unit you got assigned, so you did not fail it. On top of all that, if you got accepted to STS the training was even at a higher tempo.
Seriously, you can go to SFAS as a TACP airman?
@@ToniMihelcic The schools you have opportunities to attend are based on the Army units you get assigned. Now, with that said, I don't know how they are doing things these days. I've been out for a while. The TACP pipeline training currently is TACP School, Airborne, survival school, and JTAC qual. I think you come out of the training a 5-level. After that it's dependent. I think if you are in an STS the SF units take you at face value. I just looked at last year's school opportunity list and SFAS is not on it. Sorry, didn't mean to get your hopes up.
what key advice would you give to any potential candidates?
Great video and thank you for your service!
Your videos are amazing and editing is so good. Love the video with your dad and the KC-135 which is what I flew in the Air Force.
Literally my goal to be an STO, and I’m gonna make it, this vid was actually helpful asf
Hey Sam, thanks for the great episode! AFSOC doesn't get enough attention, especially compared to the other services. I would like you to do an episode MARSOC and also the P-8.
Amazing video. Nice job, Sam!
To say this was a great video is understated. It's be far that best, yet. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Wow, thanks!
Just amazing, really loved this video Sam!!
I was stationed at Hurburt Field from 1988 to 1990. I was a special ops meteorologist doing Rawinsonde, supporting NASA, the MC 130's and AC 130 missions.
Great video!! I love the part about the walking blood bank, and we gotta give a shout-out to the often unseen 4T and 43T heroes in the Air Force that help make this possible
we need more videos like these!!! Amazing!
Maj. Chris Walsh. Awesome person. Amazing race car driver!
I love these guys. Navy Seals and Special Forces are all about ego nowadays, but these guys and all of AFSOC are the true silent professionals. And they're undeniably some of the most badass individuals in the world; there's a reason PJ pipeline is called 'Superman School.'
'"Navy Seals and Special Forces are all about ego nowadays"' - False.
@@TieboxWell, obviously.
thing about navy seals, they never stop telling people they are navy seals. Plus, they are on television telling people that they are navy seals. Oh, did you know they also tell all the other branches they are navy seals? Dont forget about the kids, they need to know that they are also Navy Seals @@Tiebox
@@Tiebox100% Seals are
@@KosherPorky I know it's funny. I have known many of them and trained quite a few. Some are squared away but they are still cocky.
THANK YOU SAM ,, FOR THIS TRANNING VIDEO.. BOOTCAMP IN THE ARMY FOR ME YEARS AGO... PEACE..
Dude, this was awesome to watch. Holy cow
Great video. I’m actually at Lackland right now at Special Warfare Candidate Course. 4 more weeks to move on to TACP Schoolhouse🤙
how you holdin up buddy?
@@odrs Not great lol, I made it through PRT but had to get a MRI after. Stress fractures in both feet, both knees, and both shins. Staying at Chapman for about 5 months and I’ll restart the whole course😐
Great video! Have you ever thought of filming with the NOAA pilots that fly into hurricanes? Keep up the great work.
This was awesome to watch! God bless these brave folks!
🙏
One of the most breathtaking documentary who i have seen before .. keep going bro .
Just awesome!! Never knew the AF had such an option. I was last year of the draft with s lottery number of “5”!!! I signed up. So glad i did. Now 70, full medical including my hearing AIDS!! These guys are AWESOME!! Thanks Sam!! Bob Hobart, USAF ‘72-76. E-4. 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Just the best of the best. We need more men like this in America.
Your country is full of woke wahmen 😂
Great video sam!!! I love your content. Would have been great if you had told where you were compared to the other guys in the PT
This video is inspiring. I need to adopt your mental strength,determination and discipline
The PJs are the most badass humans to ever exist on this planet.