About the Book

For the past 10 years, we have trained people for the toughest SOF selection courses in the world. We've trained candidates for courses in every branch of the U.S. military, as well as five other countries, including British SAS selection.

Our clients have a 90% success rate which means 9 out 10 people make it through. (BUD/S and SFAS have drop-out rates ranging from 60-90%, FYI.)

In the book Building the Elite, we give a detailed look at our SOF training system - from big-picture principles to practical exercises and programming guidelines.

4.9/5
4.9 Rating, 500+ Reviews

I just got selected in the May SFAS class. Thank you for the great programming; the workouts definitely translated well to the work we had to do.

– Special Forces Candidate

Table of Contents

  • Introduction

Section 1 - Principles 

  • Introducing Systems
  • Thinking in Systems
  • Dealing with Complexity Well
  • Dealing with Complexity Badly
  • Minds, Models, Principles
  • Changing How You Think
  • Movement and Physical Resilience
  • Psychological Aspects of Motor Learning and Skill Development
  • Stress, Pain, and Fatigue
  • Skill Acquisition

Section 2 - Practical Application

  • Performance Training Model, Norms, & Physiological Profile
  • Mental Skills
  • Nutrition
  • Movement
  • Energy Systems, Breathing, Running & Rucking, and Swimming
  • Strength & Power
  • Work Capacity
  • Open-Ended Workouts
  • Building Workouts
  • Example Programs
  • Mental Models

Want to learn how the best operators in the world train and recover? 

Want to build your body and mind into powerful tools that can overcome any challenge? 

Want to enter a SOF selection course for yourself—and succeed?

If so, this is the book for you.  

The Building the Elite book is a 538-page guide designed to serve as a long-term reference guide for special operations prep or for anyone looking to perform at a high level.

Want a preview? Get the first chapter for free by signing up below.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Glosticks PS2000

"I just wanted to let you know that I've passed the hills phase known as aptitude. Endurance was the final test 64k in 20hrs with a 60lb. pack then food and water to sustain myself on top. Self navigated across Brecon, this was without doubt the hardest test of physical and mental strength I have faced. As a testament to your programming I am injury-free and in a great headspace, none of the tasks seemed unachievable even when fatigued. Over 220 applicants started and we are already down to 42. Thank you for being part of the journey, its been awesome to train under your guidance for nearly 2 years."

12871461_10157053100640249_2157775092927448882_n

When I started out I was trying to get ready for my BUD/S PST. My numbers were pretty competitive – about 80 each for pushups and situps, 15 pullups, swim and run below 10 minutes. After your training, I went in at 7:45 on the swim, 110 pushups, still around 80 on the sit-ups since I don’t want to be the sit-up champion, 20 pullups and just below 9 on the run.

STAY INFORMED

Every Monday, we send out five ideas to think about before they're published anywhere else.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Scroll to Top