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Took the UBRR this morning with our SOCM class. Was in the top 5 (all 1300+), and there was only one other Army student in the top 10. Twenty three failed the run, which to be fair was in terrible conditions. Only 13 out of 40 in our class even achieved a passing score of 1100 or higher.
To be frank, the Navy continues to embarras us with their generally superior capability. I could launch into a diatribe about why, but I'm certain a strong factor is the institutional Army's antiquated understanding of fitness. For example, while Army guys are wasting time walking around with a moderately weighted backpack the SEALs are crushing Crossfit WODs, tempo runs, and strength work. Just look at SF's unfortunate "THOR 3" program which pales in comparison to the sophistication and resources NSW has put into its strength and conditioning program.
I continually hear SF candidates shrug it off as accepted that NSW should be superior in this regard. There is also a strong attitude among many of mediocrity, i.e. focusing on what is "passing" for all the various tests (pt or otherwise) rather than striving to excel as far as possible.
I may not be a QP yet, and who knows I may never be. But I certainly hope the community at large has a strong reaction against this mindset. In my opinion, the culture of any SOF unit should be such that it drives these individuals out, rather than tolerates them. It is, needless to say, disappointing.
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