Selection course identifies Special Forces Integrators

The next generation of Special Forces engineers, medics and signallers were selected to serve in Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) during the inaugural Special Forces Integrator Selection Course held last month.

CAPTION: Australian Defence Force candidates complete challenging physical and cognitive activities during the 2025 Special Forces Integrator Selection Course. Story by Major Jacqui Day.

Candidates from various backgrounds and trades across the Australian Defence Force participated in challenging activities designed to assess their physical endurance and mental resilience, as well as their technical aptitude, cognitive capacity and character. 

The 10-day selection course took place in diverse environments throughout NSW, ranging from rugged bushland to the open ocean, to identify which candidates could deliver specialist effects while under pressure in complex and uncertain environments.

Commanding Officer ADF School of Special Operations Lieutenant Colonel Adam Fardy said the course marked a new tailored recruitment and selection approach designed for specialised roles within SOCOMD.

“The highly technical nature of the Special Forces Integrator roles prompted us to evolve our recruitment methods for specialised positions in the command,” Lieutenant Colonel Fardy said.

“This involved separating them from the selection course that the Special Forces Operator candidates do and adjusting the eligibility to include members from any trade across Army, Navy and Air Force.

CAPTION: Australian Defence Force candidates’ navigation skills are put to the test during the Special Forces Integrator Selection Course.

“The introduction of the integrator selection course enables us to focus on identifying the right people – those who possess the technical competencies and character traits essential for demands of integrator roles.”

The course included a series of physical and cognitive assessments that emulated mission conditions and operational demands placed on SOCOMD personnel. 

“The high-pressure tasks take place in various locations to push candidates outside their comfort zone so we can evaluate their capacity to perform under stress,” Lieutenant Colonel Fardy said.

CAPTION: The Special Forces Integrator Selection Course tests candidates’ teamwork and cognitive skills under pressure.

“Our instructors are always watching – monitoring how candidates conduct themselves as individuals, demonstrate their technical expertise, operate under fatigue and contribute to a team.

“Individual character attributes and technical proficiency are essential for success, but the course is also about teamwork. Understanding how candidates lead, follow and perform effectively in dynamic group situations is vital.”

CAPTION: Candidates from various backgrounds and trades across the Australian Defence Force participate in challenging activities designed to assess their physical endurance and mental resilience.

Lieutenant Colonel Fardy commended the members who completed the course.

“We observed a high calibre of talent from all three services and were impressed with the professionalism and adaptability demonstrated throughout the activities,” Lieutenant Colonel Fardy said.

The selected candidates will now commence a reinforcement training cycle at the School of Special Operations. 

Once qualified, they will join the Special Forces Integrator workforce, providing specialist capabilities across the command, integrating into high-tempo, multidisciplinary teams.

“Following the success of this selection course, our sights are already set on identifying the next cohort of members to join the command,” Lieutenant Colonel Fardy said.

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