Hi Gritty, first congrats on that achievement. I commented on your training video for this event, unaware you had already done it. In that video, you describe the Fan Dance as 'one of last things done on selection' and, 'a real gut-check'. Actually, the Fan Dance is done at the end of week one of four weeks of DAILY mountain marches, in the FIRST phase of the 6 month long selection program! It is intermediate in regard to all the marches completed in terms of weight, distance and time. But its quite early placement at the end of the first week means in terms of wear and tear on your body, it's more favourable than most of the rest of the marches! I don't think you have sufficient understanding of exactly what UKSF (United Kingdom Special Forces) selection actually involves, and how arduous it is. I've added a note to show when the Fan Dance is done, note the proper context of the whole selection program!; Here's a breakdown of UKSF (22 SAS and SBS selection)... PHASE ONE 1. Aptitude; Navigation & Endurance (commonly referred to as Hills Phase) 4 weeks of DAILY mountain marches navigating by map from point to point against an unspecified time limit. Typical schedule as follows (remember, these marches are EVERY DAY)... Week 1 15-20 km 40lbs weight+weapon, water etc. Fan Dance at the end of week 1 Week 2 18-24 km 45lbs weight+weapon, water etc. Week 3 20-32 km 50lbs weight+weapon, water etc. Week 4, Test Week; consists of 5 marches over 7 days march 1, 2 & 3; 30 km 60lbs weight+weapon, water etc. march 4; 35 km 60lbs weight+weapon, water etc. THEN, 4 hours rest and start the final march; Long Drag; 65 km 70lbs weight+weapon, water etc. 20-24 hour time limit (weather dependent). --------------- PHASE TWO 2. Jungle warfare, tactics, navigation ALL LIVE FIRE TRAINING. 6 weeks. Those who have passed phase one have to then pass jungle training. Training takes place in Belize or Brunei, deep in jungles. Candidates learn the basics of surviving and patrolling in the harsh conditions. UKSF jungle patrols have to live for weeks behind enemy lines, in 4 man patrols, living on rations. This includes yet more days of marches point to point. Jungle training weeds out those who can't handle the discipline required to keep themselves and their kit in good condition whilst on long range patrols in difficult conditions. Again, there is a mental component being tested, not just a physical. Special Forces teams need men who can work under relentless pressure, in horrendous environments for weeks on end, without a lifeline back to home base. ---------------- PHASE THREE Continuation; Foreign and new weapons skills, CQB training and testing in the world-renowned SAS Killing House where live ammo is used. Advanced infantry and marksmanship skills etc. Escape & Evasion & Tactical Questioning/Resistance to Interrogation The small number of candidates who have made it through endurance and jungle training now enter the final phase of selection. The likelihood of a special operation going wrong behind enemy lines is quite high, given the risks involved. UKSF want soldiers who have the wherewithal and spirit required to escape and evade capture and resist interrogation. For the escape and evasion (E&E) portion of the course, the candidates are given brief instructions on appropriate techniques. This may include talks from former POWs or special forces soldiers who have been in E&E situations in the real world. Next, the candidates are let loose in the countryside, wearing World War 2 vintage coats with instructions to make their way to a series of waypoints without being captured by the hunter force of other soldiers. This portion lasts for 3-5 days after which, captured or not, all candidates report for TQ. Tactical Questioning (TQ) tests the prospective UKSF men's ability to resist interrogation. They are treated roughly by their interrogators, often made to stand in 'stress positions' for hours at a time, while disorientating white noise is blasted at them. When their turn for questioning comes, they must only answer with the so-called 'big 4' (name, rank, serial number and date of birth). All other questions must be answered with 'I'm sorry but I cannot answer that question.' Failure to do so results in failing the course. The questioners will use all sorts of tricks to try and get a reaction from the candidates. They may act friendly and try to get their subjects chatting; or they stand inches away from their subjects and scream unfavourable remarks about the sexual habits of their mothers. Female interrogators may laugh at the size of their subject's manhood. Of course, a real interrogation would be a lot more harsh and the subject would not know that they get to leave alive when it's all over. That said, days of interrogations and enduring the stress positions and white noise break down a man's sense of time and reality. UKSF are looking for men who can withstand such treatment long enough so that the effects of revealing any operational information they might have can be lessoned by HQ. ------------------------------------------------------------ This is 6 months in, successful candidates for the SAS are now badged and report to Hereford, the home of 22 SAS. The SBS candidates still have a further selection/continuation phase to complete before being badged and report Royal Marines Poole, the home of the SBS. Completion of this 6 month selection course is NOT the end. They then start SF training (which never ends) and for the 1st year in particular are on probation; they can be sent back to their original unit at any time.
It's a pity you didn't have more time here to do Snowdon. There's a challenge in North Wales that is freaking insane called the Welsh 3000s in which you bag every peak in Wales over 3000ft in a single day. No I haven't tried it because one of the peaks is Crib Goch... it's a terrifying knife edge that has claimed more than a few brave souls.
The SAS do this AFTER a full week of getting absolutely beasted on numerous long hikes with heavy gear, so they are already in bits BEFORE they do the fan dance. Simply insane...
I completed this on Selection back in 97, carrying an SLR too. I failed the 4th March on test week. I was completely fucked. 2 weeks on Elan Valley sapped all of my energy.
@@samuelgarrod8327 Old obsolete weapons were carried in case blokes got lost - an officer died when I did it , he was off route , we carried old Enfield . 303 when I did it , on the Elan valley phase , I saw one bloke lose it and beat the shit out the tussock grass with his weapon , so , current operational weapons were not carried , don't know what they do today . But yeah 97 would be SA80 . The Royal Marines just lost one in training .
I am ex British Army and whilst serving I did the Fan Dance on a couple of occasions. However, that was nearly 30yrs ago ..but, despite breaking my back in 2014 which caused nerve damage in my right leg and destroying my right ACL, I am still trying to strive to stay strong...The last 6yrs I have been fighting throat cancer (never smoked) as well, had 7 operations and radiotherapy..but again, soldiering on and not letting it get me down...instead, I have just restarted training and am going to enter the Fan Dance event in January. I am glad I found your channel...its great...keep up the good work ..excellent information.!! Thank you ...stay frosty👍
It’s actually insane to think some of the real selection times are between 2-3 hours. With Bergen, weapon, already fatigued, sometimes worse weather, no watch on them .. crazy fitness and determination levels. That’s why they are SAS!
@@KeithChegwin24so wrong. that’s why they don’t just take the fittest candidates and end selection there, it’s a 6 month process all to do with mental fitness as well as physical fitness
@@HDavies02 It's a fitness selection, hence endurance is phase 1 and carries on into the jungle. Even E&E is fitness orientated...Don't make it too obvious that you have never served and don't know anyone in Hereford.
I'm in the Mountain Rescue Team for that area - our twice yearly fitness test is from the kissing gate at the first little ascent, then straight to the summit of Corn Du (the peak you skirt around to the right before Pen Y Fan) - full rescue kit, all weathers, the muckier the better. Also something to bear in mind, it's only relatively recently that all the paths have been 'paved', before it was just muddy trails in rag condition. Well done and glad you appreciated the area.
Thank you. I grew up in a place called Halfway and went to school in Trecastle. My father served as a WW2 fighter pilot and worked at Sennybridge refuelling helicopters on the camp.
hay im a local, i climb the mountain all the time and always take the dogs up if i hear someones lost, is there anyway to volunteer for the rescue team or no, i mean at this point iv gone up and retrieved a few lost stragglers in the dark on my own and although yes i know the mountain like the back of my hand i think id be better helping a team
I did the Pen Y Fan 3 times in 1964 when I was training as a Parachute Regiment recruit. The 2nd time I went up the cloud closed in & we couldn't see a bleeding thing. Then I "sensed" the edge, got down on my hands & knees & crawled until I reached it. The trot down was easier after that.
I did my SAS selection ( Fan Dance ) in February 1977 aged 19 years old in deep snow. I got in within 1 minute of the time. Though considering the weather I achieved it. With an injured knee that 48 years later still plagues me. I only managed 25 days of the 28 days though for a 19 year old I was proud of that achievement. My injury meant I could never go back!
So you joined the army at what 17 or 18 completed your basic training passed out then posted to your regiment (assuming you’re army) then few months to a year later at the age of 19 you went on selection…..really? Lol😂
@@kmac8854you only have had to have 2 years service back then to go on selection(dunno how it is now) and if you joined at 16 it’s not a unbelievable feat. He never said he passed 🙄
Well done Sir! Like you said Its no joke!. I did the fan dance 4 times during my Army career and certainly felt your pain going up Jacobs Ladder. Just to note - the fan dance is the LAST test after enduring 4 weeks of 30+ mile timed Marches for SF selection. Again, well done!!
Brilliant! An ex squaddie on RU-vid creating content rather than pulling a confused face in a thumb nail and reacting to other people content! Love it!
Watching this 30minutes before going back to the slovenian army basic training... tommorow well be rucking/ surviving for 3 days so this gives me alot of motivation. Thanks mann keep up the good work!🎉
The whole thing felt like a dream, signing up and starting to watch you on RU-vid to running next to you on the day. Was an epic day, so many giving encouragement as we all struggled. Mad thing is looks pretty flat on the camera 😂 4.19 was blown away by that and was happy when you overtook on the final descent and pinch myself and said, that man right there is Gritty soldier all the way from America doing an event where I grew up and live. Best day and thank you. 👍
Very well done mate. Great attitude and a solid performance. Tbh I think the rocks (necessarily) used by National Parks to reinforce some of the trails have actually made Fan Dance more difficult due to the footing. And whoever the 60 year old was he’s clearly a legend eh! Well done again, brilliant stuff.
Great work Gritty! Great to see you on the hills that day (I'm fellow participant). What folks shouldn't underestimate is the fact that instead of focusing on the route and event 100% like the rest of us you had to mess about with camera and think about commentary etc! Def added to the challenge. Tremendous result!
For Gritty to call a bloke “friggin’ nuts” that guy must be mad. Your strength and attitude is ever an inspiration. Outstanding performance, as always! Well done, mate.
Hate the way I look on camera 😂. Cool video bro and a pleasure to meet you. Sadly I didn’t make the finish as you know having to bail out at CP1 with a stress fractured heel that i initially picked up during build up training. Never mind I’ll be back next year… so far it’s 1 - 1 between me and the fan as I completed it in 2022… maybe see you then and you can beat your time from this year.
@@GrittySoldierCheers Dan. It’s a long story but I nearly didn’t. I was once 300 + lbs of fat that couldn’t walk 500 yds . Now I’ve reversed diabetes, done 7 paras 10 loaded events (10 miles, 35lb 01:50 time to beat) a 40 mile trail ultra and a trail marathon and 2 fan dance events since losing my weight in 2018. Before 2019 I couldn’t run a 3 mile jog 😂. Ken runs a virtual event called Battle for the Golden road which I entered and completed last year, heaviest weight was 100lb lowest 25lb and the longest distance was 18 miles. Got to keep going 💪. While the heel is healing I’m cycling a lot and looking at doing some 100 mile plus mtb rides instead. Until next time 👌
Great video, and a great time, well done! I completed the Load Bearing Summer Fan Dance in 2021. I remember Jacobs Ladder on the return leg being brutal, where it becomes a case of mind over matter. One foot in front of the other, don't stop, keep going. I had a finish time of just over 5 hours.... not the best time on the event that day, but the week after was my birthday, I turned 62. Total respect to our Special Forces who beat Pen Y Fan.
I did the Fan Dance in 1984 as I was over from 1st Batt on secondment. This was right after Grenada and it was a bollocks buster then. At that time it was to be done with a British Army bergen and SLR. Good times. I had to so that prior to working with the Regiment to learn counter terrorism SAS style. Also you had it right at Jacobs Ladder, head down and push through.
Definitely a great inspiring video. About to turn 54 and getting ready for a 5k and did a run yesterday in the heat and hills for a small amount and my quads are just singing today...then I see you and a couple of folks over 60 doing the Fan Dance. Talk about "Oof!" Again...great stuff!
I'm starting cross-country for my senior year and I've been having trouble. It's super challenging and definitely a gut check for someone who didnt run until now. Watching you complete this is so motivating and inspiring to me. Thank you for the constant motivation, entertainment, and an overall great time watching
With cross county, I think the best thing you can do is pick a challenging distance to start with, run/walk it. The next lot of runs don't feel as bad, you'll be motivated to run for longer. People struggle with the unknown, it's easier to push yourself through the known. So instead of doing lots of little pushes into the unknown with training sessions, just do go all in once and train to get better at that long distance. Once your good at it then you can do another big push into a longer and harder distance if wanted.
I would advise atm to focous on time on the road, such as, if you can run 30 minutes we'll atm, brilliant. Next week or two aim for 40 mins, repeat that for a few weeks till you get to 3.5hrs of running dude!!
@@dannyphillips5083 I appreciate the advice. I've made significant progress since I had posted this comment. I'm currently running 20-21 minutes 3 miles and slowly working down the time. Super excited about what's to come and the progress I've already made
Great video Dan. We spoke briefly while eating after the race ( Chicken Curry which was gorgeous) I mentioned about different training methods. The only one being to live nearby. Take care mate, and maybe see you for the next summer edition. Edit: Great effort making that time, mine was 4.54. Must train harder 🤘
I've been looking forward to this video! It was a pleasure to shake your hand about a mile after the half-way point. Congratulations on a really excellent time, and I'm delighted you enjoyed your trip. You need to come back for the winter Fan Dance! It's arguably even more fun than the summer one!
Great vid and and mega effort that, well done! I've done the Fan Dance 5 times and now host the event with my own company. I loved your honest account of it. It is brutal but so rewarding hey. The comradeship defo makes the day. Well done! 💪🤙
Did this several times while serving with 3 Para from 1965-71…. The final time (while serving in C Coy) as part of the selection course for 3 Para’s Patrol Company ((D Coy) in 1966 ..successfully passed and 5 great years with D Coy, ps I don’t remember there being any stone slabs built into the ‘pathway’
Thanks for this video dude. I've watched it countless times in preparation for my Fan Dance which I completed yesterday in 5hrs11mins. I got to the halfway point around the same time you did, but my pace dropped off rapidly along the return down Old Roman Road and Jacob's Ladder. Once at the top, my focus switched to just getting back uninjured. Keep on tabbin' fella.
Did the Fan Dance a couple of times in the mob, first time in 78 as part of P Comapny. Haven’t been up there since 85, but the path is a lot more level than I recall with way less loose scree. First time I did it one of the lads behind me in the squad slipped on the scree badly fracturing an ankle. I got to the bottom in decent time, then because I was a medic was sent back up to help treat and evacuate the lad with the busted leg🙈
Awesome video Gritty.!I’m adding this event to my bucket list. My buddy got married in Castle Coch in ‘99. I was his best man. Good memories fromWales.. the rugby World Cup was on.. Watched Wales play Japan.. the atmosphere in the pubs in Cardiff were incredible..
Good work chap, it’s brutal, well done, great achievement. And for the record, it’s not just the SAS that have to do it, all Platoon Commanders, Pathfinders etc also have to complete it, but for the SFs it’s the start of a really brutal week.
Did it 20 years ago and my lungs are still burning. It almost killed me because I refuse to quit when I want to challenge myself. I made it back in good time.1 broken metatarsal later I still had to drive the 6 and a bit hours home. Good times. Great effort to all of you who tried it. Good to see some old farts like me still doing it. kind of inspired to get my boots back on and get training for a second go at 50 years of age.
Well done lad but what you gotta remember the fan dance is a starting point for UK SF selection and is used as a test in week 1 - the lads who undertake it are young and have trained for months!! Your knees and back won’t thank you!! 🤣👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
@@GrittySoldier Congrats again GS--especially gotta hand it to you for hitting your goal (and selection) time when you had virtually no hills to train on (let alone a freaking mountain 🙂 Who's that monster who finished in 3:15!!! Guy's a machine! I also loved seeing all those old guys out there--I'm in my (early) 60s but I'm inspired to want to try the Fan Dance too! AATW RLTW!
we use to run over there before breakfast everymorning from Derring lines barracks, wearing steal helmets and battle order carrying a rifle, those were the days when it was the parachute regiments battle school 1968 , you have no idea.there were no paths in them days either. treat it with respect as many lads have died there.
One of the last things you said really impressed me. You won back those six minutes you were off when you hit Jacob's ladder. Anyone who's rucked serious weight over serious distance knows that making up for lost time like that is so much harder than sticking to schedule. Well done.
Great vid Gritty, I really enjoyed meeting you out there in Wales. I've been putting miles on the new ruck doing your Get Selected program. Maybe see you at Bataan Memorial Death March? Good luck!💪💪🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Saw you on the day! Great effort mate it’s no joke, managed 3hrs 38 with 45ish lbs but couldn’t walk for about 4 days afterwards. Very humbling experience
We Welsh love our mountains, have yet to do the Blorange and Pen-yFan. Mountain walking is good for the arthritic knees, and the stunning views are worth the effort. These mountains are tougher than what they look.
@@V.C.S69this was pre H&S , they took us caving, rock climbing, absailing, we were allowed to play with knives all whilst our instructors sloped of for a smoke!🤣
@@gb3007 …..I was born and brought up on the edge of the Black mountains range, the mountains were our playing field and dodging the adders (my pet hate). I was in the Brownies and Guides, we too went hiking up the Big Skirrid mountain in good weather, Pen-Y-Fan is a different kettle of fish to take kids up in bad weather.
Great job!!! I wasn't there but I could tell you were pushing yourself hard! Congrats on finishing with that time, and thanks again for your service God bless!
Be glad your doing this in the summer,I watched the British forces do this in winter in the snow, what the Forces did was totally brutal beyond endurance.
Well done ! Jacob's Ladder was originally rough rock which took up the ridge it is on and which you could not walk around . It resembled a vertical small quarry and parts of it had to be climbed up , no jogging for sure but an easy climb ! I think it was about 1976 when I found guys making a path there and diverting obvious water channels . Basically so many people were going up the Fan causing fast erosion .
Love this guys mind set. Total respect to all of these people. Looks like you had a good day there for the event....horizontal rain is a common in Wales! I have to say, there is a fine line between testing the physical stamina and mental aptitude of the forces personnel and actually doing them a life time of bodily harm. Often the military personnel in the UK are physically destroyed in the training. It's a real issue. There is only so much a body can take before the back goes, the knees etc....
Fair play to you for doing that 👍🏻✌🏻 People underestimate us Brits until they see how we train in the weathers and conditions we train it 👊🏻💪🏻 Hats off to ya our American brother 💪🏻✌🏻
I'd say it takes me back, but i've no recollection of doing this. If you want 'the ultimate test', it's 'Long Drag', but you'll be navigating on your own with only your next reference revealed at the check-points, packing more weight, and carrying a bang-stick. That's more up around 12 hours for a lot more km's. Nav One and Two is similar. Nice to see the Fan again... it's been almost forty years. Have a good one.
Nav1 and 2 I remember the most in Summer 90 and Winter 91. This was the reserve version. The Fan dance was actually longer in the reserves. You went over the Fan 3 times. Long drag, for me, was held in the Howgill Fells. I did that 3 times...don't ask!! The DS reckoned I knew those hills better than Wainright! lol
I grew up near these hills and it's truly a different kind of fitness. Those soft rolling hills are seriously deceptive - only when you have experienced them do you know how bad that slow burn can be, the gradual increase in slope is as you say, sheer misery. In winter if it's snowy it's unbelievably heavy going but the most dangerous is when the winds are really strong or it's foggy. There are sheer drops and you do have to be careful around this, people have been swept off. Next time hopefully you can visit Hay on Wye and Hereford - great little towns.
I understand they are importing some "Wait a Minute" vines from Georgia to plant along the route to add a bit more challenge in the coming years! Congratulations to you for your tenacity, drive and for completing it in a great time. RLTW!
Wow it is high right from the get go! Crappy weatherconditions, treacherous terrain with heavy weight - that took a lot of determination for sure! Congrats! I love the music you use. Please let me know what it is...
Great stuff, Gritty. Congrats. It'd be interesting to hear your afterthoughts. With hindsight, would you have done anything different in prep? PS I'm glad you like our sheep. Stunners aren't they? 😁
You're a beast man :) Awesome to see you tear it up and so great to see the love you get from worldwide fans. This is like a rucking version of the downhill biking Megavalanche down from high mountains in the Alps and and Andes.
