Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test is back stronger than ever with a fourth season and a legendary cast. The reality TV series is unlike any other series, showcasing public figures as they attempt military training. There are no breaks with producers or resting in hotel rooms before a challenge; the celebrities are treated as combative army soldiers.
Special Forces is an intense competitive series where there’s no official winner or cash prize at the end. The goal is to better themselves and become stronger human beings. Part of making these celebrities tougher is by adhering to nonnegotiable rules. And while some rules make things harder for the contestants, that’s the whole point.
The Cast Needs A Medical Exam Before Exiting The Series
The various casts of Special Forces have jumped out of helicopters, have been trapped underwater, navigated the desert in scorching temperatures… Because of the mental and physical exhaustion, every cast member needs to see a doctor before leaving the series.
Season 1’s Anthony Scaramucci told journalist Brittany Frederick that the doctor asks how everyone feels before leaving. However, because of adrenaline, a lot of the pain is masked until a few days later. Follow-ups with doctors are encouraged so that hidden health issues don’t linger.
“[The doctor says] in about 72 hours that adrenaline is going to dissipate and you’re going to be feeling a lot of aches and pains. If you need to call me or somebody, let me know. He was a hundred percent right.”
Cast Members Can’t Go To The Bathroom Without A Buddy
One of the hardest things for the cast members to get around is that there is no privacy. There are hidden cameras and GoPros everywhere. To enhance teamwork and to make sure everyone is honest, there is a buddy system in place for going to the bathroom.
Season 1’s Melanie Brown told People that whoever had to go to the bathroom asked the group, and they would go together. In her case, her buddy was often former NBA player Dwight Howard.
No one can leave the bathroom until both teammates have finished. It should also be noted that there was no internal plumbing. The bathrooms consist of a hole in the ground or a protected bucket where only your head sticks out.
No Photos From Home Are Allowed
When away from friends and family for 10 days in a dangerous area, undergoing immense pressure from drill sergeants, it would be calming to look at photos of loved ones. However, even tangible photos aren’t allowed.
Former Bachelor star Nick Viall was on season 2 of Special Forces and shared on his podcast that contestants weren’t allowed to sneak things in, including pictures. However, his fellow castmate, Tom Sandoval, snuck in a photo of him and his ex-girlfriend.
Nick shared he would have loved to have a photo of his wife, but he listened to the rules to avoid punishment from the sergeants.
Cast Members Can’t Bring Electronics
Knowing that cast members can’t have pictures or go to the bathroom alone, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they aren’t allowed to bring electronics (including phones) either. The cast is completely shut out from the outside world. Their attention should be fully on the tasks to prove how strong they are.
While not talking to loved ones is hard, some cast members didn’t mind not having the distraction. Season 1’s Gus Kenworthy told Out Magazine how “beneficial” it was to be off the grid for two weeks. He liked it so much that he would probably go phone-less again.
Hygiene Products Are Limited
Showering is a luxury for cast members in Special Forces. Because the cast doesn’t know when the mission starts, some have said on camera that they may as well stay in their uniforms so that they’re always ready for the next task.
Even when the cast showers, scented body butters and special soaps aren’t permitted. Season 1’s Hannah Brown told Parade she missed feeling “clean” when competing.
“We had a bar of soap, a toothbrush, and some deodorant, and that was essentially it. That was really tough.”
She joked that she had loads of thick sand stuck in her hair, and that there were no razors to shave her legs.
They Must Obey Orders (And Aren’t Told When Missions Start)
Disobeying orders from the drill sergeants is grounds for immediate dismissal. There are also occasions when the team is punished for one’s disobedience. This was seen in the premiere episode of season 4 when former NBA player Nick Young smiled during a tense moment with the sergeants. His team was subject to punishment because of his actions.
Respect must also be given. There is no talking back to the staff leaders. Responses should always be, “Yes, Staff” and “No, Staff.”
A large portion of Special Forces training is designed to push contestants to their breaking points to assess their mental toughness. Obeying orders and following through with missions is the only option unless a person wants to leave.
Cast Members Can’t Share They’re A Part Of The Cast Until The Network Shares It
Many social media influencers, athletes, and reality TV stars eagerly await the opportunity to share the project they’re working on once they’ve signed their contracts. However, the cast of Special Forces can’t share anything until the network does.
For months, participants can’t share that they’re a part of the cast.
This part of the contract made quite the drama for Special Forces season 3’s Trista Sutter. While she was away filming Special Forces, her husband shared an obscure Instagram story about their relationship. No one knew that Trista was away filming, so many Bachelor fans assumed the longtime couple were splitting up.
Months later, it was announced that Trista was away filming Special Forces, and she was finally able to defend her relationship.
Food Intake Is Controlled
Just like those in the military, the cast of Special Forces have to eat what’s given to them that’s suitable for the environment that they’re in. Unlike some competition shows, there are no catered meals or a kitchen stocked with snacks.
Hannah Brown explained how physically exhausted she was because of the lack of food they were able to eat. What’s worse, the cast is on a “calorie deficit.” Regardless of a person’s height or weight, they’re all given the same amount of food. It was extremely tough for the larger contestants who had to eat less than what they’re used to.
Many contestants have joked that the food was terrible and that they craved meals as soon as they left the barracks.
Goodbye Letters Are Encouraged
The cast of Special Forces is away in an unspecified area for 10 days. During those 10 days, the cast is required to undergo unimaginable training circumstances that the military uses to prepare for missions. Because of the severity of their challenges, the cast is encouraged to write death letters to their loved ones if they don’t make it.
Former NBA player Dwight Howard told People that during his time on season 1, the show asked the contestants “To write a death letter to your kids and to your family and friends.”
The emotional toll of saying goodbye to his loved ones showed him what kind of person he was, and became one of the “greatest experiences” of his life because of the lessons he learned during times of immense hardship.
Contestants Can Only Run (Not Walk)
If you pay close attention when watching Special Forces, it’s rare to see the cast members walking anywhere. When there are drill sergeants around, the cast is instructed to run or jog; there is no walking.
Contestants run everywhere to simulate those who are a part of the Special Forces in real life. In season 4’s premiere, Vanderpump Rules star Brittany Cartwright dropped out after she had to run back to camp after failing the first mission. Distances vary, but that’s not the unit’s primary focus.
The focus is to put the cast members’ mental and physical capabilities to the test. Do they have what it takes to push themselves beyond adversity?
With no prizes or awards, the main achievement is personal gratification from surviving some of the military’s toughest missions and training methods.