Operation STIRLING 2025 (Special Forces Selection)
Thu, Oct 09
|Pisgah National Forest, NC
The most realistic Special Forces Selection in the World.
Time & Location
Oct 09, 2025, 7:30 AM – Oct 13, 2025, 4:30 PM
Pisgah National Forest, NC, Brevard, NC, USA
About the Event
Operation STIRLING: The most realistic Special Forces Selection in the World.
October 9th to 13th, 2025 | Blue RIdge Mountains, NC, USA
Distance: Increases each day
Weight: Increases each day
Elevation: Increases each day
Brief Start Time: Thursday October 9th, 2025 at 0730 hrs
Event Start Time: Thursday October 9th, 2025 at 0800 hrs
Start Location: Art Loeb/Cold Mountain Trailhead, NC
Event Finish Time: Monday, October 13, 2025
Finish Location: Brevard, NC
Situation
Operation STIRLING is the ultimate test of endurance, mental grit, and unwavering determination, inspired by the grueling selection processes of the British SAS and American Delta Force. This five-day event is not for the faint of heart—it’s for those who aspire to push beyond their limits and experience the closest thing to real Special Forces selection in the world. Each day, candidates face a relentless challenge: carrying a replica rifle, they will tackle increasingly demanding routes, starting with over 25 pounds on Day 1 and culminating in a brutal 50+ pound load on Day 5. Test Day, the ultimate proving ground, is conducted partly under the cover of night, where physical exhaustion meets mental resilience. Only those who conquer Days 1-4 will earn the right to face this final challenge.
In the evenings, candidates will be pushed even further with intellectual tasks, such as assignments on the history of Special Forces or world politics, testing their focus and fortitude under pressure. As the week progresses, these homework assignments will intensify, becoming more demanding, while sleep becomes a luxury. Each night, the mental strain will compound, pushing candidates to the brink as they struggle to balance the physical and intellectual challenges of the course.
Operation STIRLING is more than just a physical challenge—it's a comprehensive test of your ability to endure extreme conditions, think under pressure, and overcome the odds. This is a rare opportunity to experience the relentless demands of Special Forces selection, to see if you possess the resilience, discipline, and determination to emerge victorious. Are you prepared to face the toughest week of your life?
Mission
Candidates must complete 5 route marches over 5 days.
- Day 1: 10 +/- miles. 25 lbs. Time Limit.
- Day 2: 11 +/- miles. 30 lbs. Time Limit.
- Day 3: 12 +/- miles. 35 lbs. Time Limit.
- Day 4: 14 +/- miles. 40 lbs. Time Limit.
- Day 5 (Test Route): 24 +/- miles. 50 lbs. Time Limit and partly at night.
Execution
Candidates will meet at the Art Loeb/Cold Mountain Trailhead. At 0730 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0800 hours.
Operation STIRLING consists of 5 routes in 5 days and candidates must complete each route, within time, to continue to the final day. Candidates will complete the first four days before they are told if they have passed or failed. Only candidates who have passed Days 1-4 will progress to the final day.
Service Support
Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.
Route. Ensure you download the five maps for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed. The routes are below:
Weight. Candidates must carry the minimum dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted. Each day will require a different minimum weight.
Day 1: 25 lbs
Day 2: 30 lbs
Day 3: 35 lbs
Day 4: 40 lbs
Day 5 (Test Route): 50 lbs
Equipment
Mandatory Equipment
- Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
- Phone (fully charged)
- Phone charger
- Notebook / writing paper for homework
- LifeStraw (or similar water filtration system)
- Head Torch (spare batteries)
- Hydration bladder(s)
- Whistle
- Compass
- Emergency rations (see below)
- Emergency shelter
- Personal First Aid Kit
Strongly Recommended
- Maps (waterproofed)
- GPS
- Blister kit
- Pocket knife
- Chem-light/Cyalume
- Hiking poles
- MRE(s)
Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.
Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route.
Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.
Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.
Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.
Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.
Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432
The Fine Print
Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 20. Minimum number of candidates 10.
Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.
Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.
Tickets
Operation STIRLING
$450.00Tax: +$31.50 Tax
Total
$0.00