Surviving the Cut

The toughest combat course in the world, US Army Ranger School replicates the nonstop stress of war to forge elite leaders. Candidates sleep little and eat less while running 20-hour missions. Only one in three survives the cut.

Air Force Pararescue Specialists (PJs) save downed military all over the world. They are medics, parachutists, divers and rock climbers. To qualify, they must survive "Extended Training Day," and only 9 out of 100 will.

Marines work to survive the 12-week recon course. They are pushed to unconsciousness in the pool, then they must wrestle 90-pound packs in the Pacific surf. It's a man-breaking, all-out endurance test meant to forge top soldiers.

Elite special ops soldiers, many Army Rangers and Green Berets, challenge themselves to become the best combat divers on the planet. For six weeks, they push their bodies to the limit in severe underwater conditions.

Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians are the only specialists qualified for special operations. Before a team can go to war with Special Forces, they must go through a five-day series of high-stress missions.

There are fewer than 300 active snipers in the entire Marine Corps. Surviving this training means entrance into a very small, very elite group. Even though only the best Marines even make it to the course, one in three will fail.