This is a selection-specific 10-week, 6 day/week delta force training program specifically designed to prepare athletes for the SFOD-D (DELTA) Selection Course.
The plan includes a 2-week taper, and is designed to be completed the 10 weeks directly prior to your course start week. This is an intense, 6 day/week training plan, including multiple 2-a-days.
This is Version 3 of the plan, Updated September 2024..
FITNESS DEMANDS
Ruck and Endurance Focused, Assessment Driven
This training plan is ruck and endurance-focused, in-line with the primary fitness demand of SFOD-D selection. The plan’s ruck programming is specifically designed to prepare the athlete for the loads and volume you’ll face at selection. As well, the plan includes specific programming to increase your ruck speed over ground.
Your endurance is also built with unloaded running via assessments and threshold intervals, moderate-paced longer runs, and easy recovery runs.
The plan includes 5 specific assessments, and follow-on progressions: You’ll take these assessments multiple times over the 10 weeks:
(1) ACFT – 3RM Dead Lift, Power Throw, Sprint/Drag/Carry, Hand Release Push Ups, Plank and 2 Mile Run
(2) 3 Mile Ruck Run for Time – 45# Ruck, 10lb Rubber Rifle, Sledge or Dumbbell, Full Cammies/Boots, Helmet
(3) 10 Mile Heavy Ruck for Time – 60# Ruck, 10lb Rubber Rifle, Sledge or Dumbbell, Full Cammies/Boots, Helmet
(4) 6 Mile Run for Time, shorts and t-shirt
(5) 600x Stepups for Time @ 45# Ruck, 16-18” step up bench or box
Between assessment weeks you’ll complete assessment-based, specific progressions based on your most recent assessment results. In this way, the plan automatically “scales” to your incoming fitness, and continues to push you as your fitness improves.
ACFT Preparation
The delta force training plan has you take the ACFT multiple times and includes specific programming to improve your 3RM Dead Lift, Hand Release Push Ups, Leg Tucks and 2-Mile Run Time.
General Strength and Chassis Integrity Work
In addition to ACFT and ruck/run endurance, the plan includes limited general strength programming (1 day/week) and focused Chassis Integrity (functional core) 2 days/week.
WEEKLY SCHEDULES
Assessment Weeks (1, 4, 7, 10)
- Mon – AM ACFT, PM 600x Step Ups for Time
- Tues – 3-Mile Ruck Run for Time @ 45#, Flat Course
- Wed – 6-Mile Run for Time
- Thurs – 10-Mile Ruck for Time @ 60#, Flat Course
- Fri – Total Rest
- Sat – Long Ruck @ 60# (8-30 miles), Hilly Course, Off Trail in possible
Progression Weeks (2-3, 5-6, 8-9)
- Mon – AM: ACFT Work, PM: Threshold Ruck Run Intervals @ 45#
- Tues – Threshold Unloaded Run Intervals, Chassis Integrity
- Wed – AM: Threshold Heavy Ruck Intervals @ 60#; PM: Moderate Pace Unloaded Run (4-7 Miles)
- Thurs – Step Up Intervals, Strength, Chassis Integrity
- Fri – Long Easy Unloaded Run (6-10 Miles)
- Sat – Long Ruck @ 60# (8-30 miles), Hilly Course, Off Trail in possible
Saturday Long Rucks
You’ll work up to 30 miles at 60# plus a 10# rubber rifle, sledge or dumbbell. If possible, complete these long rounds off-trail, in hilly/mountainous terrain, route finding/orienteering the entire prescribed distance.
SFOD-D VS OTHER ELITE SELECTION PLANS
The SFOD‑D (Delta Force) Selection Plan is built for extreme endurance, back-to-back rucks, and mental resilience — the ultra-demanding Delta environment. If your goal is the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) instead, check out our SFQC Training Plan for a program focused on ACFT prep, field exercises, and operational versatility for Green Beret candidates. Both are elite, but this plan leans heavier on load, volume, and mission-style conditioning.
Not quite ready yet? If you’re still building endurance, ruck experience, or baseline strength, start with our Ruck-Based Selection Plan or On-Ramp Training Plan to lay the foundation before tackling elite selection courses.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What if I miss a day?
Don’t skip ahead. Start where you left off. The plan is progressive, and its training sessions designed to be completed in order.
What if I have less then 10 weeks before I start the Selection Course?
Still start at the beginning of this training plan anyway, then on the week directly before selection, skip ahead and complete week 10 of the plan.
What if I can’t handle the training volume at first?
Building stamina and resilience is a key training goal of this plan, and physical and mental stamina is also key to completing the Selection course. If you can’t handle the training volume at first, it’s better to cut training sessions short, rather than take unscheduled rest days.
What if I can’t make the prescribed reps for the bodyweight exercises, or the prescribed interval times for the rucks, runs or step ups?
Do your best, and be sure to do the total number of rounds, even if you can’t make the reps or the time. Don’t quit.
How do you count reps for Sandbag Getups, and Step ups?
Sandbag Getups – The prescribed rep count is total reps, so 50x Sandbag Getups at 60# sandbag = 50x total reps, 25x each shoulder.
Step Ups – The prescribed rep count is total reps, so 600x step ups = 600 total, or 300x per leg.
What if I miss a training day?
Ideally, you will train 6 days in a row, and take 1 full days off for rest. If for some reason miss a session, do not skip ahead. Start again where you left off and complete the sessions in order throughout the plan.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run Calculator and Ruck Calculators are is listed as exercises.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
What if I can’t do the whole session?
If you don’t have enough time to complete the whole session, you can split the session into two.
Can I see sample delta force training?
Yes. Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming.
How do I access the plan?
Access is online, via username and password. You can log in either through our website or through our app (Mtn Tactical Fitness) available for IOS and Android.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time.
More questions? Email coach@mtntactical.com
- Fully equipped weight room
- Stop Watch with repeating countdown timer (Smartphone will work)
- 60# Sandbag. You can make one or purchase one of Mountain Tactical's sandbags.
- Ruck plus 45# and 60# of filler. We recommend you train with the same ruck and boots you'll use at selection.
- 10# Rubber Rifle, sledge or dumbbell
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
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MONDAY
SESSION 1
2-A-Day, Assessments
AM SESSION:
Obj: Assessment - ACFT No. 1
Warm up:
3 Rounds
8x Trap Bar Dead Lift @ 65/95#
4x ACFT Hand Release Push Ups
4x 40ft Shuttle
8x Sit Ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Army Combat Fitness Test:
(1) Work Up to 3RM Trap Bar Dead Lift
- Note - you have just 5 minutes, We'd recommend two 3 rep efforts working up, and then 1-2x 3RM attempts. Don't go heavier than 420 pounds.
*** Rest 2 Minutes
(2) Standing Power Throw @ 10# Medicine Ball
- Note - you have just 3 minutes for 1 practice throw, and 2 throws for distance. Your longest distance throw counts.
*** Rest 2 Minutes
(3) Max ACFT Hand Release Push Ups in 2 Minutes
- Note - we assume you can rest in the bottom position as needed
*** Rest 2 Minutes
(4) Sprint-Drag-Carry for Time
- Note - Start from Prone and drag a 90 pound sled, and carry 45 pound kettlebells or dumbbells
*** Rest 2 Minutes
(5) Max Front Plank in 2 Minutes
*** Rest 5 Minutes
(6) Run 2 Miles for Time
RECORD ALL SCORES
******************************
PM SESSION:
Obj: Endurance Assessment
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
10x Goblet Squat @ 25# Dumbbell
20x Step Ups
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 30 Minute Max Rep Step Ups @ 45# Back pack. Use a 16-18" Step or Bench.
RECORD REPS
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TUESDAY
SESSION 2
Obj: Endurance Assessment - Ruck Run
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
10x Push Ups
5x In-Place Lunges
Run 100m
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Ruck Run 3 Miles for Time @ 45#, Flat Course
RECORD FINISH TIME
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WEDNESDAY
SESSION 3
Obj: Endurance Assessment - Running
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
10x Push Ups
5x In-Place Lunges
Run 100m
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Run 6 Miles for Time
RECORD FINISH TIME
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THURSDAY
SESSION 4
Obj: Endurance Assessment - Ruck
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squats
10x Push Ups
5x In-Place Lunges
Run 100m
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) Ruck Run 10 Miles for Time @ 60#, Flat Course
RECORD FINISH TIME
__________________________________________________
FRIDAY
SESSION 5
OBJ: TOTAL REST
__________________________________________________
SATURDAY
SESSION 6
Obj: Long Ruck
Training:
(1) Ruck 8 miles off trail over uneven, hilly terrain w/60# ruck + Rubber rifle or 10# Sledge or 10# dumbbell. Work for 15 min/miles.
Orienteer/Route Find, if Possible
(2) Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for the SFOD Selection Course Training Plan I purchased on your site. I did the program twice in preparation for A&S and it proved to be quite beneficial and I know it contributed to my success there. I would have to say the only thing I would change is that I would have increased the frequency of step-ups throughout the program. Other than that, I felt I was more than prepared for selection. I will definitely recommend your site and training plans in the future.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do you have any reviews or testimonials from athletes who have used your Athlete's Subscription
Yes. Click HERE.
Is it true you guarantee your stuff works?
Yes. If you purchase an Athletes’ Subscription, follow the training sessions as prescribed, and are not satisfied with the quality of the programming, notify us within 30 days of purchase, and we’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
How is MTI programming different than CrossFit?
This is a common question. Read our answer HERE.
You have a lot of competitors. Why should I choose MTI?
MTI is driven to improve mountain and tactical athletes' mission performance and keep them safe. This emphasis and focus on mission performance sets us apart. Read about more that sets us apart HERE.
If I purchase a plan or subscription, how do I access the programming?
All of our plans are online, accessible via username and password.
You can log in through our →Website or Mobile App →IOS and Android.
Do you have downloadable .pdf's of the training plans?
No. But you can print the programming, by week, from your browser. You access individual training plans online via a username and password.
Do you have a mobile app?
Yes, we do. Available for IOS and Android.
What is the difference between purchasing an individual training plan, packet of plans or an Athlete's Subscription?
- Plan - Like purchasing the DVD of the first Star Wars movie. You own it forever, including any updates we make to the plan.
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If I purchase an Athletes Subscription Can I cancel on my own, anytime?
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Do I have to contact MTI to cancel or can I do it myself?
You can do it yourself. Instructions HERE.
If I purchase a subscription and have questions about where to start or what plans(s) to use for my goals, will you help?
Yes. We answer dozens of training questions from athletes weekly. Email coach@mtntactical.com.
If you add new plans or update existing plans after I subscribe will I have access to them?
Yes. We are continuously adding training plans and packets (2-5/month) and updating plans. With your subscription you'll have access to all new plans, new courses and plan updates.
What Equipment is Required?
Click the "Required Equipment" tab to find out what equipment is required for the specific plan you are interested in.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run and Ruck Calculators are listed as exercises.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I see sample training?
Click the “Sample Training” tab to see the entire first week of programming. You are encouraged to do it before purchasing.
What if I have more questions?
Email rob@mtntactical.com