Ep. 203 - 12 Traits of People Who Pass Special Forces Selection Artwork

Terminator Training Show

The creator of Terminator Training Method, Kevin Smith, has been lifting weights and chasing peak performance for the past 17 years, the last 11 of which spent as a member of the US Army Special Forces. His obsession with strength and conditioning, nutrition, health improvement, and personal development have driven him to begin his own journey in the fitness industry. This podcast will include information and conversation on a wide variety of topics, including strength training, endurance training and conditioning, nutrition (for performance, body composition, and health), habit formation, and how to optimize your life. If you're sick of being misinformed or mislead, and interested in leveling up, this is the podcast for you.

All Episodes

Terminator Training Show

Ep. 203 - 12 Traits of People Who Pass Special Forces Selection

March 10, 2026 • Kevin Smith

0:00 | 55:43

Over the years, I’ve noticed that successful SFAS candidates tend to approach their training and preparation in very similar ways. Here is what they do in common:

00:15 – Intro –
02:04 – Trait #1 – High carbohydrate intake to fuel training and recovery
06:56 – Trait #2 – Identify and address personal character flaws
15:31 – Trait #3 – Autoregulation
22:23 – Trait #4 – Prioritizing sleep with the “big three” habits
33:36 – Trait #5 – Preparing meals ahead of time
35:48 – Trait #6 – Balanced strength training
41:21 – Trait #7 – Regular loaded carries
43:37 – Trait #8 – Controlled weekly run frequency with strategic cross-training
45:22 – Trait #9 – Structured weekly training split
46:11 – Trait #10 – Tracking metrics (macros, training progress)
49:48 – Trait #11 – Restricting or eliminating social media during prep
52:12 – Trait #12 – Focusing on the process over the outcome

—

Questions? Look for bi-weekly Q&A on my stories. I'll answer your questions on IG and here on the podcast.

—

New Running Program: TTM Run Advanced

New Selection Prep Program: Ruck | Run | Lift

New Hybrid Program: Jacked Gazelle 3.0

—

TrainHeroic Team Subscription: T-850 Rebuilt (try a week for free!)

—

PDF programs

2 & 5 Mile Run Program - run improvement program w/ strength work

Kickstart- beginner/garage gym friendly