Standard Obstacle Course (SOC)

What is SOC

SOC is an obstacle course that you need to clear in your combat attire.

You’ll have to clear and finish the course within 9 minutes.

What happens in SOC

Before SOC begins, warm-up exercises will be conducted to prevent injury.

The obstacle course starts with a 50m run, followed by 11 obstacles and ends with a 600m run.

The 11 obstacles are:

  1. Low wall (1.83m high)
  2. Parallel bars
  3. Stepping board
  4. Swing trainer
  5. Low rope (3.5m high)
  6. Horizontal beam
  7. Swinging bridge
  8. Balancing log
  9. Gate/suicide window
  10. Jacob's ladder
  11. Low ramp

Why do it

The SOC trains your combat fitness and builds up arm strength, leg strength and your confidence.

When you’re fighting in battle, you may have to get past numerous obstacles, so the SOC is designed to represent the different types of obstacles that you may face in a combat environment.

What is it like

The SOC is like a playground. You will find it challenging, especially with the low wall, low rope and swing trainer.

Some tips

Pay attention when the Fitness Specialist (FS) is showing you how to clear each obstacle. Many of the obstacles seem difficult at first, but they become easier once you get the technique right.

For example, the low rope really doesn’t require as much arm strength as it would first seem. Using leg strength in addition to arm strength makes it easier to climb.

Many of the obstacles seem daunting at first but they are actually very easy to clear once you have the confidence.

For example, consider the Jacob’s ladder. It could get scary when you’re at the top. But once you’re confident, going up and down Jacob’s ladder is just as easy as running up and down a small flight of steps!

Here are the procedures to help you pass the SOC effectively.

  • You’ll be taught the right technique to clear each obstacle.
  • You’ll first learn to clear each obstacle without any load. As you become more competent, incremental loads will be added.
  • Eventually you will clear the SOC with your full combat attire (helmet, combat vest and rifle).

Safety concerns

  • Throughout every practise or test, there will be a FS or instructor at every obstacle to make sure you’re clearing the obstacle safely.
  • Drink plenty of water before each SOC session. You’ll be sweating a lot and you’ll need to replenish the liquids in your body.
  • Make sure you’re feeling physically well. Otherwise you won’t be allowed to take the SOC.