Two SAS Selection Candidates Die in Exercise
The two Territorial Army soldiers who died during a training exercise were participating in the selection process for the Territorial SAS, according to reports.
The exercise was carried out in the Brecon Beacon mountain range in South Wales on Saturday - the hottest day of the year.
Six soldiers are believed to have collapsed in the hot weather, with one remaining in a serious condition.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declined to comment on the reports.
But the BBC understands that the two reservists were in the early stages of the final selection for the Territorial SAS, following weeks of training. While the exercise would have been supervised, it is likely that they would move by themselves from checkpoint to checkpoint.
Two SAS Recruits Die in Selection Process on Brecon Beacons
The Infrantry Battle School lies in the Brecon Beacons, making one of the UK's largest areas for military training.
An investigation is underway on the nuances of the exercise and the weather conditions.
The deaths happened on the hottest day of 2013 so far for Wales, with Powys experiencing temperatures of 30ºc.
Walking along the Beacons on the same day, Phil Speck said he saw twelve or more soldiers that day. To begin with, he said they looked fine, but near the day's end they were struggling, with one taking a lot of time to recover, and were clearly exhausted.Local farmers had seen soldiers being treated by paramedics.
The MoD said it was working with local police to investigate Saturday's incident. The ministry said in a statement that the next of kin have been informed, and more information would be released shortly. At this stage, it said, it would not be appropriate to comment further.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a suitable location for military training due to its relative remoteness.
According to the BBC's Health Editor, Michelle Roberts, the seriously ill and elderly are most at risk during the hot weather. But even those at the peak of their physical fitness can succumb, especially if they exerting themselves. The primary threat is dehydration, she says, adding that heatstroke requires immediate treatment.
http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/two-sas-selection-candidates-die-in-exercise.htmlПапсале на 30ºc. Да тренираа на Криволак ова време, ќе останеа без SAS-овци Британциве.
