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Dr. David Walton: SFAS Guidance for 2026 - Ep. 123

Feb 11, 2026

Guest

David Walton

Dr. David Walton, retired Army Special Forces officer and SFAS subject-matter expert who now instructs at JSOC and writes prep books. He discusses major shifts at SFAS, the crackdown on land navigation and how rule enforcement changed selection rates. He covers practical prep: land-nav fixes, journaling and coaching, the Sandman apparatus, and timelines through the pipeline.

01:27:03

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ANECDOTE

Apparatus Drop Broke A Select Candidate's Leg

David recounts a select candidate whose leg was broken when another dropped an apparatus during team week.
That injury instantly ended a promising candidate's selection and highlighted why drop rules exist.

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ANECDOTE

Canteen Rule Enforced Literally Once

Some cadre once dropped candidates for half-empty canteens after they drank while plotting, a literal rule interpretation.
Leadership later labeled that enforcement as 'ticky-tack' and corrected the approach.

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ADVICE

Get Coached For Land Navigation

If you lack land-nav skill, get professional instruction, join orienteering clubs, and practice failing safely.
Treat land navigation as a perishable skill that requires repeated, coached reps.

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Big shifts at SFAS: rates, land nav, preparedness

01:44 • 49sec

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Historic selection rates and the recent decline

02:33 • 1min

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Weather, seasonality, and cadre impact on attrition

03:49 • 3min

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Ruthless rule application examples

06:32 • 5min

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Leadership course-correction and return to normal

11:56 • 3min

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Canteens and ticky-tack drops

14:40 • 6min

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Land nav: instruction, failure rates, and fixes

20:32 • 6min

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OSET, 18X pipelines, and training shortcomings

26:38 • 4min

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Candidates are fitter and more self-aware

Journaling, coaching, and building self-awareness

34:06 • 6min

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The 'whole man' and non-physical prep areas

40:31 • 8min

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PT test realities and selection gating

48:30 • 5min

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The Sandman event: anatomy and lessons

53:46 • 6min

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Timelines: pipeline flow and reducing wait times

59:34 • 10min

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Awaiting Training phase and available resources

01:09:54 • 2min

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Coaching updates: curriculum tweaks and headlamp tips

01:11:40 • 6min

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Books, courses, and resources Walton recommends

In 'Never Get Lost,' David Walton lays out fundamental and advanced land navigation techniques tailored for Special Forces candidates. The book covers map reading, compass use, terrain association, and practical prep for night and solo navigation under load. Walton draws on his experience instructing land navigation at JSOC and in his prep courses to present clear, actionable instruction. The book is intended as both a classroom primer and a field reference, helping candidates build perishable navigation skills through repetition and deliberate practice. It emphasizes learning from failures and gaining the experience necessary to succeed at SFAS land-navigation events.

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Rock Up or Shut Up

David Walton

David Walton's 'Rock Up or Shut Up' explains the Special Forces Assessment and Selection process, its historical selection rates, and practical preparation advice for candidates. Drawing on Walton's 25 years in the SF community, the book provides descriptive context about what selection measures and common failure points. It blends data, anecdotes, and actionable guidance to help aspiring candidates understand institutional expectations. The book is widely used by candidates and prep coaches to benchmark readiness and to design training plans. Its emphasis is on honest, evidence-based preparation rather than gimmicks or shortcuts.

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A Family Business

Kinship and Social Control in Organized Crime

Elizabeth Reuss-Ianni

Francis A. J. Ianni

This book provides an in-depth look at the inner workings of an Italian-American crime family, challenging common perceptions by highlighting the role of kinship and social control. Through participant observation, Francis Ianni reveals how these organizations blend legal and illegal activities, maintaining cohesion through traditional power structures and personal relationships. The study also examines how younger generations integrate American values, leading to internal conflicts.

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Shut up and Run

Robin Arzon

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The Ugly American

William J. Lederer

Eugene Burdick

Published in 1958, 'The Ugly American' is a political novel that critiques American foreign policy and diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia. The book, through a series of vignettes, highlights the incompetence and arrogance of many American diplomats and foreign service workers, contrasting them with a few dedicated and effective individuals like Homer Atkins, the 'Ugly American. ' Atkins, an engineer, works closely with local people, understands their needs, and implements simple yet effective solutions. The novel led to significant political implications, including a congressional review of foreign aid and influencing the establishment of the Peace Corps during the Kennedy administration.

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The way of men

Jack Donovan

The Way of Men is a book exploring masculinity and traditional gender roles. It delves into the challenges men face in modern society and offers insights into how men can live more fulfilling lives. The book emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, responsibility, and self-reliance. It challenges conventional notions of masculinity and encourages men to embrace their authentic selves. The Way of Men has sparked significant discussion and debate about masculinity and its role in society.

Dr. David “Wally” Walton is a retired Army Special Forces officer with 25 years of experience in the SF community. His career spans service with the 7th Special Forces Group, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and the Special Warfare Center and School.

Dr. Walton’s extensive operational experience includes deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and across Latin America. Since retiring in 2013, he has transitioned into academia, teaching National Security Studies and Executive Leadership. His research portfolio covers Security Strategy, Organizational Culture and Dynamics, and Human Performance. He has a deep understanding of security studies, encompassing everything from tactical operations to strategic policy discussions.

Currently an instructor at JSOC, Dr. Walton is a Subject Matter Expert in Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He specializes in Land Navigation, runs a prep program designed for SFAS candidates, and is the author of multiple books about preparing for SFAS.

More about Dr. Walton:

Website: https://tfvoodoo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tf_voo_doo/

Timestamps:

00:00:23 Introduction to Dr. David Walton
00:01:42 Changes within SFSS and Coaching
00:20:22 Being Trained in Land Navigation
00:30:43 Better Prepared Candidates
00:53:34 The Sandman Event
00:59:29 Selection Rates and Working Through the Stages
01:05:23 No Dependencies in the SFSS Course
01:09:47 The "Awaiting Training" Phase
01:11:33 What has Dr. David Walton Changed in Coaching?
01:17:08 How Many Books has Dr. Walton Written?
01:21:52 Books Everyone Should Read
01:26:32 Outro

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