THE "SACK WALK" - SCREENING EXERCISES/ACTIVITIES FOR MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS, RESCUE UNITS, AND MORE
- Moran Sciamama-Saghiv
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Disclaimer: The content provided by Dr. Moran Sciamama-Saghiv on physical screening for military, law enforcement, and similar professions is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice, nor does it establish any professional relationship. Readers must obtain proper medical clearance and institutional authorization before applying any information. Dr. Sciamama-Saghiv disclaims all liability for injury, loss, or misuse of the material.
I am Dr. Moran Sciamama-Saghiv, ex-Army officer and an expert of many years on screening processes (especially yet not limited to military with an emphasis on special forces; physical aspects). I offer consultation services and a variety of lectures related to the Israeli military. I would be happy to collaborate with you (if and when relevant). In the meanwhile, I invite you to read my blog post series on the screening processes for military, law enforcement, rescue units, first responders, etc.
In a previous series of blog posts, I have surveyed the multiple and diverse aspects of how to establish or improve a physically-based screening process for military, law enforcement, first responders, rescue units, and more. In this series we will focus on actual suggestions for exercises/activities that can be used in a screening process, and possible variations. Each blog post in the series will analyze the elements that the screening activity requires, "pros" and "cons", "do" and "don'ts", and how the screening activity serves as a tool in the hands of the evaluators.
In some cases, there is more than one way to conduct the exercise, analyze it, or experience it. We will survey both physically-based screening exercises/activities, and non-physical screening exercises/activities. Furthermore, many screening exercises are planned in a way that your ability to prepare for them is limited as much as possible (even with previous knowledge and practice) or simply are meant to examine if you meet the minimum requirements and nothing more.
The "sack walk" is a physically-based exercise/activity that is meant to determine the candidates' ability to deal with increasing physical difficulty and examine the candidates' strategic thinking, determination to be noticed, fitness, competitiveness, and the ability to carry out boring tasks that seem to have no purpose. This screening exercise is great for teams/units that not all of their tasks/missions are glorious, exciting, nor full of action. Some missions/tasks require that the team members serve more as a "mule" that is carrying equipment from one place to another, than engage in battle. For example, imagine a mission where you carry an espionage device and either secure a technician that will assemble it or do it yourself. The goal is not to be detected, carry the equipment, assemble, activate and get back. Military are not the only units with tasks that are far from glorious, are greatly physical, and boring...
At the beginning of the screening exercise, the candidates are taken to the bottom of a steep hill and are told to fill up a sand bag with sand up to a pre-determined extent. Next, the instructions and rules of the exercise are fully explained to the candidates. These instructions to the candidates and rules include the following:
The sack must be carried across both shoulders at all time (not on one shoulders).
Both hands must firmly hold the sack from both ends.
The sack may not be rested on the back of the neck, only on the shoulder line (girdle).
The candidate must circle the marker on the hill, then circle the second marker at the bottom of the hill. This constitutes one round.
The candidate must announce out loud the number of rounds accumulated every time they pass the market at the bottom of the hill.
Candidates may not talk other than to announce their rounds accomplished.
The main manipulations used as part of the screening exercise include:
The candidates not knowing the time allocated to the exercise (recommended).
The candidates are told what the objective of the screening exercise is.
The candidates do not know what constitutes success as an individual and/or team.
The candidates do not know if they are evaluated as a team or individuals.
The candidates do not know if they are allowed to rest, pee, or hydrate.
The screening exercise can be developed in multiple versions and/or directions. These may include the following:
The length of time allocated to the exercise. The longer the more physically challenging it becomes and the more boring.
The mode of movement can change from walking to running (as long as it is safe). They could be required to run uphill and walk downhill.
The candidates can be told how much is allocated and/or how much time is left.
The candidates can be told the objective (the most rounds possible).
The candidates can be told if the rounds are counted individually or as a team.
The candidates can be told if they are allowed to rest, pee, and hydrate.
The candidates can be required to pass the candidate in front of them upon given audible sign.
Incorporate punishment or penalties if any of the instructions are disrespected/disregarded.
Punishment can include aggravating tasks upon failure - pushup, abdominal crunches, sprints, etc. Just remember to consider if you wish to use physicality as punishment (as a matter of principle).
A certain number of successful rounds can be set as the goal within a certain amount of time.
The time allocated allows us to decide if we want to give them a chance at succeeding (awards effort and teamwork) or making sure they always fail (group dynamics, dealing/coping with failure and aggravation).
The exercise does not have to include a hill, a less intense and challenging version can be achieved by using a lesser slope or using a flat surface.
You may consider rewarding the team for success, For example - extra time in the shower, more sleep, etc.
Other?
Curious? need help? have questions? - contact me!
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