Season 1 2012

Before large forces hit the combat zone, the Malaysian Army's special forces unit Grup Gerak Khas are the first men on the ground behind enemy lines. The GGK gained fame and recognition worldwide after successfully assaulting communist rebels in the 1960s, fought deep in the Malaysian jungles. Toughened by one of the world's most difficult training regimes, GGK commandos are experts in unconventional warfare, including sabotage, counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering. But what makes them stand out is their ability to fight and survive in the world's most extreme jungles. We go deep into one of the most elite strike forces and follow their 13-week selection course from hell. To earn the coveted Green Beret, recruits must go through three months relentless physical and psychological torture that will push them to their absolute limits, and break all but the best.

The Thai Marine Recon are one of the world's elite special forces. Their job takes them deep behind enemy lines to clear the path before the main marine brigade hit the enemy. Stealth, strength and speed are needed to make the grade. Infiltrating the communist insurgent base in the notorious tropical jungles of southern Thailand in 1970's, the Thai Marine Recon gathered intelligence and executed successful raids. These men have to be able to operate in the harshest of conditions. Forged from the sea, they need to be as comfortable moving on land and in the air. But before Marine Recon hopefuls can join this unit, they will be toughened by the hardest 3 months of their lives. We reveal what pushes the men to go beyond their limits and what it takes to be in the Thai Marine Recon.

They are a swift, silent and deadly attack force on land, sea and air: the Philippine Marines Force Reconnaissance Battalion. They act as the Special Operations Arm of the Philippine Marines and are called to engage in direct actions, long-range patrols, amphibious assaults, and hostage rescue operations. This elite unit can parachute into enemy territory, infiltrate above and under water, trek and strike in dense jungle; giving the Philippine Marines the capability to operate anytime, anywhere. Born out of the Philippines' rich history of conflict, this specialized unit was established in 1995 to counter frequent anti-guerilla operations against communist rebels in the north and the Muslim extremists in the south. Being on the Force Recon Battalion means being on the firing line as combat operations continue in the country to this day. As the country's first line of defense, these men will have to be the best of the best. What does it take to be part of this elite unit? We take you behind the scenes and discover how tough you need to be to earn this badge of honor.