Special Ops Veterans Test Untrained Civilians in New History Series The Selection

Screen grab from History video

While we don’t yet know exactly when History Channel’s special ops drama series Six — which was postponed after originally scheduled to launch this past summer — will air (although costar Barry Sloane’s Twitter feed indicates an early 2017 air date), those interested in special ops can get satisfaction from another upcoming History series that we do know the premiere details about. The unscripted “experiment series” (to use History’s words) The Selection: Special Operations Experiment will premiere Dec. 8 at 10pm ET/PT on the network.

History’s release on the show says that The Selection will task six U.S. military special operations veterans with pushing civilians through a course that tests what it takes to be the best of the best. Thirty men and women between the ages of 21 and 45, and with no military background, will be put into the most intense physical and mental challenge of their lives. The participants will be trained and led by veterans of the Navy SEALs, Green Berets and Army Rangers.

“Throughout the history of our nation, Special Operations training tactics has played an integral part in our military endeavors and this series gives viewers a rare glimpse into what it takes to be selected among the elite,” said Paul Cabana, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, HISTORY. “The Selection will offer civilians the unique opportunity to take part in an immersive, authentic course instructed by different branches leading together, while giving viewers insight into the origins of these challenges.”

Instructing the 30 civilian participants will be veteran Navy SEALs Marcus Capone, Ray Care and Sean Haggerty; veteran Special Forces Green Berets Donnie Bowen and Bert Kuntz; and veteran Army Ranger Tyler Grey.

History is careful to say that this is not a competition series; there will be no cash rewards, with the challenge being only a test against oneself.

The eight-episode series comes from executive producer Peter Berg (Lone Survivor) and his unscripted shingle Film 45, and Bunim/Murray Productions. The Selection: Special Operations Experiment premieres Dec. 8 at 10pm ET/PT on History.