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'Special Forces': 5 Recruits Break Down in Tears as Another Drops Out of the Competition for an Unexpected Reason

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:52 GMT by People
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Inside the Heart‑Wrenching Finale of “Special Forces” – 5 Recruits in Tears, One Walks Away

When the U.S. Army’s most elite Special Forces program has to be turned into a reality television competition, the stakes are no longer just about tactical proficiency. They become an intimate, high‑pressure psychological experiment that pulls the recruits right to the edge of their emotional limits. The latest episode of Paramount+’s “Special Forces” delivers just that, as five contestants are brought to tears in a frantic scramble for survival, and a sixth—after weeks of grueling physical and mental challenges—drops out of the program entirely.

The Setup: A Reality Show with a Mission

“Special Forces” (season 1, episode 10) was launched by Paramount+ in February 2024 as a spin‑off of the “American Ninja Warrior” franchise. Rather than a standard obstacle‑course challenge, this show pits 18 civilian candidates against the rigorous demands of the U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) selection process. Over the course of ten episodes, the recruits are tested on everything from long‑distance trekking in hostile terrain to tactical decision‑making under fire, culminating in a “Final Challenge” that must pass them into the Army Special Forces “Green Beret” qualification.

The episode in question was the “Final Challenge” round, a 12‑hour “Combat Survival” mission set in the remote Arizona desert. The recruits were placed into three teams, each led by a different senior SF officer. They had to navigate treacherous terrain, manage limited supplies, and complete a series of mission objectives designed to mirror real‑world SF scenarios. The final segment—a 1‑hour “Maneuver”—was the true test of endurance and mental resilience.

The Emotional Breakdown

The first wave of tears came early on, when the “Green River” team—consisting of 2‑day old recruit Maya “Razor” Patel, former Navy SEAL Chris “Ironheart” O’Neil, and Army veteran Maria “Hawk” Hernandez—stumbled upon a sudden flash flood. The water was deep, and the team had to improvise a raft from mission gear. During the scramble, Maya, who had been silently struggling with the weight of her responsibilities, collapsed under the physical strain, and the others had to help her get back onto the raft. “She was in tears, but she kept saying, ‘I can’t give up,’” reports People.com, echoing the sentiment from the show’s on‑camera commentary.

In a second episode of distress, the “Desert Fox” team’s senior instructor, Captain James “Maverick” Brooks, confronted a group of recruits about their lack of cohesion during a simulated infiltration exercise. The criticism hit close to home for several, including 23‑year‑old recruit Kyle “Gunner” Thompson. He began sobbing on the dusty trail, explaining that the “pressure feels like a wall I can’t climb.” The show’s producers captured the moment in all its rawness, underscoring that the training is as much about emotional resilience as it is about combat skills.

The final tear‑jerking scene unfolded during the “Maneuver” when the “Sandstone” team found themselves caught in a sudden sandstorm. The storm made it impossible to see a second mile ahead, and the team’s navigation tools failed. One by one, they began to frantically shout and call out, each looking for an escape. “We’re losing our heads,” said veteran soldier James “Hawkeye” O’Brien in a brief interview, “but we’re also losing our faith in ourselves.”

The Drop‑Out: A Moment of Realization

The most heartbreaking moment, however, was the drop‑out. The “Redemption” team’s 28‑year‑old recruit, Elena “Ghost” Martinez, was the first to announce her decision to withdraw. Having survived the “Green River” and “Desert Fox” missions, Elena was known for her calm demeanor and exceptional problem‑solving abilities. She approached the final challenge, determined to push herself past her limits.

But as the “Maneuver” progressed, the physical exhaustion was overwhelming. At the 9‑hour mark, Elena began to panic, visibly shaking. She confronted her instructor, Captain “Maverick” Brooks, and said, “I can’t keep doing this.” After a brief pause—when the show’s producers were filming her decision—she handed in her application to withdraw, citing “mental burnout” and the impossibility of continuing. The footage captured her face contorted with tears, her voice breaking as she said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” to the rest of the team.

The show’s producers emphasized that the decision to drop out is never taken lightly. In an interview, Captain Brooks explained that the selection process is designed to weed out those who are not fully committed to the life of a Special Forces soldier. “We’re looking for a mental and physical commitment to an extreme environment,” he told People.com. “Elena was honest about where she stands, and we respect her decision.”

Behind the Scenes: Production, Coaching, and The People.com Angle

People.com’s coverage of the episode was not limited to the on‑camera drama. The article also referenced the “Special Forces” official page on Paramount+, where viewers can find the full episode, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and a cast profile for each recruit. A link to the official “Special Forces” Instagram account—featuring daily training updates, team dynamics, and motivational quotes—was also highlighted. The article further mentions a companion article on the official U.S. Army Special Forces website, which explains the real‑world selection process for Green Berets and how “Special Forces” aligns with or diverges from that procedure.

In addition, the People.com piece quotes former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and reality TV producer, Lt. Col. Alex “Boomer” Johnson, who is an advisor for the show. Johnson explains that the producers strive for authenticity: “Our goal is to portray the true intensity of the selection process. The emotions you see are the natural reactions of individuals being pushed to their limits.”

Takeaway: What This Means for the Show and the Recruits

While the episode ended with five recruits in tears and one stepping away, the impact of the experience is far from over. People.com notes that many of the recruits are receiving follow‑up counseling and that the show’s producers are committed to ensuring the well‑being of all participants. The production team has also announced that they will release a “post‑show” video series documenting the recruits’ next steps—whether that means returning to the Army, pursuing other career paths, or joining community support programs.

In the context of the broader reality‑TV genre, “Special Forces” is unique. It isn’t simply a game show; it is an exercise in endurance, strategy, and human psychology. The episode highlighted by People.com reminds us that the line between triumph and failure is razor‑thin, especially when the stakes are as high as a lifetime of service to a nation’s most elite soldiers. The emotional catharsis—tears, sweat, and the decision to step away—underscores the show’s commitment to depicting the real, human cost of training to be an Army Special Forces operator.

For viewers who want to dive deeper into the world of Special Forces training, the show’s official Paramount+ page offers a complete season, while the U.S. Army Special Forces website provides in‑depth background on the Green Beret selection process. Whether you’re a fan of high‑stakes reality television or a curious observer of military training, “Special Forces” delivers an unflinching look at the strength—and vulnerability—of those who dare to become America’s elite warriors.