The couse was devised by Major John Woodhouse in 1953, and the current course has changed very little over the years. After a series of fatalities in the late seventies early eighties, more emphasis has been put on safety. The course is long and tough. For those who pass the 'build-up to test week' then find they are then faced with the 'Endurance March'. Little can prepare anyone for this challenge, and to succeed in the allotted time is achievement itself.
Continuation training lasts for fourteen weeks, where all candidates surviving Selection will be taught basics nedded to be a good SAS soldier. These include operating as a member of a four-man patrol and learning standard operating proceedures (SOPs). Specialist weapon skills and combat training follow.

The combat and survival phase ends with an escape and evasion exercise, in which candidates are expected to avoid capture. However, irresespective of capture, all candidates are put through intensive interrorgation training. This involves having a wet pillowcase covering one's head to invoke a feeling of esphxyxia and confinement.

Those that pass this phase will then undergo jungle and static-line parachute training. Static-line parachute training invoves jumping out of a C-130 Hercules attached to a static line which runs along the interior so when someone jumps out it pulls the parachute from the 'chutists' pack.
Even after this it is still not finished; SAS soldiers are required to swim 1.6km (1 Mile) fully clothed and with all equipment.
Then and only then will the soldier recieve his coveted winged dagger badge and beret.