SPECOPSLAB

JTF 2 vs KSK

Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of JTF 2 and KSK, event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.

CANADAJoint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) — Special Operations AssaulterCANSOFCOM PFSE 1OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →GERMANYKommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) — KommandosoldatPFV Phase 1 — minimum standards (Kommandosoldat)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventJTF 2KSK
Relative handgrip (both hands, % of body mass + 20 kg)100 %only this unit—
1.5 mi run9:45only this unit—
Push-ups (continuous, no time limit)KSK: Push-ups, hand-release (30 s)40stricter22
Pull-ups (continuous)KSK: Pull-ups (overhand, from dead hang)57stricter
Sit-ups (1 min)KSK: Sit-ups (30 s)40stricter20
Standard load squats (72 kg, 42 bpm metronome)11only this unit—
Coordination course—2:00only this unit
Casualty transport (approx. 38 m, 2 obstacles)—2:00only this unit
200 m swim in combat uniform (+ undress in water)—7:30only this unit
20 km march with 20 kg—210 minonly this unit

Events in the same row are similar but not identical — read the event names.

Higher levels (e.g. competitive or elevated standards) and your gap to each are in the paid report.

Where the bar is higher

JTF 2 sets the higher minimum in: push-ups and sit-ups.

KSK sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups.

JTF 2 tests 6 events, KSK tests 7 events.

Pay

JTF 2
CA$12,391 / monthWhat a JTF 2 assaulter earns · Sergeant (pay level 6A) · Basic · default scenario, gross
KSK
€4,541 / monthWhat a KSK commando soldier (Kommandosoldat) earns · Oberfeldwebel (A 7) · Stufe 3 · default scenario, grosspartly provisional

Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.

Questions

Is JTF 2 or KSK harder to get into?

JTF 2 sets the higher minimum in: push-ups and sit-ups. KSK sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups. These are only the published fitness minimums; selection itself, medical and other requirements differ, and passing the minimum does not guarantee selection.

How do the JTF 2 and KSK fitness tests differ?

JTF 2: 6 events (grip, run 1.5mi, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, squat 72). KSK: 7 events (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, coord, casualty, swim 200, march 20k).

Does JTF 2 or KSK pay more?

JTF 2: CA$12,391/month; KSK: €4,541/month (default scenarios, gross). The amounts are in different currencies and depend on taxes and cost of living, so we do not rank them.

Sources:
JTF 2
KSK