KSK vs MOE
Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of KSK and MOE, event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.
GERMANYKommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) — KommandosoldatPFV Phase 1 — minimum standards (Kommandosoldat)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →
SPAINMando de Operaciones Especiales (MOE) — Grupos de Operaciones Especiales (GOE)CABOE selection tests (pruebas físicas) — 2023 editionAPPROXIMATElast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →Minimum standards, event by event
| Event | KSK | MOE |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-ups (overhand, from dead hang)MOE: Pull-ups (flexiones de brazos en suspensión en barra) | 7same | 7same |
| Sit-ups (30 s)MOE: Sit-ups (flexión de tronco) | 20 | 57stricter |
| Push-ups, hand-release (30 s)MOE: Push-ups (extensiones de brazos en tierra) | 22 | 37stricter |
| 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 | — |
| 8 km run (8.000 m lisos) | — | 38:00only this unit |
| Agility circuit (circuito de agilidad, CAV) | — | 13.3 sonly 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
MOE sets the higher minimum in: sit-ups and push-ups.
Same minimum: pull-ups.
KSK tests 7 events, MOE tests 5 events.
Pay
Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.
Questions
Is KSK or MOE harder to get into?
MOE sets the higher minimum in: sit-ups and push-ups. Same minimum: 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 KSK and MOE fitness tests differ?
KSK: 7 events (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, coord, casualty, swim 200, march 20k). MOE: 5 events (sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, run 8k, agility).
Does KSK or MOE pay more?
KSK: €4,541/month (Oberfeldwebel (A 7) · Stufe 3); MOE: €2,265/month (Sargento · subgrupo A2 · 0 trienios) (default scenarios, gross). The default scenarios use different ranks and seniority, so this is not a like-for-like comparison — set the same rank in the pay calculator on each unit page.
- Minimum — bundeswehr.de — Werden Sie Teil des Kommandos Spezialkräfte (2026-07-27)