I was recently watching "Surviving the Cut" about ranger school, sniper school and others, and I was wondering if it has always been that harsh for military training throughout modern times. I realize this may be a stupid question, obviously military training has never been easy, but have they always had to do such terrifying stunts as highrises, freezing water, dives, 22hr days with limited calories and sleep in order to weed out weaker men. Has it always been this way, or is this kind of hardcore training a new development.
P.S. I realize that what I am describing refers specifically to special forces, but the question still stands for basic Army training etc. Was it always as hard as it is?
P.P.S. Also let me know if it's actually easier today haha
Well, it was easier, much easier. Soldiering in the 18th and 19th century was much different than it was in the 20th century. The emphasis of military training was not on skill and surviving but rather marching and formations. Soldiers would spend their training in marching and moving in formation. If they were lucky, there would be training in how to load and fire their musket and even luckier if they were taught how to use their bayonet with skill (beyond "pointy end goes in the enemy").
I have not come across any sort of discussion as to extreme or survival training beyond foraging (mainly in the French army). The focus was marching, because in the French style of war, marching was more important and effective than survival or skill with a musket.
Now, you are talking about elite units, the closest thing you'd find to that is the Old Guard of the Imperial Guard. These men were trained and battle hardened soldiers that were required to have served a minimum of five campaigns and have several citations of bravery to show that they are worthy of being in the Guard. Beyond that, there was no training and anything training they received was up to the prerogative of the commanding regimental/battalion officer.