Roman Legionary Selection and Training
Recruits from the countrysides where favored instead of the ones from the cities since their upbringing exposed them to harsher life, hunger and physical toughness. Other prerequisite included good eye sight, strong physical shape, high shoulder to waist ratio, good manners, good sense of humor and literacy.
Once recruited, they endured 4 months of hard training. The first thing they would learn is marching. Marches of 20-30 miles under 5 hours with 60lb load were performed regularly; all in tough terrain and weather while maintaining proper distance and good unit cohesion. This enabled them to efficiently switch formations and prevent deserters and weaklings from falling out within the ranks.
Swimming was another skill everyone had to master. It strengthen the body and immune system, on top of crossing rivers and building bridges.
They would then start training with their weapons. All recruits mastered the use of the Gladius and Shield (Scuta). They were taught to stab instead of slashing. A slash could be stopped by bone or armor and the motion left their body exposed to attack. It also required more energy and there was the possibility of hurting the soldier next to you. Stabbing required less stamina and even a 2in puncture could be fatal.
They were also proficient in Javelins, archery and Slings. Training weapons weighted twice as much as the real thing tin order to increase muscle strength, speed and accuracy when using the real weapon.
Combat training occurred several times a day, always outside no matter the weather which in turn hardened the men and toughened up their immune systems.
Once they passed training, the recruits had to take an oath and their hands were branded with a symbol, which marked their new lives for their next 20 years of service as Roman Legionaries.
The US Military in 2021 however….