Therefore, on the morning of July 27, 2025, these candidates participated in the challenging 20 kg run. The itinerary of the race started from the entrance of the 4th Rapid Intervention Battalion to the village of Gashiga, round trip. At the end of this run, the first 750 candidates were pre-selected for the next stage of the recruitment.

The Governor of the North region, Mr. Jean ABATE EDI’I, awarded the yellow jersey to JACKSAM HOUGHAPA Brian, 19 years old who hails from Gashiga. A few hours later, these candidates faced a 10 km run without load, followed by physical exercises such as push-ups, squats, rope climbing, stretching, and psychotechnical tests. Finally, they underwent thorough medical examinations. Those who are fit physically, mentally, and medically will have a chance to join the expected 1,800 BIR commandos.