“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” is returning to Fox for season 4, and the lineup of Directing Staff (DS) instructors is as tough as ever. While celebrities from all walks of life push their physical and mental limits, the operatives leading the way are veterans who have lived through the same extreme conditions they now recreate on the show.
Rudy Reyes: ‘Special Forces’ Instructor and Team Leader
Rodolfo “Rudy” Reyes, born in 1971 on Richards-Gebaur Air Base in Missouri, overcame a challenging childhood before joining the United States Marine Corps at 26, according to his Fox bio.
A decorated martial artist, he quickly rose through the ranks to become an elite Recon Marine, leading more than 50 patrols behind enemy lines. Reyes served one tour in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq as a Recon Team Leader and Scout Sniper, later working as a counter-terror contractor for the Department of Defense.
After leaving the military, Reyes trained anti-poaching rangers in Africa and founded Force Blue, a nonprofit that partners former special operators with marine scientists to rebuild coral reefs and protect endangered species.
He has also appeared on survival shows like “Apocalypse Man,” “Ultimate Survivor Alaska,” and the BAFTA-nominated documentary “Once Upon a Time in Iraq.” In 2008, Reyes portrayed himself in the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill.”
Jason “Foxy” Fox: Is Calm But Tough
Another familiar face for fans is Jason “Foxy” Fox, a former SBS sergeant who has served as a DS since the UK version of “Special Forces” began. Foxy is known for his calm demeanor and dry humor, which provide levity in otherwise grueling conditions.
Foxy, 47, joined the military at 16 and rose through the ranks before being medically discharged due to PTSD. He later detailed his struggles in several books and in his podcast “Jason Fox Wild Tales.” In addition to his military and television career, Fox has worked as an investigative journalist, producing the series “Meet the Drug Lords: Inside the Real Narcos,” which saw him embedded with South American cartels.
Mark “Billy” Billingham Brings a No-Nonsense Style as a ‘Special Forces’ Instructor
Mark “Billy” Billingham rounds out the trio of UK veterans on the U.S. show. Known for his blunt one-liners and uncompromising style, Billingham has also worked as a bodyguard for A-listers such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Despite his Hollywood connections, Billingham admits he rarely recognizes the celebrities cast on the show.
Billingham, 58, began his career in the Parachute Regiment and later became an SAS Sergeant Major. He earned the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for his service. Away from the battlefield, he is married to American fashion designer Julie Colombino, and the couple are often seen on social media with their British Bulldog, Alfie.
Jovon “Q” Charles Adds Navy SEAL Experience
New to the DS team is Jovon “Q” Charles, a decorated Navy SEAL who served 15 years in the military. Charles graduated at the top of his class, earning the Honorman award, and his training helmet is now displayed in the Navy SEAL museum.
His journey was far from easy — his kidneys failed during the infamous “hell week” of SEAL training — but he persevered to become a respected supervisor on international missions.
With his extensive operational background, Charles brings a fresh perspective and American grit to the “Special Forces” DS lineup.
“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” season 4 premieres Thursday, September 25, on Fox.
