Peter Berg executive producing History channel's 'Special Operations Experiment'

NEW YORK, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Filmmaker Peter Berg is executive producing an eight-episode series called The Selection: Special Operations Experiment for the History channel.

Set to debut Dec. 15, the unscripted show challenges 30 men and women with no military background to undergo "the most intense, physical and mental challenge of their lives."

"Throughout the history of our nation, Special Operations training tactics has played an integral part in our military endeavors and this series gives viewers a rare glimpse into what it takes to be selected among the elite," Paul Cabana, the channel's executive vice president and head of programming, said in a statement Monday. "The Selection will offer civilians the unique opportunity to take part in an immersive, authentic course instructed by different branches leading together, while giving viewers insight into the origins of these challenges."

Instructing the civilian participants will be six combat veterans who range across various U.S. Special Operations units, including Veteran Navy SEALs: Marcus Capone, Ray Care and Sean Haggerty; veteran Special Forces Green Berets Donnie Bowen and Bert Kuntz, and veteran Army Ranger Tyler Grey.

"This is not a competition series -- no cash rewards -- only a test against oneself to see if the mind has the will and strength to push the body to complete the challenges," press notes emphasized.

Berg's films include the upcoming Deepwater Horizon, as well as Lone Survivor, Battleship and Friday Night Lights.