The unforgiving world of reality competition often tests participants to their breaking point, both physically and mentally. In a recent episode of "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test," Brittany Cartwright, known for her appearances in Vanderpump Rules and its spin-off, The Valley, discovered just how far her limits extended, leading to her voluntary withdrawal from the show.

Cartwright's departure came swiftly, during the premiere episode of the season, leaving many viewers surprised. The show, notorious for its brutal challenges designed to mimic military training exercises, proved to be an immediate and overwhelming experience for the reality star. The backdrop for this season's grueling trials is the harsh, unforgiving terrain of Morocco, adding another layer of intensity to an already demanding competition.

The premiere episode, aptly titled "Behind Enemy Lines," wasted no time throwing the celebrity recruits into the deep end. The initial challenge involved splitting the contestants into two teams and forcing them to rappel from a helicopter hovering 100 feet above the ground. This exercise immediately put Cartwright's admitted fear of heights to the ultimate test.

Despite her terror, Cartwright bravely faced her phobia and successfully rappelled from the helicopter, joining her team on the ground. This initial victory, however, proved to be short-lived. The subsequent task, an arduous uphill haul of 800 pounds of supplies, proved to be the breaking point for the mother of one.

As the weight and incline took their toll, Cartwright expressed her inability to continue, telling course consultant Jovon "Q" Quarles, a former Navy SEAL, "I can't. I don't think I can make it," her breath coming in ragged gasps. Quarles, known for his unwavering encouragement, urged her to push through, but her body seemed to have reached its limit.

The situation worsened when her team, due to their collective struggles, was forced to run the remainder of the course. Faced with the prospect of further physical exertion, Cartwright reiterated her inability to continue, telling Quarles, "I feel like I'm gonna pass out, I'm sorry."

Despite admitting that she "didn't want to be the first to go," Cartwright ultimately recognized that she simply could not continue the day's challenges. "I just can't move," she lamented, signaling her decision to withdraw from the competition.

In a moment of resignation, Cartwright removed her gear, acknowledging that the "Special Forces" experience was not for her. "I can't. I'm gonna throw up. I'm really sorry. I feel like s**t," she confessed before heading towards the waiting van, marking the end of her journey on the show.

Reflecting on her early exit, Cartwright expressed her embarrassment, stating, "I knew I was gonna be first. This is so embarrassing," as she watched her remaining teammates push on. Her departure occurred a mere 15 hours and 26 minutes into the first day of training, highlighting the extreme demands of the competition.

The grueling nature of "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" has become a defining characteristic of the show. Contestants are pushed beyond their perceived limits, both physically and mentally, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities. It's a raw and unfiltered look at human endurance and resilience.

While Cartwright's time on "Special Forces" was brief, her experience serves as a reminder of the intense challenges faced by participants. The show attracts a diverse cast of celebrities and athletes, all eager to prove their mettle against the backdrop of simulated military operations.

The remaining contestants, a mix of athletes, actors, and social media personalities, face an uphill battle as they navigate the increasingly difficult challenges designed to break them down and test their true grit. The show provides viewers with a unique glimpse into the world of elite military training and the mental fortitude required to succeed.

Adding another layer of personal context, Cartwright revealed that her ex-husband, Jax Taylor, had expressed his doubts about her ability to complete the competition before she even arrived. "I had my ex writing me being like, 'You're not gonna make it far,' right before I even came here. So, people like that, I want to prove wrong," she shared in a confessional interview. This added motivation, however, wasn't enough to overcome the immediate physical demands of the course.

Among those continuing the rigorous journey are figures like Kelly Rizzo-Sagot, widow of the late Bob Saget, and her daughter Gia, actor Jussie Smollett, reality star Savannah Chrisley, and podcast host Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia, among others. The diverse backgrounds of the contestants make for a compelling dynamic as they push themselves beyond their limits.

The current roster also includes actor Ravi V. Patel, TikToker Mark Estes, Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson East, and her husband, former NFL star Andrew East; singer Jessie James Decker and her husband, former NFL star Eric Decker. The inclusion of couples adds an intriguing element to the competition, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of teamwork in extreme circumstances.

Completing the list of competitors are Olympic soccer player Christie Pearce Rampone, former NBA player Nick Young, and former NFL stars Randall Cobb and Johnny Manziel. Their athletic backgrounds may provide them with an advantage in certain physical challenges, but the mental and emotional strain of the competition can level the playing field.

The premise of "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" is simple: to subject celebrities to the same brutal training regimen endured by special forces operatives. This involves pushing their physical and mental boundaries through a series of demanding exercises designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios.

The show's popularity stems from its raw and authentic portrayal of human resilience. Viewers are drawn to the spectacle of watching well-known personalities stripped of their celebrity comforts and forced to confront their limitations. It's a compelling narrative of struggle, perseverance, and, in some cases, surrender.

The environment of "Special Forces" is designed to be unforgiving. The directing staff, composed of former special forces operatives, are relentless in their pursuit of breaking down the recruits and rebuilding them into tougher, more resilient individuals. The recruits are constantly pushed to their breaking point, both physically and mentally, testing their ability to function under immense pressure.

Beyond the physical challenges, the show also delves into the psychological aspects of survival. The contestants are forced to confront their fears, insecurities, and past traumas, adding another layer of complexity to the competition. The mental fortitude required to succeed in "Special Forces" is often just as important as physical strength.

Ultimately, "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" is a testament to the human spirit. It's a reminder that we are all capable of more than we think, and that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can find the strength to persevere. Though Brittany Cartwright's journey ended sooner than expected, her experience highlights the demanding nature of the show and the incredible resilience of those who dare to compete.

You can catch new episodes of Special Forces on Thursdays on Fox. Special Forces airs on Thursdays on Fox at 9:00 p.m. EST.