“Survivor” fans who miss the physical aspects of the game should check out “Best Ranger” (7 p.m., Military Channel), three hours of coverage of the U.S. Army’s Best Ranger competition held annually in Fort Benning, Ga.

But don’t go looking for any Richard Hatch-style snake-in-the-grass intrigue. “Ranger” presents a kind of Army Olympics, a test of physical endurance and mental strength that’s exhausting just to watch. The “fun” begins with a grueling obstacle course race at 6 in the morning that includes a crawl through worm-infested mud puddles covered with barbed wire. Most of the two-man teams conquer that competition like a walk in the park.

Over the next 60 hours, they must compete in a push-up/pull-up contest that is timed to a metronome, complete a 1-mile run followed by a 200-yard swim in boots and full gear and a 2-mile run in a wet uniform. At the end of that, they have a “surprise” that requires them to carry their teammate for another half-mile. This all leads up to a 21-mile hike that must be completed in six hours while carrying a 60-pound pack. Other contests include grenade tossing, rope climbing, rappelling, machine gun assembly, and a drop from a helicopter followed by a swim (with full pack and equipment) culminating in a 2-mile buddy-carry.

If this all sounds impossible, it should be remembered that the Rangers represent the elite from every branch of service. The Best Ranger competition determines the elite within that elite. Within the Rangers, this is known as “separating the men.”

¢ There’s no accounting for taste. Was I the only one in shock last week when the home and studio audience of “Hit Me Baby One More Time” (8 p.m., NBC) proclaimed “rapper” Vanilla Ice the winner? Doesn’t his recent “Surreal Life” stint disqualify him for this “Where Are They Now?” showcase?

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ On back-to-back episodes of “The O.C.” (Fox), The Thrills perform (7 p.m.), Kim Delaney guest stars (8 p.m.).

¢ Chris Berman is host to “Best of” coverage of the U.S. Open on “Sports Center” (7 p.m., ESPN).