What Does it Take to Become a Navy SEAL?
Becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL is more than just being physically strong. You have to be mentally strong, smart, and be able to learn complex procedures very quickly to help your team succeed at a mission. A Navy SEAL is taught to never fail, and learning to succeed at everything is a character trait that not everyone has.
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Basics
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To even be considered for SEAL training, you must be a male U.S. citizen, age 18 to 28, a high school graduate, have 20/20 vision or vision that can be corrected to 20/20, have a minimum ASVAB score of 165 for GS-MC-EI or 220 for VE-MK-MC-CS. You must also pass the PST or physical screening test, which is designed to test physical readiness.
Physical Training
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The PST is the first physical step into BUD/S, which is Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training. Everyone that gets into BUD/S has passed the PST, but less than have of them pass BUD/S. Physical Training (PT) for SEALs has to be very broad and inclusive of many different fitness techniques. The body has to be constantly challenged and needs perform a variety of different movements to literally prepare for the unknown. CrossFit is recommended for anyone thinking about becoming a SEAL, and the SEALs now use CrossFit techniques daily.
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Navy Basics
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After boot camp and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) training, BUD/S begins. It is a 6-month course in Coronado, California that focuses on physical conditioning, diving physics, basic diving, land warfare, demolition, weapons handling, communications, reconnaissance and small boat handling.
First Phase of Training
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The first phase of BUD/S weeds out those that aren't physically or mentally strong. "Hell Week" is the fourth week of the program and SEAL recruits are trained around the clock for five and a half days with four hours of sleep total. The purpose is to convince the recruit that his body is more capable than his mind allows him to think. Those that can't break down their minds and let their bodies take over do not make it into the next phase.
Second Phase of Training
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The second phase of training focuses is dive training. The training makes the SEAL a competent basic combat swimmer, which is what separates a SEAL from any other Special Operations operator. Recruits will learn to use swimming as a means transportation to get from a small boat to their combat mission, for example.
Final Phase of Training and Considerations
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The third phase is land warfare, which teaches the recruits to use basic weapons, teaches about demolition, and how to perform small unit tactics. The phase also teaches land navigation, rappelling, and about basic military explosives. The last three weeks are an overview of everything the recruits have learned in school. The majority of recruits that drop out, leave within the first phase. It is important to note that you cannot fail at BUD/S. You do not get kicked out, rather it is your own choice to leave.
Above all else, a SEAL is cool headed, knows how to perseveres and values teamwork. A SEAL cannot function on his own.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Navy Seal Pin © US Navy
