What You Have to Do to Become a Navy SEAL?
The United States Navy SEALs are an elite special operations force that operates in all environments around the world. To become a Navy SEAL, you’ll need to meet specific requirements, pass rigorous training, and demonstrate exceptional physical and mental abilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To be eligible for Navy SEAL training, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between 17 and 28 years old (with some waivers available for older candidates)
- Be a high school graduate or have a General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Pass a physical screening test (PST)
Physical Screening Test (PST)
The PST is a tough test that evaluates your endurance, strength, and swimming ability. You’ll need to:
- Complete a 500-yard swim in 12 minutes and 30 seconds or less
- Do 42 push-ups in 2 minutes or less
- Do 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes or less
- Complete a 1.5-mile run in 10 minutes and 30 seconds or less
Step 2: Enlist in the Navy and Choose the SEALs
To join the Navy SEALs, you’ll need to enlist in the Navy and choose the SEALs as your job specialty. You’ll also need to complete Basic Training (Boot Camp) before moving on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for the SEALs.
Basic Training (Boot Camp)
Basic Training is a challenging 8-week program that teaches you the fundamentals of the Navy. You’ll learn:
- Combat skills
- First aid
- Survival techniques
- Leadership and teamwork
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for the SEALs
After completing Basic Training, you’ll move on to AIT for the SEALs. This 26-week program will teach you:
- Combat tactics and techniques
- Small boat operations
- Parachuting and airborne operations
- Advanced swimming and diving techniques
- Language and cultural training
Step 3: Complete SEAL Training
Also known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, this is the most challenging part of the process. You’ll need to complete:
- Phase 1: Conditioning: 5 weeks of physical conditioning to test your endurance and strength
- Phase 2: Dive Phase: 2 weeks of scuba diving training
- Phase 3: Land Warfare Phase: 5 weeks of combat tactics and techniques
- Phase 4: Obstacle Course Phase: 4 weeks of obstacle course training
- Phase 5: Hell Week: 5 days of extreme physical and mental challenges
- Phase 6: Final Exam: A final test of your skills and knowledge
What to Expect During SEAL Training
During SEAL training, you’ll face:
- Cold Water Training: You’ll be required to swim in cold water to build up your tolerance.
- Drown Proofing: You’ll be taught how to escape from a submerged environment.
- Obstacle Course Training: You’ll navigate obstacle courses designed to test your physical and mental abilities.
- Night Operations: You’ll conduct operations at night, using only darkness and your training to guide you.
Step 4: Complete Advanced Training
After completing BUD/S training, you’ll move on to advanced training, which includes:
- Dive Training: You’ll learn advanced diving techniques and how to operate as a dive team.
- Parachuting and Airborne Operations: You’ll learn how to parachuting and conduct airborne operations.
- Language and Cultural Training: You’ll learn languages and cultural nuances to prepare you for overseas deployments.
Step 5: Assignments and Deployment
As a Navy SEAL, you’ll be assigned to a SEAL team and deployed to various parts of the world. Your assignments may include:
- Combat Operations: Conducting combat operations in support of national security objectives
- Counterterrorism: Conducting operations to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks
- Special Reconnaissance: Conducting reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence
Conclusion
Becoming a Navy SEAL is an extremely challenging and rewarding process. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to push yourself to the limit. If you’re up for the challenge, follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Navy SEAL.
Table: Navy SEAL Training Phases
Phase | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
Conditioning | 5 weeks | Physical conditioning to test endurance and strength |
Dive Phase | 2 weeks | Scuba diving training |
Land Warfare Phase | 5 weeks | Combat tactics and techniques |
Obstacle Course Phase | 4 weeks | Obstacle course training |
Hell Week | 5 days | Extreme physical and mental challenges |
Final Exam | 1 week | Final test of skills and knowledge |
Table: Navy SEAL Assignments
Assignment | Description |
---|---|
Combat Operations | Conducting combat operations in support of national security objectives |
Counterterrorism | Conducting operations to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks |
Special Reconnaissance | Conducting reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence |
Note: This article is meant to provide a general overview of the process of becoming a Navy SEAL. Requirements and training phases may vary depending on the individual and the specific needs of the Navy.