Basic SEAL Information

[ Training | Requirements | Points of Contact | Seal Source Ratings ]

 Today's SEALS trace their history to the first group of volunteers
 selected from the Naval Construction Battalions in the spring of 1943.
 These men were tasked with clearing beach obstacles for the amphibious
groups that spearheaded the invasions of Sicily. Subsequently, the
 first formal training of the Naval Combat Demolition Unit (NCDUs)
began. The NCDUs distinguished themselves in both the Atlantic and
   Pacific theaters during WW II. These units were further consolidated
   into Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) before the end of the war. As
   UDTs, these men saw action in every corner of the Pacific. The UDTs
   further distinguished themselves during the Korean conflict.
   

   January 1962 marked the commissioning of SEAL Team ONE in the Pacific
   Fleet and SEAL Team TWO in the Atlantic Fleet. The SEALS were
   developed to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerrilla
   warfare, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine
   environments. Operating in the Republic of Vietnam, SEAL Team direct
   action platoons and advisor teams compiled an impressive record of
   combat successes.
   

   Since the close of the Vietnam Conflict, the ever- changing world
   situation and increased operational tasking has prompted the UDTs to
   be redesignated as SEALS and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDV's). Also
   included within this operational arsenal are the Special Boat Units.
   These commandos now make up Naval Special Warfare. These units are
   organized, trained, and equipped to conduct special operations in
   maritime and riverine environments. These highly trained specialists
   are deployed in small units worldwide in support of fleet and national
   operations. The wide range of tasks performed by Naval Special Warfare
   units have produced exceptional combat records and have earned an
   enduring, deserving, and outstanding operational reputation.
   

   TRAINING
 

   As a prospective Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL student, you will
   participate in training that will challenge you both mentally and
   physically. You will also encounter obstacles that will develop and
   test your stamina and leadership. BUD/S training itself is extremely
   tough both mentally and physically, but through adequate preparation
   and a positive attitude, you can meet its challenges with confidence.
   

   Prior to commencing BUD/S, each student undergoes two weeks of
   physical training and indoctrination. BUD/S training is broken down
   into three phases. First phase is the basic conditioning phase and is
   nine weeks in length. Physical training involves running, swimming,
   and calisthenics, all of which become increasingly difficult as the
   weeks progress. The sixth week of training is "Hell Week", which is
   five and a half days of continuous training with little or no sleep.
   This week is designed to push the students to their maximum capability
   both physically and mentally. The remaining three weeks are spent in
   hydrographic reconnaissance. Second phase is the diving phase and is
   seven weeks in length. Students learn combat SCUBA, both open and
   closed circuit, with emphasis placed on long distance underwater dives
   with the goal of training students to become basic combat divers.
   

   Third phase is the Demolitions/Reconnaissance/Land Warfare phase
   and is nine weeks in length. This phase concentrates on teaching land
   navigation, small unit tactics, patrolling techniques, rappelling,
   individual infantry weapons and military explosives. The final five
   weeks are spent at San Clemente Island where students apply techniques
   acquired throughout training in a practical environment. After
   graduation, trainees receive three weeks of basic parachuting at Fort
   Benning, Georgia. They will then be assigned to a SEAL or SDV Team to
   complete a six month probationary period before being allowed to wear
   the Naval Special Warfare insignia.

   REQUIREMENTS
        Pass a diving physical exam.
        Pass the physical fitness test.
        Eye sight cannot be worse than 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in
        the other and must be correctable to 20/20 with no color
        blindness.
        Only men are eligible
        Minimum ASVAB score: VE + AR = 104, MC = 50
        Must be 28 years old or less

        500 yard swim using breast and/or side stroke in 12:30
        Ten minute rest
        Perform minimum of 42 pushups in 2 minutes
        Two minute rest
        Perform minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes
        Two minute rest
        Perform at least 8 pull-ups, no time limit
        Ten minute rest
        Run 1.5 miles wearing boots and pants in 11:30

   As a reminder, there are no maximums on these physical tests.
   Prospective trainee should provide the best scores possible, i.e.,
   give his best effort.

   POINTS OF CONTACT

BUD/S Recruiter
Naval Special Warfare Center
2446 Trident Way
San Diego, CA 92155-5494
(619) 437.3641
DSN 577.3641

Diver Motivator
WS/PT Division Bldg.116
Recruit Training Command
Great Lakes, IL 60088
(708) 688.4643
DSN 792.4643

SEAL Source Ratings

   You must have one of the following ratings before entering BUD/S:
     * Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment (ABE)
     * Aviation Ordnance man (AO)
     * Boatswain's Mate (BM)
     * Electrician's Mate (EM)
     * Engine man (EN)
     * Electronics Technician (ET)
     * Fireman / Fireman Apprentice (FN/FA)
     * Gunner's Mate (Guns / Missiles) (GMG/GMM)
     * Hospital Corpsman (HM)
     * Hull Technician (HT)
     * Interior Communications Technician (IC)
     * Intelligence Specialist (IS)
     * Machinist's Mate (MM)
     * Machinery Repairman (MR)
     * Operations Specialist (OS)
     * Photographer's Mate (PH)
     * Personnel man (PN)
     * Parachute Rigger (PR)
     * Quartermaster (QM)
     * Radioman (RM)
     * Seaman / Seaman Apprentice (SN/SA)
     * Storekeeper (SK)
     * Signalman (SM)
     * Sonar Technician [Surface] (STG)
     * Torpedo man (TM)