⚓

Overview of US Navy SEAL Training

Apr 25, 2025

US Navy SEALs: Training and Qualification

Overview

  • Navy SEALs: Elite Special Forces unit of the US, formed in 1962.
  • SEAL Acronym: Stands for Sea, Air, and Land.

Initial Criteria for SEAL Candidates

  • Age Requirement: 18-29 years old.
  • Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.
  • Education: High school equivalent education.
  • ASVAB Score: Minimum composite score of 220.
  • Language: Proficiency in English.
  • Medical Requirements:
    • Vision: At least 20/75, correctable to 20/20.
    • No recent drug abuse history.
    • Good moral character.

SEAL Physical Screening Test

  • Swim: 500 yards using breast or combat side stroke in under 12:30 minutes.
  • Push-ups: At least 50 in 2 minutes.
  • Sit-ups: At least 50 in 2 minutes.
  • Pull-ups: At least 10, no time limit.
  • Run: 1.5 miles in boots and shorts in under 10:30 minutes.

Training Phases

Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School

  • Duration: 8 weeks in Great Lakes, Illinois.
  • Activities:
    • Initial and final physical tests.
    • Final test includes a timed 4-mile run and 2000-meter swim.

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training (BUD/S)

  • Orientation: 3 weeks preparation.
  • Phase 1 - Physical Conditioning:
    • Duration: 7 weeks.
    • Includes Hell Week: 5.5 days of continuous training; 200+ miles running and <4 hours sleep.
    • Focus on fitness, water competence, and mental capabilities.
  • Phase 2 - Combat Diving:
    • Duration: 7 weeks.
    • Focus on swimming, diving, and physical ability.
    • Must complete swims and runs with specific time requirements.
  • Phase 3 - Land Warfare:
    • Duration: 7 weeks.
    • Focus on weapons, demolitions, navigation, marksmanship, and tactics.
    • Includes training on San Clemente Island with live explosives.

Tactical Air Operations

  • Jump Training: From static line to freefall.
  • Requirements: Complete night descents with combat equipment from a minimum of 9500 feet.

SEAL Qualification Training

  • Duration: 26 weeks.
  • Focus: Advanced skills in various combat and operational techniques.
  • Includes: Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape training.

Deployment

  • New SEALs are assigned to a SEAL team at Coronado or Little Creek.
  • Begin advanced training for deployment.

Note: The lecture concludes by inviting suggestions for future content and recommending a video on the SAS.

Full transcript