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How to Become a Navy SEAL

May 5, 2011 By admin

There is no denying that many people dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. After the latest operation by this team, in which Osama bin Laden was killed, more and more people are sure to become interested in this career path.

Before we go any further, it is good to keep this one detail in mind: not everybody is cut out to become a Navy SEAL. Even if you think you are ready, you may find out soon enough that this is not the case.

For more information on the Navy and becoming a SEAL, click here to request a free information packet.

You can?t just decide that you are going to become a SEAL ? you have to earn this honor. Doing so is a long road that requires physical endurance, mental toughness, and intelligence. On top of all this, you need nerves of steel. While the process is difficult it is far from complicated.

Age Requirement

If you want to become a SEAL you have to be 28 years or age or younger. In some cases, those who are 29 or 30 may be able to request an age waiver. If you are any older than this you cannot become a SEAL.

Gender Requirement

In short, the SEALs do not accept women at this time. The reason for this is simple: Congress has set policy stating that females are to be excluded from active combat duty. So, if you are a woman you are not able to join the SEALs. That being said, you are still welcome to become part of the Navy.

Citizenship Requirement

To become a SEAL you must be a United States citizen ? there is no way around this.

If you are a citizen of another country you can only enlist in the Navy if you have an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registrations Card.

Entrance Test

If you want to ever be considered for the SEALs program you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This exam will test your knowledge and skills in a number of areas including math, science, and word comprehension among others.

Physical Screening Test

The physical screening test (PST) gives you the chance to show off your physical abilities. If you are not in tip-top shape you will find it next to impossible to pass this test. Unless you can pass this test you do not have what it takes to move onto the next step, which is the SEALs training program.

Here are several components of the physical screening test: swimming, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and running. Of course, there are time limits and requirements on each component. Even though you will receive a period of rest between each component do not expect it to be a walk in the park ? it is anything but that.

If I meet all these requirements and pass the physical screening test do I become a Navy SEAL on the spot? No. This is just the preliminary work before you tackle the real stuff. As noted above, you then move onto SEALs training. If you thought the physical screening test was tough you will be in for a surprise as your training gets underway.

How does all of this sound to you? Are you discouraged or more excited than ever? If you still feel that a career as a SEAL would fit you well, speak with a recruiter about joining the Navy and moving forward. Better yet, read here how one Navy Seal life changed forever.

Filed Under: Navy Seal

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Comments

  1. Alex Williams says

    May 6, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    Hi,

    I am British, born in the UK. I was just wondering how i would go about joining the Navy Seals?

    Thanks, Alex

  2. USMCDEVILDOG says

    May 7, 2011 at 1:29 am

    Mr. Williams, if you read the above, you would know you’re not eleigible due to you not being a US Citizen.

  3. Shane Bentley says

    May 27, 2011 at 8:52 am

    HI im shane ive done njrotc for three years and wanted to be a navy seal for the past 5 years, thats one of the reasons i wanted to be in the navy, i was just wondering if you had any tips i should use in training to help me get ready for what im going to endure. I was born in america, I have a gold lamp on my pt ribbon, i was on the drill team and the pt team, i am a male and im 18.

    and is college necessary in becoming a seal.

  4. Vincent Russo says

    May 27, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    SEALS training is the toughest training in the world! If You are physically fit , don’t think that you are capable! It takes much more than physical! You must have HEART !!! You must have COMMON SENSE!!! You must have INTEGRiTY!! You must have compassion!! You must have WILL POWER!! You must be the craziest motherfucker to take this job and be HAPPY!! If you lack any of these, forget it, because there is much more!! It is lifelong!!!!

  5. Chris Davis says

    June 1, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    if you have all these but your not good at math can you still be a navy seal and if you have all the physical abilities of a seal which i have the heart to know i do i just love being the best of the best and dying like the rest but not anytime soon and my girlfriend thinks i should do just the navy do you think i should be a seal and fight for it or do the regular navy

  6. Franco Tarrayo says

    June 5, 2011 at 5:52 am

    How come that the US citizen only can join the Seals. I think we have to gave the chance to other country, because the Navy Seals is an small community we have to make them spread, and gave the chance to others who is willing to serve and to protect the lives of others…

  7. Derelle Woods says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:26 am

    By becoming a Navy Seal do you have to have SAT scores to enter? Another question is, what if you have learning disablities, would this affect the chances of becoming an Navy Seal?

  8. Jordon ussel says

    June 18, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    I am very intreated in being a seal i have the heart i am working on the strength can s seal please email me [email protected]

  9. ernest says

    June 27, 2011 at 12:10 am

    im young and i want to be a seal when i grow up. what can i do every day to get me fit? exa. 20 push ups every night

  10. Sylverstone despagne says

    July 4, 2011 at 8:51 am

    Can you be a marine then be a navy seal ???

  11. Nick La Combe says

    July 11, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Yes you can be a marine and then a Navy SEAL, as long as your not over 28. Please everyone show a little respect when you write Navy SEAL. SEAL is capitalized.

  12. Patrick says

    July 24, 2011 at 10:48 am

    ernest,
    To get fit use repetition every night like 20 pushups 10 pullups and a .5 mile run.Gradually increase your reps and for pullups after you get to 15 a day try pullups with your palms facing away from your body.Good luck!

  13. John says

    August 13, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Ive been wanting to become a Navy SEAL ever since i was nine ive been training and play sports like football and baseball i know its no walk in the park but whats all of the training like?

  14. Colin says

    August 18, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    I am 13 and I have wanted to be a Navy SEAL ever since I read the book SEAL Of Honor. The story about Mike Murphy who got the Medal of Honor. I know it wont be a piece of cake to get in but I am going to try for SEAL Team Six and maybe even make it into Red Cell. My friend Jesseca who is the best girl in the world in all ways doesnt want me to go but I am going to for her and for all the men and women Spec Ops and not that have died to keep me safe. I love you Jess and would never let anything hurt you baby!

  15. Joseph says

    August 21, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    I am 15 and are very interested in becoming a Navy SEAL. I have too many questions to post on this website so can someone please email me so I can ask some questions. [email protected] It would be greatly appreciated.

  16. BUDS class 189 says

    August 29, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    @ John
    At BUDS, we ran 5-12 miles a day, swam 3-5 miles a day, 1-2 hours of PT a day, O course every week, Log PT or Boat PT every week x 2, and several classes. Wrestling is a better training than football or baseball. Personally, I’d recommend Cross Country in Fall, Wresting in Winter and Swim in Spring. While running all year long.
    @Sylverstone. Yes, you can be a Marine and then be a SEAL. You’ll need to either get an inter – branch transfer (not easy to get), get out, and then come back in the USN. I had a former Recon Marine in my BUDS class.
    @Derelle. SAT scores have no bearing on SEAL training. You will need to be in 1 of 16 SEAL Rated C schools (Corpsman, Radio man, Gunnersmate, etc). Your ASVAB score will be used to see if you qualify for these schools.
    @Patrick. Sorry, but that routine wouldn’t even get you through the class up test.

    Anyone wanting to be a SEAL, should start a running program (building up to 5-12 miles per day), swim (Combat side stroke) for up to an hour a day, and if possible find a Cross Fit Gym and join. It isn’t just about passing the entry exam, it’s about surviving training. Without a huge running and swimming base, the chances of getting stress fractures are almost 100%.

  17. MLB&SEAL4LIFE says

    October 12, 2011 at 8:45 am

    Hi, ive read all the comments, and I understand that their are alot of people who wanna make it into SEALs. Im one of these people. My name is William Mendoza, I am 17 turning 18 very soon. I currently play baseball and am great at it. But for some reason ever since I was small, The name SEAL, has always brought attention to me. Ive studied each element of it, from BUDS to the training after. I understand the qualifications needed to be even considered. Im hoping someone in here can contact me that is currently in SEALs or is working within BUDs. I can do everything from the pushups to pullups. I just need to work on the swimming and running. My Goal in life is to play in the Major Leagues for any baseball team as long as I make a difference in peoples lives. SEALs is my backup plan, and honeslty, if baseball doesnt work out, I will one day bcome a United States Navy SEAL. Remember my name. My EMAIL : [email protected] – Thanks

  18. killian hyer says

    October 20, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Im 13 and i want to join @ 17 is that possable?

  19. PTTill.I.Collapse says

    November 17, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    Being a SEAL shouldn’t be a ‘back-up plan’. SEAL team should be your priority if you want to make it. Live, breathe, sleep and live it. Run till you puke, PT till your muscles are fried, and swim till you sink, then repeat. It takes everything you have, and everything you will ever have, to become a SEAL, and remain a SEAL. You’re mind can’t be in other things, or in other fantasies. You have to be 110% focused on those four letters, or you’ll wash out. Those who think SEAL team is for them, and consider it ‘Plan B’, will not make it. Period. You can be ripping out 120 pushups in two minutes, and crushing every part of the PST, but if your hearts not in it, and your not focused on what being a SEAL truly means, you’ll wash out just the same as the guy who did not prepare. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, don’t kid yourself, and be 110% focused 24/7.

  20. I'd Rather not say my name says

    December 7, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    Women should be able to become navy SEALs if they really wanted to and they have what it takes, me myself, i’m 14, and my dream is to become a navy SEAL I feel i can achieve what ever I want to and thats what i want to do, one day my dad asked me what i wanted to be when i am out of school and all that stuff, and i told him i want to become one of the first women to become a Navy SEAL and thats what I really want to do.

  21. Nick says

    December 16, 2011 at 11:32 am

    SEALs is my life goal. If i dont become a SEAL there is no point in living for me. Work out everyday no matter what. Train hard guys it aint easy. See you in the teams.

  22. Nick says

    December 16, 2011 at 11:42 am

    @PTTill.I.Collapse Couldnt have said it more perfectly. Thats the truth right there.

  23. Brennan Millermon says

    December 28, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Hello. i am 15 yrs old and ive wanted to be a SEAL all my life. IT is my number 1 priority in life and i have alot of questions. Thank you.

  24. Black Tungsten Ring says

    December 30, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely large for me. I am looking ahead to your next submit, I’ll attempt to get the hold of it!

  25. Drone says

    January 3, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    Pain is weakness leaving the body.
    this quote inspires me to push myself everyday as i train my hardest to become a SEAL. I can already meet th required minimum at the age of 14. The only thing im iffy on is the swimming and thatas because i havent timed myself yet. I do three sports year round and take great pride in my athletic ability. I repsect those who have died for this county. the country i hold so dear to my heart. i will fight for my country. i will die for my country. I do football(soon to be cross country) wrestling and track. i try everyday to prove i am at the top of my class. i strive to become part of the most elite fighting force on the earth. and until that day comes where that trident is pinned on my shirt i will kill myself everyday till all weakness leaves my body. till the pain is gone.
    The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday- Goodluck SEALs thanks for fighting

  26. SDeyoung says

    January 17, 2012 at 1:31 am

    I’m dedicated to this path of life, I have been working out for 3 years, I’m obtaining surgery on my ears to pass MEPS, I study my ASVAB book, to guarantee success. I hope all of this isn’t for nothing. One question though do we take any type of academic class that goes towards a degree? Such as a A.A. Etc. please contact me thank you.

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  32. Bradley says

    February 19, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    I am only twelve and am currently in the AVID program. My entire life has been dedicated to being a NAVY SEAL. I am willing to work or run or swim till I collapse and fight to the death for my family and my country I know the pain of loosing a friend or not making it back and I will be sure to always try my best and follow instructions. One question ? Where do I apply to be a SEAL?

  33. Nick says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    Im young and i have wanted to be a NAVY SEAL for along time. What can i do to get physicaly fit?

  34. t says

    March 1, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    run 5 miles evry day, push yourself till you finish, swim alot, and lots of push-ups. I do this every day to get ready.

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  36. mand says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:24 am

    navy sels forewer1!!!!!!!

  37. joey says

    March 22, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    I am 12 and i want to join the SEALs i cant wait to grow up!!!

  38. Levi says

    March 28, 2012 at 4:32 am

    Hey I’m 10 years old and my dream is to be a navy seal I’m already working out most of my friends say I’m built I’m very smart not tryin to brag or anything I CAN’T WAIT FOR TRAINING

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  41. Micheal says

    April 13, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    HI, im micheal and i was wanting to become a NAVY SEAl, i got heart, i got determination, i got everything ya’ll mention in the reading above. But its the Entrance test that might get me i dont know yet because i havnt took it. I was wondering how can i get ready for the Entrance test. Im still high school about to graduate in a month and i was really consider to become a NAVY SEAL but if theirs anyway i can get help and ready for this Entrance Test. Please let me know on my E-mail Address.

    Thank you,
    Micheal Davila

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  53. izaac garber says

    June 28, 2013 at 11:59 am

    about how long does it take to become a navy seal

  54. KELLY BROWN says

    July 30, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    thanks alex

  55. Cpl D says

    November 10, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    “Please everyone show a little respect when you write Navy SEAL. SEAL is capitalized.”

    So is Marine.

  56. Josh says

    January 11, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Im currently serving as a royal marine commando in the United kingdom, can you tell me the process (if there is one) I need to do to becoming a navy seal. I’m aware il have to join the navy then attempt seal selection from there, has it been done before from a none U.S. citizen? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Josh

  57. Joey says

    January 12, 2016 at 10:09 am

    My name is Joey and I want to join the U.S. Navy SEALS (i know everyone wants to) I’m currently 16 in high school and in JROTC and in an after school raiders is a strength and conditioning i have the mental strength. I was wondering if i had time to Join the Marines then MARSOC or Force Recon and then i think i would be ready for BUD/S do i have enough time.

  58. Jack O'Neill says

    March 12, 2016 at 6:43 pm

    Hi I am a British born male and I was wondering that if I have a US Citizenship and meet all the requirements, could I become a US Navy SEAL or is there anymore things needed.
    Many thanks.

  59. Alex Ginis says

    May 3, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Is it possible to become a Navy SEAL as a foreigner after gaining your citizenship?

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