United States Navy SEALS are some of the most physically and mentally tough individuals on the planet. They project far more power than just the 16-man crew. SEALS must go through intense, specialized training, called BUD/S Training, to ensure they can handle the tasks assigned to their unit.
SEALS come from all types of backgrounds and from all over the country. Most SEALS have athletic ability and may have played sports in high school. About one-third have already received a college degree.
The goal of anybody wanting to become a Navy SEAL is simple; they want to become a part of the most elite team in the world. Between 600 and 800 young men attempt the BUD/S or Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, California. Out of those attempting this training, only about one in three will complete it.
The video shows a story of one group going through BUD/S Training called Class 224. It gives anybody considering becoming a Navy SEAL an up-close look at what the training will include and how rigorous it really will be.
BUD/S training will break you down and force you to find something deep within you or quit. It’s considered six months of hell and every Sailor entering the training will be forced to dig deep if they want to complete the training.
The first phase of BUD/S Training will separate the men from the boys. It’s the time when most Sailors will find out if they belong or they should choose a different career path in the United States Navy. This phase of training will push you very hard and may be enough to break you. However, it won’t get any easier if you get through the first phase of BUD/S training.
Not only do those attending BUD/S training have to get through the rigorous PT sessions, but they also have to deal with the lack of sleep and the mental struggles the training causes. BUD/S training will build character and teamwork by weeding out the weak and making the strong stronger.
This training isn’t meant for one individual to make it through alone. SEALS work as a team and they must work as a team to complete the six months of BUD/S training.
The obstacle course is some of the best training during BUD/S. It requires a person to think on their feet and move quickly or they could end up injured.
SEALS are constantly moving, except when they are eating. BUD/S training doesn’t include breaks. It’s intense and will separate those meant to be SEALS from those not meant for this honor. The days will seem endless and require a true desire to become a SEAL to complete this training.
SEAL BUD/S Training is Vital for Success
When the training is over, SEALS will live in a fast-paced world where they will get wet, cold, deal with elements and rarely be comfortable. It’s necessary for the BUD/S training to be so intense to prepare Navy SEALS for this type of life.
A recruit for SEALS must have the physical skills to complete this training. In addition, a SEAL must have the mental aptitude for this intense military career. SEALS are more than just meatheads with incredible physical skills. They have to be very intelligent with plenty of mental aptitudes to complete this training.
Personality doesn’t matter much in a recruit as many types of personalities fit well for the SEALS. However, those willing to sacrifice and those willing to work well with others will be prime candidates for the SEALS.
Drown Proofing
Half of Class 224 failed drown proofing the first time they went through it. This is an exercise where the SEALS feet and hands are tied and they must keep above water and move through the water even while bound. It requires incredible mental toughness to complete.
Hell Week
It’s exactly how it sounds; horrible. Hell week at BUD/S training is the week recruits dread the most. This week includes around-the-clock physical training in an intense environment. Recruits may only get four hours of sleep during the entire week.
While it’s called Hell Week, it’s actually 5.5 days long of training. Teamwork is key during this week as you won’t survive it on your own. Over the five days, recruits will deal with cold, wet conditions. Hell Week challenges recruits in a way they will never be challenged again.
During Hell Week, recruits will discover what their limitations are and what they are truly capable of doing. The video shows recruits working together in rubber boats, completing intense physical tasks and dealing with the elements.
One recruit mentioned in the video that he found out he could fall asleep under a boat, while running, during Hell Week. The best way to describe this week is with the words pain, emotion, cold, physical and misery. For most recruits, they will feel like it can’t get any worse, and then it will.
Those recruits coming to BUD/S training just to find out if they can hack it, won’t. If you don’t truly want to be a Navy SEAL, you won’t survive Hell Week.
The Rest of BUD/S Training
After Hell Week, it’s necessary to go through even more training with plenty of work in the water. Recruits will need to stay calm in the water and work hard to ensure they can become a frogman.
This phase of training will also help the SEALS learn how to work with their equipment, especially specific breathing equipment.
The final four weeks of training will happen at Camp Al Huey on The Rock or San Clemente Island. The northern tip of this island is the place for BUD/S training.
If you’re considering becoming a United States Navy SEAL, what the BUD/S Training – Class 224 video from Seals SWCC before you join the military. Then, if you still want to be a SEAL, join the Navy and work hard to ensure you become a recruit for BUD/S Training.