What should I do to get into the Navy SEALs program?

Question

I'm 16, and I really want to be a SEAL when I get out of highschool.

I was wondering if anyone that is or was a SEAL could direct me in what to do.

Also, what should I start doing physically to be as prepared as one can get for such a demanding job?

Answer 1

I am not a SEAL, but I am a Sailor,

Step 1, go talk to a NAVY recruiter.

Like others on here have said, you need to be able to join the NAVY first, and in order to do that you need to be drug free, have a good driving record, graduate high school and basically have a good background. If you have a criminal record or even speeding tickets, this can compromise your ability to enlist.

You have to have very high security clearances to get into the SEAL program, so any "red flags" on a background investigation will automatically disqualify you.

The US Government isn't going to trust someone that is not in good standing in our society to carry out the missions associated with the SEAL program or even a basic enlistment if you appear to have questionable issues of trustworthiness.

There is plenty of information on the topic of NAVY SEALs online and in the libraries.

You have to be able to run like a marathoner, swim like an olympic athlete, follow instructions and pay attention to detail knowing that your life will depend on it. You will need to be a world class athlete. You have to be smart, and have very high ASVAB scores along with being very very fit.

You will undergo tests that will test you physically beyond what your body is capable of doing and will continue to be tested to see how long it will take to see if you will fail mentally

BUDs school weeds out many who apply to the program and very few make it through the whole thing. If you survive BUDs, you will earn the SPECWAR qualification "trident" and can continue to go through the rest of the pipeline of training that is required.

If you make it through, the rewards are tremendous. There are many special pays and allowances that SEALS get associated with diving, hazard duty, jumping, flying, sea, etc... So you will make a heck of a lot more money than the average sailor would, but very few make it through.

If you make it into the NAVY, you can ask your career counselor for more information about how to apply for the SEAL program

ASVAB requirements:
During the enlistment process you will be required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Your scores on these tests determine the rates for which you are eligible. You must score well enough to qualify for the SEAL program, as well as the SEAL source rate ("A" School) of your choice.

Your recruiter can arrange for you to take a pre-ASVAB test. The pre-ASVAB will identify weaknesses in your performance and enable you to undertake remedial work, if necessary. In addition, several books are available to help you prepare for the ASVAB test. Check your high school or public library, or your local book store. Alternatively, use one of the popular web search engines and search on the following string: "armed services vocational aptitude battery."

The ASVAB is broken down into several categories. To be eligible for BUD/S or SWCC School, your minimum requirements are:

SEAL - GS+MC+EI=165 or VE+MK+MC+CS=220

SWCC - AR+WK=104, MC=50 (For ASVAB 5, 6, and 7; use WK score)(For ASVAB 8, 9, and 10; use VE score).

Take this test seriously and study for it. If you score lower, then those lower scores will stand, so study. The ASVAB is a series of 10 mini tests maintained by the Department of Defense. The ASVAB is made up of tests in the following subject areas:

Word Knowledge

Paragraph Comprehension

Mathematics Knowledge

Arithmetic Reasoning

General Science

Auto and Shop Information

Mechanical Comprehension

Electronics Information

Numerical Operations

Coding Speed
Upon completing the tests, you'll receive a composite score as well as scores for each of the ten sections. These scores are used to determine the position you are best qualified for. If you have not enlisted yet you may retake the ASVAB several times. If you take the ASVAB and score high enough to enlist but not high enough to sign up under the SEAL Challenge Contract (see: waivers), study hard and plan to retake the ASVAB. Inform your recruiter that you are serious about doing well on the ASVAB, so you will qualify for the SEAL Challenge Contract. Download and read SEAL ASVAB Requirements for more information on requirements, qualifying scores, and application instructions.

VISION requirements:
SEALs are required to perform a variety of tasks that require a high vision aptitude. SEAL candidates may qualify for PRK Refractive Surgery to correct their vision. You can read more about the PRK policy on the BUMED PRK Refractive Surgery web site http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil. Eyesight Requirements: Uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/200 in each eye. Both eyes must be correctable to 20/20 (Reference; Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-105, paragraph 7a(c)). No waivers for deficiencies. (Reference; Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-105, paragraph 7a(c).

NOTE: BUMED waiver request: Reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a. For more information on current requirements, contact your local recruiter or reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a, or http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil.

Eye Waivers

Ref: a. COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8 (SERIES)
b. Manual of the Medical Department P-117

I. Eye Sight waivers (Active Duty/Reservist)

a. Per reference (a/b), Eyesight Requirements: Uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/200 in each eye. Both eyes must be correctable to 20/20.
b. BUMED waiver request: Reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a.
c. The eyesight waiver must be included with the medical package per reference (a) to the SPECWAR Assignments (PERS 401D) for review.
d. The eyesight waiver request must be included with the completed BUD/S package for final approval from the SPECWAR Assignments (PERS-401D).

II. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or In-Situ Keratomileusis (Lasik) surgery (Active Duty/Reservist)

a. IAW REF (b) PRK or Lasik surgery waivers are granted case by case by BUMED.
b. An approved PRK or Lasik surgery waiver must be included with your medical package per reference (a) to the Naval Special Warfare Center Medical Department for review.
c. The PRK or Lasik surgery waiver must also be included with the completed BUD/S package for final approval from the SPECWAR Assignments (PERS-401D).

NOTES:

Navy personnel or prospective recruits to the Navy who choose to have surgery performed by a civilian surgeon, they should complete the following checklist items: Review the Navy message that outlines refractive surgery policy for the Navy and Marine Corps (R 101331Z APR 00).

If planning to apply for BUD/S training, review the Navy message that outlines the requirements for new accessions into training (BUMED/30MAR2000/SER 25/NOTAL; refractive surgery policy in the Navy and Marine Corps for new accessions) and as specified by approved LASIK study protocols.

Complete the pre-op counseling form for active duty service members prior to getting PRK from a civilian provider (This document is posted as a link on the BUMED home page:

http://www-nmcp.mar.med.navy.mil/Ophthal/PRKSurgery.asp (Appendix 3).

Complete the post-op medical clearance for return to duty form after having PRK. (This document is posted as a link on the BUMED home page: http://www-nmcp.mar.med.navy.mil/Ophthal/PRKSurgery.asp

Clearance for return to full and unrestricted duty.

Questions regarding corrective eye surgery can be directed to the following department:

Deputy Research Director,
Navy Refractive Surgery Center
Ophthalmology, NMCSD
2650 Stockton Road
San Diego, CA 92106
[phone], FAX [phone]
Clinic [phone]

AGE requirements:
Applications are accepted from men who are 28 years old or less. You may request an age waiver (for those 29-30). Age waivers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

GENDER requirements:
The current policy set by Congress and the Secretary of Defense, effective 1 October 1994 excludes women from direct ground combat billets in the military.The SEAL program is not open to women. Women are encouraged to investigate the Diver and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) fields.

ENLISTMENT requirements:
Enlistment into the U.S. Navy, or any branch of the U.S. military, by citizens of countries other than the United States is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551 - commonly known as a "Green Card").

Applicants must be between 17 and 35; meet the mental, moral, and physical standards for enlistment; and must speak, read and write English fluently.

Note: The U.S. military branches cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States.

Questions concerning immigration to the United States should be asked of the U.S. Embassy.

Only after immigration procedures are completed and an applicant is legally residing in the United States may an application for enlistment be accepted.

Furthermore, in order to be commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy, one must be a native-born or naturalized United States citizen

SEALs are qualified in diving, parachuting, and are experts at combat swimming, navigation, demolitions, weapons, and many other skills. In addition to the maritime environment, SEALs also train in the desert, the jungle, in cold weather, and in urban surroundings.

Your first assignment in Naval Special Warfare begins in Coronado, California at the Naval Special Warfare Command with Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (NSWC BUD/S) training.

NOTE: Physical Preparation Training

Due to liability reasons, we cannot provide a workout program for you. If being a SEAL is your goal, then with the resources available (i.e., books, videos, etc.), you should be able to achieve the highest fitness level possible to prepare you for the rigors of BUD/S training. Your training should prepare you to pass the Physical Screening Test with ease. You can read more about preparing for your PST swim by reading the Sidestroke Swimming guide.

Competitive PST scores

500 yard swim 10:00 min
Push-up 79
Sit- ups 79
Pull-ups 11 (dead hang)
1.5 miles 10:20

..:: Volunteer Overview ::..
This program is only offered to male recruits that have NOT secured a SEAL CONTRACT prior to joining the United States Navy. All Recruits are processed at RTC Great Lakes, during the 1st week of boot camp (1-4 day) your boot camp company will be briefed on Naval Special Operation (SEAL, SWCC, EOD, DIVERS). This will be your opportunity to request the Physical Screen Test (PST). Upon successfully completion of the PST you will be interview by a Naval Special Operation Motivator (NSOM). The motivators will submit a request on your behalf for reclassification. A SEAL challenge contract will not be granted to you. You will not be authorized to receive the benefits that are granted to applicants that have secured the SEAL challenge candidate prior to joining the Navy. There are NO guarantees that you will be allowed more than one (1) opportunity to take the PST.

The community consists of six Major Commands with a total of 2450 SEAL Operators, Naval Special Warfare Command reports directly to U.S. Special Operations Command, located in Tampa FL. SEALS routinely deploy to CENTCOM, PACOM, EUCOM, and SOUTHCOM where they are assigned under specific Special Operations chains of command directly responsible to their theatre combatant commander.

SEALS undergo their initial training at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, CA. SEAL training is extremely physically demanding. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition. SEAL training is not designed to "get you in shape". You must have led a lifestyle of physical fitness to pass the specific physical screening tests described below. These tests are the minimum threshold for individual fitness. You must be able to consistently increase your rate of performance throughout SEAL training in order to be successful in the training pipeline. Although this training is considered to be the most challenging and difficult the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Military has to offer, you need to understand that many men before you have accomplished what you are endeavoring to do. You can expect to be rewarded with an exciting and challenging career. You will be stressed to your limits and beyond. You will serve with the very best that the United States has to defend our freedoms and combat terrorism globally. Be prepared, stay focused, make mature choices, and understand what you are volunteering for.

Good luck, and if you don't make it into the SEAL program, there are still many other things the NAVY has to offer. There are even many jobs that support the mission of the SEALS that you can get into which are very important too.

Answer 2

That's a good question, you might not like my answer though.
First, you need to join the Navy. That, you might be able to do. Then after X amount of years (2 or 3) you can begin the testing process to try to get into Seal School. 95% of all candidates fail this process. If you do get in, there is a 45% you will quit or fail. Not trying to scare, but these are real numbers.

You can NEVER be physically ready for Seal School. More importantly you need to be mentally ready.

I have trained with these men (Seals) and they are the best we've got.

Your still young, stay in school. You can do it.
Good luck to you.

Answer 3

You can use intensive physical exercise to train your body. Focus on strength and even more importantly endurance. You will need top tier cardiovascular condition. There are lots of training manuals and books written by former SEALs with the idea of getting people into the type of physical condition that one expects from a SEAL. You can train your body to become accustomed to frigid temperatures and to operate on little or no sleep but even that has its limits. Training your mind is the hard part and the real challenge. More then anything else it is your mind that matters. When you are fatigued, hungry, and freezing it is hard to not only keep going but to keep your focus and your attention to details. Being able to keep swimming in the cold doesn't do you a lot of good if you are too much of a zombie to know where you are going. Being able to keep your brain working is just as important as keeping your body working. Finally, you must cultivate the aggression needed to win against any adversary (including yourself) and the social skills to function as a part of a team.

In summary, you must have physical strength and body endurance. You must be able to function while cold, wet, itchy, muddy, and hungry. You must have the mental toughness to force your body to continue when it would rather quit and a constant, unfailing attention to detail no matter how exhausted and fragged you feel. Finally, you must be absolutely determined to give everything you've got to see your team succeed.

Answer 4

Go to navyseals.com and look under BUDS. Being a SEAL is something you REALLY want. Days with no sleep, hours in freezing cold water, lots and lots of exercising. There is also a very high attrition rate. But it's not impossible or no one would become a SEAL. Good luck!

Answer 5

***Edited: You'll never be a SEAL, kid. Your Thumbing down all the military people who should have the best idea on th subject.

You need to ask yourself why you want to be a SEAL, First! Being in the military is a lifestyle and if you watch a lot of movies and get hyped, you may set yourself for a life that you really don’t want. There is no glory as a SEAL IF your doing it just for GLORY. They depend on you as you would depend on them with your baby sister’s life!

Most SEALs are chosen from within the military anyways, so I would see if you can hack it there first and then see if you want to go further.

Answer 6

Listen to me not those to dumb people below me. Just run a lot get really fit. But remember muscle sinks in the water!!! You could do scuba diving but that will only get you familirized with the water. The scuba gear that they use is so much diffirent. And don't sit in a cold freezing tubs because no one can get use to the cold!!! You just haven't to want it.

Answer 7

Start training the SEALS are the best special forces in the WORLD only the top are chosen even if you are very fit u might not be chosen.

Learn how to handle your gun to the best of your abilities
Be very fit
and be prepared FOR HELL

Answer 8

Get ready for hell. I recommend getting a SEAL training book to help with the training part.

Answer 9

Get a college degree first
Take scuba diving classes and parachuting too.
Get a 4.0 grade average
Join the Navy.
Pray

Answer 10

this branch of special forces is a challenge to the mind and body----many try few make the grade. I encourage you to stay as physically and mentally fit as you can to try out for the cut-------------good luck.

Answer 11

I will add to the first answer, learn to endure extreme temperatures. They will drive you insane with those!

My son-in-law failed because of this.

Be able to take abuse with out getting your feelings hurt, they will try hard to dehumanize you