| BUD/S indoctrination is five weeks in length. This
is a mandatory course designed to give the student an understanding
of the techniques and performance required of him. The first obstacle
a student faces is the BUD/S Physical Screen Test. He must pass
the test in order to class up and begin training. At the end of
the indoctrination course, he will be given a more advanced version
of the BUD/S Physical Screen Test that must be passed in order to
enter the First Phase of BUD/S.
FIRST PHASE - BASIC CONDITIONING
First Phase is eight weeks in length. Continued physical conditioning
in the areas of running, swimming, and calisthenics grows increasingly
difficult as the weeks progress. Students participate in weekly
four-mile runs in boots, and timed obstacle courses. They swim ocean
distances up to two miles in fins and learn small boat seamanship.
 The
first two weeks of First Phase prepare you for the third week, known
as "Hell Week." Students participate in five and one-half
days of continuous training, with a maximum of four hours sleep
for the the entire week. This week is designed as the ultimate test
of one's physical and mental motivation while in First Phase. During
Hell Week, you will learn the value of the mainstay of the SEAL
Teams: TEAMWORK! The remaining five weeks are devoted to teaching
methods of conducting hydrographic surveys, preparing hydrographic
charts and instruction in basic maritime operations.
SECOND PHASE - DIVING
By completing First Phase, you prove to the instructor staff that
you are motivated to participate in more in-depth training. The
diving phase is seven weeks in length. Physical training continues
during this period, and the times are lowered for the four-mile
run, two-mile swim, and obstacle course.
Second Phase concentrates on combat SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater
Breathing Apparatus). Students are taught two types of SCUBA: open
circuit (compressed air) and closed circuit (100% oxygen). You participate
in a progressive dive schedule emphasizing the basic combat swimmer
skills necessary to qualify as a combat diver. These skills will
enable you to operate tactically and to complete your combat objective.
These are the skills that separate SEALs from all other special
operations forces.
THIRD PHASE - LAND WARFARE
The demolitions, reconnaissance, weapons, and tactics phase is
ten weeks long. Physical training grows more strenuous as the run
distances increase and minimum passing times are lowered for the
runs, swims, and obstacle course. Third Phase concentrates on teaching
land navigation, small-unit tactics, rappelling, military land and
underwater explosives, and weapons training. The final four weeks
of Third Phase are spent on San Clemente Island, where students
apply in a practical environment the techniques acquired throughout
training.
POST-BUD/S SCHOOLS
BUD/S graduates receive three weeks of basic parachute training
at Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia, prior to reporting
to their first Naval Special Warfare assignment.
Navy corpsmen who complete BUD/S and Basic Airborne Training also
attend two weeks of Special Operations Technician training at the
Naval Special Warfare Center, Coronado. They also participate in
an intense course of instruction in diving medicine and medical
skills called 18-D (Special Operations Medical Sergeant Course).
This is a 30-week course where students receive training in treating
burns, gunshot wounds, and trauma.
After assignment to a Team and successful completion of a six-month
probationary period, qualified personnel are awarded a Naval Special
Warfare Classification (NEC) Code and Naval Special Warfare Insignia.
New combat swimmers serve the remainder of their first enlistment
(2.5 to 3 years) in either an SDV or a SEAL Team. Upon reenlistment,
the member may be ordered to the remainder of a five-year sea tour.
A broad range of advanced training opportunities are available.
Advanced courses include: Sniper School, Dive Supervisor, language
training, SEAL tactical communication, and many others. Shore duty
opportunities are available in research and development, instructor
duty, and overseas assignments.
FITNESS STANDARDS
The intense physical and mental conditioning required to become
a SEAL begins with Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training.
During this six-month program, recruits are pushed to their physical
and mental limits.
BUD/S students participate in challenging training, and daily encounter
opportunities to develop and test their stamina and leadership.
BUD/S training is extremely thorough -- both physically and mentally
-- but through adequate preparation and a positive attitude you
can meet its challenges with confidence.
Fitness Goals During BUD/S >>
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