Us Navy Seal Requirements: What It Takes To Join

The United States Navy's Sea, Air, and Land Teams, commonly known as the Navy SEALs, are the primary special operations force of the US Navy. The Navy SEALs are trained to conduct a variety of missions, including counterterrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance. Becoming a Navy SEAL is an extremely challenging and selective process, requiring a unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional toughness. In this article, we will explore the requirements and process for joining the Navy SEALs.

Basic Requirements

To be eligible to join the Navy SEALs, an individual must meet certain basic requirements:

Be a US citizen
Be between the ages of 17 and 28 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
Pass a physical fitness assessment (PFA)
Meet the Navy's body fat percentage requirements

In addition to these basic requirements, Navy SEAL candidates must also meet certain physical and medical standards.

Physical Screening Test (PST)

The Physical Screening Test (PST) is a standardized test that measures a candidate's physical abilities. The test consists of:

500-yard swim in 12:30 minutes or less
42 push-ups in 2 minutes or less
50 sit-ups in 2 minutes or less
1.5-mile run in 10:30 minutes or less
Pull-ups (no minimum requirement, but the more the better)

Candidates who pass the PST are invited to attend Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training.

BUD/S Training

BUD/S training is a 24-week course that pushes candidates to their limits. The training is divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Conditioning (5 weeks)
Phase 2: Dive (4 weeks)
Phase 3: Land Warfare (4 weeks)

During BUD/S training, candidates are taught the skills they need to become a Navy SEAL, including:

Swimming and diving
Obstacle course training
First aid and emergency medical care
Land navigation and map reading
Combat skills and tactics

Hell Week

One of the most infamous parts of BUD/S training is Hell Week, a 5-day period of intense physical and mental challenges. During Hell Week, candidates are pushed to their limits, with minimal sleep and food. The purpose of Hell Week is to test a candidate's mental and physical toughness, as well as their ability to work as a team.

Advanced Training

After completing BUD/S training, Navy SEAL candidates attend advanced training courses, including:

Advanced First Aid and Emergency Medical Care
Advanced Combat Skills and Tactics
Parachuting and Jumpmaster Training
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training

These courses provide Navy SEALs with the specialized skills they need to conduct a variety of missions.

SEAL Qualification Training (SQT)

After completing advanced training, Navy SEALs attend SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). SQT is a 26-week course that teaches Navy SEALs the skills they need to become a qualified SEAL. During SQT, students learn about:

Advanced combat skills and tactics
Close quarters combat and urban warfare
Maritime special operations and amphibious warfare
Advanced first aid and emergency medical care

Other Requirements

In addition to the physical and mental challenges of becoming a Navy SEAL, there are also other requirements that candidates must meet. These include:

Passing a background check and security clearance
Meeting the Navy's medical and dental standards
Having a valid driver's license
Being able to obtain a secret security clearance

Language Training

Many Navy SEAL missions require proficiency in a foreign language. As a result, Navy SEALs may be required to attend language training courses.

Conclusion

Becoming a Navy SEAL is an extremely challenging and selective process. It requires a unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional toughness. Candidates must meet certain basic requirements, pass a physical fitness assessment, and complete advanced training courses. In addition, Navy SEALs must also meet other requirements, such as passing a background check and security clearance, and having a valid driver's license. If you're up for the challenge, becoming a Navy SEAL can be a rewarding and exciting career.

Gallery of Navy SEAL Training