Special Operations.Com

BUD/S Warning Order

NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE

Prior to every mission in the SEAL Teams, a Warning Order is given explaining everything that is needed for the upcoming mission. This is your Warning Order! It will give you a guideline of how to prepare for YOUR next mission--BUD/S. Remember the seven P's rule: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Painfully Poor Performance.

BUD/S WARNING ORDER

I. Introduction

This booklet is a course description of BUD/S, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training. Half of the struggle to graduate from BUD/S is getting accepted, so congratulations, you are halfway there. There is some very valuable information in this booklet on subjects such as course description on all three phases of BUD/S, workouts to get you prepared for the physical stresses of BUD/S, and helpful hints on nutrition. The BUD/S Warning Order is designed to prepare any highly motivated individual, regardless of athletic history, for the toughest military training in the world.

II. History

Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Teams trace their history back to the first group of volunteers selected from the Naval Construction Battalions in the Spring of 1943. Their mission was clearing obstacles from beaches chosen for amphibious landings. Thus, the first formal training of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) began. The NCDUs distinguished themselves at Utah and Omaha beaches in Normandy and in Southern France.

In the Pacific, the NCDUs were consolidated into Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). The newly formed UDTs saw action in every corner of the Pacific during World War II.

In September 1950, the UDTs participated in the Korean War at Inchon, Wonsan, Iwon, and Chinnampo. The redeployment of the United Nations Forces featured the UDTs conducting delaying operations using guerilla warfare.

In January 1962, the first SEAL Teams were commissioned to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerilla warfare, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. These Teams were SEAL Team ONE on the west coast and SEAL Team TWO on the east coast. During Vietnam, the SEALs compiled an impressive record of combat success.

Since the close of the Vietnam conflict, the ever-changing world situation and increased operational tasking have prompted the expansion of SEAL Teams in number, size, and capabilities. To effectively respond to this evolutionary process, Underwater Demolition Teams have been redesignated SEAL or SEAL delivery Vehicle Teams. Thus, the newly designated SEAL Teams acquired the SEAL mission and retained the amphibious support mission inherited from their UDT forefathers.

SEAL and SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Teams and Special Boat Units comprise the elite combat units of Naval Special Warfare. These units are organized, trained, and equipped to conduct special operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. These highly trained specialists are deployed worldwide in support of fleet and national operations. The wide range of tasks performed by Naval Special Warfare and their outstanding combat records have earned an enduring and highly respected reputation.

Naval Special Warfare extends a personal challenge to those interested individuals like yourself. This program will push you to your physical and mental limits, again and again, until you are hard and strong, both physically and mentally, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the SEAL Teams. Freefall parachuting at 10,000 feet into the ocean at night, travelling by small rubber boat for 100 miles, conducting a mission, then travelling 30 miles out to sea to rendezvous with a submarine is a typical mission for the SEALs and is an adventure most people can experience only by reading a book. So, if you are ready for both a challenge and an adventure, the navy has just the training to test your mettle. BE SOMEONE SPECIAL!!!

As a BUD/S student, you will participate in challenging training and encounter opportunities to develop and test your 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. The workout schedules in this booklet are designed to prepare you physically for BUD/S. You are the one who has to prepare to give all you have every day. At BUD/S it is essential to live, eat, and sleep BUD/S. 110% is required of you every day. BUD/S is a challenge, but if you meet it head-on with determination not to fail or quit, it will be the most rewarding time of your life. Good Luck!!!

COURSE DESCRIPTION

I. First Phase (Basic Conditioning)

First Phase is nine weeks in length. Continued physical conditioning in the areas of running, swimming, and calisthenics grow harder and harder as the weeks progress. Students will participate in weekly four mile timed runs in boots, timed obstacle courses, swim distances up to two miles wearing fins in the ocean, and learn small boat seamanship.

The first five weeks of First Phase prepare you for the sixth week, better known as "Hell Week." During this week, students participate in five and one half days of continuous training, with a maximum of four hours sleep. This week is designed as the ultimate test of one's physical and mental motivation while in First Phase. Hell Week proves to those who make it that the human body can do ten times the amount of work the average man thinks possible. During Hell Week, you will learn the value of coolheadedness, perseverance, and above all, TEAMWORK. The remaining three weeks are devoted to teaching various methods of conducting hydrographic surveys and how to conduct a hydrographic chart.

II. Second Phase (Diving)

After you have completed First Phase, you have proven to the instructor staff that you are motivated to continue more in-depth training. The Diving Phase is seven weeks in length. During this period, physical training continues, but the times are lowered for the four mile runs, the two mile swims, 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). Emphasis is placed on long distance underwater dives with the goal of training students to become basic combat divers, using swimming and diving techniques as a means of transportation from their launch point to their combat objective. This is a skill that separates SEALs from all other Special Operations forces.

III. Third Phase (Land Warfare)

The demolitions, reconnaissance, and land warfare phase is nine weeks in length. Physical training continues to become more strenuous as the run distances increase and the minimum passing times are lowered for the runs, swims, and obstacle course. Third Phase concentrates on teaching land navigation, small-unit tactics, patrolling techniques, rappelling, infantry tactics, and military explosives. The final five weeks of Third Phase are spent on San Clemente Island, where students apply techniques acquired throughout training in a practical environment.

IV. Post-BUD/S Schools

BUD/S graduates receive three weeks basic parachute training at the Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia, prior to reporting to their first Naval Special Warfare Command. 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. During this course, they participate in an intense course of instruction in diving medicine and medical skills called 18-D (Special Operations Medical Sergeant Course). It is a 30-week course where students receive training in burns, gunshot wounds, and trauma.

After assignment to a Team and successfully completing a six-month probationary period, qualified personnel are awarded a SEAL Naval Enlisted Classification (NEC) Code and the Naval Special Warfare Insignia. New combat swimmers serve the remainder of their first enlistment (2 1/2 - 3 years) in either an SDV or SEAL Team. Upon reenlistment, members may be ordered to additional training and another SDV or SEAL Command, where they will complete the remainder of a five-year sea tour. Advanced courses include SDV training, Diving Supervisor, language training, and NAVSPECWAR communications. Shore duty opportunities are available in research and development, instructor duty, and overseas assignments.

In addition to normal pay allowances, Naval Special Warfare personnel currently receive $175/month dive pay and $110/month hazardous duty pay.

PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS

 

Academic standards required on written tests before graduation from BUD/S are:

80% or above for officers                                              70% or above for enlisted

 

SUGGESTED STUDENT PREPARATION

   The following workouts are designed for two categories of people:  Category I are those future BUD/S students that have never or have not recently been on a routine PT program. Category II is designed for high school and college athletes that have had a routine PT program. Usually athletes in sports that require a high level of cardiovascular activity are in Category II. Swimming, running, and wrestling are good examples of such sports.

WORKOUT FOR CATEGORY I.

RUNNING:  The majority of the physical activities you will be required to perform during your six months of training at BUD/S will involve running. The intense amount of running can lead to overstress injuries of the lower extremities in trainees who arrive not physically prepared to handle the activities. Swimming, bicycling, and lifting weights will prepare you for some of the activities at BUD/S, but ONLY running can prepare your lower extremities for the majority of the activities. You should also run in boots to prepare your legs for the everyday running in boots at BUD/S.

   The goal of the category I student is to work up to 16 miles per week of running. After you have achieved that goal, then and only then should you continue on to the category II goal of 30 miles per week. Let me remind you that category I is a nine week buildup program. Follow the workout as best you can and you will be amazed at the progress you will make.

 

RUNNING SCHEDULE I

WEEK	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	TOTAL
WEEK #1	2 MILES	OFF	2 MILES	OFF	2 MILES	6 MILES
WEEK #2	2 MILES	OFF	2 MILES	OFF	2 MILES	6 MILES
WEEK #3	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF	0 MILES
WEEK #4	3 MILES	OFF	3 MILES	OFF	3 MILES	9 MILES
WEEK #5	2 MILES	3 MILES	OFF	4 MILES	2 MILES	11 MILES
WEEK #6	2 MILES	3 MILES	OFF	4 MILES	2 MILES	11 MILES
WEEK #7	3 MILES	4 MILES	OFF	5 MILES	2 MILES	14 MILES
WEEK #8	3 MILES	5 MILES	OFF	5 MILES	3 MILES	16 MILES
WEEK #9	3 MILES	5 MILES	OFF	5 MILES	3 MILES	16 MILES

 

 

PHYSICAL TRAINING SCHEDULE I (Perform Mon/Wed/Fri)

Sets X Repetitions

WEEK	PUSH-UPS	SIT-UPS	PULL-UPS
WEEK #1	4X15	4X20	3X3
WEEK #2	5X20	5X20	3X3
WEEK #3	5X25	5X25	3X4
WEEK#4	5X25	5X25	3X4
WEEK #5	6X25	6X25	2X8
WEEK #6	6X25	6X25	2X8
WEEK #7	6X30	6X30	2X10
WEEK #8	6X30	6X30	2X10
WEEK #9	6X30	6X30	3X10

 

NOTE: For best results, alternate exercises. Do a set of pushups, then a set of sit-ups followed by a set of pull-ups. Do the three sets of exercises with no rest between, take a thirty second rest, repeat for the remainder of the program.

 

SWIMMING SCHEDULE I

(Alternate sidestroke and breaststroke with no fins 4-5 days a week)

WEEK	SWIM CONTINUOUSLY
WEEK #1	15 MINUTES
WEEK #2	15 MINUTES
WEEK #3	20 MINUTES
WEEK #4	20 MINUTES
WEEK #5	25 MINUTES
WEEK #6	25 MINUTES
WEEK #7	30 MINUTES
WEEK #8	30 MINUTES
WEEK #9	35 MINUTES

 

Note:  If you have no access to a pool, ride a bicycle for twice as long as you would swim. If you do have access to a pool, swim every day possible. Four to five days a week and 200 meters in one session is your initial workout goal. In addition, work to develop your sidestroke on both the left and the right side. Try to swim one direction on the left side, return on the opposite side.

PREPARATION FOR CATEGORY II

Category II is a more intense workout designed for those who have been involved with a regular routine physical training program or those who have completed the requirements of category I. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS WORKOUT SCHEDULE UNLESS YOU CAN COMPLETE THE WEEK #9 LEVEL OF CATEGORY I WORKOUTS. 

RUNNING SCHEDULE II

WEEK	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	TOTAL
WEEK #1	3 MILES	5 MILES	4 MILES	5 MILES	2 MILES	19 MILES
WEEK #2	3 MILES	5 MILES	4 MILES	5 MILES	2 MILES	19 MILES
WEEK #3	4 MILES	5 MILES	6 MILES	4 MILES	3 MILES	22 MILES
WEEK #4	4 MILES	5 MILES	6 MILES	4 MILES	3 MILES	22 MILES
WEEK #5	5 MILES	5 MILES	6 MILES	4 MILES	4 MILES	24 MILES
WEEK #6	5 MILES	6 MILES	6 MILES	6 MILES	4 MILES	27 MILES
WEEK #7	6 MILES	6 MILES	6 MILES	6 MILES	6 MILES	30 MILES

 

Note:  For weeks #8-9 and beyond, it is not necessary to increase the distance of the runs; work on the speed of your 6-mile runs and try to get them down to 7:30 per mile or lower (this would allow you to complete your run in 45 minutes or better). If you wish to increase the distance of your runs, do it gradually: no more than three miles per week for every week beyond week #9.

PHYSICAL TRAINING SCHEDULE II (Perform Mon/Wed/Fri)

Sets X Repetitions

WEEK	PUSH-UPS	SIT-UPS	PULL-UPS	DIPS
WEEK #1	6X30	6X35	3X10	3X20
WEEK #2	6X30	6X35	3X10	3X10
WEEK #3	10X20	10X25	4X10	10X15
WEEK#4	10X20	10X25	4X10	10X5
WEEK #5	15X20	15X25	4X12	15X15
WEEK #6	20X20	20X25	5X12	20X15

 

These workouts are designed for long-distance muscle endurance. Muscle fatigue will gradually take a longer and longer time to develop doing high repetition workouts. For best results, alternate exercises each set, in order to rest that muscle group for a short time. The above exercises can get a bit boring after awhile. Here are some more workouts you can use to break up the monotony.

PYRAMID WORKOUTS

You can do this with any exercise. The object is to slowly build up to a goal, then build back down to the beginning of the workout. For instance, pull-ups, sit-ups, pushups, and dips can be alternated as in the above workouts, but this time choose a number to be your goal and build up to that number. Each number counts as a set. Work your way up and down the pyramid. For example, say your goal is "5".

Pull-ups	1	2	3	4	5	4	3	2	1
Push-ups	2	4	6	8	10	8	6	4	2	2 x number of pull-ups
Sit-ups	3	6	9	12	15	12	9	6	3	3 x number of pull-ups
Dips	2	4	6	8	10	8	6	4	2	Same as push-ups

 

SWIMMING WORKOUTS II

(4-5 days per week)

WEEK	SWIM CONTINUOUSLY
WEEK #1	35 MINUTES
WEEK #2	35 MINUTES
WEEK #3	45 MINUTES WITH FINS
WEEK #4	45 MINUTES WITH FINS
WEEK #5	60 MINUTES WITH FINS
WEEK #6	75 MINUTES WITH FINS

 

Note:  At first, to reduce initial stress on your foot muscles when starting with fins, alternate swimming 1000 meters with fins and 1000 meters without them. Your goal should be to swim 50 meters in 45 seconds or less.

STRETCH PT

Since Mon/Wed/Fri are devoted to PT, it is wise to devote at least 20 minutes on Tue/Thu/Sat to stretching. You should always stretch for at least 15 minutes before any workout; however, just stretching the previously worked muscles will make you more flexible and less likely to get injured. A good way to start stretching is to start at the top and go to the bottom. Stretch to tightness, not to pain; hold for 10-15 seconds. DO NOT BOUNCE. Stretch every muscle in your body from the neck to the calves, concentrating on your thighs, hamstrings, chest, back, and shoulders.

NUTRITION

Proper nutrition is extremely important now and especially when you arrive at BUD/S. You must make sure you receive the necessary nutrients to obtain maximum performance output during exercise as well as to promote muscle/tissue growth and recovery. The proper diet provides all the nutrients for the body's needs and supplies energy for exercise. As well, it promotes growth and repair of tissue and regulates the body processes.

The fastest, most readily used source of energy is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are divided into two categories; simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are quickly broken down into fuel, although they provide a fast source of energy to the body they are used very rapidly. For long-distance endurance activities simple carbohydrates alone cannot adequately supply the body with the fuel it requires. In comparison, complex carbohydrates require a slightly longer period of time to break down to fuel. However, that fuel will be utilized over a much longer period of time.

 

A combination of simple and complex carbohydrates is optimal for proper energy and recovery. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates would include potatoes, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates are found abundantly in processed foods. Fig Newton cookies and dried fruit would be healthy sources. Readily available performance nutrition bars generally provide a good ratio of complex to simple carbohydrates, their drawback would be the high cost per bar.

Carbohydrates alone will not provide the body all that it requires. Your diet requires, in addition, a combination of protein and fat. Protein is essential in the diet, especially for active individuals. It contains amino acids which are the building blocks of all muscle within the body. High quality protein will help aid in muscle growth, repair and recovery. Fat, on the other hand, provides the muscles with a long term source of energy. Even in the leanest athletes, the bodies fat storage can potentially provide more then twice the amount of energy as carbohydrates. The trick in utilizing this gold mine of energy is to provide the body with a regular supply. Contrary to popular thought, a diet void of fat will not enable you to lose weight and maintain energy.

The amount of food consumed each day should coincide with the level of exercise you are doing. As a general rule, the average adult male requires approximately 2000 calories per day. As you increase your energy usage you need to increase the amount of fuel you consume. A good practice is to regularly refuel following each substantial workout. This means getting in a balanced amount of nutrients within fifteen to thirty minutes following a workout. This is a good time to utilize those nutrition bars, energy drinks or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Your basic diet should consist of a proper percentage of each of these nutrients:

Carbohydrates	50-70%
Protein	10-15%
Fats	20-30%

Of all the things you put into your body, water is by far the most important. Depending on your level of exercise, you should be consuming as much as four quarts of water daily. It is very easy to become dehydrated while exercising, this is especially true while in BUD/S. The single most important rule to remember is to DRINK BEFORE YOU GET THIRSTY!! Substances such as alcohol, caffeine and tobacco increase your body's need for water. So, if you are going to utilize these, do so in moderation. Too mush of these substances will definitely harm your body and hinder your performance. Supplemental intake of vitamins, as well, has not been proven to be beneficial. If you are eating a well balanced diet, you will be getting all the vitamins, minerals and trace elements your body requires to get you through the training.

 

IN-SERVICE CANDIDATES

Requirements and procedures for BUD/S training application. Package requirements:

1. Meet ASVAB test score requirement.
2. Meet age, EAOS and rating requirement (page 13 may be required).
3. Pass physical screening test.
4. Pass diving physical.

Procedures:

1. Put in a "Special Request Chit" through your chain of command requesting BUD/S training.
2. Submit a "Personnel Action Request" (Form 1306/7) to SPECWAR/Diver assignment. Submit the following with your request:

1. A certified copy of your ASVAB test scores
2. Your physical screening test results
3. Pressure and oxygen tolerance test results (if completed)
4. Your completed diving physical (Form SF88-SF93)
5. Certified copy of your latest performance evaluation report

1. Mail your package to:

   SPECWAR/Diver Assignment, NMPC 401D, Department of the Navy, 5720 Integrity Dr. Millington, TN 38055-4010. Phone number: Com (901) 874-3622, DSN 882-3622

   REQUIREMENTS

   Physical/Mental

   1. Pass a diving physical exam
   2. Eye sight cannot be worse than 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye and must be correctable to 20/20 with no color blindness.
   3. Minimum ASVAB score: VE + AR = 104, MC = 50
   4. Must be 28 years old or less
   5. Only men are eligible
   6. Must be a U.S. citizen

      Physical Screen Test

      1. 500 yard swim using breast and/or side stroke in 12:30
      2. Ten minute rest
      3. Perform minimum of 42 pushups in 2 minutes
      4. Two minute rest
      5. Perform minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes
      6. Two minute rest
      7. Perform at least 6 pull-ups, no time limit
      8. Ten minute rest
      9. Run 1.5 miles wearing boots and pants in 11:30

As a reminder, there are no maximums on these physical tests. Prospective trainee should provide the best scores possible, i.e., give his best effort