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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

PHYSICAL EVOLUTION

REQUIRED TIME

(First Phase)

 

50 meter underwater swim

PASS/FAIL

Drownproofing test

PASS/FAIL

Basic lifesaving test

PASS/FAIL

1/2 mile pool swim w/o fins

Completion

3/4 mile pool swim w/o fins

Completion

1 mile pool swim w/o fins

60 min

1 mile bay swim w/o fins

70 min

1 mile bay swim with fins

50 min

1 1/2 mile ocean swim w/fins

75 min

2 mile ocean swim with fins

95 min

4 mile timed run

32 min

Obstacle Course

15 min

(Second Phase)

 

2 mile ocean swim with fins

75 min

4 mile timed run

29:20 min

Obstacle Course

11 min

5 1/2 mile ocean swim w/fins

Completion

(Third Phase)

 

Obstacle Course

10:30 min

4 mile timed run

28 min

14 mile run

Completion

2 mile ocean swim with fins

70 min

 

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