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BUD/S

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training

BUD/S student navigates the O-Course. 

Image copyright Jim Sugar Photography.

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Active Duty Only:

The Naval Special Warfare BUD/S selection course is designed to provide an overview of SEAL Training and the Naval Special Warfare Community. The five day course, held at the Naval Training Command, Great Lakes, is offered to all active duty Navy enlisted personnel from the Fleet, Service Schools and Boot Camp. Applicants will be temporarily assigned (TAD) from their parent command to the Selection Course. TAD funds are provided by Naval Special Warfare Center, more specifically outlined in NAVADMIN 062/96 (151801Z MAR96). Requirements for the course are the same as those for attending BUD/S training. For further information, contact the Physical Training Rehabilitation Remediation (PTRR) office at 619-437-0861 (DSN 577-0861). For a quota contact student control at 619-437-2578 (DSN 577-2578).

Prior to commencing BUD/S, each student undergoes two weeks of pre-conditioning and indoctrination.  BUD/S training is broken down into three phases.  

I. First Phase (Basic Conditioning)

First Phase is eight 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 four weeks of First Phase prepare you for the fifth 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 of 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 the mainstay of the SEAL Teams: TEAMWORK! The remaining three weeks are devoted to teaching various methods of conducting hydrographic surveys and how to prepare 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, 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 a progressive dive schedule which emphasizes basic combat swimmer skills needed in order to qualify as a combat diver. These skills, which separate SEALs from all other Special Operations forces, will enable students to tactically insert and complete their combat objective.

III. Third Phase (Land Warfare)

The demolitions, reconnaissance, weapons and tactics phase is ten weeks in length. Physical training becomes 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, 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 techniques acquired throughout training in a practical environment.

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 corpsman who complete BUD/S and Basic Airborne Training also attend two weeks of Special Operations Technicians 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 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 Naval Special Warfare Insignia. New combat swimmers serve the remainder of their first enlistment (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 Sniper, Diving Supervisor, language training and SEAL Tactical communications. Shore duty opportunities are available in research and development, instructor duty and overseas assignments.

In addition to normal pay and allowances, Naval Special Warfare personnel currently receive $175/month dive pay, $200/month SDV pay, $165/month HALO (jump pay) and $110/month special duty assignment pay.

Physical Fitness Standards

PHYSICAL EVOLUTION

REQUIRED TIME

First Phase

50 meter underwater swim

PASS/FAIL

Underwater knot tying

PASS/FAIL

Drown proofing test

PASS/FAIL

Basic lifesaving test

PASS/FAIL

1200 meter pool swim with fins

45 min

1 mile bay swim with fins

50 min

1 mile ocean swim with fins

50 min

1-1/2 mile ocean swim with fins

70 min

2 mile ocean swim with fins

95 min

Obstacle course

15 min

4 mile timed run

32 min

(Post Hell Week)

2000 meter cond pool swim without fins

Completion

1-1/2 mile night bay swim with fins

Completion

2 mile ocean swim with fins

85 min

4 mile timed run

32 min

Obstacle course

13 min

Second Phase

2 mile ocean swim with fins

80 min

4 mile timed run (in boots)

31 min

Obstacle course

10:30

3-1/2 mile ocean swim with fins

Completion

5-1/2 mile ocean swim with fins

Completion

Third Phase

Obstacle course

10 min

4 mile timed run (in boots)

30 min

14 mile run

Completion

2 mile ocean swim with fins

75 min

Academic standards required on written tests before graduation from BUD/S are 80% or above for officers, 70% or above for enlisted.

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