The Navy SEAL Training Process

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

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.

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.