What advice/information do you have regarding BUD/S preparation and the SEAL lifestyle?

PO3 Austin Michael — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 23:09:30 -0400

I am currently an MA3 and I am just not satisfied with where I'm at and what I'm doing with my Navy career. Long story short, I'm somebody that wants to fight the fight, and I want to be in a position where I'm gonna do that, and frequently. I have considered going to the Marine Corps after my last two years in the Navy as an 0311 (Infantry Rifleman) but doing that, I would be demoted to a PFC (E2) and I have a wife and a baby on the way, so the Marine Corps is not my preferred route. I love to push myself and I want to fight America's battles and so someone in my platoon suggested I see about going to BUD/S and becoming a Navy SEAL. I've looked into it enough to know some of what it entails, although I understand that the instructors love to surprise their trainees to get them acclimated to being hit with the unknown as SEALs always do, but I am curious about a few things.

I know BUD/S is extremely physically demanding and I am definitely not in the shape for it right now, although I'm not in bad shape at all. I'm 20 and I get an excellent on my PRT every six months (I probably won't on this one because I've been lazy for a couple months though). I just want to know if any SEALs (prior or current) or anyone that knows enough about BUD/S can recommend a physical training regimen that I can start and be on for the next two years until I am done with my first contract and eligible to go. If I can't get into BUD/S, I would still love doing the training. Everyone in the military should be physically ready to go to war.

Secondly, I do have a family and I will consider them in every life decision I make, no matter how small. I do think living the life of a SEAL would be awesome and it intrigues me, but I also want to be a part of my kids' lives and I've been told it's a challenge to juggle being a SEAL, a father, and a husband. If someone could tell me what it's like doing that and possibly provide some tips on balancing them well, it oils be much appreciated.

Ultimately, I am a go-getter and when I want something, I find a way to capture it, and I would love to earn a SEAL Trident and be a member of America's most elite special operations group.

Thanks in advance,
MA3

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 11:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 23:12:14 -0400

Do what your gut tells you and what your career can handle.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 2:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 02:19:15 -0400

Happy wife, happy life. That is all.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 3:48 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 03:48:21 -0400

PO3 Austin Michael If you were single, I would say go for it. With a wife and child on the way, I would think twice about your career choices. I would gather as much information as possible and present this to your wife, so that you can make this decision together.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy_SEAL_selection_and_training

United States Navy SEAL selection and training - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The average member of the United States Navy's Sea, Air, Land Teams (SEALs) spends over a year in a series of formal training environments before being awarded the Special Warfare Operator Naval Rating and the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 5326 Combatant Swimmer (SEAL) or, in the case of commissioned naval officers, the designation Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Officer. All Navy SEALs must attend and graduate from their rating's 24-week...

Response by CPO Rick Fields made Jun 2 at 2016 4:09 AM

CPO Rick Fields — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:09:48 -0400

With a wife and a child on the way I would consider something different. I have two shipmates that went into the SEALS that were killed in action in separate incidents. I'm sure your wife will want you around to help raise your baby.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 2 at 2016 4:57 AM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:57:56 -0400

PO3 Austin Michael Balance is key to your decision. Understanding what you want is your goal and ultimately your choice. Given the fact you have a family if they are in tune with your passion to challenge yourself then you should pursue your dream.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jun 2 at 2016 9:12 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 09:12:59 -0400

No you don't. You don't want to be a SEAL. You want to be married and be a father. That is what you are. Congratulations, now be a dad and live for your family instead of chasing windmills.

Response by GySgt Bill Smith made Jun 2 at 2016 11:37 AM

GySgt Bill Smith — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:37:13 -0400

Even if you make it past BUDS are you ready to be away from that young wife and new baby? Don't let all the SEAL movies and books fool you of the "SEAL life style" Its more than just drinking beer, shooting cool guns and growing beards. You say you want to "fight the fight" but do you realize that combat is 90% living in the most uncomfortable situation and conditions and only 10% action.

Your statement below shows how little you grasp of how much it takes to be a SEAL or elite special operation war fighter.
I do think living the life of a SEAL would be awesome and it intrigues me, but I also want to be a part of my kids' lives and I've been told it's a challenge to juggle being a SEAL, a father, and a husband.

Sorry for the kick in the nuts, just giving it to you straight.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2016 2:24 AM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 02:24:01 -0400

MA3,
I spent years training for a spot in BUD/S Class 300, and a lot less time in the actual program. If this is what you want, and you want it more than anything - meaning you want it more than spending time with your wife or children, then by all means, pursue it- however do not rush preparations. Slow and steady - 100% everyday. You cannot quit, you cannot be weak. Mental toughness is just as important, if not more, than physical training. Everyday they will stress mental toughness. Mental fortitude is what keeps you in the program while other men, stronger men, quit.. Running and swimming endurance are key after that.. As long as your PST scores are competitive, i.e 9:00 swim, 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, 16+ pull ups, and a 9:00 run, you should get a contract fairly easy - my scores were in this area and I got contracted very quickly. Get used to flutter kicks and being very uncomfortable. I was running everyday, but I was not running with weight. If I could do it again, I'd run with a sandbag.. Right now, I do many exercises with weight above my head - simulating a log or an IBS.. Be comfortable being uncomfortable, be even more comfortable in the water. Get used to reminding yourself to stay calm and keeping your heart rate low.. Breathing exercises, 4 in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold, will help keep your heart rate under control. If there are any sandy areas or beaches nearby, once you have a good running foundation, I'd suggest doing some runs there. I still have a pair of Bates 922s and fins from the program. Definitely good to get accustom to. The Navy SEAL lifestyle is not glamorous. You will be away more than most Sailors. Your body will breakdown and physical therapy is almost positively in your future. SEALs are always the most decorated, but they are expected to be the most humble. A SEAL doesn't make you a badass.. SEALs aren't perfect, there will be guys there you would do anything for, and guys you cannot stand. There are stereotypical looking SEALs and guys you'd never guess made it through. You need to want to Trident more than anything to achieve it.. I'd support anyone 100% if they they prepared themselves enough to get a contract to BUD/S.. But it definitely isn't for everyone.. The attrition rates are still 80-90% easily..