What should a woman know before going to BUD/S?

anonymous727

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What should a woman know before going to Navy SEAL training and attending the Naval Academy to become a SEAL?
 
What should a woman know before going to Navy SEAL training and attending the Naval Academy to become a SEAL?
The first thing anyone should know, regardless of gender, is the progression is a step-wise process. Compete for an appointment to USNA. Be sure there are other officer communities you would be willing to serve a minimum of 5 active duty years in, if you compete for and are not selected for the SEAL community.

Then, performance, performance, performance, every step of the way.

Selection for the SEAL community, after an arduous and highly competitive pre-screening and assessment process, then continues through an even more demanding assessment and training process, with high attrition along the way.

The SEAL community opened to women in late 2015. To date, though there have been women in various parts of the initial cycle, I don’t believe any have qualified.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be. That candidate will have to swim like a fish, have all-around strength, endurance, stamina, extraordinary mental toughness, have MacGyver-like skills, resourceful intelligence, ability to work as part of a cohesive team and eventually lead one and the willingness to go in harm’s way and make hard decisions. Just like the successful candidates before them.
 
Hi new person.

Surely one of the several women who've attended BUDS will be along shortly to answer your questions.
@Devil Doc, do you know if LT Jordan O'Neill is a member of SAF? She might be able to help answer questions...
 
Just curious, I know that officers and enlisted have different roles when they are Seals, but do officers go through the same training as enlisted?
 
@Devil Doc, do you know if LT Jordan O'Neill is a member of SAF? She might be able to help answer questions...
Oh very good. A vintage film reference.

Have you ever read the Duffelblog article on LT Jordan O’Neill? Hilarious.
 
Just curious, I know that officers and enlisted have different roles when they are Seals, but do officers go through the same training as enlisted?
BUDS is the same for both. Look up BUDS class 234 and you'll see videos on the documentary that was done. Both O's and E's are in the same class doing the same things at the same time.
 
I’ve read Dick Crouch’s excellent books about BUD/S and SEALS. By his telling, the training is exactly the same but the officers attract extra, um, attention. According to Crouch, it’s because ultimately, they’re in charge. Hence, whether official or not, the bar is higher for them.
 
You should start doing workouts with stew smith at usna.

"If you can score the following on the BUD/S Physical Fitness Test, you will have an 85% chance to graduate (according to stew).

500yd Swim- Under 9:00 mins (closer to 8:00)
Pushups in 2 mins- 100+
Situps in 2 mins- 100+
Pullups- 20+
1.5 mile run- under 9:00
"
There are no minimums in selection, so try and get to those numbers before even trying.
If you can measure up to the standard, you'll pass.

Also, selection requires ALOT, alot alot alot, ALOT of running.
Make sure to build up to atleast 20 miles of running per week, without over-use injuries.
Most like to go up to 40mpw before shipping out.
 
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Get into the pool and start practicing the Combat Side Stroke. Make sure to wear goggles that do not obstruct/protect nose from water.
Unless you have it naturally, you'll need to learn how to close off soft pallet while swimming/snorkeling.
Heres a video on perfect form:
 
The first thing anyone should know, regardless of gender, is the progression is a step-wise process. Compete for an appointment to USNA. Be sure there are other officer communities you would be willing to serve a minimum of 5 active duty years in, if you compete for and are not selected for the SEAL community.

Then, performance, performance, performance, every step of the way.

Selection for the SEAL community, after an arduous and highly competitive pre-screening and assessment process, then continues through an even more demanding assessment and training process, with high attrition along the way.

The SEAL community opened to women in late 2015. To date, though there have been women in various parts of the initial cycle, I don’t believe any have qualified.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be. That candidate will have to swim like a fish, have all-around strength, endurance, stamina, extraordinary mental toughness, have MacGyver-like skills, resourceful intelligence, ability to work as part of a cohesive team and eventually lead one and the willingness to go in harm’s way and make hard decisions. Just like the successful candidates before them.
Thank you.
Cold water. Cold water is the equalizer. Everybody wants to be a SEAL until the Pacific says otherwise.
How should one prepare for the cold then?
There is a Firstie at USNA right now that a lot of MIDNs think is going to be the first female SEAL.
Really? Are you saying it’s too late to become the first female SEAL? 😦
 
Thank you.

How should one prepare for the cold then?

Really? Are you saying it’s too late to become the first female SEAL? 😦
If you’re in HS, you are many years and many competitive hurdles from becoming a SEAL.

I have the nagging feeling you are yanking our chain here, but we are trying to be responsive.
 
That doesn’t mean there won’t be. That candidate will have to swim like a fish, have all-around strength, endurance, stamina, extraordinary mental toughness, have MacGyver-like skills, resourceful intelligence, ability to work as part of a cohesive team and eventually lead one and the willingness to go in harm’s way and make hard decisions. Just like the successful candidates before them.
I'm not sure I should go there..so I am going to tread lightly...but the question should not be what "a woman should know" , but what anyone should know. It's a tough gig no matter who you are, and I don't envision its any easier on woman (and perhaps "unofficially" tougher on women, at least untill it becomes more commonplace). CAPT MJ's description above is about as good as I've seen, but the EXTRAORDINARY MENTAL TOUGHNESS should be capitalized.

PS -- Thanks Doc/CAPT MJ for the diversion...I just wasted 5 minutes on LT Jordan O'neil reference. (I never did find the Duffleblog interview, but 4 1/2 of the 5 minutes reading more recent Duffleblog posts._)
 
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