Fitness Tests of the US Navy Seals

The U.S. Navy Seals, formerly known as 'Frogmen,' represent one of the world's most elite Special Forces units. Seals, which stands for Sea Air and Land, are versatile soldiers trained to operate in various conditions. Established in 1962, their predecessors were the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), founded in 1942. President John F. Kennedy played a pivotal role in formalising the Seals, and the training process was already in motion.

• Motto: "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday"
• Established in: 1962

To join the Seals, individuals must undergo the renowned BUDS training (Basic Underwater Demolition training). Candidates enlist as sailors, pass through the Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School, and must be U.S. citizens aged between 18 - 28.

Chart Standards B.U.D.S Requirements

1. 500 yard swim

   • Pass: 12:30 min
   • Good: 10:00 min
   • Great: 9:00 min
   • Elite: 8:00 min
     
     

2. Pushups

   • Pass: +42 reps
   • Good: +70 reps
   • Great: +90 reps
   • Elite: +100 reps
     
     

3. Sit-ups

   • Pass: +50 reps
   • Good: +70 reps
   • Great: +90 reps
   • Elite: +100 reps
     
     

4. Pullups

   • Pass: +6 reps
   • Good: +15 reps
   • Great: +20 reps
   • Elite: +22 reps
     
     

5. 1.5 mile run

   • Pass: 11:00 min
   • Good: 10:30 min
   • Great: 10:00 min
   • Elite: 9:30 min

*Note: The test involves 5 exercises with minimal breaks between each. Failure in any category results in elimination.

Selection Phase (B.U.D.S.)

B.U.D.S. (Basic Underwater Demolition Seal) training is a rigorous 24-week process divided into 3 phases. Candidates endure extensive training, preparing for the challenging Hell Week—a 5-day crucible with minimal sleep, intense training, and constant cadre harassment. Successful candidates proceed to parachute jump school, SQT (Seal Qualification Course), SERE School, CQB training, winter school, and more.

Navy Seal Creed

Excerpt: "In times of war or uncertainty..."

Navy Seal Legend

"Our Legend suggested we're the type of man to swim 5 miles on Monday, run 20 miles on Tuesday, and climb a 14,000 feet peak on Wednesday." - Excerpt David Goggins - Can't Hurt Me

Typical Personalities of Navy Seals

Men who join the Seals tend to be young men with a "high level of aggression" who, through discipline, refine their headstrong attitude productively.

Naval Special Warfare Prep School

1. 1000 M. Swim

   • Pass: 20:00 min
   • Good: 19:30 min
   • Great: 19:00 min
   • Gold: 18:30 min

2. Pushups

   • Pass: +70 reps
   • Good: +80 reps
   • Great: +85 reps
   • Gold: +90 reps

3. Sit-ups

   • Pass: +65 reps
   • Good: +70 reps
   • Great: +80 reps
   • Gold: +90 reps

4. Pullups

   • Pass: +10 reps
   • Good: +14 reps
   • Great: +16 reps
   • Gold: +18 reps

5. 4 mile run

   • Pass: 31:00 min
   • Good: 30:00 min
   • Great: 29:00 min
   • Gold: 28:00 min

Note: Candidates must pass the physical fitness test to join BUDS. The school lasts about 8 weeks in Illinois.

Facts about Navy Seals

The attrition rate is close to 80%, meaning only 1 out of 5 candidates will make it through all phases of training to become official Seals.