There are dozens, if not hundreds, of websites boasting about becoming a Navy SEAL. A few, a little embellishment and more fiction than fact. So with that and to avoid outdated and/or bad info, I thought that I would simply relate what Navy.com, the official Navy website, has to say about a career as a SEAL.
Successful SEALs who graduate today may be entitled to a cash bonus of $36,000 (‘Enlistment Bonus Source Rate’ (EBSR)? When I graduated BUD/S Class 89, all we got was to ring the bell and a friendly handshake from the BUD/S instructors and a free vacation to jump school. Now, graduating tadpoles get that and cash! Not bad. There's even more left in the government sugar jar, a few more thousand if you have college credit hours.
The Basics of Becoming A Navy SEAL
The Navy’s Sea, Air and Land Forces – commonly known as SEALs formerly the Navy Frogmen – are expertly trained to deliver highly specialized, intensely challenging warfare capabilities that are beyond the means of standard military forces.
Their missions include direct action warfare; special reconnaissance; counterterrorism; and foreign internal defense. When there’s nowhere else to turn, Navy SEALs achieve the impossible through critical thinking, sheer willpower and absolute dedication to their training, their missions and their fellow Special Operations team members.
Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, the Navy SEALs are a nimble, elite maritime military force suited for all aspects of unconventional warfare. In this role, you will provide immediate military options amidst crises around the world.
Your duties as a SEAL may include, but are not limited to:
• Conducting insertions and extractions by sea, air or land to accomplish covert, Special Warfare/Special Operations missions
• Capturing high-value enemy personnel and terrorists around the world
• Collecting information and intelligence through special reconnaissance missions
• Carrying out small-unit, direct-action missions against military targets
• Performing underwater reconnaissance and the demolition of natural or man-made obstacles prior to amphibious landings
Navy SEALs train and works in all manner of environments, including desert and urban areas, mountains and woodlands, and jungle and arctic conditions. Typical missions may involve insertion into a combat objective by any number of means: parachute, submarine, helicopter, high-speed boat, foot patrol or by a combat swimmer insertion.
SEALs operate not only as highly capable individuals but also as members of tightly knit units.
A Few Have Referred SEAL Training as Brutal
Preparing you for the extreme physical and mental challenges of SEAL missions. The preparation consists of more than 12 months of initial training that includes Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL BUD/S School, Parachute Jump School and SEAL Qualification Training (SQT), followed by an additional 18 months of pre-deployment training and intensive specialized training. It’s all designed to push you to your physical and mental limits. If you’re up to the task, you’ll emerge in incredible physical shape and possess the necessary confidence, determination, and teamwork to succeed in any combat environment. Get full details on SEAL training.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but are competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.
For those SEALs with further leadership aspirations and a college degree, Officer roles are available – providing opportunities to lead SEAL units and train aspiring SEAL warriors.
Members of the Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations (NSW/NSO) community have any number of unique opportunities to advance their knowledge. Navy training provides everything from the fundamentals of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) to knowledge of chemical and biological warfare, military tactics, deep-sea diving or a number of other tactical military procedures.
Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy training in the NSW/NSO community can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following:
Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
Post-9/11 GI Bill
No college degree is required to become an Enlisted Navy SEAL, but the standards of qualification require the kind of mental and physical fortitude that few possess. For those making the cut, immense challenges and constant training are a way of life.
Requirements
Upon joining the Navy, you must:
Meet specific eyesight requirements: 20/40 best eye; 20/70 worst eye; correctable to 20/25 with no color blindness
Meet the minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score: GS+MC+EI=170 or VE+MK+MC+CS=220 or VE+AR=110 MC=50
Be 28 years of age or younger
Pass a physical examination required for divers
Be a U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance
Find the current minimum Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) requirements for Navy Challenge Programs here.
NOTE: You should consult your physician or other health-care professional before starting any exercise regime or another fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. This is particularly true if you (or your family) have a history of medical illnesses or ailments that could be made worse by a change in physical activity. Do not start a fitness program if your physician or health-care provider advises against it.
Thanks to Navy.com for the above information.
