Introduction To BUD/S
The journey to becoming a Navy SEAL is not merely a training program; it is a transformation. Located at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, CA, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is the foundation of this evolution. Over a 24-week pipeline, candidates are pushed beyond their perceived physical and mental limits to see if they possess the "warrior soul" required for the world's most elite maritime force.
What Are The 3 Phases of Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training in Coronado CA?
The training takes place primarily at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, situated on the scenic but demanding Silver Strand. While the Pacific Ocean views are beautiful, for a BUD/S candidate, the water represents a constant source of "surf torture" and cold. The 6-month duration is divided into three distinct seven-week phases, following a three-week orientation period designed to introduce candidates to the instructors and the "Grinder"—the concrete courtyard where thousands of calisthenics are performed.
Before even stepping foot in Coronado, candidates must pass a rigorous Physical Screening Test (PST). This includes a 500-yard swim, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. However, meeting the minimums is rarely enough; most successful candidates enter with "competitive" scores, such as swimming under 9 minutes and performing over 80-100 push-ups. If you are wondering about the level of fitness required, you can read more about Navy SEAL training: Are you tough enough?
Phase 1: Basic Conditioning and the Crucible of Hell Week
Phase 1 is where the majority of the "attrition" happens. It is seven weeks of pure physical conditioning designed to weed out those who lack the stamina or the mental "quit-proof" attitude. The focus here is on physical stamina, water competency, and, most importantly, teamwork. Individual stars don't last long in BUD/S; the instructors look for those who can lead and follow within a boat crew.
| Phase | Duration | Primary Focus | Completion Rate (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 7 Weeks | Physical Conditioning / Hell Week | 33% |
| Phase 2 | 7 Weeks | Combat Diving / SCUBA | 87% |
| Phase 3 | 7 Weeks | Land Warfare / Tactics | 96% |
The Intensity of Phase 1 of Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training in Coronado CA
A typical day in Phase 1 involves constant running in sand, timed 4-mile runs in boots, and 2-mile ocean swims. Candidates spend a significant amount of time in the "surf zone," performing "surf passage" drills with Inflatable Boat Small (IBS) rubber boats. One of the most iconic and painful exercises is Log PT, where a seven-man boat crew carries a heavy wooden log (often nicknamed "Old Misery") through a series of grueling overhead presses and runs.
The goal is to break the individual and build the team. As the SEAL motto says, The only easy day was yesterday.
Hell Week: The Ultimate Mental Test
The fourth week of Phase 1 is Hell Week. This is a 5.5-day stretch of continuous training where candidates run over 200 miles and engage in physical training for more than 20 hours a day. In total, they receive about 4 hours of sleep across the entire week.
This is the ultimate test of determination. Candidates are constantly wet, sandy, and shivering on the verge of hypothermia. The "Bell" is always present—a brass ship's bell that a candidate can ring three times to "Drop on Request" (DOR). Over 75% of a class typically drops out during this week. Those who stay learn that the human body can do ten times what the average person thinks is possible.
Navy SEAL Training Pool Evolutions
Phase 2: Combat Diving and Pool Competency
If Phase 1 is about the heart, Phase 2 is about the head. This seven-week block focuses on combat swimming and diving. While the physical demands remain high—with weekly 2-mile swims and 4-mile runs—the academic and technical requirements skyrocket. Candidates must master dive physics and medicine to ensure they don't suffer from "the bends" or embolism during operations. To learn more about the broader scope of these operators, see our Naval Special Warfare overview.
Mastering Underwater Operations in Coronado CA
Candidates learn to use two types of equipment:
- Open-circuit SCUBA: Standard compressed air tanks.
- Closed-circuit rebreather (Draeger LAR V): This system recycles the diver's breath and produces no bubbles, allowing SEALs to approach a target clandestinely without being spotted from the surface.
Underwater navigation is a key skill here. Candidates must swim long distances in pitch-black water, using only a compass and a depth gauge to find a specific point on a beach or a ship's hull.
The Pool Competency Standard
The most feared part of Phase 2 is "Pool Comp." In this evolution, instructors "attack" a candidate underwater, pulling off their mask, tying knots in their air hoses, and turning off their air supply. The candidate must remain calm, hold their breath, and systematically troubleshoot their gear to get their air flowing again.
The standard is "First Time, Every Time." In combat diving, a mistake doesn't just mean a failing grade; it means a life-threatening accident. This phase proves that the candidate can maintain composure and think clearly under extreme physical stress.
Phase 3: Land Warfare and Tactical Execution
The final seven weeks of What Are The 3 Phases of Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training in Coronado CA focus on land warfare. This is where the "Sea" and "Air" components meet the "Land." Candidates transition from being "tadpoles" to becoming tactical operators. They learn the history and heritage of the teams, which you can explore in the Birth of the Navy SEALs.
Phase 3 of Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training in Coronado CA at San Clemente Island
While much of the training remains in Coronado, the final five weeks of Phase 3 often take place at San Clemente Island, a rugged, isolated island 60 miles off the coast. Here, the "gloves come off." Candidates are trained in:
- Small Unit Tactics: How to move as a fire team or squad.
- Land Navigation: Finding their way across mountainous terrain using maps and compasses.
- Marksmanship: Mastering the primary weapons systems used by SEAL teams.
- Demolitions: Learning how to calculate and set explosives to breach obstacles or destroy targets.
Rock Portage and Field Exercises
One of the most dangerous evolutions in Phase 3 is "Rock Portage." Candidates must paddle their IBS rubber boats through heavy surf and land them on jagged volcanic rocks without destroying the boat or injuring their teammates. This simulates the difficult insertions SEALs must perform in real-world missions.
The phase culminates in a series of live-fire exercises, raids, and ambushes. Candidates must demonstrate they can plan a mission, conduct reconnaissance, and execute a strike with precision and violence of action.
Life After BUD/S: SQT and Earning the Trident
Graduating from the three phases of BUD/S is a massive achievement, but the training isn't over. Candidates don't receive their "Trident" (the SEAL insignia) yet. After BUD/S, they head to:
- Parachute Jump School: 3 weeks of static-line and free-fall training at Fort Benning.
- SEAL Qualification Training (SQT): A 26-week course that provides advanced training in cold weather survival, medical skills, and advanced tactical communications.
Only after completing SQT does a sailor officially become a Navy SEAL. This long road is necessary to prepare them for The path to Tier One.
Frequently Asked Questions about BUD/S Training
What is the attrition rate for BUD/S?
The overall success rate for the SEAL pipeline is approximately 10%. While Phase 1 sees the highest dropout rate (only about 33% finish), failures in later phases are often academic or safety-related. In Phase 2, candidates might be dropped for failing a dive physics exam, while in Phase 3, safety violations during live-fire exercises can lead to a "drop."
Can women attend BUD/S training?
Yes. Since 2016, all combat roles in the U.S. military, including the Navy SEALs, have been open to women who meet the gender-neutral standards. In 2019, the first woman completed the SEAL officer assessment and selection program, and in 2021, the first female sailor graduated from the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) training, which shares some elements with BUD/S.
Where exactly in Coronado does training take place?
Training is centered at the Naval Special Warfare Center on the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. This includes "The Grinder," the nearby beaches of the Silver Strand, and the O-Course (Obstacle Course). The training area extends into the Pacific Ocean and across the bay to various San Diego County locations, with the tactical "finishing school" occurring on San Clemente Island.
Conclusion
The 3 Phases of Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training in Coronado CA are designed to do one thing: find the people who will never quit. From the bone-chilling cold of Phase 1 surf torture to the technical precision of Phase 2 diving and the tactical complexity of Phase 3 land warfare, the process forges an elite brotherhood.
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