To Be a Navy SEAL Is One of the Most Selfish Things a Man Can Do?

The Reality of Physical Standards of a Navy SEAL

Navy SEALS are one of the best-known branches of special forces in the United States military. From highly publicized missions, to Hollywood renditions that account for their real and fictional rescues alike, SEALS are not short in the way of glory. But through all that coverage, much becomes nuanced and lost in translation.

What the public sees is a far cry of the real inside world of Navy sailors, let alone SEALS themselves. Take a look at this inside dive on what it’s like to train like a SEAL, including behind-the-scenes knowledge of this tight-knit community.

Navy SEALS: They Train Like No Other

Sure, you might think – that’s obvious. But to the layman, it can be a whole new world to consider what these SEALS go through in a daily training session. SEALS have to be in tip-top shape, every day of the year. Not just physically and while on land; they have to ensure they can withstand cold temperatures, hold their breath for long periods, and swim with more than their own body weight.

On any given day, multiple scenarios could be thrown at them; being ready for any swimming or land condition is the only way for SEALS to stay at the top of their game.

Daily activities include as much as 20 hours of physical training, leaving just four hours for sleep. During “hell week” of training, SEALS get little rest and push their bodies to the edge, running up to 200 miles in five days.

And remember this is after they’ve been chosen as the cream of the crop. Navy SEALS have to go through rigorous training regimens just to qualify. Then they continue to train for a constant improvement of abilities. SEALS’ initial physical test includes a 500-yard swim, 1.5-mile run, 50-100 push-ups and sit-ups each, and pull-ups – all timed.

In special forces, minimum standards are ignored; they push themselves to be as physically fit as possible. Before SEALS ever even attempt to qualify, candidates train for two months to get themselves physically and mentally ready to become a SEAL.

Getting Through the Training Sessions

To become a full-fledged SEAL, it takes a year to 18 months to get through the entire levels of training. For every 1,000 who start the program, only about 200 make it through. They are truly looking for the cream of the crop, the strongest mentally and physically.

Then, once a SEAL makes it through, they undergo another year of training before taking on their first mission with a team. But even then, training never stops. SEALS take on new skills for the duration of their career.

Former Navy SEALS agree that one’s starting condition doesn’t so much matter as one’s ability to persevere. Those who can withstand trying conditions are the most likely to make it through to become an actual SEAL. The mental side is as important as the physical training, they said.

But be aware, as my good buddy and Honor Man of BUD/S Class 89, Doug Young once said, “To be a SEAL is one of the most selfish things a man can do.” Meaning, the demands of becoming a SEAL are 24/7, unnerving unfiltered commitment and daring and unforgiving sacrifices to family, wife, and self are beyond reasonable. Then again, for those who succeed, the rewards are beyond vast. Such rewards lasting into years and decades to follow, never fading. Even becoming their identity. Sadly, America may be well aware of the heroics but never the extent of the sacrifices of every SEAL. May they and their families be forever honored.

To learn more about the physical toll of becoming a Navy SEAL or continued training steps, take a look at previous blogs in NavySEAL.com or USMilitary.com.