Navy Seals

Joining Navy Seals

Although there is no easy way to become a SEAL, there are several ways to become a SEAL candidate. As a civilian you can request to join the SEALs prior to enlisting through the SEAL Challenge Contract (Seaman to SEAL program). The SEAL Challenge Contract guarantees you the opportunity to become a SEAL candidate and entitles you to certain bonuses and benefits when you enlist.

If you don't get a SEAL Challenge Contract prior to enlisting, you can still volunteer to take the Physical Screening Test (PST) during the first week boot camp. If you successfully pass the PST a Naval Special Operation Motivator will interview you. The motivator will then submit a request for you to enter the Naval Special Warfare (BUD/S) training pipeline.

TIP: Be sure to tell the Navy recruiter that you want to take the SEAL Challenge before you enlist. SEAL volunteers that don't have the SEAL Challenge Contract prior to joining don't qualify for the same benefits as applicants that have the contract.

Navy Seals Qualifications

All SEAL candidates are required to meet the following qualification standards and pass the Physical Screening Test (PST):

• 18-28 years old (17 with parental permission)
• A U.S. citizen.
• High school graduate (or meet High Performance Predictor Profile (HP3) criteria). Be proficient in reading, speaking, writing, and understanding the English language.
• Have clean record - Not be under civil restraint, a substance abuser nor have a pattern of minor convictions or any non-minor, misdemeanor, or felony convictions (waivers are granted depending on number and severity). The Special Assistant for Legal Affairs must not enlist applicants with lawsuits pending against them without prior approval.
• ASVAB minimum requirements: SEAL - GS+MC+EI=165 or VE+MK+MC+CS=220 Since you cannot get a waiver on the required ASVAB score it is critical that you score high on the ASVAB. Check out our ASVAB Practice tests to learn how you can Ace the ASVAB.
  
• Eyesight Requirements: Uncorrected vision in the better eye can be no worse than 20/70, the worse eye no more than 20/100. Both eyes must be correctable to 20/20. Color deficiencies require approval.

If you meet these qualifications a Navy Special Operations Motivator will administer the PST after you arrive at Boot Camp.

SEAL training is extremely demanding and it is not designed to "get you in shape." You must be in excellent physical condition and pass the PST before you can be considered a SEAL candidate. Stew Smith can teach you how to get and stay in SEAL shape. Visit the Fitness Center to learn more.

The following SEAL PST is designed to see if you have what it takes to enter SEAL training. To pass you must be able to complete the following regimen:


• Swim 500-yards using breast and/or sidestroke in less than 12 minutes and 30 seconds
  10-minute rest
  
• Perform a minimum of 42 push-ups in 2 minutes
  2-minute rest
  
• Perform a minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes
  2-minute rest
  
• Perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups (no time limit)
  10-minute rest
  
• Run 1 ½ miles wearing TENNIS SHOES and SHORTS in under 11 minutes.*

* While at Recruit Training Center SEAL Candidates will transition to Boots and Long Pants for the Run portion of the PST. To remain qualified for the SEAL training Pipeline, the SEAL candidate must perform the 1 ½ mile run portion of the PST in Boots and Long Pants in 11:30 or less.

Once you have finished Boot Camp — if you make the cut — you will attend a two-week Apprenticeship Training Division School, with immediate assignment to BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL) training.

The Navy SEAL training program will stress you beyond your limits to make sure you're worthy to serve with the world's best fighting force. Be prepared, stay focused, make mature choices, and understand what you are volunteering for. Check out the complete Navy SEAL Training program to see if you have what it takes to be a SEAL.