ROK UDT, the South Korean Navy Seals, are trained for various situations such as counterterrorism, direct action, hostage rescue, maritime and special recon, and so many more.

Established in: 1955

To join one cannot be younger than 18, but also not older than 28 years of age. One cannot be shorter than 164 cm, and no taller than 194 cm. One must have really good eyesight and be in a healthy and physical top condition. Only 30% of Selectees will make it into the Teams. One cannot weigh less than 60 Kg.

ROK UDT Workout

Before getting even to the Pre-Selection Fitness Test, one must go through various interviews and medical tests, such as x-ray, urine test, and vision. The time limits for Sit-ups and pushups is 2 minutes. No time limit for Pullups. For the pullups, the candidate will spend about a second in the top position. One should focus on performing at the highest level to increase the chances to get into Selection. It is to note that the passing requirements won't give you enough points to get into the course. There are three Selections every year.

ROK UDT Selection

They will be confronted with hours of swimming and running. One of the early runs during Selection is a 16 miler, which has to be performed at a fairly fast pace. The whole group of candidates will run in a group. Those who cannot keep up are out of the race and out of Selection. They also have to swim 5.5 miles at an early occasion in training and swim 50 meters underwater nonstop. During Selection they also have a Hell Week, similar to U.S. Navy Seal hell week. ROK UDTs Hell Week is about 132 hours long. Selection training lasts 12 weeks. Their daily training regiment consists of early morning PT Sessions and tactical training during afternoon and night. Lots of hours are spent in a boat, paddling with the teammates, or ruck running. The ruck will weigh about 30 KG. A whole lot of exercises are to be performed in a team setting. There is saying that all the "muscles have to be trained ready for battle". If during a regular morning run, a candidate loses the race a couple of times in a row, he will be expelled from the course. It is a common expectation that candidates will be able to run a 4K in 15 minutes in week 4 of selection.

Attributes of a ROK UDT Operator:

The individual operator should come with a teamwork mentality. The cadre looks for individuals who can overcome any obstacle that is put in front of them. The candidates who make it are in physical shape, mentally tough, and are "experts in all areas of hell". Patience and will power are very important traits to have for every ROK UDT.

Facts of a ROK UDT Seal:

ROK UDT Seals were first trained by the U.S. Navy Seals. Some of their tactics are the same as the Navy Seals. They also combined their craft with British S.A.S and most likely more so British S.B.S.

They have various countries that send their special forces through the Selection Phase of ROK UDT.