Navy Seals BUDS Requirements

The U.S. Navy Seals, also known formerly as 'Frogmen', are one of the most elite Special Forces units around the world. Seals, which stands for Sea Air and Land, are trained soldiers to operate in all types of conditions, and their training reflects that. Their predecessors are UDTs (Underwater Demolition Teams), which were established in 1942. President John F. Kennedy is recognized to be the person who called the Seals into existence, however, in the background, Training, and Planning were already in process.


Motto: "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday"


Established in: 1962


For one to join the Seals, the individual has to go through the famous Buds training, which stands for Basic Underwater Demolition training. An individual has to first enlist as a sailor, and then go through the Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School to make it to BUDS. You have to be a U.S. Citizen and have to be between 18 - 28 years old.

Chart Standards B.U.D.S Requirements
# Exercises Pass Good Great Gold
1 500 yard swim 12:30 min 10:00 min 9:00 min 8:00 min
2 Pushups + 42 reps + 70 reps + 90 reps + 100 reps
3 Sit-ups + 50 reps + 70 reps + 90 reps + 100 reps
4. Pullups + 6 reps + 15 reps + 20 reps + 22 reps
5. 1.5 mile run 11:00 min 10:30 min 10:00 min 9:30 min

This test involves 5 different exercises, which have to be completed in the following order; There are only small breaks in between each exercise. Right after the 500-yard swim, the candidates have 10 min to dry off and get ready for the pushups. Within 2 minutes, the candidates have to accomplish the pre-set amount of pushups and then switch to sit-ups. There is no time limit on the pullups. Once the pullups are done, the candidate has approximately 5 min to get ready for the 1.5-mile run. If the candidate fails in one of the categories, he is out. Those are the minimum requirements.

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Selection Phase (B.U.D.S.)

During B.U.D.S. candidates are tested to the core of their being. B.U.D.S stands for Basic Underwater Demolition Seal training and lasts 24 weeks. It is split into 3 phases. The candidates face endless hours of training while being prepared for hell week. Hell week will end most candidates' dreams of becoming a Seal. Hell week is a 5-day crucible with minimal sleep, 20 hours of training, and constant harassment by the cadre. They are out to break the weaker and keep the stronger. During BUDS and particularly hell week, candidates are tormented to calisthenics, long swims, everyday run, even just to go grab something to eat, surf torture, down proofing, surf passage, log carries, sand crawls and sugar cookie, water tread, and the famous O-Course. After the candidates made it through BUDS, they will go through parachute jump school, followed by SQT - Seal Qualification Course. Candidates will face SERE School, CQB training, winter school, and other courses. Once they have passed this phase they receive the trident and become Navy Seals during the following ceremony. They then will be joining the various Seal teams.

Navy Seal Creed

“In times of war or uncertainty, there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with an uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.


I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders, I will take charge, lead my teammates, and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations. I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies.

If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.



We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me – my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.”

BUDS Physical Fitness Entry Test Video
Navy Seal Legend

Our Legend suggested we're the type of man to swim 5 miles on Monday, run 20 miles on Tuesday, and climb a 14000 feet peek on Wednesday.
(Excerpt David Goggins - Can't Hurt Me)


Typical Personalities of Navy seals
Men who join the Seals tend to be young men with a "high level of aggression", who through discipline, learn to refine their headstrong attitude and use it productively.
Jocko Willink - Interview

Naval Special Warfare Prep School
# Exercises Pass Good Great Gold
1 1000 M. Swim 20:00 min 19:30 min 19:00 min 18:30 min
2 Pushups + 70 reps + 80 reps + 85 reps + 90 reps
3 Sit-ups +65 reps +70 reps +80 reps +90 reps
4. Pullups + 10 reps + 14 reps + 16 reps + 18 reps
5. 4 mile run 31:00 min 30:00 min 29:00 min 28:00 min
NSW Prep School

Before Candidates can even attend BUDS, they have to go through Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School, which trains the individual to either be more prepared for BUDS or to make him decide that the Navy Seals Life might not be something for them. Candidates need to be in decent shape to even attend this school. The physical fitness test has to be passed to join BUDS. The 1000 meter swim has to be performed with fins. Therefore candidates should have learned how to swim with fins before coming to NSW Prep School. This school lasts for about 8 weeks in Illinois.

My Personal Experience with the BUDS Entry Test
Facts about Navy Seals

The Attrition Rate is close to 80%. Therefore only 1 out of 5 Candidates will make it through all phases of training to become officially Seals.

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