Could you do this ?

kinklee7

http://www.military.com/special-operations/training-to-be-a-navy-seal.html

LuckyLloyd

Nope, I could not.

Mellor

Minimum standards, yeah.
Optimal, mope, maybe some

TimeToShine

Do you have to do it all consecutively? I could manage average on all except the swimming (and optimum on the pullups) if they were separate but quite unlikely I coud do it all with half an hour in between them without specific training.

Eyebrows18

Swim 500 yards (timed breast stroke or side stroke) - Rest 10 minutes
Push-ups (max set in 2 minutes) - 2 minute rest
Curl-ups: (max set in 2 minutes) - 2 minute rest
Pull-ups (max set in 2 minutes) - 10 minute rest
Run 1.5 miles (timed dressed in running in shorts and shoes)

That's from the official SEALS website, I'm an awful swimmer so would probably drown at the first hurdle, but doesn't seem as bad as I thought it would be, I'd say the camp training would be an absolute nightmare though.

jane82

Can anybody copypaste the requirements Im on phone.

Oryx

Eyebrows18 wrote: »

Swim 500 yards (timed breast stroke or side stroke) - Rest 10 minutes
Push-ups (max set in 2 minutes) - 2 minute rest
Curl-ups: (max set in 2 minutes) - 2 minute rest
Pull-ups (max set in 2 minutes) - 10 minute rest
Run 1.5 miles (timed dressed in running in shorts and shoes)

.

Pull ups are the thing that would get me there.

thegreatiam

Used to do this and more at school every 2-3 months or so.

Now? Not a hope in he'll, I'm not even sure I remember how to swim. And I know I can't do 2 pull ups.

kevpants

These aren't that difficult, the difficult part of being in any of these special forces would be psychological. The whole living off twigs and your own piss for 3 weeks and being able to sleep on demand would be bigger challenges.

I customer of mine in work was a former Captain in the Rangers. Scariest man I've ever met. Incredibly polite and mannerly but there's something disconcerting about the look in the eyes of a man who could gut you with his ballpoint pen quicker than you can say Quarterly Business Review.

For whatever reason everything I did turned to sh1t when this guy was involved. I'm pretty sure I nearly got garroted a few times

jane82

I could probably scrape it but there aint no place in the army for Jane82.
No matter how much they advertise how awesome I will be. I could get paid as much in any number of jobs I can do. I dont fancy getting shot at for a wage.
I also dont fancy doing my pressups that fast but thats another discussion.

DublinArnie

I'd be able to do the minimum requirements for all of them easily, heck maybe average as well. They're easy, the only one I'd find challenging is the breast/side stroke, haven't swam in like a year so yeah .

Mellor

Heres are just the minimum before you can apply. You aren't guaranteed to get in, you'd prob need be surpassing optimum to be selected.

cc87

I went to the Navy SEAL PST Calculator thats linked to in the article and put in the optimum scores for all the tests, optimum scores means you are about average for the people applying

discus

I reckon I'd get optimum in most of them except for the pull ups. Raging I turned down the green card and a chance to try BUD/S.

Mellor wrote: »

Heres are just the minimum before you can apply. You aren't guaranteed to get in, you'd prob need be surpassing optimum to be selected.

Nah, to be honest from what I've heard through work, and from my experience, they take in as many as they can who even make the basic qualifications, and see if they have someone who blossoms. There are plenty who could train themselves to smash those optimum scores, but then suffer once the actual soldiering comes into it. You know, once the sleep dep., constant physical activity and mental ****about begins.

runawaybishop

discus wrote: »

I reckon I'd get optimum in most of them except for the pull ups. Raging I turned down the green card and a chance to try BUD/S.



Nah, to be honest from what I've heard through work, and from my experience, they take in as many as they can who even make the basic qualifications, and see if they have someone who blossoms. There are plenty who could train themselves to smash those optimum scores, but then suffer once the actual soldiering comes into it. You know, once the sleep dep., constant physical activity and mental ****about begins.

Your first physical test is a three mile run in two parts. You'll have to run the first 1.5 miles as a group in 12 minutes and 30 seconds. Then run the second 1.5 miles as quickly as you can on your own in less than 10 minutes and 30 seconds.

The you'll have to complete a series of gym tests (remember to bring and wear non-slip trainers):

Progressive shuttle run (the ‘bleep test’): run between two lines, 20 metres apart, at a pace dictated by bleeps, beginning at level 1. Each level has several shuttles at the same pace and the pace gets quicker at the start of each new level. Your target is to reach level 13.
Press ups: complete as many full press ups as possible in two minutes. 60 press ups will get you a maximum points.
Sit ups: complete as many full sit ups as you can in two minutes. 80 sit ups will get you maximum points
Overhand grasp pull ups: carried out on a wooden beam, your target should be eight quality pull ups. You will need to do the pull ups to bleeps for both the upward and downward movements to make sure you are moving correctly and not using momentum to help you.


^^ royal marines prelim test. No green card required.

discus

^^ royal marines prelim test. No green card required.

Been there, done that, got the green beret.



But Underwater Demolitions Training? That's a whole other ball game!

runawaybishop

discus wrote: »

Been there, done that, got the green beret.



But Underwater Demolitions Training? That's a whole other ball game!

i remembered you were in the forces after i posted that alright. I was drinking with a lad from carraik thats there also.

Remmy

discus wrote: »

Been there, done that, got the green beret.



But Underwater Demolitions Training? That's a whole other ball game!

Without sounding like a walt, where would the step up in difficulty be compared to rm training ? Higher physical conditioning required, more mental toughness or just everything?

discus

Couldn't give you an exact answer to be honest, I turned up as at Commando Training Centre as a soldier, rather than as a civvy recruit to the Royal Marine. Arduous courses like this are weird in that you actually lose conditioning in a way. You get better at just getting things done, even when you are hooped. An assault course with weight would be fine when you are fresh, but doing it day-in-day-out for a few weeks turns a 6ft wall into a 10 ft wall, or a quick dip through a fully submerged tunnel into an event in itself. So I'm guessing that for the SEALs it's even worse. Looking at the lads having to carry the rigid inflatables for hours on end looks howling... I suppose it's just everything that is harder.

And nothing waltish about asking questions!

Remmy

discus wrote: »

Couldn't give you an exact answer to be honest, I turned up as at Commando Training Centre as a soldier, rather than as a civvy recruit to the Royal Marine. Arduous courses like this are weird in that you actually lose conditioning in a way. You get better at just getting things done, even when you are hooped. An assault course with weight would be fine when you are fresh, but doing it day-in-day-out for a few weeks turns a 6ft wall into a 10 ft wall, or a quick dip through a fully submerged tunnel into an event in itself. So I'm guessing that for the SEALs it's even worse. Looking at the lads having to carry the rigid inflatables for hours on end looks howling... I suppose it's just everything that is harder.

And nothing waltish about asking questions!

Ah right makes more sense now you say it like that. So your example, when you turned up on the first day did you have the fitness to do the commando tests right then?

discus

Good question! I'd say there are a few who do, but I wasn't one of them. You do test week after a 8 day final exercise in the field, which starts off when your landing craft can't quite 'make' the beach... 196 hours later and with very little sleep you board a helicopter get back, fix up your kit and 36 hours later test week kicks in... Your body is capable of passing the test, but pushing through whatever injuries, strains, fatigue you have is the hard part. Lads were failing the tarzan/assault course because they couldn't get themselves over a 6ft wall... knackered like!

edit: Actually, now that I think about it, there were quite a few who turned up fit enough to pass the tests outright! 50% or so.

LuckyLloyd

What I find more intriguing is how much control over your fitness program you retain once you've passed through all basic training type courses and are fully enlisted (excuse me if I've used the wrong terminology)? Does everyone get assigned the same rigid programming or can you tear away yourself assuming you're doing your assigned duties and can pass periodic fitness tests? I'd assume there are weight constraints that are pretty strict?

discus

Rigid programming, well it depends on the corp that you are in, and then within that corp, what regiment you are in.Programming is done by the regimental Physical Training Instructor (PTI). REMF regiments (Rear Echelon Mother Fockers, americanism, see also: Craphats) will do the bare minimum as a unit and will have a lot of people downgraded medically or on remedial PT for their inability to pass basic fitness tests.

Opposite to that, you have para or commando units who will do unit PT 4+ times a week (we have 5+ including sport minimum), but these units attract fitness enthusiasts so you will find these guys will tear away to train in their own time after work. Training as a unit is a must, part of the commando/para ethos. Excelling the fitness tests is a must, mainly down to ego.

The bulk of units are in between these 2 extremes, whose numbers range from competition athletes to gym-dodging yogurt bodies. Generally the fitness schedule varies depending on workload, or who is in charge. If you have leadership that is unfit, that filters down - and vice versa.

Weight constraints, well, I'll refer you to the first paragraph. edit: deleted a massive rant on fat units turning up to burger king in uniform!
There are weight constraints but those who breach them tend to throw out the "I wasn't given adequate training" line and get put on remedial PT. In these post-Afghan days, these lads and ladies will be given the attention their plight deserves, and they'll be served with a PAP10, Services No Longer Required letter should they not reach fitness in an allocated time.

Frank Bullitt

There is a great documentary that follows a group of soldiers going through the SEAL training, its called 3 weeks and a long day, the long day is a full week with no sleep.

As mentioned, physical training isn't the hard part, its the mental one. Thats what makes these guys machines.

thegreatiam

The hardest part is doing it cold and hungry. Doesn't matter how fit you are some people just can't cope with that type of stress.

And when you're in your own head and all you can do is count steps to block out the pain but in the back of your mind you know that if you just collapse on the spot then you'll be wrapped up warm with hot tea in 5 minutes. The people who can find the extra gear when everyone else stops moving is what they are looking for.

Good times.

Theresalwaysone

discus wrote: »

gym-dodging yogurt bodies.

I'm stealing this!

discus

thegreatiam wrote: »

The hardest part is doing it cold and hungry. Doesn't matter how fit you are some people just can't cope with that type of stress.

And when you're in your own head and all you can do is count steps to block out the pain but in the back of your mind you know that if you just collapse on the spot then you'll be wrapped up warm with hot tea in 5 minutes. The people who can find the extra gear when everyone else stops moving is what they are looking for.

Good times.

You've been there so! It's only good times when it's over though. And its so true, knowing that you could be a free man if you just decide to stop. Especially when the jack wagon is bringing up the rear. There were times when I was counting the paces on a loaded run, praying my leg would just break or that I would collapse, hahaha! What did you do?

thegreatiam

discus wrote: »

You've been there so! It's only good times when it's over though. And its so true, knowing that you could be a free man if you just decide to stop. Especially when the jack wagon is bringing up the rear. There were times when I was counting the paces on a loaded run, praying my leg would just break or that I would collapse, hahaha! What did you do?

I never did it, just played at doing it. We had recruiters at school who would take us out and test us. Did the fan dance in brecon. That was hell. Plus exercises on Salisbury plain. Passed the first stages for the marines. And in 3rd 4th and 5th year we went to hms Raleigh for a month. Not quite as intense but at 14 it's pretty awesome. Getting up at 4 am cleaning, then running miles before doing an assault course. In freezing Feb weather just in a soaking wet oiler suit.

I'm 100% sure we were never pushed as hard as actual selection we went through watered down versions of it. Still tough tho.

I've no doubt I'd be in the marines or worse now if not for a rebellious last year in school.

Remmy

thegreatiam wrote: »

I never did it, just played at doing it. We had recruiters at school who would take us out and test us. Did the fan dance in brecon. That was hell. Plus exercises on Salisbury plain. Passed the first stages for the marines. And in 3rd 4th and 5th year we went to hms Raleigh for a month. Not quite as intense but at 14 it's pretty awesome. Getting up at 4 am cleaning, then running miles before doing an assault course. In freezing Feb weather just in a soaking wet oiler suit.

I'm 100% sure we were never pushed as hard as actual selection we went through watered down versions of it. Still tough tho.

I've no doubt I'd be in the marines or worse now if not for a rebellious last year in school.

fuuu that sounds like a pretty awesome childhood.:)

Discus, are guys given time to up their fitness for these courses or has it to be done on their time off? What made you go for aacc over pcoy?

discus

I don't see the point in P-Company. You spend 4 weeks doing physical test events, all based on running with various weights or objects, with a good sleep each night in your room.. AACC had 12 weeks of physical tests, 6 weeks in the field, solo navigation tests day and night, landing craft, cliff assault and heli-insertions. Just made more sense to be tested on all that. Besides, after AACC you can do your jumps course and get your wings. There are tons of lads who have passed P-Company who don't have wings... And finally, you get a maroon airborne beret just for saying you want to go to a para regiment. Tons of lads serve in the para regiments withouthaving ever passed P-coy. You only get the green beret when you pass the AACC and you generally only serve in the commando regiments if you have passed.

I was allowed do more relevent training (weighted runs, 2 days yomping in the hills locally etc) in place of unit PT, only because I had a bit of common sense. Some lads weren't trusted to do their own thing.