The Basic Steps to Becoming a Navy SEAL

As a member of the US military, Adam Schwarze has been active with the US Navy as a SEAL for nearly a decade. Having dreamed of joining the SEALs from an early age, Adam Schwarze is part of a specialized force that undertakes demanding missions on behalf of his country across the globe.

Gaining entrance into the Navy SEALs is a rigorous process that tests the limits of mental and physical stamina. Applicants over the age of 28 need a special waiver to be considered. While there is no college degree requirement, candidates must undergo four distinct tests.

These start with a pre-enlistment medical screening and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. The Computerized-Special Operations Resilience Test assesses mental fortitude and aspects of the candidate such as personalty traits, goal setting abilities, and situational awareness when faced with a challenge or threat.

A Physical Screening Test is also provided. This requires two months of preparations at the Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School. Benchmarks that must be met include 1,000-yard swim (with fins) in less than 20 minutes. A 4-mile run must also be completed in under 31 minutes and there are rigorous requirements spanning push-ups, pull-ups, and curl-ups.

Candidates who pass these tests move on to a Naval Special Warfare Orientation program focused on aspects of performance such as obstacle course, swimming skills, and underwater demolition. This six-stage process includes the infamous “Hell Week” that many candidates find themselves unable to move beyond and ends with a 26 week-long Seal Qualification Training stage. This provides the advanced tactical training required to join a platoon of Navy SEALs.