For those considering the military...

[CSAR]

I've been reading a lot of posts this year regarding military service and I'm hoping that my AR brothers with Armed Forces experience can help me with advice for those considering joining the military.

First off, enlisting or joining the military through various officer programs is serious business. You should be 100% certain that you want to join. IMO, 99.9% desire doesn't cut it. The military is a life-altering experience. It might not seem like much, but 4 years without your constitutional rights is a significant amout of time. Plus, it's not a regular job - if you're late for work as a civilian you might get fired, but if you're late for work in the military you might go to the brig first and then get some type of other than honorable discharge (this might be extreme, but it has happened).

Second, when considering potential Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)think about what you want to do after the military. Think about what you're interested in and do some internet research via the various Armed Forces websites. Have some ideas and write down any questions you can think of before you visit a recruiter.

Third, don't believe everything the recruiter tells you. Their job is meet a quota while saving the ***artment of Defense money. They are not obligated to disclose information regarding enlistment bonuses, college tuition repayment programs, etc., unless you specifically ask. If you're not sure about what a recruiter is telling you, ask them to provide it in writing. If you're still unsure or have no confidence in your recruiter, contact a different recruiter. Make sure that you're getting what you want before you sign anything. Don't be an easy sell.

Fourth, study for your ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and try to get the highest score possible. Higher scores qualify you for better jobs. Perfect scores (99) are not unheard of - I aced mine with no sleep and a massive hangover.

Fifth, get yourself in shape before going to bootcamp. I was honestly shocked (perhaps naive) that people would show up for bootcamp with waivers for bodyfat %, unable to do 10 pushups, 10 situps, 0 pull ups, and/or meet a minimum run time. Bottom line - don't be a burden to others. If you're serious enough to sign the contract, be serious enough to show up in proper condition.

Sixth, while you're in bootcamp STAY in shape as best you can. After the first couple of weeks (when the drama of bootcamp dies down), I had to do daily physical training (PT) on my own because we only did PT once a week. Once I passed my SEAL PT test, I was able to join early morning training sessions with the SEAL Motivator at Great Lakes, IL, Recruit Training Center (RTC).

Seventh, there's no need to volunteer yourself for unnecessary jobs in bootcamp. For example, in the Navy bootcamp system, there's Recruit Chief Petty Officer (R-POC) and Assistant Recruit Chief Petty Officer (A-ROC) and those guys put up with a lot of shit. I volunteered for the Guide On position and got the PT Petty Officer position by default (I smoked everyone in the first mock PT test). Looking back on it now, I wish I hadn't because I had extra duties that contributed nothing after bootcamp. Just be a team player and help others when you can.

Eighth, arrive for bootcamp with minimal baggage. Shave your head down to stubble, don't have any facial hair, and for God's sake don't wear any jewelry (especially earrings) other than a wedding ring if you're married. Bring a decent picture of your woman or family. Bring an address book (with family and friends addresses already written in it) and small stationary set including postal stamps. Don't bring a big suitcase, don't bring porn, and don't bring your girlfriend's panties. Bring $50 bucks, a shaving razor (I brought 8 disposable razors - one for each week of Navy bootcamp), shaving cream/gel with a solid bottom (not with a gas pressure valve - for example look at the bottom of Edge shaving gel and that's what you DON'T want), a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste to last you for at least 8 weeks, and some deodorant/antiperspirant. Dress very simply and wear a new/almost new pair of running shoes. When I arrived at bootcamp, I was wearing a pair of Levi's, a white T-shirt, a pair of white boxers, and a new pair of Nike running shoes. I had a small shaving kit with everything I listed above. After marching around the first week, my shoes were broken in and I was good to go for the runs. Plus, I didn't have to use my recruit coupons to purchase anything, including the initial haircut. During weekend liberty after graduation, I used my coupons at the base exchange to buy junk food, which I ended up selling later for cash.

Ninth, don't be foolish regarding drugs (including steroids ). They do test for drugs and catch people, so make sure you're clean. A common ploy is to keep you awake for the first two days of bootcamp and then scare confessions out of people (lack of sleep induces paranoia). In my experience, there aren't that many bodybuilding physiques in the military, even in the special operations forces. For example, most SEALs are built like triathletes, not Rambo.

Finally, do what is necessary to gain advancement/promotion. For example, in the Navy, you'll have to finish your PARs (Personnel Advancement Requirements, which are necessary for all Navy personnel) as well as your rating (Military Occupational Speciality, or MOS) requirements. Increased rank means more money and more responsibility. Also, a single increment in pay grade (E-3 vs. E-4) can mean the difference between working on a shit detail and supervising a shit detail.

That's it for now, but I'd like to get input from other military vets. I'll write up a section for potential SEALs and I hope some other SOF guys will throw in their advice as well.

[ginkobulloba]

Good post, CSAR. There have been an awful lot of threads lately on this subject. Could be that the various armed forces are throwing around quite a bit of enlistment bonus money or something.

On that note, if you are joining the Army or Marines, you are going to see combat. That is virtually a certainty. I don't know what recruiters are telling people these days, but get it out of your head that you won't be ***loyed to Iraq or Afghanistan or somewhere else. College money and enlistment bonuses are nice, but what the military needs these days are people who want to be soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen.

Recruiters will also be dangling some big bonuses in front of your face if you enlist for like 6 years. I think that is a very retarded thing to do. Unless you grew up on base, you really don't have much of a clue as to what military life is going to be like and if you find out early on that you hate it, well six years of doing something you hate can dampen your spirits for a long time.

I totally agree with CSAR about people showing up fat and lazy and usually stupid. Maybe you can't help stupid, but please, if you are serious about being a soldier or what have you, show up ready to train. When I enlisted, I was planning on one day becoming a green beret. I showed up to OSUT (basic) ready to go. I could run 6-7 minute miles and was strong in every single exercise we did. There was one other guy in my entire troop of about 130 people who was in as good shape as I was. So, that's 2 people out of 130 or so who were in great shape. We could outrun the drill sergeants and everyone else. Everyone else...well, that was actually one of the first real disappointments I experienced with Army life. I joined an MOS that I thought was somewhat elite, for the hardcore mofos, like a stepping stone to SF. When I saw the guys in my platoon and what kind of shape they were in, I realized that I was completely wrong in that assumption.

I also agree that volunteering for shit during basic serves no real purpose. It doesn't take a whole lot to graduate from basic and once it's done, it's over and you don't get any brownie points for being a stud. You've got the same rank as Joe Jerkoff who was the worst one in your class. That being said, give it 100%, especially when it comes to PT. If you kick ass at PT, you've got something that nobody can touch. People may outrank you or whatever, but if you can push harder and run faster, you've always got that on your side.

It's a good point about choosing a job that will be useful as a civilian. I didn't do that and now the jobs I am qualified for are basically mercenary type jobs, which actually pay a shit ton of money. There are some downsides to those jobs as you can imagine.

Most branches have some way for you to enter the service above the rank of E-1. Were you an eagle scout? That's e-3 right there. Get a buddy to sign up and you're an e-2. When I went in, I had to learn some basic military stuff before I shipped out to basic. I also took a pt test and memorized the phonetic alphabet and came in an e-2. Believe me, anything is better than being an E-1 and if you add up all the additional money I was making as an E-2 and then the faster promotion to E-3, I made probably a couple of thousand dollars more than the guy who went in an E-1.

The GI Bill- everyone is eligible for this, provided you pay in $1200 your first year of service, or $100 every month. Normally everyone does this, but some people choose not to and that's just stupid. It pays out to like $35k and goes up every year. Also, you can pay in an additional $600 at any time before you get out and you will get an additional $150 per month added on to your GI bill for 36 months. Do the math, that is a very good return on your $600 investment.

While we are talking about investments...invest your damn money. Save the hell out of your meager ass military pay so that you can have a good life when it's over. I saved probably half of all my pay for the 3+ years I was in. Then, I invested in stocks, aggressively mind you, and I haven't worked (except for 90 days as a paramilitary guy) since I've been out and that was 2 1/2 years ago. With the money I saved and invested I have lived in Europe, traveled all over the world, now I live in Thailand, where I bought and sold a bar and now I'm a part owner of a gym. Yes, I own a gym in paradise and it's like a dream come true. It's all because I wasn't stupid with my money. You've got fvck all to spend it on while you're in the military so you'd might as well plan for the future.

Don't marry some broad who lives near a base. Don't knock those bitches up either. If I had a dollar for every sorry ass case of some soldier getting worked over by some fattie or drunkard or slutty type of base whore, I'd have like 5 gyms by now. Wrap that shit up. Stay away from the bars around base, a lot of trash there and not much else.

Finally, if you find out that this ain't the life for you...and I sure did, get a hobby and put the majority of your frustration into that. The gym is what did it for me. That was my escape from being involved with something that I found out I really didn't want to be a part of. You just have to accept that if you find out it's not what you had imagined. Do your time and get the f out. When that time comes you should know what to say when the retention guy is breaking your balls and telling you to re-up.

[RA]

Excellent post csar, we should keep this bumped for a while.

[Spartan13]

Amen brother, I have spent 9 years in the army, the first 4 in the in the 82nd Airborne div. Once you sign that line and go to MEPS, you butt is owned. So be sure you know what your doing. Don't get out of boot camp and be the S*** bag, always b****ing about how you were lied too, this is not what I signed up to do. News flash if you joined the Army or Marine Corps, and allot of the Navy units now, for collage money or some other benefits that your recruiter promised you um THERE IS A WAR ON. You will come to Iraq. Guaranteed. If its not for you well great, man up and do the time that you signed up for and go on your way. I don't know about the Navy so wont speak to that, but for basic training, forget the lifting all together, all you need to do is Run, push-up and sit ups, and run. You will run every day. You will at night when the Drill SGT is bored. You will do grass drill at 2 am and at 6am till some one pukes, and you will learn to love it,or at least eat it up. That being said, it is what you make it, with the right attitude its a great experience. Oh if your considering Airborne, use the 18 to 20 year old standards for the pt test regardless of your age, and add pull ups. In the Airborne you run every day for pt. CSAR, Seals are some hard core dudes, pulled some security for them a few times, wish we could operate with your guys ROE. Thanks for doing what you do, and good luck.

[brewerpi]

I did bootcamp almost 25 years ago, but I am certain that the advice in CSARs post holds true today. You want to show up in the best shape possible-being in top physical shape makes the head games easier.Don't show off and don't bring up the rear, being a ghost or grey man is the best advice I got before attending boot camp.
A few months ago I accompanied the son of a family friend on his first visit to the recruiter. I had worked with the young man for several weeks making sure he did his research on the internet and some assigned reading of recent stories in the news. I actually think the recruiter was impressed with how prepared the young man was and he later commented to me that the potential recruits that come in with no idea what they won't to do are a lot of work and usually end up unhappy with their choices.
As for what CSAR said about giving thought to what you want to do after your time is up-this is important! Currently the military is offering some substantial bonuses for certain jobs. Yes, you can make a nice piece of change but that money won't last forever. Skills do last forever, and they can be easily converted in to income. If you stay in long enough and move upward the other thing you can leave the service with is an advanced security clearance-right now there is a huge back log of people waiting to OBTAIN a clearance or an upgrade of their clearance (check out clearancejobsdotcom) Maintaining a good credit rating and reliably performing your job are two keys to keeping your security clearance.
The young family friend enlisted in the Army, I am proud of him and a little envious of the adventure he is about to embark on.

[goodcents]

For 99.99% of the people that think about enlisting:










Stay home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( there is no way in hell I would join the military in this day and age!!!!!!!!!!)

[Huckster]

Right on about not volunteering yourself @ Bootcamp. I agreed (I was asked by our DO, (drill instructor)) to be on the Nasty Nine. I said sure. Turned out I had to get up about 30 minutes before zero dark thirty, when everyone else woke up, go eat breakfast and come back to the barraks and clean the shitters,pissers, showers, sinks and the rest of the barracks while everyone else was at breakfast.

Imagine how nasty it is to clean the head (bathroom), showers and all that other crap of an 80 man bootcamp division. Talk about dick hairs!! Gross.

Serve your country, it's a great honor. Nothing wrong with that. I'm out of the Navy now, but got nothin but RESPECT for anyone serving now. Mad props to you if you're reading this on active duty. I'm proud of ya brothers!

[MrTAME]

whats e-1, e-2, and e-3 pay add up to a year? up here in the great white north we have different paygrades called incentives. The one I am in makes over 60 K a year for 4 years in...and many more to come. I love the military, its been a family tradition since the turn of the century, its in my blood and its what I was born to do.

[CSAR]

whats e-1, e-2, and e-3 pay add up to a year? up here in the great white north we have different paygrades called incentives. The one I am in makes over 60 K a year for 4 years in...and many more to come. I love the military, its been a family tradition since the turn of the century, its in my blood and its what I was born to do.

Here is the 2007 basic pay rates (monthly) for enlisted ranks E-1 to E-7 (I didn't list E-8 or E-9) with less than 14 years of service:

First column is less than 2 years, second column is 2 years, and the columns proceed in increments of 2 years (4, 6, 8, etc.).

Rank

E-7 2339.10 2553.00 2650.80 2780.70 2881.50 3055.20 3152.70 3250.20
E-6 2023.20 2226.00 2324.40 2419.80 2519.40 2744.10 2831.40 2928.30
E-5 1854.00 1977.90 2073.30 2171.40 2323.80 2454.90 2551.50 2582.10
E-4 1699.50 1786.50 1883.10 1978.50 2062.80 2062.80 2062.80 2062.80
E-3 1534.20 1630.80 1729.20 1729.20 1729.20 1729.20 1729.20 1729.20
E-2 1458.90 1458.90 1458.90 1458.90 1458.90 1458.90 1458.90 1458.90
E-1 1301.40 1301.40 1301.40 1301.40 1301.40 1301.40 1301.40 1301.40
E-1 with less than 4 months of service 1203.90

[yngnastyman]

a month or so ago, i enlisted into the Marines and have chosen my MOS to be 0311, Infantry. I ship July 10 and am very very excited!! ive been doing nothing but running lately and can run very well.

the sleep ***rivation thing about getting confessions is scary though, i did lie about my history of ADHD. and under the military uniform code of justice this is fraud and is a felony and i can be put in prison and dishonorably discharged. But i do know for a fact from several sources they will only look in my medical history if a problem comes up regarding ADHD, and since i sincerely do not have it (doctors aren't what they used to be) that will not be a problem.

[ginkobulloba]

Dude, I wouldn't worry about something like that. You're not a member of Al-Qaeda so they aren't going to be interrogating you for hours on end just to get a confession about ADHD. Personally I've never seen that happen, at least not in the Army. Could be they try to find out who did drugs before they signed up and start nosing around about that. Don't trip, just stick to your story and it's all good. The military doesn't go through all the trouble of recruiting you, processing you, issuing gear, etc just to kick you out and give you a felony over something like that. Believe me, if all you had or didn't have was ADHD, you're like an eagle scout compared to me and most members of the military. Good luck in the Marines dude!

[Spartan13]

and as bad as every service needs people now don't worrier, I have it to, ADHD, lack of sleep just comes me down. you'll be fine. Good luck in the Corps

[yngnastyman]

thats all good to know

[CSAR]

For those considering SEALs, please honestly ask yourself these questions:

1) How comfortable are you in the water? Being a great swimmer isn't enough. I'm talking about having your hands tied behind your back, your feet bound together, trying to bob, float, swim, flip underwater, etc., while instructors hold you down, push you, pull you back down just before you surface to catch your breath, etc. And that's when they're being friendly and playful. Imagine what they'll do when they're having a bad day.

2) How much punishment can you put up with during BUD/S (30 weeks)? I'm talking about being wet, cold to the point of hypothermia, having sand everywhere, exhausted, blistered, chaffed, etc. Now add a 150 lb. log, an IBS (Inflatable Boat, Small, a.k.a. Itty Bitty Ship), a 50 ft. rope ladder, a 6 mile fun run, and an hour of PT on the grinder. All the while instructors are harrassing you, screaming at you, telling you that you don't have what it takes, how you're letting your boat crew down, etc. And this is just before noon.

3) Are you in love with the idea of being a SEAL or relish the thought of being able to call yourself a SEAL? The odds are strongly against you, because you have to love the job - NOT the job title. Hellweek? Psshhht. That's a speed bump. You'll be colder, wetter, and more miserable after BUD/S than you ever were during BUD/S. "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday" is not just an expression - it is a reality.

4) No one cares that your Navy SEAL uncle trained you since you were a child, that you're a world class triathlete, sleep in a bathtub full of ice, have a giant S on your chest, etc. If you can't HONESTLY answer the first three questions favorably, then you should think about something else.

5) MOST IMPORTANTLY - Army Rangers, Army Special Forces, Army Delta, Marine Recon, Marine Force Recon, Air Force CCT, Air Force PJ, etc., are all KICK ASS. They are all brothers and operate together more than you might think. There is always something you can learn from other special operations forces. Bottom line is that if you don't think you can handle BUD/S (or worse, what comes after BUD/S), then don't feel bad. Consider other avenues toward becoming part of the special operations community.

I'll post more regarding BUD/S prep in the near future.

[bogus311]

I've been in the Army almost 8 years, I;m getting out in 4 months. Ive done 1 tour to Afgan and 1 to Iraq. It's no joke especially hard on the family. The Army doesn't test for steroids though. You're commanding officer has to have a valid reason to suspect you of being on it first. In my career I have never seen anyone tested for it.

[yngnastyman]

if i feel im physically fit enough, im going to try out for Force Recon

[Huckster]

Here's another tip if considering the military. Stay away from military chicks! You'll be tempted, so tempted, but MOST of them are N*A*S*T*Y and have been around the block! Just be careful.

[Fordfan01]

way to cover it all in one post CSAR thanks for all ur knowledge and help

[bogus311]

Agree with the military chic thing, overseas there queen for a year. Guys get hard up for some tail..

I'm guilty of it myself though...

[CSAR]

Here's another tip if considering the military. Stay away from military chicks! You'll be tempted, so tempted, but MOST of them are N*A*S*T*Y and have been around the block! Just be careful.

Good advice. I'd like to add to stay away from chicks that frequent the bars/clubs both on the base and in the vicinity. I know in Yokosuka, a lot of wives go to the A-Club to find a "Joe Navy" boyfriend for the 6 months their husbands are on ***loyment to the Gulf or RIMPAC. The skanks out on the honch looking for a green card husband are just as bad.

[Lexed]

awsome read Csar

[wascaptain5214]

agree with most you stated czar and ginko. the sticky point i got is volunteering. VOLUNTEER! its not always a crap detail you get assigned too. also, read the company bullentin board, and know your chain of command. keep your uniform pressed, boots shined, close hair cut and shave and your weapon clean. and always, carry a condom. the service used me and i have used the service. waiting on my 60th birth day to start getting my retirement check from uncle sugar.

[Huckster]

Agree with the military chic thing, overseas there queen for a year. Guys get hard up for some tail..

I'm guilty of it myself though...

Bogus, funny thing about your reply. I know some chick stationed out of Columbus Ga, I forget the Fort name there, Benning maybe?? Anyway she is exactly what I'm talking about about. She came home on leave about a week ago and was really coming on to me hard, I had never met the girl before in my life, she's a friend of a friend. The mutual friend was telling me all the skank stories about her and if I did decide to hit it to double bag it. She works out of (edited to preserve her identity) down there, maybe you got a piece of it? She was decent looking but the stories and my first hand knowledge of military girls kept me away.

[CSAR]

In today's installment, I'll discuss some broad strokes for physical training in preparation for BUD/S.

The BUD/S screening test consists of:
1. A 500 yard swim using the breast- or sidestroke in 12 minutes and 30 seconds.
2. 42 pushups minimum in 2 minutes.
3. 50 situps minimum in 2 minutes.
4. 8 dead-hang pullups.
5. A 1.5 mile run in 11 minutes and 30 seconds wearing boots and pants.

Now, these are the minimums you need just to pass. Just passing is seriously frowned upon at BUD/S. Also, at bootcamp for your BUD/S screening test, you will need to do full pushups (touching chest to the ground and locking out at the top), full situps (touching the elbows to the tops of the knees), and absolutely no "kipping" (using a swinging motion of the legs to help you up) during pullups.

That said, respectable numbers include:
1. The 500 yard swim in 10 minutes and 30 seconds.
2. 80 pushups in 2 minutes.
3. 100 situps in 2 minutes.
4. 20 dead-hang pullups.
5. The 1.5 mile run in 9 minutes.

However, all of this is meaningless if you are not comfortable in the water. Some of the biggest studs, including world class triathletes, quit because they could not cope with stress in the water. Stress at BUD/S in the water comes in the form of instructors fvcking with you and making the seemingly most benign underwater tasks impossible.

That said, here's some basic advice for getting yourself physically ready:

1) You don't need to be a great swimmer. But you do need to be a good swimmer. Form is most important. The Terry Laughlin method is what the instructors use at BUD/S and IT WORKS. You need to learn the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, freestyle, butterfly, and back stroke. You will use the sidestroke primarily, but occasionally you will have to use the other strokes, so learn them.
2) Don't do PT/running every day. Doing PT/running every day will break your body down (just like you shouldn't lift every day). Prior to bootcamp, I was swimming and doing various things in the pool 3 times per week and PT/runing 2 times per week. My schedule looked like this: Pool (MWF), PT/running (Tu/Thu). Stew Smith (a former SEAL officer) has an excellent BUD/S preparation book you can get on Amazon. I believe it even comes with a DVD.
3. Learn about drownproofing, how to swim underwater, buddy towing, and tying the 5 underwater knots:
A. Square Knot (aka Reef Knot)
B. Bowline Loop
C. Becket's Bend
D. Clove Hitch
E. Right Angle Knot

Most other things the instructors will teach you (log PT, IBS drills, rock portage, etc.) and you can't really practice them by yourself anyways.

In the next installment, I'll outline in more detail a week's worth of training.

[Panzerfaust]

Fifth, get yourself in shape before going to bootcamp. I was honestly shocked (perhaps naive) that people would show up for bootcamp with waivers for bodyfat %, unable to do 10 pushups, 10 situps, 0 pull ups, and/or meet a minimum run time. Bottom line - don't be a burden to others. If you're serious enough to sign the contract, be serious enough to show up in proper condition.

Only in America!

****ing pathetic, thank god we are not under attack with those ****ers in the military. Why we accept such bullshit is beyond me? They should send all of those people to a Sgt. Hartman and let him kick the shit out of them for awhile.

[Panzerfaust]

You are a Seal CSAR? Damn, you're a bad mother****er!

I love watching that show on BUD/s. Alot of the cats were on their 2nd or 3rd try. I am glad to see that the special teams still hold a very high standard unlike the regular forces Marines, Army, Navy.

I have seen some of the most pathetic people join the Army and Marines and make it through it.

Everyone signs up for college money etc.. then they cry and bitch when they are shipped off to war. Last time I checked, that is what the military is for.

The special teams have all my respect, you guy's are the best of the best.

[CSAR]

You are a Seal CSAR? Damn, you're a bad mother****er!

No, I was administratively dropped from BUD/S for a rule infraction. I went to Tijuana with some friends and got caught. Tijuana is a no-no. I was in Second Phase at the time and luckily, my performance up to my error in judgement was good enough to get me recommendation to return to BUD/S after 2 years. I got attached to a Marine platoon in Bahrain providing CSAR, among other things. Before I could get back to BUD/S, I messed up my back and was medically discharged (honorably) from the Navy. Now, I'm just a disabled vet. Oh, and I've never been a bad mofo - I've gotten my ass kicked more times than I can remember!

[CSAR]

You’ll want to give yourself a minimum of at least 12 weeks (3 months) of preparation, before leaving for bootcamp. In fact, I’d recommend even longer if you’re not very good in the water, because in my experience, comfort operating in an unnatural environment comes with time and repeated exposure.

I advocate doing PT followed by runs twice a week. In my opinion, the majority of your training should be spent in the pool.

PT

Keep in mind that the reps here are for someone who exercises regularly. You may need to adjust the reps ***ending on your fitness level.

For PT and runs, you should be wearing a white T-shirt (you haven’t earned your brown shirt until you’ve passed Hellweek), B D U trousers or jeans and Bates 8” SEALs Durashock boots (no need to blouse the trousers or jeans). These Bates boots are the same ones you’ll be issued at BUD/S. I recommend buying two pairs and breaking them in before using for your runs.

I recommend doing PT twice a week before runs. Starting out, you should do 4 sets of these basic exercises in the following order:
Regular Pushups – 20 reps
Diamond Pushups – 15 reps
Dive Bomber Pushups (also called Hindu Pushups) – 15 reps
8-count Bodybuilders – 20 reps
Situps – 30 reps
Crunches – 30 reps
4-count Flutter kicks – 30 reps
Leg lifts – 30 reps

After finishing all your sets for the basic exercises, do 3 sets of the following:
Pullups – 6 reps
Dips – 8 reps

As you progress each week, increase your reps and sets. Mix things up to keep it interesting. For example, use a fitness ball while doing pushups or crunches to increase your core strength. Vary your set and rep schemes, for example using a pyramid. During First Phase, you will do PT on the grinder, which is the cement courtyard smack dab in the middle of the NSWC. There’s no need to do all your PT on cement, but give it a try just to see what it’s like.

Running

Stretch lightly after PT and before your run. Do not run more than 6 miles – there’s no need. Listen to your body, especially your feet, shins, and knees. If you start feeling pain, then stop and let your body heal – don’t try to push through the pain or you’ll end up injuring yourself.

Timed runs of 4 miles are usually North past the Hotel Del Coronado up to the NAS North Island fenceline and back down to the NSWC. You’ll be able to run close to the surf zone, so the sand will be wet and hardpacked.

Starting out, you’ll need to be running 8 minute miles or less. Ideally, you’ll want to arrive at BUD/S running 7 minute miles or less.

If you have access to a beach, try running in the dry, loose sand as well as the sand closer to the surf zone. Try sprints instead of distance runs once in a while. Incorporating hills into your runs is another idea to mix things up.

Every two weeks, do the SEAL PRT test to measure your progress and adjust accordingly.

Swimming

I STRONGLY recommend swimming or conducting pool training with a buddy or under the supervision of a lifeguard.

I recommend swimming 3 days per week (M/W/F). It doesn’t matter how you schedule it, but one day should be a distance swim using the side stroke without fins. Another day should be devoted to sprints using various strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, sidestroke, backstroke, and butterfly). Your third day should be devoted to hypoxics, drownproofing, underwater knot-tying, buddy towing, and underwater swims.

For distance swims, work your way up to 4000 meters (2.5 miles) swimming continuously without stopping for a break. Every two weeks, mix things up by incorporating fins.

For sprints, try 2 sets of 50 meters using various strokes or 4 sets of 25 meters. Mix things up by playing water polo, or underwater hockey.

The hypoxics, drownproofing, underwater knot-tying, buddy towing, and underwater swims MUST be done with someone watching you. DO NOT attempt to do these things on your own. I STRONGLY recommend talking with a SEAL motivator (a SEAL recruiter who specializes in dealing with civilians interested in becoming a SEAL).

Hypoxics involves using the freestyle. Start by taking 1 breath for every 3 strokes for 50 meters. Then move up to 1 breath for every 5 strokes, 1 breath for every 7 strokes, 1 breath for every 9 strokes, etc.

Drownproofing (no need to tie your hands behind your back or feet together) involves bobbing for 10 minutes, followed by floating for 10 minutes, followed by a 50 meter swim, followed by 10 more minutes of bobbing, followed by a front flip, then a back flip, then retrieving your swim mask from the bottom of the pool with your teeth, ending with holding your swim mask in your mouth while bobbing a few more times.

Underwater knot-tying is exactly what it is. Practice tying the 5 knots underwater at a ***th of 4-5 meters (12-15 feet). For added difficulty, have your swim buddy “fan” or stroke the water around your body and hands (simulates underwater currents).

Underwater swims are very dangerous due to shallow water blackouts. The key to underwater swims is to get deep (pressure forces oxygen into your blood) and glide. Too many strokes burns oxygen, so relax and take it easy. Start out by trying to swim 25 meters. Once that becomes comfortable, increase to 35 meters. Once that becomes comfortable, then move up to 50. At this point, there’s not much need to push yourself further.

Buddy towing. Exactly how it sounds. Tow your buddy continuously for 25 meters. Turn around and have him tow you back. Repeat. Pretty simple, right?

There is absolutely no need to practice holding your breath underwater. If you’re training hard and doing things right, increased lung capacity and time spent underwater will increase naturally.

Last piece of advice - STRETCH really well after training. Stretch at night before going to bed. Being flexible as well as conditioned are the keys to being physically ready for BUD/S.

In the next installment, I’ll discuss gear (not steroids ) and some basic rules of thumb to follow while at BUD/S.

[Musicman]

good post, go army, lol

[CSAR]

As far as equipment goes, you can get the same BUD/S-issued gear at http://shop.navyseals.com/

A lot of the gear is the same as when I was at BUD/S in the mid-1990s, but some of it has changed. For example, 1st and 2nd phases wore plain olive drab uniforms (like Gomer Pyle), while 3rd phase wore woodland B D Us. Now every phase wears the woodland B D Us. We also used the K-Bar knife, but now they're using the Cold Steel SRK.

Anyhow, I always found extra gear to be a blessing. When you're cold, wet, and sandy, nothing feels better than changing into a set of dry clothes. They might not stay dry for very long, but the boost in morale was great.

You'll be issued the minimum gear requirements at BUD/S, but keep in mind that a lot of it will have been used by previous BUD/S candidates. So some of it might not be pretty.

My recommendations:
A. 3 extra pairs of woodland B D Us, including covers ("hats" to you civilians) - set aside one pair to be used only for inspections, keep the others in dry reserve.
B. 2 pairs of Bates 8" tropical SEALs boots - great for running.
C. 6 pairs of SEAL wool socks - really important to keep your feet dry.
D. 3 pairs of Hanes white T-shirts
E. 2 pairs of plain black Speedos
F. 2 pairs of UDT swim shorts
G. 1 Cold Steel SRK knife - get it razor sharp and use it only for inspections. You can use the issued knife for swims, but it must also be sharp.
H. Colored waterproof tape - use it on your seabag, bootlaces, swim fins, etc. When you class up, the instructors will fvck with you by mixing everyone's gear up and then giving you a few minutes to get your gear on. The colored wp tape helps you to identify your gear. Share it with your boatcrew and have them do the same. No two boatcrews should use the same color of tape. This won't prevent the instructors from punishing you, but a lot of them like to see guys thinking, adapting, improvising, etc., so maybe you won't get punished as hard as other boatcrews.
I. 1 pair of Army jungle boots - these are great for inspections. Spitshine them to a mirror polish and keep them protected in plastic bags for inspections only.
J. A sturdy waterproof pouch that you can put in your B D U blouse pocket. You'll need it to keep a notebook and pen on hand (and dry) for times when instructors tell you to write something down.

As far as Do's and Don'ts at BUD/S:
1. DON'T get caught with any SEAL Trident/"Budweiser" pins in your locker, room, etc. In fact, don't even think about touching one until it's awarded to you at SQT graduation.
2. DON'T try to slide/skate/loaf (i.e., cheat) on anything. You will get caught and you will pay the price.
3. DON'T get into any trouble outside of the NSWC compound. This includes speeding tickets, parking tickets, late video returns, etc. If you can't be responsible enough to look after yourself, then BUD/S certainly won't trust you with another student's life.
4. DON'T go to Mexico. This is what got me busted and admin dropped. I'm still kicking myself today because I was doing everything well until I got stupid.
5. DON'T use creatine or keep any supplements, other than a multi-vitamin/mineral in your locker/room.
6. DON'T be putting things off until the last minute. Know what evolutions are on the board for the upcoming week and get your gear prepped, keep your room squared away, and do what must be done.
7. DO buy a 3'x5' US flag and put it up in your room.
8. DO put up a list of the Navy core values - Honor, Courage, Committment (you can make one with definitions included using a word processing program, add some illustrations, backgrounds, etc., and have it laminated).
9. DO provide hot coffee, powerbars, and even porn for the instructors during room inspections. My roommate and I brewed a fresh pot of coffee, had a box of powerbars, and a stack of Penthouse (not too vanilla, not too obscene). The instructors would give our room a cursory look, then sit down and enjoy a cup, a powerbar or two, and peruse our porn. We NEVER failed a room inspection and stayed warm & dry while our classmates were usually cold, wet, and getting punished. Plus, they loved our flag and core values poster.
10. DO be responsible. BUD/S is life-threatening training. Students and instructors (yes, even instructors) have died during BUD/S evolutions. The instructor staff will not turn a blind eye to any infraction, even minor. Show them you are serious, willing to learn, eager to perform, and give your best on everything.

YOUR REPUTATION AS A SEAL BEGINS AT BUD/S!

[ImACrazyJewDaddy]

CSAR, this was exactlyt what i was looking. Question about training while swimming. What would you recommend to wear while doing this...pants, hoodie? swim trunks????

[Serotonin]

I didn't enjoy the military as much as it pissed me off. Perhaps I should have joined the Marines instead of the Navy but as far as discipline, professionalism, and integrity goes... the Navy was full of a bunch of jackoffs. Pretty much the instant boot ended most people just slid into a mire of laziness and an incredible lack of pride in uniform.

This is good and bad. Its bad because I would have thrived in a better environment and probably enjoyed things a lot more. Its good in that I went from E1 to E5 in 3 years. Seriously, succeeding in the military as an enlisted person is the easiest thing in the world if you even have a SHRED of motivation and half a brain. There are quite a few morons in the enlisted side of the armed forces. There are a TON of fat assed females in the Navy and quite frankly I found it appalling. Had my carrier ever sustained a serious attack I'm almost POSITIVE that it would suffer a tremendous amount of casualties. There haven't been any major wars or attacks on ships that were underway with females on them but in a life or death situation, I don't want some 200lb fat ass that can't fit through an escape scuttle begging me to hoist her ass up through it. Better yet, I don't want to be in the bottom of a compartment having to rely on her to get wounded out of a dangerous space. It just isn't something that would go very well.

As an enlisted person you better be prepared to do shit work. The better half of your first enlistment will pretty much tattoo bitch across your forehead. Painting bulkheads, waxing floors, and plunging toilets full of 10lbs of soaked toilet paper and 5 lbs of shit. Constant training on how to be a normal adult because there are so many damned morons around you. If I had a dollar for every training muster I went to that talked about drunk driving or spouse abuse, I wouldn't have needed the GI Bill.

So, for all of my intelligent and determined bros out there considering the enlisted side of the Navy. Take a very close and careful look at the place you will be putting yourself. Because no matter how good you are, you're on the side of the fence where things just aren't as nice as they are being an officer. You'll be a tool and a means to an end for other lazy asses who just happened to be promoted because they're making a life out of the military. Shit always rolls downhill and you'll be at the bottom.

[Sir Lifts-a-lot]

wow.... I love the posts CSAR! I am not in the service, know for a fact that I don't have what it takes but this is spot on. How does a coward like me know you ask?, Well my absolute best friend is in the Marines and this is EXACTLY what he told me happens in bootcamp. Anyone thinking about joining up should def read this thread. It is amazing how you have included absolutely everything.

The big thing John kept on stressing when he went through boot camp was that they basically re-program you. Most everything you know they change. When he came out of bootcamp he was like a robot that week he was home. Kind of odd, but that was the life he knew for the past 12 weeks. Now after being in for the past 3 years he had adjusted and is still the same dumb ass he was before, but also has the skills of a high ranking marine.

[CSAR]

CSAR, this was exactlyt what i was looking. Question about training while swimming. What would you recommend to wear while doing this...pants, hoodie? swim trunks????

If you're swimming in a pool, then just a pair of black Speedos under the UDT swimming shorts.

If you're swimming in the ocean, then it will depend on the water temperature. But at BUD/S, even when the water is cold, the most you'll wear is a suit top and a hoodie (w/ Speedos & UDTs).

[CSAR]

Wow, Serotonin - sounds like you had a pretty bad experience. I saw a lot of what you described and was glad I wasn't on a ship. Pretty nasty. I talked to a guy in Bahrain about ship life and I thought he was gonna blow his head off right then and there. I believe he was a sonar tech, but after 2 years in the Navy he had yet to even operate any sonar equipment. He said the first 6 months onboard, he was attached to the galley, where he scrubbed pots/pans and cleaned the officers' wardroom. After that, he got put on shit details, like an engineering Tiger Team or some bullshit like that. Said he had to go down into the bilges and scrape rust because the engineering mates were too lazy to do their own job. Sounds pretty sucky.

Thanks for the props, Sir-Lifts-a-lot!

[Serotonin]

Wow, Serotonin - sounds like you had a pretty bad experience. I saw a lot of what you described and was glad I wasn't on a ship. Pretty nasty. I talked to a guy in Bahrain about ship life and I thought he was gonna blow his head off right then and there. I believe he was a sonar tech, but after 2 years in the Navy he had yet to even operate any sonar equipment. He said the first 6 months onboard, he was attached to the galley, where he scrubbed pots/pans and cleaned the officers' wardroom. After that, he got put on shit details, like an engineering Tiger Team or some bullshit like that. Said he had to go down into the bilges and scrape rust because the engineering mates were too lazy to do their own job. Sounds pretty sucky.

Thanks for the props, Sir-Lifts-a-lot!

Yea dude, but the kicker is that I decimated my A school class. I was number one by a mile. But, I remember telling my best friend the day before that the Navy could send me anywhere but a big deck. Sure enough, as a reward for a job well done in a school I get the carrier and everyone else in the class got shit i wanted. It pretty much sucked from there on out. The ship was dry docked for a year and I painted doors.

[ImACrazyJewDaddy]

hiers a pool at my gym, and I live 20 minutes away from lake erie..do you suggest I swim in the lake? Another question, im 5"10', 175 lbs. about 12 % BF, Should I try to maintain that BF % up to the point of Entering BUD/S, or should I try to lower my BF, down to an overal weight of 160(maybe a little extreme? im not too sure because ive been down to 7% before ) help lower the stress on my body when running?

[Serotonin]

Bro, I would get my bodyfat close to 18-20% if I were going to BUDS. The cold water shit they make you do is one of the biggest reasons people drop out - hypothermia. Granted, you probably have a great deal of lean mass but still, a little extra padding in the way of adipose tissue won't hurt at all when keeping in that precious body heat.

I would swim in both. Coronado has some pretty rough water so prepare yourself as much as possible for all of those variables.

edit: My reasoning for the bodyfat thing comes from actual seals. Most of those guys that were in SEAL team 8 on my ship weren't shredded at all, they had a decent bf%.

[ImACrazyJewDaddy]

AW, bulk up...what ever it takes... But I honestly think that 7% BF- 20% BF wont make that big of a difference to help signifacantly.. If your cold...then your cold. As for rough water.. I Surf in the summer, travel to the pacific and Im going to Virginia Beach for some fun in the water, waves their are ok....May be dumb, I usually like to go when their's a Hurricane, or tropical storm out away's..NICE SURF!!!!!!

[LAW]

For 99.99% of the people that think about enlisting:

Stay home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( there is no way in hell I would join the military in this day and age!!!!!!!!!!)

So apparently you don't feel that we need a military for protection against the jerkes of the world.

My son joined the Marines 5 years ago, was deployed and is now home. I honestly wish my older two would join the military It has enriched his life in so many ways, taught him things that are useful for his life. When he signed up at 17 I offered to BUY HIM ANY CAR HE WANTED not to go. He told me a car wasn't going to last his life time and that the Military was what he wanted. Shocked and with tears in my eyes, I truly can't believe how smart this 17 year old was.

There are many young men and women who join the military because the life they have at homes is horriable and they have no other way out. The military helps these kids alot. I am very grateful for our military and although I hate to see anyone get killed, THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WARS AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE WARS AND THAT IS LIFE. IMO