Become a U.S. Navy SEAL (2024)

Last Updated on November 16, 2023

This guide provides useful information for those who desire to become a United States Navy SEAL (Enlisted) during Fiscal Year 2024.

Conducting covert operations behind enemy lines. Against all obstacles, capture enemy objectives and information.

Bringing a potentially dangerous act of maritime piracy to a close in the blink of an eye. The tagline “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday” is supported by legendary exploits.

U.S. Navy SEALs are part of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, which includes individuals who take on the most difficult operations and most elusive goals.

As you will see, there are many aspects and requirements for this career path.

Let us begin with the basics.

What are Navy SEALs?

President John F. Kennedy established the U.S. Navy SEALs in 1962 as a quick, elite maritime combat unit capable of all facets of unconventional warfare.

Special Warfare Operators (SO) carry out Special Operations at sea and on land in places like cities, deserts, jungles, the Arctic, and mountains. Tasks include combat diving, paradrop operations, small boat operations, tactical ground mobility, small arms and crew-served weapons, fast roping, rappelling, explosives, communications, trauma care, intelligence gathering and interpretation, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) defense measures.

In this position, you will give urgent military assistance in crisis situations across the globe.

U.S. Navy SEALs oversee training, planning, and carrying out special missions in maritime, urban, desert, jungle, arctic, and mountain situations.

Their professional title in the United States Navy is Special Warfare Operator (SO).

SOs are experts in:

  • special operations tactics and missions
  • foreign cultural awareness
  • tactical communications
  • tactical air control
  • combat diving and
  • SEAL Delivery Vehicle operations
  • paradrop operations
  • small boat operations
  • tactical ground mobility
  • small arms and crew-served weapons
  • fast roping and rappelling
  • demolitions and explosive breaching
  • trauma care
  • intelligence gathering and interpretation
  • chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear defense mechanization

To become a U.S. Navy SEAL, you must first complete what is commonly regarded as the most physically and emotionally taxing military training available.

Then comes the hard part: dealing with whatever scenario or opponent the world must give.

Warfare in direct action. Special investigation. Counterterrorism. Internal foreign defense.

U.S. Navy SEALs are at their best when there are no other options.

Achieving the impossible by conditioned reaction, sheer resolve, and unwavering devotion to their training, missions, and fellow SEAL team members.

In this capacity, you will supply urgent military alternatives in the face of global crises.

Giving decision-makers a tried-and-true method for effectively controlling the most difficult circumstances.

Test-Prep

Responsibilities of Navy SEALs

The duties of United States Navy SEALs include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting insertions and extractions by sea, air, or land to conduct clandestine, Special Warfare operations
  • Capturing high-value enemy soldiers and terrorists all around the globe
  • Conducting small-unit direct-action operations against military objectives
  • Collecting information and intelligence via special reconnaissance missions
  • Underwater reconnaissance and destruction of natural or man-made barriers preparatory to amphibious landings

Nature of Special Warfare

They are already gone by the time you realize a SEAL team has attacked you.

It takes a particular sort of person to qualify for this post, and if you do, you had best be prepared to show it with your intelligence, strength, and determination to face impossible circumstances front on.

Because your squad will be called in for last-ditch reconnaissance missions and operations that “never happened.”

The next thing you know, you will swim out of a torpedo tube and descending into enemy territory from a helicopter.

A U.S. Navy SEAL’s work requires a high level of flexibility, collaboration, and extreme bravery, which is what distinguishes them as the finest of the best.

Members train and work in a variety of settings, including deserts and cities, mountains and forests, jungles, and polar temperatures.

SEALs work both as highly skilled people and as members of close-knit teams. Together, they learn and work in all kinds of places, from deserts to cities, mountains to forests, and even the jungle and the cold.

Missions are usually about getting to a combat target, which could be done by glider, submarine, helicopter, high-speed boat, foot patrol, or combat swimmer.

Whatever the task and settings, you will need to use specialist talents and high-tech equipment.

And you will work not only as a highly talented person, but also as a part of close-knit SEAL groups.

Task units (32-man), platoons (16-man), squads (8-man), teams (4-man), and swim buddies are among them (2-man).

If you have what it takes, there is a place for you among the ranks of the United States Navy.

Also Read: Become a U.S. Navy EOD Technician—Top Navy Enlisted Job

Special Warfare Training

After completing the initial Recruit Training Command, which is also called “Boot Camp,” you will go through this intense training, which is meant to push your body and mind to their limits.

If you’re up to the challenge, you’ll come out of it in great physical shape and with the confidence, drive, and teamwork skills you need to do well in any battle situation.

The extensive SEAL training regimen prepares you for the intense physical and mental demands that come with SEAL operations.

SEAL training is said to be tough, preparing you for the high physical and mental rigors of SEAL operations.

SEAL training includes the following components:

  1. Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL BUD/S School
  2. Parachute Jump School
  3. SEAL Qualification Training (SQT)
  4. 18 months of intensive specialized pre-deployment training

The goal of any advanced training is to push you to your physical and mental limitations.

If you are up to the challenge, you will emerge in fantastic physical form and with the confidence, commitment, and teamwork required to thrive in a combat scenario.

Growth Opportunities for SEALs

Those selected to become U.S. Navy SEALs have tremendous growth opportunities.

You will have several chances to expand your expertise as a member of the Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations (NSW/NSO) group.

NSW training includes everything from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) foundations to understanding of chemical and biological warfare, military tactics, deep-sea diving, and a variety of other tactical military or naval operations.

The courses in this profession are rigorous, but those who embrace the difficulties will be rewarded not only with more income, but also with remarkable duty assignments anywhere on the globe.

Promotions are offered regularly; however, they are competitive and dependent on performance.

Navy SEAL Officer positions are available for people with further leadership ambitions and a college degree, allowing them to lead and train others.

Navy SEAL Benefits

When it comes to financial benefits, the United States Navy offers much more than a respectable salary.

As a United States Navy Sailor, you may expect:

  • Supplemental/bonus pay
  • Scheduled salary hikes and frequent promotions
  • Postgraduate education that is entirely paid by the U.S. Navy
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill – cash for you or your family to use for school
  • 30 days of vacation with pay earned every year
  • Excellent retirement benefits, including a 401(k)-style thrift savings plan
  • Tax-free lodging and food allowances
  • Tax-free shopping privileges at military shops
  • Free or low-cost travel options
  • Access to military bases, clubs, and recreational facilities all over the globe
  • Online Navy Credentialing Opportunities for Credentials/Certifications (Navy COOL)

Navy SEAL Salary

Besides standard military salary and allowances, the U.S. Navy grants an enlistment incentive to members of specific NSW/NSO communities.

You may also be eligible for:

  • special duty assignment pay
  • parachute jump pay
  • dive pay
  • demolition money

These incentives, when combined, make these personnel among the highest-paid Enlisted operators in the United States military.

Contact a recruiter for more information on specialty pay and enlistment incentives.

Also Read: Become a U.S. Navy Diver—Top Navy Enlisted Job

Navy SEAL Qualification Requirements

Although no college degree is necessary to become a U.S. Navy SEAL, the requirements of qualifying demand mental and physical fortitude that few people possess.

SEALs should have solid study habits and learning abilities, as well as basic math and algebra understanding.

Mechanical abilities are also helpful.

You should be in good physical shape and able to withstand strenuous physiological demands.

Strong swimming abilities and the capacity to tolerate exhaustion are required. It is necessary to use your hands effectively.

Maturity, self-assurance, and confidence are important personal attributes for SEALs.

You should be able to work in difficult or dangerous situations and be ready to follow commands.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To become a U.S. Navy SEAL, applicants must:

  • Be 28 years old or younger
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Meet vision requirements:
    • Correctable to 20/25
    • no color blindness
    • 20/40 better eye; 20/70 worse eye
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) with a minimum score of:
    • GS+MC+EI=170 or
    • VE+MK+MC+CS=220 or
    • VA+AR=110 or
    • MC=50
  • Pass a medical screening examination required for deep-sea divers
  • Pass the needed physical screening test
ASVAB Best Online Course

Physical Screening Test (PST)

To become a U.S. Navy SEAL, applicants must meet the following Physical Screening Test (PST) Requirements:

  • Swim 500 yards in 12 minutes and 30 seconds
  • Rest 10 minutes
  • Do 42 push-ups in 2 minutes
  • Rest 2 minutes
  • Do 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes
  • 2 minutes rest
  • 6 pull-ups (no time limit)
  • Take a 10-minute break
  • Run 1.5 miles in 11 minutes

Applicants must pass a PST for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL BUD/S at Boot Camp and/or the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).

Please keep in mind that, if you are applying for a SEAL position, a substantially higher PST score is expected. These are only minimum standards.

Think about it, everyone in the SEAL training pipeline scored high in the PST, yet a large proportion of them do not complete the training.

Applicants must be in great physical and mental shape!

Visit the Navy PST Calculator to review the current minimum U.S. Navy PST requirements for SEAL programs.

Before beginning any workout regimen or other fitness program, contact your physician or other health-care practitioner to ensure that it is appropriate for your requirements.

This is especially important if you (or a member of your family) have a history of medical disorders or afflictions that might be exacerbated by a change in physical activity.

Start a workout regimen only if your doctor or health-care professional says so.

Average Statistics of Navy SEALs

Enlisted SEAL Averages

  • Height: 5 ft. 10 in.
  • Weight: 180 lbs.
  • Education: 58% High school; 41% College; 1% Post-graduate

SEAL Officer Averages

  • Height: 5 ft. 11 in.
  • Weight: 180 lbs.
  • Education: 98% College; 2% Post-graduate

NOTE: Average stats only, not requirements. Naval Special Warfare Center, 2020.

Post-Service Opportunities for Navy SEALs

The communities of Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations (NSW/NSO) promote leadership, self-determination, and structure—which translates easily into civilian life.

Employers in both the military and civilian sectors will respect you as you advance in your career.

Completing some of our country’s most tough courses shows that you have what it takes to complete any assignment an employer may throw at you.

Careers in the NSW/NSO forces are analogous to civilian careers in areas ranging from high-level security assessment to emergency medical to Chemical-Biological-Radiological (CBR) protection and response.

The possibilities are many and profitable.

How to Start Navy SEALs Application

Here is how to continue if you have been motivated and genuinely interested:

First, read this comprehensive guide: “How to Become a United States Navy Enlisted Sailor“

Contact Your Local Recruiter

Apply for a SEAL position

Start Your Training

• Go to Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois (seven to nine weeks)

• Start Special Warfare training pipeline (up to one year or more)

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming a Navy SEAL, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following high-speed, low-drag Navy Enlisted jobs:

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