B.U.D.S. is the six-month application process that Navy sailors must complete to join the U.S. Navy’s Special Operations Force, the Navy SEALs. This training system was created in 1962 and is designed to find and develop men to their strongest character while they endure some of the most difficult conditions, including extreme sleep deprivation and malnourishment.
STAGE ONE: During Underwater Demolition SEAL Training, soldiers must complete a five-stage process of requisites. This process begins with a preparatory school designed to equip candidates with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for the challenges ahead. The two-month training period starts with a physical screening test to improve the candidate’s physical condition for what they will face during BUD/S. Members who cannot complete or keep up with the challenges of the longer, more intense tests are reassigned to different jobs in the Navy. During their time at prep school, candidates utilize equipment such as the “Recruit Training Command pools, indoor and outdoor tracks, and other facilities in and around Naval Station Great Lakes.” According to the U.S. Navy, the staff and curriculum are under the Naval Special Warfare Center.
STAGE TWO: Second, during this three-week course, soldiers are introduced to Coronado Beach, California, and the BUD/S lifestyle. This section also prepares them for harsh physical training, obstacle courses, and other challenging aspects of training.
STAGE THREE: Stage three is the basic conditioning phase, where applicants must endure a seven-week course of physical conditioning and mental toughness while continuing to improve their teamwork skills. Each week, students are required to do more running, calisthenics, and swimming. Additionally, soldiers are taught how to perform hydrographic surveys. Due to this section’s diverse and challenging requirements, many candidates begin to question their decision to strive toward becoming a Navy SEAL, with a large number of them dropping out of BUD/S.
The fourth week of training is known as Hell Week. According to the U.S. Navy, “Each candidate sleeps only about four total hours but runs more than 200 miles and performs physical training for more than 20 hours per day.” Hell Week truly defines the candidates who show the absolute commitment and dedication necessary to become a SEAL.
STAGE FOUR: The fourth stage consists of a seven-week combat diving phase, where underwater skills unique to SEALs are taught. During this section, soldiers become basic combat swimmers. As a result, candidates become very comfortable with their ability to perform in highly intense or stressful situations in the water with ease.
STAGE FIVE: The final seven-week stage involves rappelling, demolitions, land navigation, marksmanship, and small-unit tactics. Once accepted into BUD/S, graduates undergo SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). Those who graduate are given a Trident Insignia, which represents a SEAL who is highly qualified. SQT is a 26-week-long course in which soldiers must display their core tactical knowledge and a more advanced degree of training.
To conclude, BUD/S is the six-month process that transforms Navy sailors into America’s strongest fighting force. During this time, soldiers experience harsh conditions and extremely difficult tasks that shape them into the individuals they become.