1. Do I have to be in the Navy to be eligible for SEAL training?

Yes. For additional information, see I WANT TO BE A SEAL.

2. Are waivers available for acceptance to BUD/S?

Yes. Currently, two waivers are available. A five-point waiver can be authorized
for the ASVAB score. A two-year age waiver can also be authorized on a
case-by-case basis by the Commanding Officer, Naval Special Warfare Center.

3. Are waivers available for the vision requirements?

There are presently no vision waivers; however, the vision requirements are under
review. Contact a SEAL recruiter for up-to-date information.

4. Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for SEAL training?

Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen BEFORE attending BUD/S. You are not eligible if
your citizenship is pending. All SEAL candidates must be eligible for a
Secret-level security clearance, and U.S. citizenship is part of the qualifying
criteria for the clearance.

5. Do I need to purchase special equipment before attending BUD/S?

No. BUD/S students are supplied with everything they need. However, you may find
it helpful to practice running in boots. See the Fitness Standards/Category I and
Category II Workout sections for more information on boots. You may also find it
useful to become accustomed to swimming with fins.

6. Do I need to learn to SCUBA dive before attending BUD/S?

No. The Second Phase of BUD/S teaches all the necessary SCUBA techniques.Ê
However, if you are already SCUBA qualified, you may find it beneficial for your
underwater BUD/S training.

7. Do I need special uniforms to attend BUD/S?

No. You will be issued everything you need upon arrival.


8. Will the Navy relocate my family while I'm in BUD/S?

No. The Navy will not provide housing for your family while you attend BUD/S
training. You may bring your family at your own expense, but we don't recommend
it. Given the extraordinary demands of BUD/S training, we advise arrangements
that will enable you to focus entirely on completion of BUD/S.

9. How do I prepare physically for BUD/S?

Review the BUD/S Warning Order and the Fitness Standards. If you have questions
not answered in these sections, contact the SEAL recruiters.Ê If you know your
weak areas, then rely on the resources above to devise a program to strengthen
them.

10. Is the SEAL program open to women?

No. The current policy set by Congress and the Secretary of Defense, effective 1
October 1994, follows. However, qualified and motivated women are encouraged to
investigate the diver and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) fields. For
additional information on these opportunities, see the Navy Personnel Web Site:
Special Warfare pages.

1.	Enter www.bupers.navy.mil 2.	Click on the Community Managers button on
the left side of the page 3.	Click on the Enlisted Community Managers link
4.	Scroll down the menu and highlight the SpecialÊWarfare/EOD/Diver/Ê(N1327)
option 5.	Click on the Submit button 6.	Click on the Diver or the EOD link

"Service members are eligible to be assigned to all positions for which they are
qualified, except that women shall be excluded from assignment to units below the
brigade level whose primary mission is to engage in direct combat on the ground
as defined below. Direct ground combat is engaging an enemy on the ground with
individual or crew-served weapons, while being exposed to hostile fire and to a
high probability of direct physical contact with the hostile force's personnel.
Direct ground combat takes place well forward on the battlefield while locating
and closing with the enemy to defeat them by fire, maneuver, or shock effect." 

7. Who is eligible to participate in the screening process?

Active duty and active reservists from any branch of the United States Armed
Forces -- i.e., Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard. ROTC and
OCS candidates with proper authorization from their program coordinator may also
participate. All participants must have a valid official identification card at
the time of testing.

8. What are the requirements for taking the screening test?

You must have an up-to-date physical exam and be a competent swimmer. For
additional information, see BUD/S Warning Order: General Requirements and
Screening Information.


9. What is the difference between a four-year rating program and the SEAL Challenge
Contract?

The SEAL Challenge program guarantees you four opportunities to pass the BUD/S
screen test while in boot camp. Your "A" School choice is based on availability
and various monetary and rank guarantee incentives.

Individuals entering without a SEAL Challenge Contract may be permitted to screen
for BUD/S, but are not guaranteed an opportunity.

10. Which source rate is the best to become a SEAL?

There is no preferred rate; the SEAL community accepts all SEAL source rates.
However, you should pick a rate that interests you in the event you do not
complete BUD/S training. For additional information on SEAL source rates, see
Enlisted Candidates.

11. Where do I go after graduating from BUD/S, and do I have a choice?

During the Second Phase of training you will be given a "Dream Sheet" upon which
you will indicate the Team of your choice. The West Coast Teams are based in San
Diego, California, while the East Coast Teams make their home in Virginia Beach,
Virginia. You may receive orders to the Team of your choice; however, the needs
of the Teams always come first.

12. What is an SDV Team, and how is it different from a SEAL Team? Are SDV Team
personnel qualified SEALs?

SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) teams are comprised of qualified Seals The difference
is in the mission. SDV teams primarily train with and operate SDV wet
submersibles while remaining proficient at other SEAL skills.

13. What happens if I don't complete BUD/S training?

You will be turned over to your in-rate detailer for orders to the fleet. There
is a possibility you may re-enroll in BUD/S at a later time, usually after
completing a minimum tour of two years.

14.	What can I do after I retire or terminate my career as a Navy SEAL?

Anything you want! Many men choose work in the fields of law enforcement,
security, and emergency medical technology. But SEAL training prepares you to
meet any and all challenges head on. As a SEAL on a mission or training exercise,
or as a retired SEAL meeting the challenges of civilian life, you are prepared to
give 110% every day.