How do you prepare to become a Navy SEAL?

Answer 1

You need to have lived a relatively healthy and active lifestyle (i.e., by physically fit with no disqualifying health issues), but the primary ingredient that makes SEAL's who they are is their mental focus. 2 of my former students went on to successfully complete BUD/S training and earn their Tridents, and they asked me the same thing before going in. I'll give you the same advice.

There are many books you can get to help you ramp up for the physical requirements, which are stringent enough. The link below will tell you what the time requirements are for each physical test.

In the end though, what the SEAL's look for, and what gets people though the training, is the absolute sheer mental will to not give up, no matter how bad the discomfort is or how much pain you're in. SEAL's would rather die than give up, unless the circumstances are untenable.

This is the reason that very few who enter BUD/S ever graduate (usually 1% or less). It doesn't make any difference how great an athlete you are - if you don't have the will to survive and succeed in the most extreme circumstances, you'll never make it, either in training or in the field. They can teach you how to shoot, blow up stuff, kill people, and be a master of war in any element, but they cannot teach you the mental focus that is required and only a handful of people actually have. You either have it or you don't.

If you're prepared physically, then the rest is just sheer mental focus and willpower in not giving up no matter what they throw at you. Finishing is the key, and selflessness is also extremely essential. Help your teammates before helping yourself.

I've equated it to Martial Arts training - only 1% of those who initially start in Martial Arts ever make it to 1st Dan because the mental and physical focus is more than they're used to. You need to be a good team player, but an independent operator when the need arises as well, knowing what to do when it needs to be done without being told. The best SEAL's I've known are pretty average guys, but their mental tenacity is unbelievable. It's that one single element that is unique to all SEAL's, and the reason it's so difficult to make it through training.