There is no denying that many people dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. After the latest operation by this team, in which Osama bin Laden was killed, more and more people are sure to become interested in this career path.Before we go any further, it is good to keep this one detail in mind: not everybody is cut out to become a Navy SEAL. Even if you think you are ready, you may find out soon enough that this is not the case.
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You can’t just decide that you are going to become a SEAL – you have to earn this honor. Doing so is a long road that requires physical endurance, mental toughness, and intelligence. On top of all this, you need nerves of steel. While the process is difficult it is far from complicated.
Age Requirement
If you want to become a SEAL you have to be 28 years or age or younger. In some cases, those who are 29 or 30 may be able to request an age waiver. If you are any older than this you cannot become a SEAL.
Gender Requirement
In short, the SEALs do not accept women at this time. The reason for this is simple: Congress has set policy stating that females are to be excluded from active combat duty. So, if you are a woman you are not able to join the SEALs. That being said, you are still welcome to become part of the Navy.
Citizenship Requirement
To become a SEAL you must be a United States citizen – there is no way around this.
If you are a citizen of another country you can only enlist in the Navy if you have an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registrations Card.
Entrance Test
If you want to ever be considered for the SEALs program you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This exam will test your knowledge and skills in a number of areas including math, science, and word comprehension among others.
Physical Screening Test
The physical screening test (PST) gives you the chance to show off your physical abilities. If you are not in tip-top shape you will find it next to impossible to pass this test. Unless you can pass this test you do not have what it takes to move onto the next step, which is the SEALs training program.
Here are several components of the physical screening test: swimming, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and running. Of course, there are time limits and requirements on each component. Even though you will receive a period of rest between each component do not expect it to be a walk in the park – it is anything but that.
If I meet all these requirements and pass the physical screening test do I become a Navy SEAL on the spot? No. This is just the preliminary work before you tackle the real stuff. As noted above, you then move onto SEALs training. If you thought the physical screening test was tough you will be in for a surprise as your training gets underway.
How does all of this sound to you? Are you discouraged or more excited than ever? If you still feel that a career as a SEAL would fit you well, speak with a recruiter about joining the Navy and moving forward. Better yet, read here how one Navy Seal life changed forever.
