DATE: 09/07/7653 12:18:48 / MOOD: accomplished

I have been asked what wearing the NSW Warfare Insignia means to me.

The short answer is that the warfare insignia represents my accomplishments in achieving the requirement set forth for earning the right to wear the insignia.  That is also the technical answer as well. 

However, this question has a much deeper response.  What I am about to describe can be applied to any warfare insignia of any service but again, the true meaning of what wearing any warfare insignia can’t be truly appreciated until once the right to wear the insignia has been accomplished.

This is my answer to what wearing the NSW Warfare Insignia; we call the “Trident”, means to me: 

           

Wearing the Trident signifies that I have accomplished standards that have been established by Navy Frogmen and SEAL predecessors.  Not only have these standards been handed down in the Navy time honored tradition, but they have been fine tuned through the sacrifices and experiences made by my Teammates.  The Trident represents the “TEAM”.  This TEAM concept signifies the uniform minimum standards that EVERY man has earned.  The Trident is a metal pin that displays to others the right to be called as Frogman and/or SEAL.  These standards are not easily accomplished.  There must be an enormous amount of sheer determination and physical effort expended to prevail in each of the standards.  Every man is challenged to the extremes of both his physical and mental abilities while instilling and testing the TEAM concept. Only those who do succeed in accomplishing this program earn the right to be in the TEAMs.  Though the Trident has undergone several design modifications and despite whether the old Frogman wore an insignia or not, the accomplishment of the standards to be a Frogman or SEAL outweighs the need to wear a metal pin. 

For the accomplishment and recognition is in each man’s sole and heart. The metal pin only aids in identifying members of this elite group.  More importantly, it is the successful completion this training program and being part of the TEAM, why there is a significant bond that is experienced between every team member, both young and old.

The TEAMs represent a brotherhood of determination, dedication and commitment that each member has sworn to each other and his country.  This bond is more than unique, it is a lifetime relationship.  This bond is closer than any husband and wife commitment and is not without faith. 

Faith in each other is what the success of being a Frogman or a SEAL is all about. That is why it is called a TEAM; for each man’s commitment and the success of a TEAM, are based on this faith.

I am proud to wear my Trident, because I am a member of the TEAMs.

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DATE: 09/07/8560 12:17:56 / MOOD: accomplished

I believe if you read "MY PAGE" and also read ALL of my Blogs, that you will not only gain my perspective as "what made me want to become a Navy SEAL", and what is required to be a Navy SEAL, but you will also gain facts as why many fail to achieve the right to wear the "TRIDENT". While I must agree with Dive Doc on his input, consider strongly what and if you have "THE BURN", because without it, so will be your destiny to meet the "BIG BRASS BELL".

 

IF you read my Blogs, I will assure you that not only will you have a better understanding of how to succeed, but more importantly how to become more mature and responsible.

 

Of course, this Naval Special Warfare Training Program, named "BUD/S", (an acronym for Basic Underwater Demolition / SEALs, IS NOT A VIDEO GAME! Rather, it is a “REAL LIFE TRAINING” opportunity that tests every fiber or your character, physical ability and your soul.

 

This program requires your 110% effort and participation every moment and it doesn’t stop after training! You are expected to always excel, demonstrate outstanding leadership and unparallel loyalty. Not only will you be placing your life with that of your classmates and of your potential Teammates; they in turn will be placing their life with you.

 

So, when the question is asked "what made me want to become a Navy SEAL"?, it’s because I wanted the challenge to not only better myself, to become more responsible, but in short , because after learning what a Frogman was and the duties involved,

I…, GOT the BURN! … and today, the FLAME still burns BRIGHTLY!

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DATE: 07/13/2008 15:25:55 / MOOD: accomplished

  By: frogman80 Mood: accomplished Date: 07/13/2008 04:12:48 Music: No

Ok lets get something straight right from the beginning.     I don’t mean to shame anyone for asking me questions but this is one question that I not only have to respond but I have to make a point very clear.   Becoming a SEAL IS a JOB in the NAVY! The question asked? “I’M LOOKING TO JOIN THE NAVY AND I REALLY WANT TO BE A SEAL, SHOULD I DO THE SEAL CONTRACT OR GET THE JOB I WANT AND THEN VOLUNTEER?” 

Does anyone see the problem staring you right in the face? 

So many young men seek my advise on what they should do, like join the army first then switch to the Navy to try to be a SEAL?, or they ask “what can I do to be a SEAL while in high school?”   Let me address the first question above and then the second one – the last question will be answered in a separate Blog because it is one of the most important questions that has been asked of me and it is the number one reason why so many fail.

 

Those men interested in becoming a Navy SEAL, for those that got the fire lit by seeing SEALs on TV, footprints in the sand getting washed away, inspiration from someone that is a SEAL, or however you came to become interested, once that fire is lit; for those that REALLY want this challenge, then the fire that was lit is like a burn that ignites a desire so powerful that your mind focuses on whatever it takes to be complete the goal of becoming a SEAL.   Some of you already have this burn, and some are not sure and some have no idea what I am talking about.  Perhaps after you read this Blog, you will know what category you are in.  

 

Until recently, to be a SEAL, you had to have a Navy Shipboard Job in order to get promoted.  However, NOW since the SEAL or Special Operations designation is  a Navy Job, there is no need to get a former standard Shipboard Job.  Now don’t get me wrong, I was an Electrician’s Mate, but I went to the school after BUD/s, as that was permitted in the early 70’s.  I think it was one of the most important schools that I ever attended.  Being a member of the Navy TEAM of sailors that run, operate and fix Navy ships, submarines, and aircraft is perhaps one of the most important and vital aspects of the Navy.  It certainly is a very challenging job!  

 

But if you THINK, or have any inkling in wanting to do another Job in the Navy first, and then become a SEAL; your odds of completing BUD/s is ZERO.  If there were another job that you really want, then you would probably be easily persuaded to quit this training.  Why? Because you must really want this program in order to graduate above anything else!

 

You really have to want to be a SEAL in order to be a SEAL.  You have to focus on the goal and the steps to achieve your goal; otherwise you too will fall by the wayside.  Curiosity is great; because you have an interest in a goal, and you are not afraid try the steps to achieve this goal. There are some that are not sure what they are getting themselves into but they quickly decide which side of the program they belong.  Even being a fast runner, or a fast swimmer, or a super athlete that can do it all; it doesn’t matter – that is not why guys make it through the SEAL program.  Did I mention something about a BURN, a DESIRE so strong and powerful?

 

Of course I did.  If none of what I have said excites you, then consider yourself as someone who has no idea what I am talking about.  And that is where this Blog is going to end.   Now if I have excited you or in the least have sparked your curiosity you should read my next BLOG “WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU JOIN THE NAVY”

Oh by the way-

“Got the BURN?”

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DATE: 07/13/2008 05:30:39 / MOOD: accomplished

Many young men seek my advise on what they should do, to get ready for BUD/s before they join the Navy.  The question is usually phrased “what can I do to be a SEAL while in high school?”  

 

This is perhaps the most important question that has been asked of me and it is the number one reason why so many fail. Allow me to explain.

 

Your education is perhaps the single most factors that can affect your chances of becoming a SEAL.  Education builds character, maturity, and responsibility.  Don’t just focus on High School, but have the goal of going to college and doing your best at all times.  Many BUD/s students have 2 or more years of college and more! 

 

Those of you who have shown interest in becoming a Navy SEAL, for those that are really serious, a fire burns so intense, your insides motivates your sprit and will power.  Your focus is complexly centered on accomplishing your goal.  Your drive is so powerful that you can overcome physical and mental barriers thought by many as impossible.  You are not the fastest swimmer, your not the fastest runner and you may not be able to be the best at physical calisthenics.  But you have to be willing to put out 110 % during each evolution and during each challenge you face.  

 

The number one reason why so many fail, especially in the first few weeks of Pre-BUD/s or BUD/s is because of the lack of maturity.  It’s a big word with lots of meaning.  This training program will not only test your mental character and physical abilities, but it also tests your leadership, personality, integrity, loyalty, teammate compatibility, commitment, dedication, accountability and responsibility. 

Why, because, that is what is required to be a SEAL!

 

So you are in High school – just what can you do before you join the Navy?  

Ask your parents for duties around your home, like taking out the trash without having to be told.  Have your parents inspect your room and bathroom frequently with harsh penalties for failing, like 20 push-ups for each failed item graded.

Like making your bed, organizing your drawers and keeping a clean room.   Get a haircut; learn to keep in within Navy Regulations.  Do push-ups. Do volunteer work in your community or at a local hospital.  Learn how to help others, how to give of yourself.  Wash your parents cars and don’t expect to be paid.  Make sure you always do the best you can.  Join a team-sporting group at school and learn teamwork.  Also learn how important your individual contribution can help your team.  Swim and run often concentrating on form and effectiveness. Hire a coach if necessary to help advise on swimming and running.  Pay attention to the advise your coach provides.  Do push-ups.  Do pull-ups before eating each meal.  Be a boy scout because they can teach you how to survive and they have outstanding achievement goals for promotion.  Attend a church and learn to respect your elders.  Start using “Yes sir/ No sir” “thank you”, as part of your daily vocabulary with your family and adults. Do push-ups!  Be accountable for your actions. …. are you getting my point? 

 

These are just a few examples of things you can do to build a solid foundation of maturity.  Don’t be expecting everything you want in life to be handed to you on a silver platter.  Learn to work for things you want. 

 

Without this solid foundation of maturity, your chances of failing in the Naval Special Warfare program are extremely high.   So now you have an idea of what you can do.  Ask your parents to read my advice and have them add to my suggestions that can help you achieve your goals.  

 

Do you still:

 “Got the BURN?”…………OH YEAH!

  

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DATE: 04/07/2008 18:39:33 / MOOD: accomplished

READ MY BLOGS

 Thanks to many of you that take the time to read my Blogs.  I very much appreciate your positive comments from many of you commenting that you find my Blogs both highly motivating, extremely informative and with a powerful message.  I encourage everyone to read my all of my Blogs, as I attempt to address issues that I feel can help the young men that are interested or, as in some cases, students in some phase of pre-training or training it’s self, under the SEAL Contract. 

My goal on NavySeals.com (NSC), is to mentor and of course motivate- not just those that want to take the challenge and attend BUD/S, but for all that want to add more to their life and attitude.  In my last Blog for example, I capitalized on one of the most important aspects of becoming a SEAL - the mental challenge over the physical endurance. 

 

Any person attempting any endeavor that is a challenge in life, which seams to be overwhelming, should be able to apply my commentary in the Blogs, to help them achieve and succeed in their adverse situations as well.  For that is what being a SEAL is all about! Being able to adapt to any situation, under any conditions or circumstances and still prevail with tremendous success.  We are not supermen, but we are focused and willing to take the challenge of the insurmountable and complete our assignment or mission aggressively, usually with outstanding consequences.

 But if I may, I am inclined to address a major concern of mine here on NSC or any site that permits members to provide input, make comments or dispense advice, but in particular, the communication on NSC.   I hope that all on this site use caution with dispensing advice especially to the young crowd who are in trusting and desiring productive comments or feedback.  Use caution as to what you communicate as it may have a negative impact on the unsuspecting and your information may not be factual.   As a Retired Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Commander and I take my time to mentor here.  If you are a young man interested in learning more about the Navy Challenge to be a SEAL, or perhaps someone that is already in the Navy and considering this opportunity, or as mentioned above, you are one of the young men that has entered the Navy with the SEAL CONTRACT; I am here to help you, and to answer questions in “my fashion” that can not only answer your question but that may also be applied to help others here on NSC. I write to provide advice and concerns based on my twenty years of experience as a US. Navy SEAL and a Navy Frogman (UDT).  I strive to ensure all my comments are factual, and that each BLOG is also exceptionally motivational based.  Thus far, I have received nothing but positive comments with regard to my input, photographs included.  If I don't know the answer, I make every effort to correct the deficiency or direct the reader’s attention to another source that can provide Factual Advice and/or Information. I even make my person self-available to personally mentor if requested and I have no hesitation to direct anyone to the many equally qualified Navy SEAL mentors that perform these duties because of their loyalty to the TEAMs.      Those of you who are not prospective BUD/s candidates, or individuals that are considering the Navy Opportunity to be a SEAL, I then place you in one of two categories; OTHER SEALS or members of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, or SUPPORTERS.   

Those NSC members who are SEALs or in the NSW community, I expect no less of your dialogue to emulate mentorship responsibilities like I have mentioned above and as I believe, I have exemplified via my Blogs and dialog on NSC. However, if you are a Supporter, I ask you to ask yourself why you are a member of NSC.  Perhaps you want to encourage, demonstrate enthusiasm, or express genuine interests in the many subjects discussed in the forums, for example.  Many of the Supporters here are in fact parents of prospective and/or BUD/s candidates and some of SEALs.  I applaud their actions, support and encourage their participation. 

  

But if you are not in one of the grouping I have mentioned, and instead are here to masquerade or portray yourself as an authority, or forbid you pose as a SEAL, which there have been, I can assure you that you will be quickly discovered and detested.  Worse, you will have deceived the young men that are truly looking for accurate information, factual advice and leadership that, if dispensed falsely, could not only ruin their opportunity to live a dream, but you would destroy the confidence of these young individuals in the believing and trusting in the purpose of the great tool of mentorship.    Please take my advice carefully, before your dishonesty causes irreparable damages.

 

If you really want to be supporter that makes a difference besides helping encourage the enthusiasm of these young men, or if you are part the great friendship that has developed between supporters, then may I suggest that you strongly consider making a monetary contribution to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation. The link on the NSC Community page will provide you more information about the Foundation; it’s commitment and dedication of upholding the SEAL creed, “NO MAN LEFT BEHIND”. Which I have retranslated as “NO FAMILY FORGOTTEN”.  THE NSW Foundation is committed to provide support and care for the families of fallen SEALs and SWCC team members. Any amount you contribute can truly help.   Perhaps you have already looked into this aspect of participation, if so I applaud your generosity.

 Lastly, the owner of NSC and US TACTICAL, Lieutenant Commander Mark Devine, who graciously provides the means for this FORUM, who meticulously provides only the best equipment “with the SEAL of Approval”, who has committed his life to promote fitness, health and is dedicated to the NSW Mentor Program and who exemplifies his excellence through example, is a personal friend and fellow Teammate.  I consider his generosity and in particular his efforts thru the support NSC, to be a Mentor for Mentors, in the NSWcommunity.  

Thank you for taking the time to, READ MY BLOG!  

 

HooYah!

FROGMAN80  

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DATE: 09/07/998 12:07:37 / MOOD: accomplished

 

  

Mind OVER Matter

 

Who is going to succeed at BUD/s does not depend on how hard the instructors push a class!   A bold statement because it is the Truth!  The truth is that the NSW Training Command would like to see all that have screened to be at BUD/s, to graduate.  However, statistics demonstrate year after year, decade after decade, small classes, large classes, winter, summer, spring and fall, regardless, there will still be a high percentage that will not finish the program.  This is because; despite even under the best of circumstances, no one can determine how an individual will perform under periods of physical duress or mental stress or both.  Some say that is Mind OVER Matter- if you don’t mind, it won’t matter!   FACT! 

 

The body is an amazing thing that can be made to do what you want it to do, when the Brain is telling you NOT to do what you are trying to accomplish. The secret to overcoming the Brains control, that has been as elusive as many that eventually fail, is having the self-discipline ability to overcome the Brain’s messages to the body that try to tell it to quit!  Every BUD/s graduate will experience, at some point during training, this control from the Brain and sometimes many times over. It may be hard to understand unless you have been there and done that, but I assure you each BUD/s graduate masters the ability to control how and what message is delivered to the Brain.  "Telling the Brain to ignore sending the body the message to quit". 

 

 

For those that do overcome this amazing urge to quit, when the mind is desperately telling the body to stop, and cause the brain to ignore the aching body and to persevere despite the adversity; those that can do this… THEY, go on to become US Navy SEALs.

 

 

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DATE: 02/23/2008 14:46:10 / MOOD: accomplished

I have been asked hundreds of questions about BUD/s.  Questions about Hell-Week; about physical requirements to be a SEAL; what calisthenics to train; how to overcome mental challenges like when your freezing cold.  Your questions have focused on the three primary requirements that I believe are necessary to be a SEAL.  Physical Challenges, Mental Preparedness, and Training Adaptability.  While your body will be tested on its ability to overcome physical pain, your mind will be equally challenged to prevail over the discomforts that tell your body to quit.  Regardless, your intellectual ability must also be receptive to become expertly skilled in a sundry of techniques, procedures and use of equipment.   

Additionally, your leadership ability to assume responsibility will be critically tested.  Moreover, your attitude and character is scrutinized to determine if you exhibit the sprit that which typifies a SEAL’s undeniable and unquestioned devotion to his Mission, his Teammates and his Country.

For to be a SEAL, it is, a lifetime enriching experience!  Shrouded and encompassed in a close nit brotherhood of warriors, who volunteered and are willing to make any sacrifice.   

My best short answer for all questions regarding BUD/s is… don’t make it more complicated… just do your BEST, FOCUS on your objective and NEVER QUIT.   Always look forward to every challenge as an opportunity, and every opportunity as a means to succeed!   Remember, ….IT PAYS TO BE A WINNER!  

 

AP, Lieutenant Commander, US Navy (Retired) Navy SEAL

 

 

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DATE: 02/13/2008 16:53:29 / MOOD: none, or other

Reading about Class 269 and how things started to ending with 33 after Hell Week, just brought back great memories to the day our Hell Week ended, (on a late Saturday afternoon no less). It was a day to be proud of your accomplishment, to be celebrate with your classmates, whom now you have become as close as you can ever imagine! What was more increadible, was the feeling of respect from the instructors! Could that have been because we had a NO-BELL Hell Week? NaaaH. You think? Each man has demonstrated thus far, a determined level of confidence, teamwork, and leadership. Nearly every aspect to be a SEAL is tested in Hell Week and those that finish successfully have much to be proud, at least for the moment. Use this strength to build your confidence further as the pace quickens quickly! There are more expectations from each student and leadership will be further tested. Academics get harder, your performance requirements get more strigent and the level of responsibilty becomes more important. Now is certainly no time to slack off. Spend more time studying, preparing for the next evolution and above all, continue to put out fully. Now the pack stays closer together when you run in formation. You sprint faster, you work more together, you become like a team. Keep to drinking water and forget beer and the alike. Stay focused! Work problems together. Help each other! Take charge! Diving is very exciting and it is a staple to being a FROGMAN. Remember, BUD/s Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs UDT- Navy Frogmen- the backbone of Naval Special Warfare- This is what it is all about. Enjoy yourself but never let down your guard. Strive to excell on the O-course, beat your last time. You have to shave 1 minute off of the 4-mile timed run- you should be there now- push harder! Take every day one evolution at a time. Enjoy meals!-You'll need the energy.  Make the most of your time-you won't get much free time. Make the next phase more important than the first, but remember what you learned in First Phase.

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DATE: 02/13/2008 16:35:55 / MOOD: none, or other

To be a Navy SEAL, you MUST FIRST VOLUNTEER and complete the BUD/s training program that lasts approx 6 months. Prior to starting a class, prospective candidates are given the opportunity to participate in a pre-training program. THIS is a great chance to size yourself up with your prospective classmates. Gauge your running times, performance and physical stamina within this group. When you START your class, that day is the first day of Training. Training follows a schedule (plan of the day) and is followed every week. BUD/s Training is about TEAMWORK, but you will also be tested on YOUR INDIVIDUAL participation as part of this TEAM. Therefore, you must continually strive to excel and exceed yourself in performance at all times. Motivation Week (Hell-week) usually occurs about the 3rd or 4th week of training. It is not a class, but a week-long adventure training evolution that occupies nearly every second of your time for, yes…a WEEK. Trust me, seams like longer! If you want to no longer be a volunteer in this program, you can QUIT any time, usually and symbolically done while ringing a very LARGE bell THREE TIMES! (The BELL, which is brightly polished daily by the junior class, is easily accessible by every student). You will learn to appreciate it’s meaning and it’s purpose.Simply put, once you quit, you will be transferred to the FLEET to serve the remainder of your obligated military service in the Navy. (Often referred to as Haze Grey and Underway). The TEST that you refer to before training is the SEAL PRT (Physical Readiness Test), which tests your minimum physical ability to pass certain exercises designed to gain assignment to BUD/s. In addition, there are academic, personal interview and medical standards that you will also be required to pass prior to gaining access to BUD/s. ONCE, (big word), you pass BUD/s, you will then be required to completed an advance training program which further enhances your abilities to be a SEAL, which takes about another 6 months to complete. Then, you earn the right to wear the Trident and the title as a SEAL. Those are the straight answers to your question. But now that I have your attention, please permit me to share with you some insight about BUD/s and what it means to be a UDT/SEAL. ….Assuming you qualify and are assigned to go to BUS/s training, (which is after completing boot camp of course), you will find yourself in the company of some of the world’s finest warriors. From the prospective of a Teammate, you will be lead by courageous and outstanding operators who have trained and become exceptional in their skills as a SEAL. These SEALs have earned the title of INSTRUCTOR. They are neither supermen nor extreme athletics, but they are SEALs. Men that have learned to persevere through extremes and super conditions thought by many to be insurmountable. But this just one of the aspects that separates these warriors, these men, we call SEALs. Although every SEAL is a Leader, each SEAL that is assigned to be an Instructor, brings to the Training environment an incomparable talent second to none. This duty and assignment is not taken lightly and therefore each BUD/s candidate has on opportunity to benefit from these professionals. Therefore, be studious, absorb and guard what is taught in BUD/s as if your life depends upon it, as it will! The invaluable information and training each BUD/s graduate takes to his future assignments is based on actual real-life experiences that have been passed down from our forefathers in Naval Special Warfare. When and if a candidate earns the right to pin on the covenanted Trident; thus entitling this new warrior to bear the name SEAL, comes the awesome responsibility and accountability to also carry the torch to lead, train, motivate, and perpetuate the SEAL creed and ideals. SEALs are Men that are dedicated to continue to pass the torch of excellence, dedication, loyalty and commitment. SEALs are Men that have an undeniable and unquestioned devotion to the United States, their mission and their teammates. It is a lifetime enriching experience, shrouded and encompassed in a close nit brotherhood of warriors, who volunteered and are willing to make any sacrifice. Are you that Volunteer? Are you willing, to take- the - Challenge?

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