BUD/S First Phase – Basic Conditioning

First Phase, the basic conditioning phase, is seven weeks long and develops the class in physical training, water competency and mental tenacity while continuing to build teamwork. Each week, the class is expected to do more running, swimming and calisthenics than the week before, and each man’s performance is measured by a four-mile timed run, a timed obstacle course, and a two-mile timed swim. In addition to physical training, the class also learns how to conduct hydrographic survey operations.

During First Phase, the class completes Hell Week. In this grueling five-and-a-half day stretch, each candidate sleeps only about four total hours but runs more than 200 miles and does physical training for more than 20 hours per day. Hell Week finds those candidates who have the commitment and dedication required of a SEAL. Hell Week is the ultimate test of a man’s will and the class’s teamwork.

Because of its particularly challenging requirements, many students begin questioning their decision to come to BUD/S during First Phase, with a significant number deciding to Drop on Request (DOR). Historically, students who have composite PST scores below 800 are three times more likely to succeed than the average student. Most importantly, students who have made a full commitment to their goal of becoming a SEAL those who decide ahead of time that quitting is not an option regardless of how challenging the training becomes dramatically increase their chances.

Video & information courtesy of U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Scout Team, official recruiting directorate for Naval Special Warfare.