NavySEALs.com Forum Posting - READ THIS!!!!

[dive doc]

NavySEALs.com Forum Posting – READ THIS!!!!

This message is primarily aimed at all would be operators intent on going to BUD/S and wishing to join the Teams.

A lot of work is put into these forums to maintain and organise them to provide you with the possible resource to help you train and prepare (mentally and physically) in an effort to help you become the best possible candidate and succeed!

However, there are a number of individuals that consistently snarl up the threads, make idiot comments, back answer moderators and BTDTs (been there done that’s) and in some cases make dangerous suggestions or give wrong advice. This has resulted in operators and others in leaving the site because they were tired of the crap that was being posted. This really detracts from the quality and the integrity of this great site and from now on is frankly unacceptable.

All contributions, members and inputs are valued here, however idiocy, bull-**** and back answering will not be tolerated!

The following are some strong suggestions and advice for those arriving to the site that would like to seek advice or provide an input to the forums.

1. Before you post anything apart from an introduction … DON’T!!!!

If you are an aspiring Navy SEAL and want to go to BUD/S you are strongly advised to read and watch the following (to start with):

- Warrior Elite (**** Couch)
- The Finishing School (**** Couch)
- Down Range (**** Couch)
- To Be A US Navy SEAL (**** Couch & Cliff Hollenbeck)
- Warrior Soul (Chuck Pfarrer)
- Hell Week (Dennis Chalker)

- Discovery BUD/S 234 documentary

Now fully available online on YouTube

First part:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a47SFOgl7cY

This will give you an introduction and a foundation. These are by no means all encompassing but they will give you an excellent insight into training, BUD/S, hell week and operations. Some of the information will be outdated as requirements and training are always evolving, however this will provide you with a good start!

If you are serious, the above should not be an issue! The above resources will be able to answer a large proportion of your questions.

2. After the above, Before you post anything apart from an introduction … DON’T!!!!

Browse the site, the forums, the blogs and everywhere thoroughly. See how the site operates, what is involved and what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and posting.

3. After the above, Before you post anything apart from an introduction … DON’T!!!!

USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

I simply cannot emphasise this strongly enough. There is a very high likelihood that any question you have has been asked and answered before. Use the search function (top right hand corner) and do a bit of leg-work before you post! This will be appreciated by everyone else on the site and will allow you to keep your self-respect.

4. After the above, Before you post anything apart from an introduction … THINK!!!!

There is such thing as an idiot’s question as has been proven time and time again here unfortunately. If you would not ask it on the quarterdeck of the grinder to an instructor in front of your BUD/S class, what makes you think its ok to ask it here! This is an excellent forum with many knowledgeable professionals. Think before you open your mouth.

5. If you do not know what you are talking about … keep your mouth shut. Bull-****, crap posting and pure idiocy will not be tolerated. This pertains especially to things like the teams, operations, specific medical questions etc. Again think!!!

6. If after all this you feel your question still has not been answered, I would suggest posting a relatively short, well worded message with no more than 2-3 components if you can help it. Your message is much more likely to be read and answered in this regard. There are many experienced and knowledgeable professionals that will be able to give you advice in many different areas that you may have concerns with.

7. Do not post multiple questions in rapid-fire succession across the boards and DO NOT post the same question in several different threads. This is the short route to leaving!

8. Show some respect. If you ask a question and don’t like the answer … TOUGH!!! Do NOT give back answers, throw insults or attempt to flame!

However, especially, if you receive a criticism/advice/suggestion from a BTDT, an operator or moderator, accept it, appreciate it and take it onboard and learn from it. These guys are here to try and help you succeed. Do NOT diminish that contribution at all by smart comments, angry retorts or challenges!!! You have been warned in this regard!

9. If you have a question about training you need to understand and know what the "Warning Order" is before you any further. The following link will give you a breakdown of basic training, requirements and general information:

http://www.navysealteams.com/warning.htm

Again, use the search function.

10. Do not ask questions about nor try and discuss Tier 1 Special Operations Forces Units.

There are other points I have not covered here, however this will provide you with a good introduction to NavySEALs.com, the Navy SEAL teams, BUD/S, training and general information.

We welcome all members and all contributions. This is an excellent site that is a fantastic resource for aspiring members of the Naval Special Warfare Community and those wishing to learn about it.

Welcome to NavySEALs.com.

Best of Luck. HooYah!!!

[king henry viii]

this should be required reading for everyone. Can you make it a *sticky* or something so that it's constantly in your face whenever you visit the site?

[searles72]

Doc, an excellent post. Im sure it will be helpful to all the newbies coming aboard.

One thing Id like to add here is- While striving for your goals dont forget to ENJOY what your doing! Your going to get out of it what you put into it!

Good Luck Gentlemen!

[kidrick]

Thanks Dive Doc, this is exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks navyseals.com for such a powerful resource for learning about America's Elite!

[dive doc]

You are all aspiring professional warriors. So think, act and emulate the warriors and ethos that you respect so much and are aspiring to become.

Best of Luck.

Your reputation starts here!!!

[searles72]

Another thread that needs to be BUMPED!!!

[YoungerPope]

Great post Dive Doc. Over the past several months this site has made lots of changes in the right direction. I used to avoid this site but you and the mods have turned it into a great training tool without nearly so much of the crap we used to have to wade through.

I'm going to do what you said and post an introduction now, even though I've been around a while, since I never did before.

Where should introductions be posted? Is there any way a new forum could be opened just for that kind of thing?

[Swifty]

Sticky the crap out of this post.

Nice work DD

[Shar36]

I'm going to do what you said and post an introduction now, even though I've been around a while, since I never did before.

Where should introductions be posted? Is there any way a new forum could be opened just for that kind of thing?

Here's a link to the thread for introductions:

http://www.navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155430&highlight=introduce

[Shar36]

DD ~ Excellent post! I would like to add that many people do not take the time to read the Terms and Conditions of this site. Just scroll to the bottom of the page, click on it and read it.

I'll make it even easier and simply link it here.

http://www.navyseals.com/terms-conditions

[frogman80]

DOC is correct. Do some research FIRST. As I have said in another forum post... Absolutely! The best advice that can be given is to the questions that pertain to the subject matter and questions that are not of the obvious. Here at NSC, I find that the opportunity to communicate to young men really interested in the Challenge is a highlight of being a mentor and a member. While I don’t spend a lot of time reading the Forums, I do pay attention to the direct questions I receive to either my messages or comments. If I feel the subject is worthy, I have created Blogs and on occasion I have gotten involved in a few forums. I find great satisfaction and accomplishment to my goals when I truly feel I have helped clarify an issue or have helped to motivate. It seems that while my comments have been few, that all that have read my philosophy has received my advice warmly and richly. I do not have the answers to all questions, but I have probably questioned at least to myself, some of the issues brought forth on this site, regardless of stupidity, while I went through BUD/s. But for the sake of professionalism, please do think before your fingers speak.

I welcome the comment from one of your moderators...”would you ask this question to your instructor?”… Yes you are learning and you will stumble from time to time. But didn’t we all. BUT I ASSURE YOU, SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WILL HAVE YOU IN THE LEAN-N-REST position for a very long time!

If all of the answers to BUD/s, the TEAMs, life in the TEAMs and etc. were answered, then there wouldn’t be as many books on the subject written by UDT/SEALs.

I too have the inclination to write a book about my class with focus on my NO-BELL HELL WEEK Class. Now, there’s a subject that many of you could probably never stop thinking of questions to ask, for the imagination is a plentiful as the curiosity. But would you read it?

As the Dive Doc points out, reading and research can provide great insight to this program that attracts so many yets graduates so few. and YES, it seams that a fast answer is the best answer, but not in all cases.

My best short answer for all questions regarding BUD/s is… don’t make it more complicated… just do your BEST, Never Quit, and always look forward to every challenge as an opportunity, and every opportunity as a means to succeed! amirpishdadlcdrNavySEAL


…and make it a win win situation

[ddssdv]

NICE...hope this works.

[searles72]

This needs to stay up top too! Bump!!!!

[YoungerPope]

Thanks for the link Shar. Introduction posted.

[Shar36]

Thanks for the link Shar. Introduction posted.

You're welcome ~ happy to help you out. Welcome, even though you've been here for a while now!

[dive doc]

Just trying to keep this up there as well, i think its important.

Two other things that i forgot to mention:

1. Read Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. A great book, very inspiring and it will give an excellent insight into the mindset, adversity and reality faced by these warriors in the current conflict.

2. A short video explaining SQT (Seal Qualification Training) that was posted by DFC a while back. It really demonstrates what this next phase of training encompasses so much more than words and is well worth watching.

http://navytv.org/media.cfm?m=675&st...l&sort=m.Title

Best of luck to all of you
DD

[dive doc]

For the new guys!

[infantry_scout]

Great idea Dive Doc!

BZ!

[king henry viii]

Dive Doc, your post has got me thinking. Perhaps, if you would be willing, I would recommend compiling a bunch of training information into one big post. Every week there are new guys coming on here asking how they should train, what program they should use, etc etc. If we compile all of the info into 1 single post/thread. We can just steer them towards it instead of writing a long, drawn-out post week after week. Let me know what you think.

[dive doc]

Dive Doc, your post has got me thinking. Perhaps, if you would be willing, I would recommend compiling a bunch of training information into one big post. Every week there are new guys coming on here asking how they should train, what program they should use, etc etc. If we compile all of the info into 1 single post/thread. We can just steer them towards it instead of writing a long, drawn-out post week after week. Let me know what you think.

Then were certainly on the same wavelength. Im going through all the newbie posts thinking the exact same thing. What did you think of including in it?

[king henry viii]

Then were certainly on the same wavelength. Im going through all the newbie posts thinking the exact same thing. What did you think of including in it?

link to the warning order.
mention the importance of building an endurance base first, ramp up the mileage with slow runs, after a few months, add in some speed work and intervals, etc etc.
links to certain stew smith articles/routines.
mention the SEAL Fit/Cross Fit.
links to CSS videos.

that's all I can think of right now. I'm sure you'll have a lot more to add.

[king henry viii]

Then were certainly on the same wavelength. Im going through all the newbie posts thinking the exact same thing. What did you think of including in it?

probably a link to the armstrong pullup program as well, as i hear it works.

http://www.chicagomarineofficer.com/Downloads/PT/thearmstrongworkout.pdf

[scskowron]

link to the warning order.
mention the importance of building an endurance base first, ramp up the mileage with slow runs, after a few months, add in some speed work and intervals, etc etc.
links to certain stew smith articles/routines.
mention the SEAL Fit/Cross Fit.
links to CSS videos.

that's all I can think of right now. I'm sure you'll have a lot more to add.

Yeah I totally agree. "How to train" seems to be the most asked question on the forums, as if it's not obvious enough by looking at the buttons at the top of the website.

Other things that would be useful:
-Explanation of how Crossfit works, the principles behind it, and how to start.
-Why bodybuilding is not enough for combat training.
-What equipment one needs to workout.
-What sort of physical goals should one strive for
-What are the best sports to develop overall physical fitness
-Programs to increase specific goals (greasing the groove, Recon Ron, Armstrong)
-Link to developing mental strength
-How to learn CSS
-What to eat
-How much to sleep

[rsctt83]

Dive Doc, Frog and others ......... wow, great stuff. I am going to make powers that be aware of your efforts and they will be incorporated in a very meaningful way. Dive Doc your post was first class ....... I am having trouble moderating all the forums, if you guys can help me with any violations that you see I would be so greatful.

Thanks guys great job!!!!

[dive doc]

Im gonna stick this one out again for a few days. Newbies, you are obviously not reading this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We will find you!!!!

[christian gotcher]

I'm writing up a summary of Crossfit, Recon Ron, the Armstrong Program, and a lot of other stuff for the freshmen in my company at the Academy. If I finish before somebody else jumps on it, I'll submit it.

[dive doc]

Excellent CG. I was gonna try and tackle this training thing over the next few days when i got a chance and put something together but you seem to be all over it. Good stuff. Look forward to seeing it.

[christian gotcher]

GENERAL PRINCIPLES/FAQ:

Functional: Movements should come as close to the physical action you’ll be training for as possible. Deadlift, presses (all types), pulls (all types), squats, running, swimming, and body control (gymnastics-type movements, obstacle courses, the like) are all examples of functional movements. Here’s a few comparisons that demonstrate why we choose one exercise over the other.

Bicep Curl: Isolated, no use of stabilizers, limited range of motion vs…
Chinups: More weight per rep, engages biceps, traps, lats, obstacle-course use.

Leg Extensions: The body will never use the quads/hams in isolation
without a machine explicitly designed for that reason vs...
Squat: Spinal correction, load bearing development, proven development
of powerful/explosive leg strength.

Intensity: At BUD/S, and in life, the challenges with the greatest risk of failure are those which demand intense efforts to overcome. Train skill-based movements with intensity to develop that power and thought under pressure. Many have challenged the safety of high-intensity, high-rep Olympic lifting/Powerlifting because it increases the risk of injury. There is always a risk of injury when the motions are done improperly, and increased intensity distracts from proper motion, but at BUD/S, you will be expected to apply your skills training at high-intensity. Start now.

Variability: Focusing on your strengths is the way to failure. BUD/S and life will throw many tasks at you that will challenges the fringes of your skills, regardless of how great a runner you are, if you can’t swim, you will fail. Maybe you can swim, but if you gas on land, you will fail.

Minimum Training Targets: For the PST, you should strive for these numbers as a minimum:
500 yds swim - under 9:00
Pushups - 100 in 2:00
Situps - 100 in 2:00
Pull-ups - 20+
1.5 mile run - under 9:00 in boots and pants

Kokoro/Mental Strength/Training Mentality: The infamous qwitcher*****in factor. Mental strength, the ability to resist suffering and keep plowing through, is not only key, but it’s hard to explain. You’ve got it. If you don’t, you’ll get it through intense training. If you won’t, you’re screwed. Still, some of the posters have put up some pearls of wisdom that could help anybody.
http://navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156961
http://navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157116
http://nodiets.wordpress.com/2007/08/13/train-like-a-spartan/
http://navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=183747#post183747
http://www.stewsmith.com/linkpages/mentaltoughness.htm
The Internet Classics Archive | The Enchiridion by Epictetus

CSS (Combat Swimmer Stroke): An essential skill. For general guidance, go here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4lUHudMN1TU
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6CM4vCf5rJA
http://shop.navyseals.com/detail.aspx?ID=1909&Name=Combat-Side-Stroke-Instructional-DVD-with-Don-Walsh
http://store.stewsmithptclub.com/coswstdvdssm.html

Nutrition: Some stuff is obvious. Rich food is rich food- stay away from heavily saturated fats, heavy sugars. Fast food is almost always bad. Eat everything in moderation. Greens are good, as are fruits. Lean meats are the best protein sources out there, no matter what the box on your Super-Duper-Protein-Power-Booster says. Fish is good, but keep it in moderation- fish oil’s almost always a plus and a good supplement. There are numerous resources on dieting, the Zone Diet, the Paleo Diet, Intermittent Fasting, Starting Strength dieting, The Navy SEAL Nutrition Guide, etc. Type all of these terms into Google search- it’ll be worth your time.

Sleep: Do it. Often. 7 hours a night is generally considered the minimum for most for optimal performance. If you can’t get it, though, tough. It’s only sleep.

TRAINING PLANS:

Here are several of the more prevalent training plans used by members on the Navyseal.com forums, how they work, and where to find out more information. Do not ask questions like “What is Crossfit” if you have not read every available resource listed here on the subject.

The BUD/S Warning Order: Includes general preparation for BUD/S and a weekly preparation plan for BUD/S. Incredibly easy to understand system requiring little more than a pair of running shoes, bathing suit, goggles, a pull-up bars, a pool, and some fins to complete from beginning to end. If you have not read this, do not waste your time asking about how to prepare for BUD/S.

http://www.navysealteams.com/warning.htm

Crossfit: CrossFit is a strength and conditioning system built on constantly varied, if not
randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity. Functional movements are defined as motions which, by their nature, you are likely to encounter in the course of life (standing, sitting, lifting an object from the ground, pressing an object over your head, running, etc.). Crossfit is presented as open source at Crossfit.com, and so long as you follow the principles of the program, you are doing “Crossfit.” For those who are uncertain about their needs or looking for a set training program, instead of creating their own, several sites maintain WOD’s, Workouts of the Day, including performancemenu.com, navyseal.com, and crossfit.com . Because there are so many varying exercises in Crossfit, and a lot of explanation for why Crossfitters do things like they do, there is a great deal of reading material and practice for anyone looking to get into it seriously. The following links should contain everything you need to know about Crossfit.

“What is Fitness and Who is it?” – A primer which explains Crossfit’s methods.
http://www.crossfit.com/cf-download/CFJ-trial.pdf

Crossfit Journal Entries- Although the Crossfit Journal is a subscription, paid service providing information about the practice of many disciplines, many of these articles are free to download and excellent resources for any training program. Among the best are “Nutrition,” “Killer Workouts,” “A Metabolic Conditioning Glossary,” “Foundations,” “Virtuosity,” and “The Crossfit Total.”
http://www.crossfit.com/journal/

FAQ: http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/faq.html

Exercises: Many of Crossfit’s exercises are not well-known to the average gym-goer, and proper form is key. This page has videos of workouts, form articles, interviews with the founder of Crossfit (highly encouraged to answer your questions), and footage of people completing exercises. If you don’t see one, make sure you check the slideshows on the right side of the page.
http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/excercise.html

Stew Smith Workout Plan: A former SEAL who’s dedicated his career towards helping people achieve fitness goals, prepare for service, or already in the military, he has numerous program for varying fitness levels. His E-Books are very reasonably priced, and he offers seminars around the country for the interested. Go to the “Fitness Book Store” for the E-Books, but check out the ridiculous number of free articles in the “More Information” section first. It will be worth your time, and it’ll answer most of your questions.

http://stewsmith.com/

Recon Ron Pullup Program: Incredibly simple program requiring you to do 5 sets of pullups, spread throughout the day, in a progression, to slowly increase your numbers (very much a GTG program). The first link is an explanation, the second is an expanded table.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recon_Ron_Pull-up_Program
http://webpages.charter.net/bert/reconron.html

Maj. Armstrong Pullup Program: Slightly more involved, another pull-up development system, involving more max efforts rather than strict counts.

http://www.chicagomarineofficer.com/Downloads/PT/thearmstrongworkout.pdf

Starting Strength: SS is a book created by Mark Rippetoe, a major figure in the “Functional Lifting” community, and Lon Kilgore, a doctor. SS focuses on developing correct, powerful lifting movement in the clean, bench press, squat, deadlift, and shoulder press to take someone from low total strength to a passable level. Many people without a weightlifting background cannot perform many Crossfit workouts before participating in the program, and anyone looking to do high-rep Olympic lifting would benefit from the book. Its incredibly detailed and thorough analysis of safe and effective lifting form could benefit anyone. Rippetoe also keep a Q&A forum on strengthmill.net, which I’ve linked.

http://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-2nd-Mark-Rippetoe/dp/0976805421/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204551497&sr=8-1
http://www.strengthmill.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36

Greasing the Groove: A program made popular by Pavel Tsatsouline, the idea of working at 75% of max effort at high volumes throughout the day (Recon Ron is a GTG program). These links communicate the ideas behind it.

http://humanmachine.wordpress.com/2007/06/22/grease-the-groove-for-strength/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/170186/greasing_the_groove_a_powerful_training.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Naked-Warrior-Pavel-Tsatsouline/dp/0938045555

Train using one or more of these schemes, or combinations of their methods, for a few months and record your progress on your exercises before you start asking questions: forum members need that data to help you.

Good question:
“I’ve been doing Crossfit, the BUD/S Warning Order, and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu now for 3 months, and I’ve seen gains in running, lifting, and aerobic conditioning, but I’m not getting any faster in the water, and I’m getting injured too often. Where should I cut back/what can I do?”

Bad Question
“I’m 14 years old and I wanna be a SEAL. Can you help me?”

[christian gotcher]

I ended up cutting out some of the data (the post was too long), but that's pretty much it. Go nuts on it- let's make this as solid and thorough as we can.

[dive doc]

Hey Christian,

some great info there. I would strongly recommend opening a training/info thread and posting this into it as well.

Excellent work.

HooYah.

[bigv123]

Nice work. I have a couple nit-picky issues, but, I won't get into that now. The new guys need a few days to digest all this info.

Bravo Zulu CG.
V

[christian gotcher]

I'll wait to post anything up in the training section for a little bit, DD. I'm not really very experienced in this myself (I've only been doing CF since November and training for SEALs for a year and a few months now), so I'm sure someone with more on-the-Grinder experience will have a few corrections.

Whenever you're up for it, Bigv, nitpick away. Every correction to this will be a correction to my training protocol too, so I'm alway sup for some advice.

[dive doc]

Guys, this is not being read and there are some VERY short fuses around. Just bumping this up for a day or two.

[joshdupre]

bumped..........

[HandofGod1]

seriously!

[dive doc]

Guys ... in the words of DFC ... READ MORE, POST LESS!!!! For gods sake!!!