Pre-SOF US Tactical/NSC Course

[gmt-nyc]

Hey guys, I wanted to share my thoughts on the pre-SOF course Rord and the guys at US Tactical/NavySEALs.com host at their Encinitas facility.

I happened to be allowed to participate even though I missed the first two phases: Indoc and Assessment, both of which you can read about in the CrossFit Journal. Which means I arrived just in time for Phase 3 - Water! Considering I've been in a pool twice in the last 12 months, and maybe swam a total of 800 yards in those 12 months (700 of them last Tue!), this was bound to be quite an experience.

Well, I've got to hand it to Rord for putting together an amazing program to provide hopeful BUD/S candidates a taste of what is to come. It was a definite eye opener for me, considering I've done very little ocean swimming in my life and very little swimming in general in recent years.

Weather conditions: overcast upper 50Fs/low 60Fs, water temp: 56-57F.

Seven guys in total attended, all in cammies and boots. We got paired up with a swim buddy, and did some warm-up PT at their Encinitas facility, a couple of brief runs, then to the beach to hit the water. Rord sent us in to do some surf passages w/ fins, where we stayed in the water slightly longer each successive swim. I sucked in the water, definitely the slowest guy (my stoke was a mess), and even lost a fin on the final surf passage (not good). While I struggled, surprisingly I didn't mind being in that cold water, and am now determined to improve my swimming. But I can definitely imagine how the water activities, especially based on the stories of Hell Week, can shake a lot of guys to point of DOR. So I thought this pre-SOF was a good primer to get a glimpse of what life would be like, even though it only lasted two hours and Rord didn't crush us to death when I lost the fin, like the instructors absolutely would at BUD/S.

After the surf passages, Rord spoke to us about staying together, and about not leaving anyone behind, EVER, and about how to use stealth when entering the water. All of which was very informative. After the last surf passage, we did some more PT, and some soft sand runs in boots and cammies.

I was impressed by the abilities of the other guys in the class, and their dedication to preparing for their arrival in basic training to begin the long journey to try and become a SEAL.

Now I flew out from NYC on Fri morning, landed in LAX at 10am and drove 2 hours to Encinitas for the pleasure of jumping in the frigid pacific, which by most standards is borderline insane. But I do recommend that anyone serious about trying to become a SEAL should try and pay Rord a visit, and give the pre-SOF training program a go. I have a newfound appreciation for what is required to become one of these elite warriors, and I think it would help others figure out if this is something they are really cut out for.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to join for the SEAL Challenge weekend Rord et al are hosting, which I think is a brief Hell Week simulation, but I'd encourage people to do so if possible. I think getting a taste of what is to come is a smart additional program for anyone serious about going BUD/S.

My assessment of myself? Well, I've got some swimming to do, and lots of it!

Hooyah!

[bustafood]

Sounds like a damn good time, cool write up.

What program was this that he was running? I know of the SEAL challenge one coming up for $400 something, but was this different? If so, how often does he run it and what's the cost? I'd love to get down there sometime, being lucky enough to live so close.

[scskowron]

Sounds fun, glad you made it. Did you decide if it's the career for you to try yet?

[gmt-nyc]

Busta, the program is US Tactical's pre-SOF Training Course, and Rord holds it every Friday from 2-4pm down at their facility in Encinitas. The current class, a few of whom ship off to basic in the next 2-4 months, is in the middle of the Water phase. I'm not sure the policy regarding enrollment into the course is in terms of start dates (Rord made an exception in my case since I flew 3,000 miles to check it out). I assume he runs it on a 12-week cycle or so, but check with Rord if you're interested. It is definitely worth the time if you are serious about pursuing the goal of becoming an elite warrior.

Scskowron, thanks. It was "fun" as in "wow that's a fun new way to get my a** kicked." But seriously, it helped identify my primary weakness, swimming, and if I want to continue on this path then I need to step it up big time in that discipline. I'm still very much leaning in this direction, and plan to meet with a recruiter when I get home to discuss what options someone in my situation has with regard to enlisting and pursuing BUD/S. If you're free at all this week, let's try and meet up for some training. I'm buying fins and a proper mask this week so maybe some soft sand running and when it gets comfortably above freezing trying out a "surf passage" out on Coney Island.

Hooyah!

[scskowron]

Actually my mock trial team made it to the national tournament in Ohio this week...so I'm flying out on Thursday and won't be back until Sunday, and in the meantime I have so much schoolwork to do. But hopefully next week we should do some training.

[sethb78]

hey bustafood. what i want to know is why you are submitting insurance applications with other peoples info!

[TAMU_2008]

Sounds like a good time..I am going to look into this..Im a senior at A&M in Texas so Ill have to graduate first..but Im only a few months from that! Hoo yahh!

Gig'Em

[knock28]

He's a really cool guy, I got the opportunity to work out with him when he was a SEAL mentor in my area. I had no idea he was doing this, I'll def have to contact him and see if I could check it out.

TIM

[tyjanium]

I attended the Pre-SOF training last Friday, just thought I'd give a little input on my experience there.

After a little PT, at the center we went down to the beach for some surf passage and a little sidestroke training. Rob split us into two groups while one group was out in the surf the other group did rounds of pushups, situps, squats and sprints with a dip in the surf between sets. We were wet and sandy and I was chaffing badly. Once it was my groups turn to hit the water I was already exhuasted. Getting through the surf and out to the calmer water was tough as hell for me but I made it. I thought I might drown a couple of times lol! Rob stayed close and kept giving me encouragement and pointers. I was so preoccupied with trying to keep pace with everybody else I didn't notice the cold. Afterwords we had a bit of a debrief back at the center to let everybody know what they needed to work on.

I would strongly reccomend this for anyone interested in the SEAL/s if you live close enough to attend the sessions it's foolish not to in my oppinion. After seeing how much I really suck when compared to everyone else it was incredibly motivating. Rob runs a good program. He has a few rules he expects you to follow but he doesn't act like some hardcore drill instructor. I felt welcome right away.

Take Care

[snoopy518]

I know this is an old thread but is this training still going on? I live decently close by and would like to check it out. Also, nobody has mentioned a price for the training. Anybody know what that is?

[rsbmg]

Snoopy,

Info is all on this web-site try this link, should give you the info you want.

http://www.navyseals.com/training-fitness

[tyjanium]

Snoopy,

I started the Pre-SOF training a few months ago so I'll try to answer your questions.

I originally signed up for the Live Coaching program through this site, it costs $279.00 plus tax. There is contradictory information on this sight as to how long that program lasts. One source says it's $279 for 3 months and another page states the program lasts a year...I've been doing it for over three months now so maybe the $279 is good for a year but you'll have to check on that to be sure...

I signed up for the live coach with no idea there was an on site training program. I was contacted by Rob Ord (he runs the live coaching and Pre-SOF) shortly after and he explained that Live Coach subscribers can attend the Pre-SOF training at the Encinitas facility.

U.S. Tactical has several different classes they run throughout the week; Crossfit, Yoga, Pre-SOF, personal training etc. There are plenty of people who train there who are not in Pre-SOF, they pay a monthly membership fee or something for whatever particular program they choose. I imagine if you live close by you can just go to the facility and sign up without doing the live coaching program offered through this site. Again, you'll have to contact them directly to get the real scoop. Here is a link to their page.

http://training.ustactical.com/

As for the Pre-SOF training itself, They meet once a week from 2-4pm on Friday afternoons. Once a week may not seem like much but the intent is that the Pre-SOF guys workout on their own during the week, Workout of the Day, Workout Generator, etc. Friday is usually a real kick in the nuts; Beach runs, Log PT, ocean swims, PT beatdowns, Crossfit workouts whatever Rob decides. It's always tough. We end the session with a debrief; Rob lets everybody know what he thinks of their performance, the level of effort they put forth etc. We also keep a workout log and turn it in every week which holds you accountable for getting your workouts in. The PT is only part of the Pre-SOF training though, Rob talks alot about warrior spirit, mental tenacity, all the traits of a modern day warrior. It's definitely worth the money if your serious about being a SEAL.

Training there is also a perfect way to meet and interact with the people you aspire to be like. I've met several SEALS; Active duty BUD/S instructors, retired SEALS. I've gained a lot of insight into the SEAL community just by talking to them. They are all great guys and they genuinely want to help you.

Anyway, If you have any specific questions let me know.