the right build

[heron]

well im always picturing the SF guys as big strong *** muther F*ckers who could lift a house. im only 5'9" 160 + - 5 lbs. i can do the pst close to or exceding competative standards. do i even have a shot?

[tatemononai]

You have a better shot IMHO. I don't know first-hand, but from what I have been told by a number of friends most SEALs are smaller guys height-wise. The bigger guys who often have more natural strength get eaten up in training. The smaller guys are used to having to work harder to keep up, and their size makes it a lot easier to do things like running, pullups, O-course, etc. They are faster. Size is not always a good thing. Don't ask me for the exact quote, but I recall seeing a report from BUD/S instructors who said an ideal BUD/S candidate would be around 5'8 and 150lbs.

A buddy of mine that was an Airborne Ranger said he had some interaction with a bunch of SEALs during his time in the Army. He is a massive 6'4" guy. He was stunned by how "tiny" the SEALs were.

[SR1077]

Yeah man, I'm about 174lbs and 5'10". I'm going into BUD/S probably the beginning of next year, I'm working out an preparing myself mentally and physically.

I've always thought the same question, but I personally rather **** with a 6'4 guy at a bar, then a Navy SEAL thats 5'8"

[Courtenay]

Haven't you guys ever heard the expression, it isn't the 'size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog'? I cannot think of any situation in the world which that expression fits more than BUD/S training.

[montstar]

Muscle doesn't float.

[scskowron]

well im always picturing the SF guys as big strong *** muther F*ckers who could lift a house. im only 5'9" 160 + - 5 lbs. i can do the pst close to or exceding competative standards. do i even have a shot?

Of course you have a shot.

There have been guys less than 130# and shorter than 5'3" to graduate BUD/S.

[SilentSnake]

If I remember correctly, in the BUD/S documentary most the guys who graduated looked like they were just average sized guys, and a few of them were quite muscular and that one guy was built like a freakin ox. So, I think it has much more to do with how bad you want to be a SEAL. I could see how smaller guys could have an advantage since they would have less weight to carry on their joints, knees, feet, etc...So maybe they'd be less likely for injury? That said, it's going to suck the big one no matter what size you are.

[sbd22]

Im gonna agree with court on this one. It helps to be shape but that really doesnt matter when you get there. You may be in top physical condition when you get to BUD/s but everyone esle is gonna be at your standards or higher. The right build is being mentally strong and how much you want it. If you dont want it, then youll drop fast.

[lisalynne10]

well im always picturing the SF guys as big strong *** muther F*ckers who could lift a house. im only 5'9" 160 + - 5 lbs. i can do the pst close to or exceding competative standards. do i even have a shot?

Well then. My b-i-l "R" would certainly prove your picture wrong. I do believe it's not the stature of the man, but the drive that he has.

[surfduck]

you guys try and overthink stuff, otherwise called analysis paralysis. Really good people come in all sizes, heck I think Phil Black was like 6' -8". Others a whole bunch smarter than me have said it right "it's the size of the fight in you that matters"

Better to be the guy who after eight weeks people say "are you still here" than be the athletic stud who after two days is ding, ding, ding

[shaemus]

there is not one single body type that performs better overall. Bigger guys are better at certain evolutions and smaller guys are better at others. It seems to me it is the individuals drive when they are faced with an evolution that they are not the best at and overcoming the urge to quit in failure when the ones who are better at the given evolution are excelling.

[knock28]

Do you really care whether any of us think you can make it or not? Does it really matter? After talking with several BTDT's it just comes down to YOU. How bad YOU want it. Some guys were told from everyone they knew that they wouldn't be able to make... they're SEALs now, while some guys were told they'd have no problem and they rang the bell. We don't know what's going on in your head. We can't tell if you're gonna quit when you're cold, wet, sandy, chafed up, broken down, etc. Work on your self confidence man, because if you don't believe in yourself then it doesn't matter what other people think, chances are you won't make it.

I think bud/s sucks put it best, "anxiety is normal, just grow a pair and do it."

Good luck,

TIM