wheres your head at

[kid999]

this is a little complicated but anyways, my dream is to become a SEAL, i hav this burning desire to be one. now i want to keep this burning desire all through the training, but im afraid of losing it during hell week, or something as tuff. so where do u suggest u keep ur head at while u hav been up for 3 days, while in freezing water at 2 in the morning? what do u focus on?

[thatguy2695]

I'm not a SEAL but think of it this way anxiety is normal. BUD/s is going to suck(on a physical standpoint) its going to be hard but thats why your there because you want to be one of the Best. You just look up and see that other guys are doing it, so you can too! Embrace the Suck!!

[dive doc]

this is a little complicated but anyways, my dream is to become a SEAL, i hav this burning desire to be one. now i want to keep this burning desire all through the training, but im afraid of losing it during hell week, or something as tuff. so where do u suggest u keep ur head at while u hav been up for 3 days, while in freezing water at 2 in the morning? what do u focus on?

Time and time again the feedback on this question seems to be the same ... and the answer is ... this is entirely up to you ... what you focus on, what motivates you, what drives you forward and gives you the determination, tenacity and strength to continue when youre brain is screaming at you to stop and your body feels like it cant go another step; must come from within!!! Every man is different, every guy will draw on a different strength, no matter what it is! What seems to be consistent is the acceptence that at some stage you will reach this point during hell week, everyone does. Accept it, know it, be prepared for it and know that when that time comes ... whatever is motivating you, that you can draw on it at that point to get you past that difficult time and carry on. The guys that can draw on this strength to drive themselves forward will carry on, those that cant have a short walk to the brass bell!

[scskowron]

Maybe try an endurance event and find out.
A few of us on here have subjected ourself to a multihour endurance event, such as walking around a track for 12 hours....it'll give you an idea of what to think about when you can't take it anymore!

[king henry viii]

this is a little complicated but anyways, my dream is to become a SEAL, i hav this burning desire to be one. now i want to keep this burning desire all through the training, but im afraid of losing it during hell week, or something as tuff. so where do u suggest u keep ur head at while u hav been up for 3 days, while in freezing water at 2 in the morning? what do u focus on?

Find some current or former SEALs to talk to. Ask them how they got through hell week. Once you get in DEP ask your SEAL motivator (who will most likely be a SEAL) how he got through hell week.

Then just do what they did.

[bud/s sucks]

I didn't really think of anythinng during Hell Week.... I thought more during lifesaving in first phase and the tread in second phase than I did during hell week.

[bud/s 184]

I thought about drinking a hole bunch of beer, hanging with the winners at the red onion....and how glad I was gunna be that I wasn't a Quitter!!!

[waffle5689]

Why are you afraid? Come on man smack yourself. Fear denies faith. I haven't experienced BUD/S yet. As for me I can't wait for hell week. It's going to be hella fun, think of it more a joy ride.

I need that experience of hell in my life anyways. Just take icy cold showers, then from there your body will become use to it. But what I say is only words, easier said than actually experiencing it.

[iamfubar44861]

Why are you afraid? Come on man smack yourself. Fear denies faith. I haven't experienced BUD/S yet. As for me I can't wait for hell week. It's going to be hella fun, think of it more a joy ride.

I need that experience of hell in my life anyways. Just take icy cold showers, then from there your body will become use to it. But what I say is only words, easier said than actually experiencing it.

Please stop posting stupid advice. Thank you.

[imddrummer]

I haven't gone to buds, but I've heard over and over again to take one evolution at a time. Don't try to think ahead about all the different evolutions you have to accomplish, because it will overwhelm you. Look at the guys beside you and think, they haven't quit, so why should I?! I don't think that all of what Waffle said was stupid. I talked to a current SEAL and he said buds was one of the most fun things he has ever done. Don't look at it like its going to be a pain in the ***. If something is so misserable, then why do it? You won't like every step of the way, but the sense of accomplishment at the end should be well worth it to you. Keep a good attitude and don't give up!

[iamfubar44861]

I haven't gone to buds, but I've heard over and over again to take one evolution at a time. Don't try to think ahead about all the different evolutions you have to accomplish, because it will overwhelm you. Look at the guys beside you and think, they haven't quit, so why should I?! I don't think that all of what Waffle said was stupid. I talked to a current SEAL and he said buds was one of the most fun things he has ever done. Don't look at it like its going to be a pain in the ***. If something is so misserable, then why do it? You won't like every step of the way, but the sense of accomplishment at the end should be well worth it to you. Keep a good attitude and don't give up!

His outlook on BUD/S wasn't what I meant was stupid. His advice on cold water training was stupid. You might as well shoot yourself in the leg now, that way when it happens in combat, you'll be prepared for it.....

[waffle5689]

I haven't gone to buds, but I've heard over and over again to take one evolution at a time. Don't try to think ahead about all the different evolutions you have to accomplish, because it will overwhelm you. Look at the guys beside you and think, they haven't quit, so why should I?! I don't think that all of what Waffle said was stupid. I talked to a current SEAL and he said buds was one of the most fun things he has ever done. Don't look at it like its going to be a pain in the ***. If something is so misserable, then why do it? You won't like every step of the way, but the sense of accomplishment at the end should be well worth it to you. Keep a good attitude and don't give up!
Reply With Quote


Thank you Drummer. That's the way I look at it. Who ever that current SEAL is I sure hell would like to meet him. Now looking at it. If you think it's going to be misserable, then that's negative doing the talking for you.

I want it to be fun as hell, but challenging at the same time. Another way I look at it. That BUD/S main objective is to make you quit, in any aspect as possible. Better yet, just think all of BUD/S is hell week.

They want to implant fear in you, to hold you back. Like my father always said. It's just a mind game, that's all it is. If you fear BUD/S, then they are already winning.

Mods I'm sorry this is going to go little off topic. But since iamfubar loves personally attacking people, specially me for some odd reason.

Please stop posting stupid advice. Thank you.

Oh, and how is your advice aint? What you think you are Mr. Yoda. So your the man on this forum that has the right to define what's stupid or not? You know you got some ego issue, and a big head of your's. You should get it checked out.

Frankly I'm sick, and tired of you personally attacking me. What you got something against me? I don't even know you.

What you go on these forums personally attacking people. Does it give you a good feeling inside. Simply because you are so insecure of yourself.

That's pretty sad. My advice might not be the greatest or even the worst advice given. But at least I put my 2 cents to help others. I don't ask them to take it. Yet you go around personally attacking people.

You want to state I never paid bill in my life. I own/manage a whole retail store for a living. Most likely I managed more money in my given life time than you will ever will. Working 16 hrs a day, really fed up with people like you.

Oh one more thing iamfubar. I just want to thank you even more now than ever. That I want go through BUD/S even more, endure the hell they offer and become a SEAL. Simply because now I can at least look back on own so called stupid advice, and be proud of it.

[imddrummer]

His outlook on BUD/S wasn't what I meant was stupid. His advice on cold water training was stupid. You might as well shoot yourself in the leg now, that way when it happens in combat, you'll be prepared for it.....

I think I remember Stew Smith (former SEAL and current trainer) address the question of preparing for surf torture. All he said was if you aren't near a beach, get used to taking cold showers.

I guess you shouldn't do pushups either, just wait till you get to buds where you have to. And definitely don't go to the shooting range before gong into combat. My point is, getting ready for what you know you must go through isn't stupid. I don't think anyone plans on getting shot in the leg in battle, but everyone should definitely plan to get cold and wet in buds.

Waffle- be careful in your posts. DD posted some links a day or two ago and rsctt83, or one of the other moderators was warning against getting too personal/angry in posts. Just giving you a heads up. Keep up the cold showers!

[iamfubar44861]

You know what...Ok, I'll be the bigger man and admit that saying you have never paid a bill in your life was probably not a helpful post to anyone and thus shouldn't have existed. I apologize for that.

However, in this particular topic, I'm right. SEALs have actually posted on this site before that running cold water over yourself in preparation for BUD/S is worthless. How do I know this since I've only been a member for a few months? Because I read postings on this site for 6 months before I even made a username. I have read and still read the archived threads. So, if you want to challenge the advice of actual SEALs, be my guest.

[imddrummer]

http://www.military.com/military-fitness/navy-special-operations/seal-training

I found this written by Stew Smith about the cold at buds. I was partially wrong about the cold showers. He said they were "okay if you liked mild torture" but he didn't suggest them. sorry. But its kind of similar to the training tip/idea #2 from rsctt83. Taking a cold shower is one of those things you don't want to do, but see if you can force yourself to do it. Well, I'm done on this subject. I didn't mean to cross anyone, I was just putting in my 2 cents.

[leahy_j]

I read an article once that said something the the effect of "BUD/S and being a SEAL isn't about what you can get used to, but more about what you can deal with". My understanding (from word of mouth from former BUD/S candidates, and former SEALS) is that it doesn't matter how much preparation you do, the instructors will make damn sure you are tired, fatigued, and cold. And they make sure the cold bothers you to the point of torture. Taking cold showers might get you used to that feeling of shock you get when you first get into cold water, but thats probably all. And a cold shower won't hold a candle to the constant cold these guys in BUD/S go through. I get the feeling those instructors out at Coronado have a pretty good system. If you can't handle the cold there, why be a SEAL where your job forces it on you?

On the other hand, maybe you're just a crazy ****er that likes taking a cold shower, for whatever reason. If that's the case, go for it. I myself like a hot shower after a long workout.

[oldswabbie]

Please stop posting stupid advice. Thank you.

Yup, if you aint done it - you cant tell anyone how to do it.

My 2cents and ill stow my Gear

[overcome.101]

Well, you can never get "used" to cold water to the point where one day it feels warm. But cold showers and exposure can go two ways. You can do it, know youve done it and can do it again. Or you can do it, know that it sucks and think "damn this sucks" every time your about to jump in the Pacific. But like Stew said, youll be so overwhelmed with the physical evolutions a little splash in the Pacific will be the least of you worries, and surf torture gives you a chance to rest and may help reduce muscle swelling anyways.

[thatguy2695]

when your a SEAL then you can tell people there dumb. I take cold showers am I dumb too? he isn't saying the pacific will magically get warm Also I think it is a mental booster to feel like your always training always keeping your eyes on the goal. If people don't say your crazy then your not working hard enough.
EMBRACE THE SUCK!!

[waffle5689]

You know what...Ok, I'll be the bigger man and admit that saying you have never paid a bill in your life was probably not a helpful post to anyone and thus shouldn't have existed. I apologize for that.

However, in this particular topic, I'm right. SEALs have actually posted on this site before that running cold water over yourself in preparation for BUD/S is worthless. How do I know this since I've only been a member for a few months? Because I read postings on this site for 6 months before I even made a username. I have read and still read the archived threads. So, if you want to challenge the advice of actual SEALs, be my guest.

Thank you iamfubar, you have earned my respect for being reasonable. I admit I kinda get out of hand after a whole day's work. That's all I ask for is just being reasonable. Don't want to be like two senators in congress arguing over a stupid bill.

If you disagree, I have no problem hearing your side of your argument. Why I am wrong. I always try to prove myself wrong, to know if I'm right or not. If you believe I am wrong, just post links, articles to state why I am wrong.

Alright back on topic. About running cold water over yourself. Yes your right it might be worthless for preparation for BUD/S. Even stated by a SEAL. I don't know about the rest of you. Helps me because it gives me a better insight, of what's worse to come.

Taking cold showers might get you used to that feeling of shock you get when you first get into cold water, but thats probably all.

True, but it's better than nothing right?

The point I'm trying to make is. Even the taking cold showers, might not do much, be worthless. It gets you out of that comfort zone mental state. Even my soccer coach was just a typical guy. He was right on that. Our team went from worst team in NE, to almost being champions.


If you don't learn to get out of your comfort zone, you will never succeed.

Ever since then, I achieved more in my life time because of that statement.

Isn't BUD/S all about not having a moment of comfort?


My point is, getting ready for what you know you must go through isn't stupid. I don't think anyone plans on getting shot in the leg in battle, but everyone should definitely plan to get cold and wet in buds.

I agree with your point on that one for sure.

[leahy_j]

Also I think it is a mental booster to feel like your always training always keeping your eyes on the goal.
EMBRACE THE SUCK!!
I wanted to say this but couldn't find a good way to put it into words, so, I second that.


True, but it's better than nothing right?


Yes, it is better than nothing. AND I just realized we're having a multi-paged discussion on whether one should take a cold shower or not.

[waffle5689]

Yes, it is better than nothing. AND I just realized we're having a multi-paged discussion on whether one should take a cold shower or not.

Now looking back on it with a slight laughter- good point. All I did was suggest it. Never intended it to be a multi-paged discussion.

[overcome.101]

Now looking back on it with a slight laughter- good point. All I did was suggest it. Never intended it to be a multi-paged discussion.

There will always be someone that has to get the last word...

[bud/s sucks]

Am I the only one that has noticed almost every reply has been "I heard this, read this, think this, talked about this with so and so"?

Stop getting your panties in a bunch over hearsay people.

[bud/s sucks]

Also, just a random tip that something I saw triggered in my head. If you're inexperienced, don't practice shooting before BUD/S in prep for third phase. You don't want to form any bad habits. They will mold you how they want you when you get there, and you'll have AMPLE time to practice. We went through somewhere around 50k 9mm rounds on the island the first week with 4x guys.