General Question

[navydad1]

I searched the forums and have not found my answer; so guess I'll ask.
When does a seal candidate get his Trident? After Buds? After SQT? After assignment? Some things listed are no longer accurate so I'm looking for the most current information. Thanks.

[oldswabbie]

I searched the forums and have not found my answer; so guess I'll ask.
When does a seal candidate get his Trident? After Buds? After SQT? After assignment? Some things listed are no longer accurate so I'm looking for the most current information. Thanks.

NavyDad1, Welcome to NavySEALS.com! Salute the Standard as you come aboard. http://3dflags.com/art/comps/usa0001/3dflags_usa0001-0001a.gif

To answer your question, here is the generally accepted answer:

After Sucessfully Completing BUD/S (all evolutions) those qualifying to become Navy SEALs are authorized, after completing a specialized program known as SQT (SEAL Qualification Training) and a probationary period, to wear and display the Special Warfare Badge, also known as the SEAL Trident.


OldSwabbie

I take it by your question that you have a son either going into or already in NSW?


OldSwabbie

<ps, no last names>

[navydad1]

Thanks for the nice welcome, Sir. Yes I do have a son in Buds 271. I've been following the updates on the class from this site. Along with the one phone call he makes a week.
Is there two graduations?
Buds then SQT? (ceremonies)
I live on the east coast but when he makes it, I want to fly out to Coronado. Just not sure how all this works just yet.

[joshdupre]

Courtney can probably chime in on the parent perspective of the graduation, but to my knowledge the big graduation to go to is the one after SQT. There is a small ceremony after BUDs. Used to be it was a big ceremony after BUDs but that was before they started the SQT training that follows BUDs.

MR2

[oldswabbie]

Thanks for the nice welcome, Sir. Yes I do have a son in Buds 271. I've been following the updates on the class from this site. Along with the one phone call he makes a week.
Is there two graduations?
Buds then SQT? (ceremonies)
I live on the east coast but when he makes it, I want to fly out to Coronado. Just not sure how all this works just yet.

Awesome! I will pray that he stays strong and continues on!

As Josh said, Courtenay would know which would be the best. Her son is a SEAL. She could best tell you.

Again, Welcome to NavySEALS.com


OldSwabbie

[navydad1]

Thanks for the information and the support for my son. That's what I'm trying to figure out (which graduation to go to). I'll let my son decide which one he wants me at. Please don't take my words such as "When he graduates" as being overly confident. But my says he IS going to make it, he loves what he is doing, and told me point blank "Dad I'm going to graduate from Buds unless they kill me". LOL
Who is Courtney?

[Ambassador]

Who is Courtney?

Courtenay is a member here and her son is a US Navy SEAL, active duty.

[navydad1]

Courtenay is a member here and her son is a US Navy SEAL, active duty


Thanks.

[oldswabbie]

There is no longer a probationary period. You are awarded your Trident at the SQT graduation.

Thank you for that information :)

OldSwabbie

[oldswabbie]

Thanks for the information and the support for my son. That's what I'm trying to figure out (which graduation to go to). I'll let my son decide which one he wants me at. Please don't take my words such as "When he graduates" as being overly confident. But my says he IS going to make it, he loves what he is doing, and told me point blank "Dad I'm going to graduate from Buds unless they kill me". LOL
Who is Courtney?

At this point he needs all the encouragement he can get! Tell him we are definately pulling for him and ALL the guys! We are looking forward to seeing his graduation picture! There isnt anything wrong with being positive about making it!

OldSwabbie

[soccermom]

Thanks for the nice welcome, Sir. Yes I do have a son in Buds 271. I've been following the updates on the class from this site. Along with the one phone call he makes a week.
Is there two graduations?
Buds then SQT? (ceremonies)
I live on the east coast but when he makes it, I want to fly out to Coronado. Just not sure how all this works just yet.


There is one ceremony for the families and friends and that is the SQT Graduation where they get their Tridents. It's a tremendous day that you don't want to miss.
Best of luck to your son and the rest of his class next week!

(your info, oldswabbie, was correct until just a few years ago. Thanks for your efforts.)

[Courtenay]

Sorry I caught this thread late. And, things have changed even in the 5 years since my son graduated BUD/s. BUD/s graduation used to be the family event, and they had the SQT ceremony separately. (it was a team guy ONLY event) Now, the BUD/s graduation is low key, with the "real" graduation being after SQT. The cool part for the families is, they now get to be there when the trainee becomes a SEAL and gets his trident!

[oldswabbie]

There is one ceremony for the families and friends and that is the SQT Graduation where they get their Tridents. It's a tremendous day that you don't want to miss.
Best of luck to your son and the rest of his class next week!

(your info, oldswabbie, was correct until just a few years ago. Thanks for your efforts.)

Yea, I'm always the last to know! LOL :D

OldSwabbie

[sealwife256]

Thanks for the information and the support for my son. That's what I'm trying to figure out (which graduation to go to). I'll let my son decide which one he wants me at. Please don't take my words such as "When he graduates" as being overly confident. But my says he IS going to make it, he loves what he is doing, and told me point blank "Dad I'm going to graduate from Buds unless they kill me". LOL
Who is Courtney?

Hi!
The BUD/S graduation is no longer public, and isn't too long. The SQT graduation is when all the family/friends are allowed to attend. My husband had a limited number of people he could invite, but it ended up I guess that it didn't matter because more came anyways. It's a couple of hours long in all, and it's something I would highly recommend going to. The Trident is pinned at the ceremony, and they are able to wear it from that day on. Hope that helps!

[navydad1]

Thanks to all for the information. I'll definetely be at the SQT Graduation. But will probably go out to visit after BUDS anyway.
I just needed the right information to make a decision. Thanks again.

[oldswabbie]

Thanks to all for the information. I'll definetely be at the SQT Graduation. But will probably go out to visit after BUDS anyway.
I just needed the right information to make a decision. Thanks again.

Be sure to get us some pictures!

OldSwabbie