View Full Version : Is it almost impossible?
Illdon
10-05-2002, 05:56 PM
Hi I'm new my name is Jason and I'm 17 years old. I cant think of anything else I'd rather do than be a Navy SEAL, I'm busy trying to get my g.e.d and get into the Navy right now, I'm not dumb or anything, school just wasnt for me, The reason I wrote is to ask is it the hardest thing you will do in your life? Or do they overdramatize it at all?
DMANN
10-05-2002, 06:12 PM
From what i was told by some one who is a former SEAL. It was the hardest thing he will EVER do in this life and the next. And this guy doesnt have alot of bad things to say about being in the teams even though he broke his back while fast roping so it might be hard but for the 9 months of abuse come bliss afterwards.
tfwmissions
10-05-2002, 06:15 PM
I'm not dumb or anything, school just wasnt for me,
Let me just first say that you will need to be stronger mentaly than physicaly to become a SEAL!!! By dropping out of school you have already at a young age gotten into the habit of quiting. Having the habit of not finishing will ruin your entire life!!! You think that school was hard mentaly? You have no idea the mental stress that tadpoles go through during BUD/s!!!! Having the habit of not finishing can ruin a marriage, job, career, family, and basically your whole life!!! LEARN TO FINISH WHAT YOU START!!!!! Finishing what you start will be one the best habits that you will ever make!!! My advice is try and finish school by coorespondence if you hate school so much. That way you can go at your own pace and not hace teachers breathing down your neck. Just make a desicion to get into the habit of finishing what you start! That habit along with God's leading and guiding will change your life and make you successful in whatever you decide to do!!!!!!!! God bless bro!
elpaninaro
10-05-2002, 08:38 PM
Hi I'm new my name is Jason and I'm 17 years old. I cant think of anything else I'd rather do than be a Navy SEAL, I'm busy trying to get my g.e.d and get into the Navy right now, I'm not dumb or anything, school just wasnt for me, The reason I wrote is to ask is it the hardest thing you will do in your life? Or do they overdramatize it at all?
Hi Jason,
You are new here so let me state up front I am not a SEAL and neither are some others who may reply to you. I just like to make note of that to newcomers so there is no confusion. The site is moderated and frequented by SEALs, but everyone is free to post in any forum.
I think the first question to ask yourself is what about school was not for you. I do not know you and will not presume to offer you advice- but I hated school too. I think the education system is a joke for the most part, but you get what you take from it. And I am glad I went as far as I did before entering the work force. I am glad because I have learned that no matter how smart and capable you are, the education section on your resume is where you are going to make your first impression. It seems unfair but now that I am in a position where I hire people I have a new perspective on it and understand why that is the case.
I say this first because your education is the most important thing in your life. It really is. My grandfather entered the military when he was your age, served 20 amazing years, and then retired after a full term career- before he was 40!
Same will apply to you. Even if you spend a full 20-30 year time of military service, you will need to work once you get out, so my first suggestion is that you make your education first priority.
So work on that GED my friend. If you do well and get the work done, it will count for a lot. When I hire people I look to see they finished their education, but their work ethic and eagerness are more important. I will hire someone with a GED equivalent who is bright and enthusiastic before I will hire someone who has a diploma from a top high school who does not show an eager attitude.
As for SEALs, I think twfmissions is correct. There are many of us on this site who are working towards that goal, and it is a tough one. College, graduate school and the work force have been a cakewalk for me compared to the work I have had to do to prepare physically to try and enter BUDs. So his advice is right on- work on what you have on your plate now (meaning your GED) and do it well, because live will not get easier whether you join the military or remain in civilian life.
As I said before I am not a SEAL, but I am of the opinion that being a SEAL is definitely the hardest thing one could do in life. And not just because of the training. The training is 6 months- followed by a long term career where you will work at a level that FAR exceeds anything you got in training. There is much publicity about Hell Week, but that is a mere 5 days in what, for many SEALs, will be a 6-20 year career of physical and mental effort taking up huge amounts of time and risking your life every day. This is no 9-5 job. And for that matter, in life- whether in or out of the military- there is no such thing as a 9-5 job where you are going to be challenged and have the chance to achieve great things.
Check out the Navy SEALs menu button at the top of the page on this site and read through the various pages of information. There you will find training goals, performance requirements, a PT program for prospective SEALs, and good descriptions of the work.
Remember too that your education- boring as it seems now- will get you far in a career in SEALs or any other SPECWAR position. The Teams are full of enlisted men with college degrees. These are not brain-dead Hollywood movie commandos- but elite, educated and motivated warriors. Intelligence and good study and work patterns developed in school are essential.
Best of luck to you and hope this message is helpful.
Illdon
10-05-2002, 09:20 PM
Well, I never asked to start school, so I actually didn't give up or quit, and I am not dumb I made a 92 on my Asvab that might not say much to you but I think it is pretty good, school didnt educate me, it wasted my time. The only thing i wanted to know was about the training, I didnt ask for your constructive criticism or advice, I will leave that to the people who train me. Thank You
Gokusfusion
10-05-2002, 09:25 PM
Hi I'm new my name is Jason and I'm 17 years old. I cant think of anything else I'd rather do than be a Navy SEAL, I'm busy trying to get my g.e.d and get into the Navy right now, I'm not dumb or anything, school just wasnt for me, The reason I wrote is to ask is it the hardest thing you will do in your life? Or do they overdramatize it at all?
I am not a SEAL,but becoming a SEAL will be the most challenging thing in life you can ever,ever possibly imagine!
It is impossible for the average mind and average body. It is possible if you are fully <b>mentally alert</b> and physically top shape. I hope you can achieve your goal,just understand that it's nothing sugar coated. If you go through BUD/S you will have to meet the most demanding training the world has known to man. Go in and make it happen,but very few make it. Good luck to you
God Bless.
Jason.
Gokusfusion
10-05-2002, 09:28 PM
By dropping out of school you have already at a young age gotten into the habit of quiting.
I respect him for at least getting a G.E.D. He could have not went back at all.. He chose to try another step of school. Good job!
God Bless.
Jason.
childofgod
10-05-2002, 11:19 PM
While a typical SEAL is very smart... your ASVAB score means absolutely nothing. If anything, it will hurt you. Think about it this way... the smarter you are, the easier it will be for you to come up with reasons why you don't want to be a SEAL when you're in the middle of surf torture...
Actually I think I'm just rambling again.
But your asvab score won't matter during BUD/S. At least the instructors won't care when they're beating you.
Illdon
10-05-2002, 11:47 PM
Well I dont plan on putting anymore posts up, I've come to realize most of you arent even SEALS but have alot to say. Read what you just wrote, If you want to be a SEAL, you arent going to think of any reason at all to not want to be one, those are the people who dont make it. The ones who make it are the ones who go in wanting it and actually strive to make it. The people who dont make it are the ones who do go in with that attitude. "Well ill try my hardest but if I dont make it at least i gave it my all". Why think like that? Just do it
Gokusfusion
10-06-2002, 12:54 AM
Having the habit of not finishing can ruin a marriage, job, career, family, and basically your whole life!!! LEARN TO FINISH WHAT YOU START!!!!! Finishing what you start will be one the best habits that you will ever make!!!
Just because he didn't finish school doesn't mean he won't make it in life.... I know plenty of people who have got around with a G.E.D. and make alot more money then a high school graduate. I am not saying you shouldn't finish school but sometimes people just aren't cut out to go to school. Just because he quit school does not mean there is absolutly no chance of him becoming a SEAL... If he had a family to work for he more then likely wouldn't quit his job.. He'd be in a point of having to,to support the ones he loved.... He is getting a G.E.D. that is better than nothing at all. He could have just quit and not went back.. I respect him for trying to get some eduaction to get him through life.
LEARN TO FINISH WHAT YOU START!!!!!
Richard Marcinko didn't finish school.... I think he got the rest of his education in the Navy.. I could be wrong...
He was awesome at what he did.. He was a great worker and never gave up,just hated book work...
Just make a desicion to get into the habit of finishing what you start!
He did make a decision to finish what he started. He's working on his G.E.D. G.E.D. is ok to have,it isn't as good as a diploma,but at least shows he has his education.. I know people who absolutly had to quit school to take care of a single parent who was sick.. They had to work full time and always see after their father who was in a wheel chair. Now that his father has passed on he managed to get his G.E.D. He is now a train conductor and makes 30 dollars a hour working 12 hours a day,4 days a week.... He makes more money then your average high school graduate does.. That's very good money. ILLdon don't get discourage and continue with your G.E.D. you can make it,just try not to make the same <b>mistake</b> as last time. (I am not saying you have a habit of quiting. I understand we all make mistakes that we regret.) If you was not getting your G.E.D. I'd agree with tfwmissions more about this post,but at least you are taking a chance to try and correct your <b>mistake.</b>
Good luck to you on your testing.. I agree with Child Of God,high scores probably won't get you very far. But without your diploma or G.E.D. you will have many hard times with getting a good job.
God Bless.
Jason.
Gokusfusion
10-06-2002, 01:02 AM
Well I dont plan on putting anymore posts up, I've come to realize most of you arent even SEALS but have alot to say. Read what you just wrote, If you want to be a SEAL, you arent going to think of any reason at all to not want to be one, those are the people who dont make it. The ones who make it are the ones who go in wanting it and actually strive to make it. The people who dont make it are the ones who do go in with that attitude. "Well ill try my hardest but if I dont make it at least i gave it my all". Why think like that? Just do it
Hey man noones putting you down or anything.. I can see were you could have taken a little offence to certain others post,but I for one have not been rude to you or discouraging..... Feel free to post around here,it's all a bunch of a opinions we give you. If you don't like the opinions you get,it's no big deal. Just wait around a few days till someone can help you with your questions more.. There are 3 real SEALs I know of that's on this board..
Doug is a SEAL,Mark is a SEAL,and Wazz is a SEAL. I believe these are the 3.. Wazz you was a SEAL right? I know Doug and Mark is.. Whoever else maybe a real SEAL or was please let me know so you get reconized.
God Bless..
Jason..
Wetwash
10-06-2002, 06:54 AM
Jason, the day of the tough frogman without the brains is gone.. Without a good educational background you are in trouble. SEALs , besides being well conditioned physically, must be mentally tough and have a good education, and for BUD/S, excellent study habits. Also I agree with you.. I thought the title of this Forum was ASK A SEAL.
elpaninaro
10-06-2002, 07:04 AM
Well I dont plan on putting anymore posts up, I've come to realize most of you arent even SEALS but have alot to say. Read what you just wrote, If you want to be a SEAL, you arent going to think of any reason at all to not want to be one, those are the people who dont make it. The ones who make it are the ones who go in wanting it and actually strive to make it. The people who dont make it are the ones who do go in with that attitude. "Well ill try my hardest but if I dont make it at least i gave it my all". Why think like that? Just do it
Illdon- I am the first to ***** about people going overboard, so on reading your comments and rereading my post compared to your question I need to apologize for starters.
My comments were not intended to bash you at all, rather just suggest thoughts. You can never know someone from a few lines in a post, so I try not to be judgemental- and I am sorry if I came off like that.
But beyond that, yes you are right the question I answered was not one you asked.
Whatever you do, don't stop posting here over this one thread. We are all pretty opinionated around here, and commentary above and beyond the initial question (ie getting off topic) is something that happens a lot. But good info comes from expanding things I think.
Just know that when that happens, we are not all sitting here trying to dissecte you specifically, but just bring up issues that affect everyone. I have the same goal you do, but my path was in a completely opposite direction in regards to school. Neither of us is right or wrong. The only thing that matters is getting to the final goal. I am not in the military, but I grew up in a military family so I do have some experience and feedback that affects my comments here. I have also extensively researched this career path, as have many others here. I can think off the top of my head of at least 10 people like myself who have trained hard already and can offer valid thoughts about how to get to BUDs.
I never claim to have been there, but I have seen more than many do as an outsider. The reason I get worried when people come here to post about dropping out of school to join the Navy and be a SEAL has nothing to do with me wanting to ruin the dream. My only goal is to convince people to think and decide and be sure their chosen path is really what will get them where they want.
The world is full of people who give up what they have for something they want, never get there and are left with very little to build from. The world is full of people who plan ahead and in the process of getting to a specific point before trying something wake up one day and realize it is too late to have their dream anymore.
But the world also has people who follow either path and get where they want to go. And how they do it is not something that can be contained in a post on the internet, or even something that can be taught really. All I encourage people to do is be sure they are totally confident and have considered all the alternatives. That is the first step to success I think, no matter what the path. SEALs are a very elusive goal. A strong desire is essential, but a little advance planning helps too IMHO.
Anyway, I will stop now since I have once again gone on too long, but seriously dude- don't just stop posting. This is an open forum for exchange of ideas. Your question has led to a somewhat separate topic- but one you did bring up with your mention of your background in addition to the "how hard is it?" question- and I think good debate has come of it. So no worries.
Illdon
10-06-2002, 12:04 PM
=\ Mistake is only your opinion on me getting a g.e.d. Did you know Bill Cosby got his g.e.d and joined the Navy? It's only a mistake for those who dont take the initiative to try and make their situation better. Sorry for dragging the topic on, and thank you for your input everyone
Gokusfusion
10-06-2002, 03:45 PM
=\ Mistake is only your opinion on me getting a g.e.d. Did you know Bill Cosby got his g.e.d and joined the Navy? It's only a mistake for those who dont take the initiative to try and make their situation better.
Ok I did have some respect for you.. I used the word mistake and complimented you several times for at least going back and getting your G.E.D. One person said you have a lot of bad habits. I stood up for you by saying you are a human being and make <b>mistakes</b> I was defending the part of you supposidly having bad habits. I was being more polite and giving you respect for getting the G.E.D. If you don't want support I won't grant you any,if you are just going to slap me back in the face with it.
God Bless.
Jason.
childofgod
10-06-2002, 04:24 PM
Ok Illdon. This is a sensitive time on this board right now... with Stoner threatening lawsuits and all. So I'll keep this low-key. The only reason why I said what I did was because you were bragging about your ASVAB like that was why you'll make it through the SEALs, sorry I wasn't trying to be rude, I just don't like bragging.
As for getting offended, come on guys... seriously take a joke, I didn't even say anything offensive Illdon.
tfwmissions
10-06-2002, 05:45 PM
GOKUFUSION, Getting his G.E.D was good no doubt. I know in Texas when you get a G.E.D that is SUPPOSE to be the equivalent to a high school diploma, however, THE WORLD DOESN'T SEE IT THAT WAY JASON! There are some, and I stress the word "SOME" that recieved their G.E.D and were successful in life. Look at Bill gates!!! He dropped out of school and look what he became! But like I said before, Bill Gates and some others are the exception, not the rule!!! That is very important to remember! Like somebody else said earlier in the post, the days of the "all brawn, no brains" operators are long gone!!! The only way that you can have great and not poor chances of succeeding in life is to get an education! God bless guys!
Gokusfusion
10-06-2002, 05:50 PM
GOKUFUSION, Getting his G.E.D was good no doubt. I know in Texas when you get a G.E.D that is SUPPOSE to be the equivalent to a high school diploma, however, THE WORLD DOESN'T SEE IT THAT WAY JASON!
Actually in the technical departments of job careers you will find many G.E.D. graduates on the job. Getting a G.E.D. then going on to a technical school you will be fine. High school diploma never the less is the way to go..
God Bless.
Jason.
tfwmissions
10-06-2002, 06:31 PM
High school diploma never the less is the way to go..
Geez, at least you can agree with me on something! It seems like you disagree with me just to disagree with me sometimes.
Gokusfusion
10-06-2002, 06:35 PM
Geez, at least you can agree with me on something! It seems like you disagree with me just to disagree with me sometimes.
Nah,I just like to voice my opinions. If I agree with you I'll let you know regardless buddy.
God Bless.
Jason.
AARON_MOSLEY
10-06-2002, 08:05 PM
THE NAVY OR THE MARINES DONT TAKE GEDS ANY MORE AT LEAST THEY DIDNT IN1995
SOMEONE TELL ME IF IM WRONG MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR LOCAL NAVY RECRUITER
Gokusfusion
10-06-2002, 08:21 PM
THE NAVY OR THE MARINES DONT TAKE GEDS ANY MORE AT LEAST THEY DIDNT IN1995
SOMEONE TELL ME IF IM WRONG MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR LOCAL NAVY RECRUITER
Yes they do..... You have to have 22 quater hours of college in your credits. I am not fully sure that you have to have that. My cousin went in the Marines and all he had was a G.E.D. this was recently..
God Bless.
Jason.
is it the hardest thing you will do in your life? Or do they overdramatize it at all?
Are you referring to BUD/S. If so, Id like to say that BUD/S is easier then the stuff you have to go through once you actually get to a Team...
partydog2033
10-09-2002, 06:42 AM
ILLDON i would like to say your score on the ASVAB is awsome! GOOD LUCK bro!
Neptune
10-09-2002, 08:30 PM
Illdon,
I am not a SEAL and I hope you don't mind my posting...but when I tried to join the service in 1987 with my GED i was told that I had to go back and finish high school. I had a combined ASVAB of 99 at that time. I didn't finish high school, but did go to a junior college. I joined the NAVY in early 1990 with an ASVAB score of 97 but I still needed a release to be able to join without my high school diploma. The only reason I was able to is because I had enough college to allow me to get the waiver. If you seriously want to join I would suggest talking with a recruiter and find out what the current requirements are.
kevin22ca
11-23-2002, 10:00 PM
Dude its not impossible and wether its the hardest thing you'll ever do in your life depends on what kind of life you live. One of my instructors in BUD/S scaled K2 and I bet that was harder. Don't let these guys who want to believe SEALs are supermen scare ya. If you want to make it through you'll make it through, its as simple as that. Unless you get injured or quit you will make it, performace drops are rare. And yes they overdramatize the hell out of it........... Actually there's also one other way besides quiting that will get ya. Unless you got a lot of body fat stay away from winter classes for gods sake. If you get a winter class and you don't have enough body fat theres a chance you won't make it even if you don't quit. If you hype out several times in a row the instructors will just yank ya. Get a summer class they are much easier.
well i am late into this but i give you two cents to that. if you think his critizm is rough. then pick something other than a seal. i have run into a few in my life. from ranger to seal. critism must be taken to heart, no matter how small or major. don't wait for someone to train you. you are your best trainer. to live and learn, is a quote that few people in special fources get a chance to mutter after a cluster drop. you need to look at what was said and take the best from it and keep it to heart. because if you don't and you have the that kinda of attitude. you won't make it through seals. because the teams is that, and they are gonna have something to critic you on.
ZeroAll
07-22-2003, 12:16 AM
you should know that your asvab score doesnt qualify you to be in bud/s, you have to get a 104.
trujillosk8
07-25-2003, 10:12 AM
you all talk to much. how cares if he hates school..school sucks anyways, the only good thing about going is the girls.well i think a G.E.D. (good enough deploma) is great. better than none at all.
you all talk to much. how cares if he hates school..school sucks anyways, the only good thing about going is the girls.well i think a G.E.D. (good enough deploma) is great. better than none at all.
Was just passing through. However, that is the most mediocre philosophy I have heard in a long time. Well, let me be below average because I was too, whatever, to complete school. 10 years from now you'll be *****in you don't make no coin. Well, don't look to any one to blame but you.
A62 out
My friend special forces is a challenge, testing your mine your body and your hard,everything is possible.I have a problem with my back and my nee and if you ask me if will pass the same school ,my reply will be the same!
Hooyah!!!!