I wanted to reach out this week to those of you who have made the decision to join the Navy in the hopes of becoming SEAL or SWCC operators.  You have made a great decision and you have my full support in this endeavor.  NavySEALs.com exists to give you everything you need as you navigate the many challenges ahead of you. 

The NavySEALs.com staff works hard to ensure that the recruiting information presented at the site is as accurate and relevant as possible.  That said, we can’t put you in the Navy.  Only a Navy recruiter can do that. 

To help with this important step of first contact with an actual Navy Recruiter, members of our staff posed this question to them:  “What can a SEAL / SWCC candidate do to make life easier for himself AND the recruiter when they join the Navy?”  Here is what we learned:

First, don’t lie . . . about anything.  If you have any medical issues, they’ll surface during your in-processing physical at MEPS.  If you have any criminal activity in your background (no matter how seemingly insignificant), your recruiter will find out as a result of the background check the Navy will conduct prior to your taking the Oath of Enlistment.  When in doubt, tell your recruiter.

Second, ROCK the ASVAB.  Prior to making the trip to MEPS, your recruiter will have you take a pre-ASVAB.  If that test reveals that you’re weak in certain subjects, get smart in those areas BEFORE you take the actual ASVAB.  SEALs  and SWCC operators use their entire bodies as weapons . . . brains included.  Get yours ready now.

Third, just as a solid ASVAB score is a requirement for Naval Special Warfare candidates, so, too, is a solid score on the PST.  The same advice applies here:  get ready now.  Have a training program, and stick to it.  Take full advantage of the wealth of information at NavySEALs.com on specific PST requirements and the various strategies to achieving competitive scores.  Get yourself in the mindset now that just passing is not good enough.  Train, train, train!

Fourth, if you’re in the Delayed Entry Program, honor each of the program’s requirements.  Call your recruiter when you’re supposed to call.  Be at PT when directed.  Show up on time, do what you’re told, and do it with a smile on your face.  Don’t miss any opportunity to prove to your recruiter that you have what it takes to be part of this elite community.

Finally, it almost goes without saying that you absolutely must have sufficient motivation to become a SEAL or SWCC.  You have to want it more than anything you’ve ever wanted in your life.  Your recruiter needs to know that.  Show him every chance you get. 

On a personal note, I’d recommend enlisting the help of friends along the path to your becoming a SEAL or SWCC.  Have a swim buddy and a workout partner.  Have him keep you honest.  Keep each other motivated.  Encourage him to join you in the forums at NavySEALs.com.  A strong community is the key to the quality of your experience with us.  On the path to helping you, our goal is to become ONE MILLION STRONG in our community. 

I’m proud of you for choosing the more difficult path.  Let me know what I can do to help you get ready.  Best of luck.

Mark Divine
Founder, NavySEALs.com
BUD/S Class 170