Do I have a solid shot at getting my chance @ BUD/s?

[hardcharger]

Morning gentlemen. I’ll keep it short and sweet. I want to earn the right to become a SEAL. I am currently 28 and will be 29 within the next week or so. I assume at 29 then, I will have to put in for an age-waiver, as I will be LITERALLY just a few weeks/months shy of the 28 age limit.

My question: If I dominate the shit out of the PT test, what are my chances of putting together my package, sending it out and getting my shot at going to BUD/s?

Thank you for your time everyone.

[hardcharger]

P.S. Quick Background Info: Went to The Marine Military Academy when I was 11 yrs old for their Boot Camp, again when I was 12 and then attended the school full time from 8th grade to Senior Year (2000). I had the honor of having MGySgt James W. Hager USMC (Ret.) (1st Force Reconnaissance Company) as my Drill Instructor and he became like a Father to me. Went there at an early age and did some pretty “fun” stuff considering my being so young.

Both family and friends are Marines, so it’s in my blood, but since I was a youngster I wanted to be a Frogman. After MMA I got Double-Certified in Physical Training from The Cooper Institute out of Dallas, TX., where I then worked for several gyms and eventually started my own training business. I have endured MANY personal/family hardships during the last several years, but have not lost focus of my goal and I need to jump on it and work hard to make it happen.

Have already spoken with a NAVY Recruiter, done research online (that’s how I found you guys) as well as posting on the Official SEAL/SWCC Forums. I know that the age-waivers are indeed available for competitive applicants, but the reason of my post here is to get a “No-Bullshit” Assessment of what my chances are (as long as I do what’s required of me) to get MY shot at going to BUD/s.

[Cass]

Have already spoken with a NAVY Recruiter, done research online (that’s how I found you guys) as well as posting on the Official SEAL/SWCC Forums. I know that the age-waivers are indeed available for competitive applicants, but the reason of my post here is to get a “No-Bullshit” Assessment of what my chances are (as long as I do what’s required of me) to get MY shot at going to BUD/s.

The no bullshit answer is that you never know until they pin the Trident badge on you. There is an average 70% failure rate and a 30% pin rate. For someone to evaluate you by reading print is really, I mean really a stretch.

[hardcharger]

The no bullshit answer is that you never know until they pin the Trident badge on you. There is an average 70% failure rate and a 30% pin rate. For someone to evaluate you by reading print is really, I mean really a stretch.

Absolutely, I completely agree. Wasn't asking how I would do or if I would make it through BUD/s, I was asking that considering I'm 28 about to be 29 when I put in for my package/app. what are my chances at getting a shot at GOING to BUD/s as long as I kick ass on the PST? Your thoughts?

[Virgil Tibbs]

Post in the recruitment section and a few SEAL mentors will help when they read this.

[hardcharger]

Post in the recruitment section and a few SEAL mentors will help when they read this.

Will do right now. Thank you very much for the heads up.

[hardcharger]

User "Virgil Tibbs" (BUD/s Class 179) kindly gave me a heads up and said I should post this in this section and that some SEAL mentors, etc. would be glad to give me a hand.

Here's my original post:

Morning gentlemen. I’ll keep it short and sweet. I want to earn the right to become a SEAL. I am currently 28 and will be 29 within the next week or so. I assume at 29 then, I will have to put in for an age-waiver, as I will be LITERALLY just a few weeks/months shy of the 28 age limit.

My question: If I dominate the shit out of the PT test, what are my chances of putting together my package, sending it out and getting my shot at going to BUD/s?

Thank you for your time everyone.

P.S. Quick Background Info: Went to The Marine Military Academy when I was 11 yrs old for their Boot Camp, again when I was 12 and then attended the school full time from 8th grade to Senior Year (2000). I had the honor of having MGySgt James W. Hager USMC (Ret.) (1st Force Reconnaissance Company) as my Drill Instructor and he became like a Father to me. Went there at an early age and did some pretty “fun” stuff considering my being so young.

Both family and friends are Marines, so it’s in my blood, but since I was a youngster I wanted to be a Frogman. After MMA I got Double-Certified in Physical Training from The Cooper Institute out of Dallas, TX., where I then worked for several gyms and eventually started my own training business. I have endured MANY personal/family hardships during the last several years, but have not lost focus of my goal and I need to jump on it and work hard to make it happen.

Have already spoken with a NAVY Recruiter, done research online (that’s how I found you guys) as well as posting on the Official SEAL/SWCC Forums. I know that the age-waivers are indeed available for competitive applicants, but the reason of my post here is to get a “No-Bullshit” Assessment of what my chances are (as long as I do what’s required of me) to get MY shot at going to BUD/s.

[B 2/75]

.... *snip* .... I want to earn the right to become a SEAL .... *snip* ....


I'm not going to comment about your wanting to serve... not my lane as I'm an Army guy.

But I want to comment about everybody these days and their "RIGHTS"

Our RIGHTS are in the Declaration of Independance (God-given natural rights) and in the Bill of Rights. All else are privileges... nothing more.

Collective Bargaining Rights :rolleyes: aren't Rights at all, but again, a privilege that has been negotiated. People seem to continue to think that it is all about them these days, and not about the many.

Sad

See what I mean... to get MY shot at going to BUD/s.

How about "to get A shot at going..."

[hardcharger]

I'm not going to comment about your wanting to serve... not my lane as I'm an Army guy.

But I want to comment about everybody these days and their "RIGHTS"

Our RIGHTS are in the Declaration of Independance (God-given natural rights) and in the Bill of Rights. All else are privileges... nothing more.

Collective Bargaining Rights :rolleyes: aren't Rights at all, but again, a privilege that has been negotiated. People seem to continue to think that it is all about them these days, and not about the many.

Sad

See what I mean...

How about "to get A shot at going..."

I only posted the part about "my" in order to annunciate the last part of my question in reference to getting accepted into a BUD/s class, as some people lose track of the original question. I know I'm not entitled to anything, which my Drill Instructor beat into my head at a young age. You have to earn everything in this life, which is why i said "I want to earn the right to become a SEAL."

[B 2/75]

* sigh *

[hardcharger]

* sigh *

Did I do something wrong here? I realize I just joined the board, and people love to pick on the new guy especially on forums, but am I getting attacked for using the wrong word in saying "I want to EARN the right to be a SEAL?"

I understand it's about "the team," and I can assure you I learned at a young age, when asking questions, etc. as I was no longer allowed to address myself in the first person saying "I." I had to refer to myself in the third person when speaking with The Marine Corps Staff.

I'm asking for help here in order to help succeed in getting a package/app. approved to go to BUD/s, so obviously I have to refer to myself and not someone else as it's me who's trying to make this happen.

[Pati39]

It's not you dude, its the fact that you have the dubious honor of being the 100th or so guy who has posted in the same manner. Surely you must understand our postion and further than that, given your history, I am sure you have developed thick skin.

Anyway, my opinon, which sould count as nothing because I am not in a recruiting or mentor postion, is that at your age you had better score in the top 10% or higher on the PST test. You can go online and search for what the standards are, or probably find them in this section. The rumor I hear is that it is becoming more difficutl to get into BUD/s if you are prior Fleet Navy or older. Mind you I did not say impossible, just more difficult. why would the Navy allow a guy at your age to try BUD/s when they have more guys who are 18 or 19 applying? They will get more bang for thier buck out of it.. My .02 cents..

[hardcharger]

It's not you dude, its the fact that you have the dubious honor of being the 100th or so guy who has posted in the same manner. Surely you must understand our postion and further than that, given your history, I am sure you have developed thick skin.

Anyway, my opinon, which sould count as nothing because I am not in a recruiting or mentor postion, is that at your age you had better score in the top 10% or higher on the PST test. You can go online and search for what the standards are, or probably find them in this section. The rumor I hear is that it is becoming more difficutl to get into BUD/s if you are prior Fleet Navy or older. Mind you I did not say impossible, just more difficult. why would the Navy allow a guy at your age to try BUD/s when they have more guys who are 18 or 19 applying? They will get more bang for thier buck out of it.. My .02 cents..

Absolutely and I understand how when we deal with online words, its hard to judge them because, we are not looking the man in the eye. Like you said "thick skin," but make no mistake, I am no one special. My family and friends have served in The Marine Corps and I grew up on it. I am thankful for every opportunity I am given because these are NOT rights, they are a privileges. To continue in family tradition I want to serve because I know the sacrifices that have been made in order for me to be here today, which is why I specifically used the word "EARN."

Like I said, I did some good research online, spoke with a recruiter as well as a few others and know that I have to kick ass on the PST. The only reason I was posting, was to make sure that if I do just that, do I have a good shot at getting accepted to a BUD/s class.

Thanks for your time.

[Matchanu]

I knew a couple of guys who went through on age waivers, they kicked ass physically, still, it's a young man's game, especially as a new guy.

As long as you are not going through as an E-6 or E-5 about to make E-6, I personally have no heartburn with it.

We had an officer, former aviator go through as an O-3 only to make O-4 before he could finish a platoon. He was an absolute stud, fantastic officer, shame he couldn't stay in the trenches with us. He was an exception to the rule. Typically when O-3's go through BUD/S and into a team, they get shitcanned fairly quick. Trying to run a platoon with absolutly no experience is a disaster, especially when they don't listen to their enlisted pukes who have been around for a while.

Anyway, smash the fuck out of the PT test and stay on top of the class. The age you are is going to be a hinderance.

Let me ask you this, do you have a familiy? Married?

[hardcharger]

I knew a couple of guys who went through on age waivers, they kicked ass physically, still, it's a young man's game, especially as a new guy.

As long as you are not going through as an E-6 or E-5 about to make E-6, I personally have no heartburn with it.

We had an officer, former aviator go through as an O-3 only to make O-4 before he could finish a platoon. He was an absolute stud, fantastic officer, shame he couldn't stay in the trenches with us. He was an exception to the rule. Typically when O-3's go through BUD/S and into a team, they get shitcanned fairly quick. Trying to run a platoon with absolutly no experience is a disaster, especially when they don't listen to their enlisted pukes who have been around for a while.

Anyway, smash the fuck out of the PT test and stay on top of the class. The age you are is going to be a hinderance.

Let me ask you this, do you have a familiy? Married?

no sir. single and focused on what i need to do.

thx for responding, yeah, i realize i need to dominate the PST and i will do so. given that, the basic idea of my post was just to determine that "IF" i kick ass on the PST and everything else thats required of me (and THEN SOME!) do i have a good shot at getting accepted to a BUD/s class?

just wanna make sure its totally doable as long as i knock it outta the water.

thx again.

[hardcharger]

and btw, thx to everyone who has contacted me via PM with info/help/etc. as i appreciate ur time.

[Matchanu]

no sir. single and focused on what i need to do.

thx for responding, yeah, i realize i need to dominate the PST and i will do so. given that, the basic idea of my post was just to determine that "IF" i kick ass on the PST and everything else thats required of me (and THEN SOME!) do i have a good shot at getting accepted to a BUD/s class?

just wanna make sure its totally doable as long as i knock it outta the water.

thx again.

I can't answer that for you, it depends on the needs of NSW and the Navy.

In any case, go for it. Good luck with it and let us know how you do.

[hardcharger]

I can't answer that for you, it depends on the needs of NSW and the Navy.

In any case, go for it. Good luck with it and let us know how you do.

Absolutely, I will be sure to do so.

I have a meeting set up with a recruiter who I have spoken with on the phone several times and hopefully will know more from there.

Right now, I'm just focused on dominating the shit out of the PST so I can get accepted to a BUD/s class.

[Matchanu]

Absolutely, I will be sure to do so.

I have a meeting set up with a recruiter who I have spoken with on the phone several times and hopefully will know more from there.

Right now, I'm just focused on dominating the shit out of the PST so I can get accepted to a BUD/s class.

Make absolutely certain your recruiter is talking to NSW about this. If you find out only after you are enlisted that you are not eligible and no age waiver because he was lazy or incompetent, you are going to spend the next 4 years chipping paint and dreaming up revenge on that fuck.

[hardcharger]

Make absolutely certain your recruiter is talking to NSW about this. If you find out only after you are enlisted that you are not eligible and no age waiver because he was lazy or incompetent, you are going to spend the next 4 years chipping paint and dreaming up revenge on that fuck.

HAHAHAHAH, wow thats awesome!

will do, ill make sure of it.

[Reload]

There's a few 28 and 29 yr olds in my BUD/S class. They're studs, so as long as you're a stud it's definitely a possibility. They're average PST scores were sub 9 swim 100+ push ups/sit ups 20 or so pull-ups and sub 9:30 run. Put up those numbers, do well on your ASVAB and get absolutely everything in writing from your recruiter. Good luck bro.

[trident86]

Remember that you have an advantage because you're older and (hypothetically) wiser, but you break more easily and take longer to heal due to your age. It's a trade off that you must successfully manage. As others have pointed out--it's been done many times in the past. You'll definitely be envious of the younger guys when you wake up each morning and all throughout Hell Week. High PST scores are the best indicator that your body is up for the pounding--even at 29. Talk to a SEAL motivator and let him know what you want to do. Get the motivator involved so you don't get hornswoggled by the recruiter.

[Frog]

Threads merged and moved to the proper forum.

[RAT]

I see your in The Woodlands. Drop me a pm and let me know who you'er talking to. We have a good network here that can help.

I know the SEAL motivator. Former Command Master Chief from Tm 5.

RO!!!

[pirana]

Make absolutely certain your recruiter is talking to NSW about this.

This is the most important element to this discussion heretofore, in my opinion. Of course, Cass' input is particularly valid too, but we've moved beyond that.

Make absolutely certain you've done your homework. And remember that soliciting assurances that your paperwork is correct on this forum is not empirical research. I mean to say: know in your heart of hearts that your path to BUD/S is not hindered by your contract. That contract is the first of your concerns.

[hardcharger]

There's a few 28 and 29 yr olds in my BUD/S class. They're studs, so as long as you're a stud it's definitely a possibility. They're average PST scores were sub 9 swim 100+ push ups/sit ups 20 or so pull-ups and sub 9:30 run. Put up those numbers, do well on your ASVAB and get absolutely everything in writing from your recruiter. Good luck bro.

hey, for sure, i like to think of myself as a "stud!" haha

but no, as soon as i get back home from this job im currently on, ima work on my swim time.

[hardcharger]

Remember that you have an advantage because you're older and (hypothetically) wiser, but you break more easily and take longer to heal due to your age. It's a trade off that you must successfully manage. As others have pointed out--it's been done many times in the past. You'll definitely be envious of the younger guys when you wake up each morning and all throughout Hell Week. High PST scores are the best indicator that your body is up for the pounding--even at 29. Talk to a SEAL motivator and let him know what you want to do. Get the motivator involved so you don't get hornswoggled by the recruiter.

will do.

my body is definitely "fresh" and conditioned well @ 28 (29). never had any major injuries, have always kept in great shape aside from a few lazy spurts ha! and i always make sure to get my solid 8 hrs of beauty rest hahahah!

[hardcharger]

Threads merged and moved to the proper forum.

thank u.

[hardcharger]

I see your in The Woodlands. Drop me a pm and let me know who you'er talking to. We have a good network here that can help.

I know the SEAL motivator. Former Command Master Chief from Tm 5.

RO!!!

will do. im currently on a job, but will be focusing strictly when i get back.

thx.

[hardcharger]

This is the most important element to this discussion heretofore, in my opinion. Of course, Cass' input is particularly valid too, but we've moved beyond that.

Make absolutely certain you've done your homework. And remember that soliciting assurances that your paperwork is correct on this forum is not empirical research. I mean to say: know in your heart of hearts that your path to BUD/S is not hindered by your contract. That contract is the first of your concerns.

thank u for the heads up here. im going to make certain that when i have a sit down with my recruiter that i see EVERYTHING in paper work (triplicate haha!) & that my path to BUD/s is right in front of me.

thx again to everyone for giving me the heads up here and the PMs that i got, i appreciate.

[jdogonroad]

Pardon me, just being the NS I am, but, I thought a little bit of humor with my admiration of what hardcharger wants to do.

My apologies to Francis Ford Coppola:
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right. Unless you
were going all the way. Hardcharger got off the boat. He split from the whole
fucking program. How did that happen? What did he see here
that first tour? 29 fucking years old. If he joined the SEALS,
there was no way you'd ever get above Commodore. Hardcharger knew
what he was giving up. The more I read and began to
understand, the more I admired him. His family and
friends couldn't understand it, and they couldn't talk him
out of it. He had to apply three times and he had to put
up with a ton of shit, but when he threatened to resign,
they gave it to him. The next youngest guy in his class was
half his age. They must have thought he was some
far-out old man humping it over that course. I did it when
I was 19 and it damn near wasted me. A tough
motherfucker. He finished. He could have gone for Admiral,
but he went for himself instead."

Go for it, Dude! I was 33 when I assessed as a Nightstalker, and it hurt, and nowhere near what you are facing!

[hardcharger]

Pardon me, just being the NS I am, but, I thought a little bit of humor with my admiration of what hardcharger wants to do.

My apologies to Francis Ford Coppola:
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right. Unless you
were going all the way. Hardcharger got off the boat. He split from the whole
fucking program. How did that happen? What did he see here
that first tour? 29 fucking years old. If he joined the SEALS,
there was no way you'd ever get above Commodore. Hardcharger knew
what he was giving up. The more I read and began to
understand, the more I admired him. His family and
friends couldn't understand it, and they couldn't talk him
out of it. He had to apply three times and he had to put
up with a ton of shit, but when he threatened to resign,
they gave it to him. The next youngest guy in his class was
half his age. They must have thought he was some
far-out old man humping it over that course. I did it when
I was 19 and it damn near wasted me. A tough
motherfucker. He finished. He could have gone for Admiral,
but he went for himself instead."

Go for it, Dude! I was 33 when I assessed as a Nightstalker, and it hurt, and nowhere near what you are facing!


oorah! (gonna have to get used shouting "hooyah" ha!)

[crazyitalian]

I know the SEAL motivator. Former Command Master Chief from Tm 5.

RO!!!

He is a pretty cool guy. Something like 30 years in the Navy. Did you get to meet the guy before him, Monti? Hardcharger, maybe I will meet you at one of these PSTs man. Good luck.

Crazyitalian

[hardcharger]

He is a pretty cool guy. Something like 30 years in the Navy. Did you get to meet the guy before him, Monti? Hardcharger, maybe I will meet you at one of these PSTs man. Good luck.

Crazyitalian

thx and yeah maybe ill c ya there

[bm2bob]

Pardon me, just being the NS I am, but, I thought a little bit of humor with my admiration of what hardcharger wants to do.

My apologies to Francis Ford Coppola:
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right.


QFT:biggrin:

[SOTB]

hc, IMO you should ignore the humorous non-SEAL stuff in this thread and stay focused on your topic. Anything/anyone else only detracts from your goal and may taint follow-on commentary from guys that have something to really offer you in regards to real advice....

[hardcharger]

hc, IMO you should ignore the humorous non-SEAL stuff in this thread and stay focused on your topic. Anything/anyone else only detracts from your goal and may taint follow-on commentary from guys that have something to really offer you in regards to real advice....

u read my mind, as i dont normally use the internet other than email, i wasnt originally going to respond, but didnt want to ignore anyones post. i know people like to do a bit of grab-assing, so i dont take it personally.

ultimately, other than a few people giving me their contact info for this area of the woodlands, there is nothing else i need to be doing other than focusing on my PST and trying to get my package sent of ASAP.

[pirana]

Bone up on your algebra in the interim. No joke.

[hardcharger]

Bone up on your algebra in the interim. No joke.

heading to the college when i get back, going to check out what theyre offering in terms of algebra, etc. for this summer semester.

any other kinds of intel/literature i should be getting my hands on/familiarizing myself with?

[hardcharger]

update 3/17

-got set up for a algebra refresher class (intro, etc.) @ the college for summer term. thx again for the heads up on that shit.

-anyone familiar with dick couch? i have a big job ahead of me and will be real busy with not too much downtime, so when im not running and PT'ing, i was going to try & check out some of his books while im away.

[stanpunjabTrini]

By asking, one has some doubt and when this happens, more diligence will be required to accomplish the goal at hand. My own experience was that I was a "book worm" so when I graduated from university, the best way for me to overcome that was to do my own self preparation and plunge head on into being a "jarhead" despite people telling me to forget about it. For me, I looked on it as a challenge and I had to adapt accordingly and face my own undeveloped mindset i.e. away from the comfort of book and ideas to real life "obstacles' that I created myself.

[Frog]

This is getting out of hand - and weird. Locked.