Stew Smith Fitness News — BUDS

Running Plan to Help You Get TO and THROUGH Selection Training The following chart is an 8 week running plan that requires you to build up to 20 miles a week before starting this program, then focus on getting those 20 miles of running done fast using a variety of methods. (Goal Pacing, Hills, Sand, Sprint Intervals, Mobility / Non-impact Cardio, Run and Leg PT, and more).  There are two competitive paces you need to learn how to master in your journey toward most tactical communities - a short-timed run pace of 6-minute miles and a longer-timed run pace of...

Being a Good Team Player - What Does That Mean? When asked recently about the most important "non-physical" trait someone who is about to attend BUD/S or any other Special Ops selection program should have, it took a minute to decide on the "most important." Sure, you need mental toughness, a never-quit attitude, and must be hard physically, but the most important non-physical trait is being a TEAM PLAYER. Additionally, being coachable is another trait that comes in a close second.  Of course, there are individual challenges and tests that you alone must conquer, but no one makes it through any selection...

Work to Achieve These Scores / Times on the Following Events(Then - You MIGHT be Ready) Jeff Nichols and I recently did a Tactical Fitness Report on how we assess candidates throughout the process of training.  Not just as an initial assessment, but this chart can help you see where you meet up on the spectrum of training that will place you in the top 25% of candidates in spec ops selection programs.   The Tactical Fitness Report (video) The Charts and Exercise Standards of Selection Preparation TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR YOU - IT DEPENDS ON THE FOLLOWING:- your athletic history (sports/training...

All roads to becoming a Navy SEAL, end at BUD/S - Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL Training. There are many routes to get to sunny Coronado, California where BUD/S is located, but the only way to become a Navy SEAL is you have to finish BUD/S first. You have to get TO BUDS in order to get THROUGH BUDS - learn the difference.  Below are the several options SEAL wanna-be's struggle with and definitely should know before signing any paperwork with the Navy:First Option - Join the Navy by Enlisting...This is the route that will give you the best chance...

          If you are coming from a strength and power background or new to training, you may find the speed and endurance requirements challenging if you want to get good enough scores to ace the PST.  Typically, good goals to have for the 500yd CSS swim is between 8-8:30 and a 1.5 mile run at the end of the PST should be in the low 9 minute zone or sub 9 minutes.  Those scores will help you get TO the training as long as  your PT scores are also above average. Here is what I have my...