The Basics - TO and THROUGH BUD/S

Your Quick-Start Guide for The Basics: 
Getting TO and THROUGH Selection

There are three phases of tactical fitness and to get through BUDS you need to master only two of them. Many people miss one of more phases and quickly become an attrition statistic. Here they are:

Phase 1 - Getting TO the Training - Qualifying for BUDS requires crushing the PST, but also passing MEPS (medical review), ASVAB, and other tests such as criminal records and finanicial checks (not in high debt).  Most of the attrition actually happens here due to people not qualifying for other reasons than physical fitness. Many also fail to pass the PST with above average scores thus ending their spec ops dream before they even start boot camp. My rules in this phase are the following:

- Be a Better Recruit - Do not even talk to a recruiter until you are crushing the PST. 

- Timeline - Your preparation may take time. Understand the recruit timeline and have a performance starting point - not some arbitrary timeline

- Learn How to Crush the PST - Actually train for the PST if you want to be competitive. BUT your training does not stop then. 

Take the PST so many times you create a strategy for success and can pass the test even on a bad day. 

MORE PST HELP  

Assess Yourself to See How You Stack Up with Other Graduates

Phase 2 - Getting THROUGH the Training - To become a SEAL (or any operator) you will have to pass a basic training, advanced training / prep school, then the actual selection in this case BUD/S. (Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL Training). 

Phase 3 of Tactical Fitness - Operator Maintenance. You will maintain your fitness and tactical skills so you are capable of the demands of the job. This phase does not look like the above two phases with butt-kicking cardio and high rep calisthenics. In fact, a major part is about recovery and learning to alleviate the stresses of the job. One thing you will learn if this is your career, you will be older longer than you are younger in this profession. Your longevity matters. Longevity is the Mastery of Recovery. 

 U.S. Navy SEALS conduct free fall with Romanian Special Warfare Operators

Here is some information to help you focus on EVERYTHING you physically need with the journey:

Once You Understand the Above Check Out the Steps You Need to Take:

- Step By Step Process to Getting Your Special Ops Contract

- Research WELL! Know what Navy Special Ops / Special Warfare Contracts are Available to You:  (SEAL, SWCC, EOD, Diver, Rescue Swimmer)

- Fully Understand the requirements to joining the military (Medical Review, Criminal Record Check, ASVAB, Physical Fitness Standards + PST Scores, etc)

- Make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for these Special Ops Professions (Be Able to Crush the PST THEN talk to a recruiter)

- Find a Recruiter and Set Up an Appointment (Know what you need to bring into the meeting)

- Be Honest and Prepared to Answer Questions about HIgh School Diploma, Criminal Record (even Speeding Tickets), Drug Use, Physical / Mental Health)

- Understand that Navy SEAL Training (as well as these other professions) will be the hardest thing you have ever done so far in your life. Know Your WHY!

- Be prepared to commit to at least four years in the Navy regardless of your success or failure at BUDS (or other Spec Ops Schools)
-

INFORMATION:
Read this (links included - articles and videos)

So You Wanna Be a Frogman - Check out this list of articles / videos you need to watch. 

Do not join the spec war training pipeline based on a time - do it based on your physical conditioning as it may take more time.

Advice for Teens Who Want to Start Preparing 

Getting THROUGH BUD/S requires much more: 

Your Mission Starts Now

Let today be the day you refuse to quit. Let today be the day you adopt a mindset that transforms setbacks into comebacks. Join the Never Quit Mindset revolution and discover your limitless potential.

Act now—seize your $100 savings and begin the transformation that will last a lifetime.


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Discover The Never Quit Mindset by Stew Smith—a transformative personal development resource designed for motivated individuals seeking to break through barriers and achieve lasting success. Whether you're striving for excellence in your career, health, or personal life, this guide provides the tools to develop the discipline needed to conquer obstacles and fulfill your potential.

There is More To StewSmithFitness.com than You May Know

Dive deeper into the world of Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Uncover the strategies and techniques used by elite forces to push past physical and mental barriers. Visit StewSmithFitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success in many special ops-level selection programs in the military and police world. 

Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Who is Stew Smith? Coach, Trainer, Author, Podcaster 

I'm the former Navy SEAL that special ops candidates go to for books, ebooks and online coaching to prepare themselves to get to and through intense tactical assessment and selection programs and qualify for service in their chosen tactical profession.  See More at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

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Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 


Remember, as you age, your training needs to adapt.

Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs

When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model.  I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, improves flexibility and mobility, and puts you at a level of physical ability where you are happy with your overall ability to do just about anything. We have a system where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics.  When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.  

Online Coaching Options

Online Coaching is Available with Stew Smith Fitness - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.


New Members' Only Content / Services Program!

If you want access to years' worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, a free fitness APP, a closed Facebook Group, a video/picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions, check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section. 

The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, live Q and A lessons. 

Consider this! - A Membership Program and Gain Access to Exclusive Content
(click for Fitness Club Dashboard - members only)

Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmithfitness.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, LIVE QA videos, swim critiques, podcasts, and much more at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on Skool.

 

Questions?  Just email - Stew@StewSmithFitness.com

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