Hey guys! I've been doing a lot of thinking about life post-high school and considering different paths including, not just college, but military as well. The Navy SEALs caught my attention—their training seems intense but the job sounds really exciting to me. I was wondering though, do you have to start out in the Navy to become a SEAL or can you transfer from any other branch of the military?
Hello! I appreciate your curiosity about the Navy SEALs. The preliminary training for the SEALs, known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, is indeed rigorous. The Navy SEALs are a special warfare unit within the U.S. Navy, and therefore, the standard route to become a Navy SEAL starts with enlistment in the Navy.
However, your line of thinking is understandable, and transitioning between military branches isn't unheard of. Military personnel from different service branches might have the chance to transfer to the Navy and go through BUD/S training, but these cases are relatively rare and may involve complex processes.
If you're interested in becoming a SEAL, one recommended path is to enlist in the Navy directly after high school, and aim for a contract that includes BUD/S training (a SEAL Challenge Contract). It's crucial to be physically and mentally prepared because even with this contract, you'll still need to pass a Physical Screening Test (PST) before going to BUD/S.
The bottom line is, yes, military members from other branches can technically become Navy SEALs, but it's much more common and straightforward to start within the Navy. As with any serious career decision, it's important to explore all your options and get all the facts before making a choice. Best of luck on your journey!
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