The motto of the U.S. Navy SWCC - On time. On target. Never quit- espouses why SWCC training is intentionally difficult in order to prepare SWCC for arduous missions. Candidates enrolled at BCT learn this lesson from day one. However, the satisfaction from achieving what few dare to attempt is why candidates choose the SWCC path - and why SWCC stay in the Teams for a career. These rewards - pride, purpose and brotherhood - belong to those individuals who rise to the challenge.

 

During active duty and deployment, SWCC do whatever it takes to honorably accomplish the mission. Throughout their lives, SWCC commit to upholding the highest standards of character, in uniform and out. It is engrained in their Creed and Code and it is what makes them stand out in a crowd.

 

 

DEMANDS ON THE FAMILY: TIME APART WILL BE THE HARDEST OF ALL

 

 

Serving our country is a demanding role both for SWCC and their families, but it is equally rewarding. It is the ultimate test of a SWCC character and a family's strength. What gets SWCC and their families through the demands of service is the knowledge that there are thousands of other Navy SWCC families ready to provide support and encouragement.

 

In total, becoming an enlisted SWCC is at least a 6 year commitment. During recruit training, Basic Crewman Training (BCT) your recruit may be away from home for more than 66 weeks, including processing and graduation. After recruit training graduation, he will immediately transfer to Coronado, California, to begin BCT. When he completes training and is awarded his SWCC pin, he will usually be granted leave (the military term for vacation) before he reports to his first command or additional advanced training. After specialty training, your SWCC may be away on assignment for periods lasting up to nine months - but he will earn 30 days of leave per year.

 

The amount of contact you will have with your SWCC will vary throughout his career experience. Contact during Navy enlisted recruit and SWCC candidate training is intentionally limited, to allow him to focus. He will be allowed to make a short call after arriving at boot camp to let you know he has safely arrived. You will be in touch only briefly until graduation, which the Navy encourages you to attend. For more information about graduation, please visit the Navy's Recruit Training Command website.

 

Graduation weekend includes family time and activities scheduled for you and your new Sailor. After graduation, Sailors can call, email, text and otherwise stay in touch on their free time. Naval Academy students are given leave or liberty during weekends and selected holiday or summer periods.

 

Many family members of SWCC candidates find support and friendship in other parents whose son, loved one or student is also in training. A good way to connect with other SWCC candidate families is on the family section of the SEAL + SWCC Training Forum. Dedicated to parents, guardians, teachers and other influencers. Once a newly graduated SWCC is assigned to a Team, he and his family become part of the Team's close-knit family, and by extension, part of the supportive Naval Special Warfare community.

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: A SERIES OF TESTS DESIGNED TO WEED OUT THE WEAK

 

 

The physical nature of life as a Navy SWCC isn't widely known. Recruits are trained intensely so that they will be ready for the challenge. A new recruit should be physically ready before shipping to recruit training. In fact, to qualify for a SWCC contract he must meet high physical standards, including a thorough medical examination. Go to the "SWCC Enlisted Application Steps" section of this website for more details.

 

You may also contact a Naval Special Operations Mentor or Coordinator at 888-876-7325 (888-USN-SEAL). Mentors or Coordinators can tell you more about the physical qualifications for recruit training, BCT and to help your son, loved one or student prepare.

 

If your son, loved one, or student doesn't have a current physical fitness regimen, we recommend using the free, downloadable PDF "Naval Special Warfare Physical Training Guide" found on this site. It was designed specifically to help potential SWCC candidates reach a level of fitness required for a SWCC contract. Many Naval Special Operations Mentors or Coordinators around the nation hold group workouts that help future SWCC step up their workout routine while building camaraderie with others. Once your son enters the Navy's Delayed Entry Program he may attend these sessions.