NAVY SWCC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ( FAQ )

LINK: http://sealswcc.com/navy-swcc-frequently-asked-questions-faq.html

The bulk of the content in this FAQ comes from our readers: you. Submissions sent to us over the years via Email, phone, fax, and even the U.S. mail are sifted by the Scout Team to find the most, you guessed it, frequently asked questions. The best and most common find their way here.

TOP QUESTION:

Do you encourage participation in commercial Navy SWCC training camps?

Naval Special Warfare is aware that there are "SWCC training camps" available in the commercial sector, some of which promote themselves as beneficial for candidates who are preparing for SWCC training.

While there are many different ways to prepare physically and mentally for the rigors of training, there is no affiliation between Naval Special Warfare and any of the "SWCC training camps" or "SWCC preparation programs" available commercially. None of these commercial programs are pre-requisites for SEAL or SWCC training and NONE are endorsed by Naval Special Warfare or the U.S. Navy.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

How many Navy SWCC operators are there?

There are about 755 active duty SWCC operators and about 50 Reserve SWCCs.

How many Special Boat Teams are there?

There are three Special Boat Teams one each in Coronado, California; Little Creek, Virginia; and Stennis, Mississippi.

What is an average day like for a SWCC operator?

There is no typical "day at the office." SWCC operators constantly learn, improve and refine skills working with their teammates. Their office transcends international boundaries, the extremes of geography and the spectrum of conflict. A SWCC operator's day usually includes physical training to ensure he maintains a peak fitness level as well as whatever training and operations are required of his particular unit.

Do Navy SWCC have to kill people?

A Navy SWCC trains for war and fights to win. The execution of SWCC duties is swift and violent when required, yet guided by the principles that they serve to defend.

How long does it take to train a Navy SWCC operator?

Training of a Navy SWCC operator takes about eight-and-a-half months after boot camp until the time he is ready to go to his first Special Boat Team.

When were Special Boat Teams started?

The Special Boat Teams trace their lineage to the Riverine operators in the Vietnam Conflct.

Is there an officer program for Navy SWCC operators?

SWCC operators can rise to the rank of warrant officer, but the rate does not have commissioned officers.

Of those who attempt SWCC training, how many are successful?

Each year, about 240 men start SWCC training. Although training success rates vary per class, usually about 120 men succeed each year. Candidates who have competitive Physical Screening Test scores are generally better prepared and therefore more likely to succeed than those men who only meet the minimum requirements. To see the Physical Screening Test score requirements, go to the General Requirements link.

If I want to become a Navy SWCC operator, what is my first step?

If you aren't in the military or if you are in a military branch other than the Navy, talk to your local Navy recruiter. If you are in the Navy, talk to your Command Career Counselor, leading petty officer or leading chief petty officer. You can also call a Naval Special Warfare Recruiting Directorate at ( 888 ) USN-SEAL ( 888-876-7325 ).

ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS:

Do I have to be in the Navy to be eligible for Navy SWCC training?

Yes. To become a SWCC, you must join the U.S. Navy or already be serving in the Navy.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for Navy SWCC training?

Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen. You are not eligible if your citizenship is pending or if you have dual citizenship.

Do I have to have a security clearance to become a Navy SWCC?

All SWCC candidates must be eligible for a Secret-level security clearance.

What are the basic requirements of becoming a Navy SWCC operator?

Here are the basic requirements, and you can get details by checking out the SWCC General Requirements link.

- Male

- U.S. citizen

- 17 - 30 years old

- Pass the Physical Screening Test

- Pass the dive medical physical

- Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery with the required scores

- Be eligible for a Secret-level security clearance

What are the eyesight requirements?

Uncorrected vision no worse than 20/40 in best eye and 20/70 in worst eye, correctable to 20/25 or better. Color blindness is disqualifying.

Are members of other military branches eligible for Navy SWCC training?

No. If you want to join Naval Special Warfare you must serve out the remainder of your active duty contract and enlist in the U.S. Navy. However, before separating from your current branch of service, you should contact a local Navy recruiter to find out if the Navy is accepting people with prior service into Naval Special Warfare programs.

Is the Navy SWCC program open to women?

No.

Can I apply to become a SWCC operator if I am a Navy Reservist?

Yes. To learn how to apply to the SWCC program through the Navy Reserves.

WAIVER QUESTIONS:

What if my Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
( ASVAB ) score is not high enough?

If you are not in the Navy, you will have to work with your recruiter to study for and re-take the ASVAB. If you are a Fleet candidate, Navy College offers ASVAB preparation courses you can take while you arrange a re-test with your career counselor. You may be eligible for a waiver if you are a particularly strong candidate and your score is close to the minimum.

Specifically, you will not receive a waiver if your Mechanical Comprehension ( MC ) score is more than five points below the minimum. If your overall ASVAB score is a few points low and you are not in the Navy, you will need to work with your Navy recruiter to seek a waiver through Navy Recruiting Command.

Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis. They will look at the applicant's Physical Screening Test scores and the strength of the overall application package to make the determination. If you are already in the Navy, submit your transfer package. It will be evaluated by the SWCC detailer who will make a recommendation to the NSW Enlisted Community Manager who will make the determination.

What's the max ASVAB score waiver?

Overall score waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis.

Can I receive a waiver if I am over 30?

Waivers for men ages 31 to 34 are available for highly qualified candidates.

Can I get a vision waiver?

Due to the nature of the work done by Navy SWCC operators, vision requirements cannot be waived.

Is there a color-blindness waiver?

There is no waiver for color-blindness for Navy SWCC candidates.

SWCC TRAINING QUESTIONS:

Do I need to purchase special equipment before attending SWCC training?

No. SWCC students are supplied with everything they need. However, you may find it useful to become accustomed to swimming with fins.

Do I need to learn to SCUBA dive before attending SWCC training?

No.

Can you recommend a pre-training workout regimen?

Yes. You're encouraged to download and use the Naval Special Warfare Physical Training Guide . ( PDF ) You will get a 26-week training program designed by the Naval Special Warfare Center's director of fitness.

What happens if I don't complete SWCC training?

You will be reclassified to another Navy rate and given orders to an assignment within that rating. You may reapply to training after a two-year fleet assignment.

What boots are issued at training?

Currently, Bates 924 series boots are issued.

IN FLEET TRANSFER QUESTIONS:

Do I need to have a command approved Special Request Chit to apply for the SWCC program?

No, but it is highly recommended. The Special Request Chit is used to inform your chain of command of your intentions. The submission of a Special Request Chit is a command, not a Navy, requirement. Please check with your Command Career Counselor for your command's policy. For more information about the Special Request Chit, review the Navy Personnel Manual: Special Request/Authorization NAVPERS 1336/3 ( Rev. 9-75 ) SIN 106-LF-063-8633.

Do I have to reenlist before I transfer to Naval Special Warfare for SWCC training if my End of Active Obligated Service falls within 6 months of the date I am supposed to transfer?

No, but you have to extend to train and then obligate to serve 36 months upon completion of training. The length and type of extension or re-enlistment will depend upon your particular circumstances; however, you will need to have an in-rate Perform-To-Serve application approved and a conditional Perform-To-Serve application to convert to the SWCC program.

If I am already in the Navy and I am going to attend SWCC training, am I eligible for a Special Boat contract bonus?

No. There is a Selective Re-enlistment Bonus for in-fleet candidates who are eligible after they complete training and are assigned to a Special Boat Team. Enlistment bonuses are for future Sailors on first-time enlistment into the Navy for a specific rating.

Will I lose my Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence while I am at SWCC training?

You will receive Permanent Change of Station orders when you transfer to SWCC training. No one in training is authorized BAS because they are assigned meal cards. Single enlisted Sailors who transfer from outside the greater San Diego area are not authorized BAH. They will be assigned to the barracks.

Single students transferring to SWCC training from the San Diego area who have lease agreements can request to have BAH continued upon their arrival at training. Married students will continue to receive BAH whether their family is here or not.

CONTACTING SOMEONE ABOUT THE SWCC

Where is the Naval Special Warfare Recruiting Directorate?

The Recruiting Directorate has East and West Coast offices.

West Coast - San Diego, California

SEAL + SWCC Scout Team
2000 Trident Way, Building #613
San Diego, California 92155

E: motivators@navsoc.socom.mil
T: 888.876.7325 ( 888.USN.SEAL )

DSN: 312.577-2373
F: 619.437.2873

East Coast - Little Creek, Virginia

E: sealswccscoutteam@nsweast.socom.mil
T: 757.763.3005 or ( 888.USN.SEAL )

SEAL + SWCC Scout Team

1820 Helicopter Road

NAB Pool Building #3856