Are Navy SEALS Tuff Enough?

I was thinking a few weeks ago.... who are the baddest mo fo's of the US armed service. After doing a little research on the net I have decided that the Navy Seals carry my shield.

Below is an excerpt of what new recruits are tested on just to get in line to be a Navy SEAL....

So if you want to be a SEAL, or just look like one try the physical fitness test that the Navy SEALS' training program, known as BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs) do.

-- Swim 500 yards. Maximum time allowed is 12 minutes, 30 seconds -- but to be competitive, you should swim the distance in at least 8 to 9 minutes, utilizing only the side or breast stroke. Recommended workout and training tips: Get technique training and learn to pace yourself. Try five to 10 sets of 100-yard swims, working on a pace that will get you below the competitive times. (Rest 10 minutes before moving on to the next exercise.)

-- Max push-ups. Minimum number is 42 in 2 minutes, but you should shoot for at least 100 for an average score. Do not pace yourself. Push as many push-ups out as fast as you can, but do not neglect proper form or the SEAL instructor will not count them. Try five sets of 30 seconds worth of maximum push-ups. Work your way up to five sets of 1 minute of maximum push-ups. (Rest 2 minutes, then move on to the next step.)

-- Max sit-ups. Minimum number is 52 in 2 minutes, but you should strive for at least 90 to 100 in 2 minutes for an average score. PACE yourself! Try doing 20 to 30 sit-ups in 30 seconds; that will put you within the 80-to-100-sit-ups range for 2 minutes. Try five sets of 30 seconds each, shooting for your goal pace. Shoot for five sets of 1 minute at your goal pace. (Rest 2 minutes.)

-- Max pull-ups. Minimum is eight with no time limit, but you cannot touch the ground or let go of the bar. You should be able to do 15 to 20 to be competitive. Try a pyramid of pull-ups: work your way up from one pull-up the first set until you can no longer do any more sets, then return down the pyramid repeating in reverse order (1,2,3,4,5,6,5,4,3,2,1). (Rest 10 minutes before plunging into the last exercise.)

-- 1.5-mile run. Wearing boots and pants, the maximum time allowed for this one is 11 minutes, 30 seconds, but you should be able to cover the distance in 9 to 10 minutes to be competitive. Pace yourself: do not start off too fast on the first lap. Shoot for a 90-seconds quarter-mile run time around a standard high school track. Repeat this pace for six to 10 sets until you no longer have to rest in between quarter-miles. There is very little difference in the type of person who joins the Army Green Berets, Marine RECON, Air Force Pararescue Jumpers, or Navy SEALs.

There is one main thing that all of the Special Forces units have in common: Minimum standards are ignored, and they always push themselves to their maximum physical effort. Remember, the BUD/s PFT is a tough workout.

I think of myself as being in pretty good shape, and to tell you the truth, I don’t think I can run a 1.5 mile run in 11.5 minutes in combat boots after doing the whole workout.

So I have to give it up to not only the SEAL but also to the rest of the US Special Forces. Our safety is in good hands.