5 Things to Never Say at BUD/S

So you think you’re a real bad *ss and you made it through Navy Basic Indoc training in Great Lakes.

Now it’s time to test your cojones as you step up to the big leagues of Special Warfare training.

Here are a few tips on what to never say while in Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training (affectionately known as BUD/S).

#5: “This sucks!”

It’s zero dark thirty and you’re laying in the surf zone doing flutter kicks. Tough spot to be in.

Well yeah; its supposed to suck… Nimrod. But you’re dumber than a box of hammers if you blurt that out.

Instead of whimpering “this sucks, I’m cold” you will sound off with a thunderous “HOOYAH”.

#4: “Johnny Bravo did it!”

Never ever ever rat out a teammate. If you actually did it…. deny it. But on Davy Jones locker you would never rat out a teammate no matter the consequences. Always back your Teammates no matter the circumstances.

Question: What is a good book to read about BUD/S training camp?

Answer: We like the book Breaking BUD/S: How Regular Guys Can Become Navy SEALs.

This book will give you a glimpse of what it is like behind the walls and what to expect.

You will of course still have to do the hard training, as there is not a substitute for that.

#3: “This is dangerous!”

Well no sht Sherlock – did you think you were training for the Boy Scouts? Your new profession is to destroy things and be meaner than a rattlesnake. You will encounter gnarly sht. Get used to it. Everything you do is Dangerous. If you want to work in a cubicle then quit and go be safe.

Side note – I remember someone muttering that phrase as we ran in knee deep water with big waves crashing us into the large rocks at Coronado Shores. An Instructor heard that and hammered the $%&# out of our class afterwards.

Question: Are vitamins and creatine allowed in Navy SEAL BUDS training camp?

Answer: Yes; you can have a bottle of multi-vitamins. No on the creatine or any other supplements.

I took a 1 a day vitamin when I was in training like the SEAL Multi-vitamins designed by former Navy SEAL Jeremy Debie.

I trust these and use them today.

RULE #2: “I’m cold!”

Whatever bro. Get used to it. You will always be cold and sandy and worn out like a rental car on spring break. If you’re bothered by the cold enough to mutter those words then go ahead and quit now. No one wants to hear your crying. Suffer in silence.

They run everywhere in these boots on the beach and in the boats.

These are a great all around boot that you can take hiking or hunting or to the gym.

#1: “I quit!”

You can think it all you want. But the words “I quit” must never pass your lips. If it does, make sure you have buddy’s to jump on top of your *ss to stop you. Don’t say the words and never get close to… the Bell.

What to say in BUD/S

What do you really want to say? Say internally that you can do this. Believe in yourself and your teammates. Realize that no matter how much you hurt that everyone else is feeling just as bad.

Question: What is a good book I can read about the SEAL Teams?

We like the book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.

This is a great book that teaches a lot about not quitting.

Question: Do you think CrossFit is good for Special Forces training?

Answer: I think that some of the CrossFit workouts like Murph are great. But you need to be doing longer runs, rowing, swimming and rucking as an endurance component.

About the Author:
Brad McLeod knows first hand about mental toughness after being kicked out of a top tier Spec Ops training unit.

He failed out of BUD/S the first time after failing a math test (made it through Hell Week and Dive Pool Comp). He came back a year later and graduated and served as an operator on the Navy SEAL Teams.

Today he helps Veterans and athletes around the world achieve their goals. What is your next big goal? Contact Brad brad@sealgrinderpt.com

Check out SEALgrinderPT Coaching to help you step up and take hold of your dreams and realize your goals.

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