Posted on 05/20/2012 6:32:39 PM PDT by Carthego delenda est
A youngster working on the ranch here expressed interest in becoming a SEAL. I mentioned that I may be of help in his acceptance to Annapolis. He, of course, wondered if he could go directly from Annapolis to BUDS after graduation. I did not have an answer for him.
Any FReepers know the answer?
There is only one FReeper of whom you can rely on the answer. Pinging Travis McGee.
It’s rare - usually the NAV wants the officers to have a warfare specialty already (air or sea or CB) if they don’t make it through training ... my $.02 ...
there are two considerations. One is that they will take newbies who pass the first tests. those have a high washout rate and get sent elsewhere in the fleet.
the smarter thing is to get 6-7 years experience in UDT or another related area, then apply you will have the kind of seasoning and experience they are looking for. You already know the drill.
When I graduated in ‘95 there were direct BUDS/SEAL billets. Don’t know what the story is now though. And for all Freepers out there-—Go Navy! Beat Army!
My wife is a US Naval Academy Information Officer (aka Blue and Gold Officer) - and these are the statistics:
The numbers vary from year to year, but on average, about 15 members of a USNA graduating class are selected for Navy SEALs and go directly to BUDS. About another dozen will do other special ops (including EOD).
We have one friend whose son (also USNA graduate) initially selected SWO and transferred into SEALs from the Fleet.
thank you
Last I heard, it was extremely competetive to get a slot from Annapolis to BUD/S Training. (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training.) Maybe a handful of slots for a few dozen who would like to go. I think he might have a better shot from an NROTC program, which is how I went, way back in 1979.
THe UDTs passed into history in 1983.
Academy grads will go to mini-BUDS and for a few months prior to classing up, but yes Academy shits will go straight to BUDS.
If your guys is going to the Academy, tell him to try out for water-polo, they have the highest grad rate.
He can also go ROTC, but BUDS is a tough billet for ROTC. Enlisted is the easiest route and least responsibility during class.
Also, ignore recruiters and most other advice. Get your guy in contact with a dive motivator (and there’s no such thing as UDT, that went away with Jesse the body. And certainly don’t hit the fleet for a few years prior to going out west.)
No NROTC program here in Southern New Mexico that I am aware of...
Is his primary goal to become a U.S. naval officer, or a SEAL? It might be better odds for him to enlist, and go to BUD/S that way. Just a thought.
I don’t know about today, but close friend of mine did in 1987.
UNM used to have one, U of A also.
thank you!
Just as a complete side note - The same was true at my High School. A survey was done of the GPAs of those in sports versus out. The average GPA of all people pursuing sports was higher than the average of those not in sports - even the Football team had a higher GPA. The Water Polo team had the highest average GPA. One of the guys on the H2O team that year went to Cal Tech. Now a PHd in EE from there.. so there may be something to it ;-)
“Is his primary goal to become a U.S. naval officer, or a SEAL? It might be better odds for him to enlist, and go to BUD/S that way. Just a thought.”
I’m sure that He is not sure with that. Twas my suggestion of Annapolis... Being “the best of the best, of the best” has a bit more appeal than being addressed as ‘Sir’ for a guy his age.
“tell him to try out for water-polo”
Sure.
I will.
This guy is someone you’d want to train to be on your team.
Way back in ‘65 a call went out for volunteers for Second Class Diving School (Salvage Divers). I signed up along with four others. Three of us went TAD to Diving School and we returned to our ship and worked out of the Diving Locker.
Most of our work was hull inspections but we also had a couple of propellor changes and also replacing 26 zinc plates on Destroyers. Loved the work.
Totally different type of work than BUDS, EOD and SEALS but we had the greatest respect for the UDTs and SEALS.
One of my sons buddies he grew up with went to OCS, then got his comission. Went through BUDS as an officer.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.