How I Made It Through HELL WEEK

Published on May 26, 2022
Duration: 18:08

This guide outlines the rigorous physical and mental training involved in the BUD/S First Phase, as detailed by former Navy SEAL Chadd Wright. It covers key drills like wetsuit appreciation swims, IBS boat carries, Log PT, obstacle courses, timed runs, and the infamous Hell Week and Surf Torture. The training emphasizes building extreme mental toughness and grit required for SEAL qualification.

Quick Summary

BUD/S First Phase training, led by former Navy SEAL Chadd Wright, is an eight-week gauntlet designed to break candidates. It includes extreme drills like Hell Week (five days with minimal sleep), Log PT, IBS boat carries, and cold-water swims, all aimed at forging the mental toughness required for SEAL qualification.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to BUD/S Class 278
  2. 01:41BUD/S Structure and First Phase
  3. 02:59Indoc and Wetsuit Appreciation
  4. 04:33Physical Training and IBS Boats
  5. 07:13Log PT and 'Old Misery'
  6. 09:10Obstacle Course and Slide for Life
  7. 10:14Timed Runs and the Goon Squad
  8. 11:42Hell Week Breakout
  9. 13:52Hydro Hell Week
  10. 15:34Surf Torture and Mental Toughness

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of BUD/S First Phase training?

BUD/S First Phase includes intense physical conditioning like daily runs and carrying heavy objects (IBS boats), grueling exercises such as Log PT, navigating obstacle courses, timed runs, and the extreme challenges of Hell Week and Surf Torture, all designed to build mental toughness.

How long does BUD/S First Phase last and what is the attrition rate?

BUD/S First Phase lasts for eight weeks. It is known for its extremely high attrition rate, with a significant majority of candidates quitting. For example, Class 278 began with 300 men but only about 15 graduated from the entire BUD/S program.

What is 'Hell Week' in Navy SEAL training?

Hell Week is a critical part of BUD/S First Phase, occurring in Week 5. It involves five days of continuous activity with minimal sleep (often less than 4 hours total), simulated combat chaos ('Breakout'), and extreme physical and mental stress designed to test candidates' limits and induce hallucinations.

What is the purpose of 'wetsuit appreciation' swims in BUD/S?

'Wetsuit appreciation' swims are designed to teach trainees the value of their gear. By forcing them to swim long distances in cold water without wetsuits, they learn firsthand how critical proper thermal protection is for performance and survival during training.

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