Navy SEAL training is an extensive and rigorous process lasting over a year before candidates are operationally ready. Initial Training (about 56 weeks):

• Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training lasts approximately 24 weeks and is divided into three phases:
  • Phase 1: Physical Conditioning (7-8 weeks), including the infamous Hell Week, a grueling 5.5-day continuous training test of endurance and mental toughness.
  • Phase 2: Diving (7-8 weeks), focusing on combat diving skills.
  • Phase 3: Land Warfare (7-9 weeks), covering weapons, demolitions, tactics, and marksmanship.
• After BUD/S, candidates attend Parachute Jump School (about 3 weeks).
• Then comes SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) for about 8 weeks, focusing on mission planning and advanced tactics.

This initial training totals roughly 56 weeks or around 12 months

. Pre-Deployment Training (about 18 months):
After earning the SEAL Trident, candidates undergo intensive, specialized pre- deployment training lasting approximately 18 months to prepare for operational missions

. Overall Timeline:
From start to being fully operational, Navy SEAL training and preparation can take close to two years or more

. In summary, Navy SEAL training involves about 12 months of initial training (BUD/S, jump school, and SQT) followed by around 18 months of pre-deployment training, totaling approximately 2 years before deployment readiness.