The U.S. Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land) are an elite component of Naval Special Warfare (NSW). Becoming a SEAL requires intense dedication and mental toughness, subjecting candidates to one of the most rigorous military training pipelines in the world. The screening process filters applicants based on performance, not just potential. Given the extreme physical demands, prospective candidates often focus on measurable attributes like height. However, the actual requirements prioritize enduring capability over static body measurements.
The Direct Answer: Height Requirements for Navy SEALs
There is no specified minimum or maximum height requirement for eligibility for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Unlike other military specialties that impose vertical limits for equipment or operational restrictions, Naval Special Warfare does not disqualify candidates based on stature. Applicants must meet the general height and weight standards established for all personnel entering the U.S. Navy. These regulations ensure the applicant’s height is proportionate to their weight and body composition, maintaining a healthy physical profile. Ultimately, the focus is on the candidate’s ability to perform under duress, making physical performance more important than specific measurements.
Foundational Eligibility Requirements
Before physical testing, candidates must satisfy administrative and background criteria to be considered for a SEAL contract. Applicants must be United States citizens and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. The age requirement is typically 17 to 28 years old, though waivers may be granted for applicants up to 30 depending on prior service or qualifications. Academic aptitude is measured using the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), requiring specific minimum line scores for the Special Warfare Operator (SO) rating. A common requirement involves a composite score in the range of 165 to 170, combining scores from sections like General Science, Mechanical Comprehension, and Electronics Information.
Critical Medical and Vision Standards
Specific medical and vision standards often prove to be a significant hurdle for potential candidates. Vision requirements are stringent: uncorrected distant vision must be no worse than 20/40 in the best eye and 20/70 in the worst eye, with both eyes correctable to at least 20/25. Candidates with certain refractive errors may be disqualified, though corrective procedures like PRK or LASIK are often permissible with a waiver after a healing period. High standards are also required for hearing acuity. A history of chronic, severe conditions such as asthma, certain psychological disorders, or debilitating orthopedic injuries can lead to disqualification.
The True Physical Barrier: Naval Special Warfare Fitness Standards
The real measure of a candidate’s qualification lies in their performance on the Naval Special Warfare Physical Screening Test (PST). The PST consists of five events performed sequentially with mandated rest periods, assessing a candidate’s strength, endurance, and comfort in the water. Although minimum scores establish baseline eligibility, candidates must strive to achieve significantly higher competitive scores to stand a chance of selection for training.
500-Yard Swim
The PST begins with a timed 500-yard swim, which must be completed using the breaststroke or the side-stroke. The minimum passing time for this event is 12 minutes and 30 seconds, but competitive candidates consistently finish the distance in nine minutes and 30 seconds or less. This event immediately screens out applicants who lack the necessary water comfort and endurance foundational to the SEAL mission.
Push-ups
Following a 10-minute rest after the swim, candidates move to the push-up event, requiring the maximum number of repetitions in two minutes. The minimum passing number is 50 repetitions, but competitive scores typically start at 75 or more, with repetitions not counted if form is broken. This test measures muscular endurance in the upper body and core, favoring sustained effort over sheer maximum strength.
Sit-ups
The sit-up event is also timed for two minutes, assessing core strength and endurance, a quality necessary for carrying heavy equipment and maintaining stability. A candidate must achieve a minimum of 50 repetitions to pass, while those who score competitively usually reach 75 or more. Proper form is strictly enforced, requiring hands clasped behind the head and elbows touching the knees for each successful repetition.
Pull-ups
The pull-up event is performed with no time limit, requiring the candidate to complete the maximum number of repetitions without resting or releasing the bar. The minimum requirement is 10 repetitions, but competitive applicants often achieve 15 or more. Candidates utilize an overhand grip with a full extension and chin clearing the bar. This metric provides a raw measure of relative upper body strength, which is important for climbing and traversing obstacles.
1.5-Mile Run
The final event is a timed 1.5-mile run, which candidates must complete while wearing boots and long pants to simulate field conditions. The minimum passing time is 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Competitive candidates routinely surpass this standard by finishing in nine minutes and 30 seconds or faster. The run tests cardiovascular endurance and is particularly demanding because it is performed immediately after the three upper-body calisthenics events.
Overview of the SEAL Training Pipeline
Meeting competitive PST standards grants a candidate the opportunity to enter the Naval Special Warfare training pipeline, starting with Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S). The initial phase focuses on physical conditioning, culminating in “Hell Week,” which tests mental resilience through continuous training with minimal sleep. The second phase focuses on combat diving, teaching techniques for underwater navigation and closed-circuit diving. The third phase concentrates on land warfare tactics, including demolitions, weapons proficiency, and small-unit operations. After completing BUD/S, candidates proceed to Parachute Jump School and then to SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) before earning the SEAL Trident.