Physical Fitness of U.S. Navy Special Forces Team Members and Trainees.

摘要

Candidates for U.S. Navy Special Warfare Sea Air Land (SEAL) teams undergo vigorous training at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) school. Recently, some question has arisen as to whether BUD/S graduates are adequately prepared to become active SEAL team members (SEALs). This study was undertaken to compare BUD/S graduates with SEALs with respect to their physical condition and capacities. Thirty-nine BUD/S graduates and 48 SEALs were characterized in terms of physical fitness, physique and cold pressor response. BUD/S graduates were found to be leaner than SEALs, to have slightly less muscle strength and anaerobic power, but greater muscle endurance and aerobic capacity. Both groups had similar responses to a cold pressor test. These differences undoubtedly reflect differences between the training and operational environments, and some consideration must be given to whether the training program needs to be modified to change physical fitness outcomes. It should be recognized, however, that these differences in physical fitness are relatively small, and BUD/S graduates appear sufficiently prepared to join the ranks of operational SEALs. (KT)