Special Forces Swim Test | Former Green Beret

[@randalldrew6044]

He is absolutely correct about training. I almost drowned going through Sapper school. As I dove out of the helicopter, landing in the water, I dislocated my right arm. As I was calling out for help and still treading water with my left arm and legs, I was able to swim close enough to shore, that I could touch the bottom of the lake. If I had not trained, I would have drowned.

[@tylerebbert4816]

My day just got better

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊

[@alison2161]

👀👀👀👀👀

[@javiquinones5178]

you never fail to motivate me to enlist...im 17 and im just starting to read your book and im planning on enlisting after this summer. Thank you for all your help man and keep doing what your doing don’t listen to the haters.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks bro I appreciate that keep after it!

[@ChanMan63]

Bro I'm the same...maybe we will see each other at basic ;)

[@javiquinones5178]

@@ChanMan63 hope to see you there bro!

[@lachlanhusk4834]

How are you training man?

[@javiquinones5178]

@@lachlanhusk4834 i just started to get my endurance up doing a lot of cardio i wanna head the ranger route for now so doing lots of hikes. im a skinny guy and its hard for me to gain muscle or fat but im trying to eat better getting more carbs in and doing 100+ push ups and sit ups every day and going to the gym 3-5 times a week. i think the most important thing is having that “dont quit” mentality and being a good runner with good endurance.

[@JayDubb3BCT]

That's the greatest thumbnail ever! 😂😂😂

[@FNGACADEMY]

😁

[@tallgeese199x9]

Wish me good health boys, I ship on the 26th on my 18x contract. Two more weeks.

[@harveysanchez6993]

Yeah get some!

[@matthewwilliamson2715]

Best of luck man. Stay confident, keep your head up and remember, just get to the next meal. Stay in the moment. Keep us posted how it goes?

[@FNGACADEMY]

get it bro!

[@acewalkerdog]

Same here! Edit: w/18x contract as well

[@tallgeese199x9]

@@acewalkerdog we have a 18x group chat going with people leaving on the 26th from all over if you wanna join. Just private message me.

[@uihorus4972]

Thanks for confirming that there is a swim test. So many people have given me conflicting information. Your the best Buck.

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊

[@superplusextra9634]

The thumbnail is buck in another universe. Where he was seal and goes by the name duck. Great video👊

[@gameocalypse6040]

Awesome video my man. Stoked to say I found out this morning I'm closing on a house that's in a complex with a full pool. I'll be that weirdo doing laps fully clothed, and loving every minute of it. Keep up the great work, you're an inspiration!

[@FNGACADEMY]

Nice dude!!

[@calebfuller9591]

Hey guys when I went to VBSS for the navy we had to wear full kit (uniform, boots, plate carrier, battle belt, red gun and red mags; full weight kit) the hardest drill was 25 down buddy tow 25 back and repeat with a different tow. It’s one of the hardest tests in that school. I recommend a combat side stroke and focus on gliding not raw power. You wanna keep that momentum and learn your rhythm. Light boots will definitely help but it’s doable in navy issue steel toes. Good practice is if you can get into a amateur local water polo game. It’ll help you become stronger and not be afraid of drowning (most of our games are attempted manslaughter 95% of the match). Good luck with the training!

[@noway2836]

Buck, if you’re reading this and you’re interested. You need to come over and join Texas DPS. We need men like you. The are several SF guys on this department and there are many here just like you. You drive the masses brother. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@dylonswiatek]

interesting

[@brandonjpj1]

i lvoe and support LEOs, but one has to ask, WHY would anyone choose to enter that underpaid, abused, very hard job right now?

[@xjustinplaguex8603]

He just got outta the LEO role, home-slice.

[@hopliteoperator]

@@brandonjpj1 especially when their previous job was being special forces

[@steveo1413]

Find yourself a GB that didnt quit SF. Buck is a fraud.

[@gabetower6165]

I love swimming which makes being a lifeguard easier. Also another good video.

[@zachallen3153]

Hey guys, I did this at the YMCA. They looked at me like i was crazy, and so did the people in the pool. But after i mentally blocked it out and was able to train there. And i did it at Marine Hill pool in GTMO if anyone is out there. Also, i liked sidestroke, that worked best for me. Cheers

[@masonmonroe1280]

On January 7th, of 2023. I decided to go special forces after thinking over it for a whole year. On March 17th, i enlisted into the Army as an 11B. On April 3rd, i shipped to Fort Stewart to go to 3ID. My body weight was 210 in January. I managed to pass height and weight via being taped. I could barely run down the block without panting in January 😂😅. But now i can do a 12 mile ruck in time(3 hours) with 55lbs. Its not May. And i mamaged to bring my weight down to 160lbs. I still fail height and weight because im 5'2. But i pass tape. Im almost 2 months into my 3 year contract. I plan to go to selection in October of this year. I still need to work on myself. But so far, my unit is very cool. I get a lot of time in the evening to workout. These videos have been helping a lot. Im only a month in the army and already loving it.

[@DreadedChancre]

Just watched the Mike Drop podcast you were in. Truly an inspiration, my man!

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks brother!

[@infantry11bang43]

I think what you are doin for these young men is awesome. I wish this was around back in 2008.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks bro! I’m trying

[@josesosa208]

Leaving April 26th as 18x 💪🏼.... this channel was definitely a huge motivation for it

[@alfe1402]

In Ranger School, the first three days are selection. The second day is water day, and at least 50 guys fail right there.

[@jmanj3917]

4:50, Any of the "strong strokes: Freestyle, Breaststroke, Sidestroke. Sidestroke is a great way to actively rest while recovering from Breaststroke, if needed

[@Chuck357]

Thanks again Buck! Love that your vids get straight to the point. Hate the water but gotta get comfortable with it soon. Hope you’re doing well with the new little one as well! Prayers out to James’ family🙏🏼

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks bro! I’m not a water fan either

[@TheJDShowofficial]

Going from Marine Recon to SFAS and hopefully the Q course... I’m just doing what I do at work to prepare

[@KeepMovingForwardAlways983]

Man I know this video is about swim test but buck that was a great book and I don’t know how to leave Amazon comment so just wanted to say that was a great book. It’s been a very long time that a book was that good and kept me on the edge of my seat. Man again I am proud of you, keep moving forward always

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks brother!! 👊👊

[@KeepMovingForwardAlways983]

@@FNGACADEMY very encouraging as well, makes me want to do something or try something that I never thought I can do thank you for being an inspiration to us all

[@camerynk1790]

Thanks Buck your videos always have the best advice and I can’t wait for it to all pay off one day!!

[@1986GaryJr]

Swimming is def underestimated. That mile swim in flight suit during flight school was rough.

[@Jay15523]

Legendary thumbnail bro. That’s gonna be tough to top 😂

[@turnipman1302]

Yess new nick vid just as I got out of school love u man

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊👊

[@mvpjordan7584]

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO LETS GOOO

[@michaelzinni8219]

Pets For Vets is another great organization helping to place shelter animals with veterans with medical conditions. Studies have shown having a companion animal helps reduce the rate of suicide in vets because they have some to care for and care for them.

[@FNGACADEMY]

ill look into that thank you

[@johnt4073]

Hey Buck. Could you do a video on what the job for SF and others will look like in the next decade since military is shifting focus?

[@FNGACADEMY]

I’ll add it to the list bro for sure 👊

[@giginumber1fann]

Thanks for the upload Sean, Loved you on Ones Ready.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thank you!

[@kylebreunig1806]

yo guys, ive been training for the seal pst for almost a year now, my swim is near sub 8:30, and my run is sub 9min ,8:47. Its been kind of weird since im hearing some stuff about belated entry with warrior challenge contracts, but thats not going to stop me. also been coming off some shinsplints which sucks but its all good, shout out to mr. jake zweig

[@calzown]

My friend has been doing the same and they’re not giving out seal contracts so he’s contracting for eod now

[@maxwellsvader2573]

Monday: swim 300 meters: -shoulders: lateral raises hammer Raises reverse fly military press/hammer strength machine Tuesday: Back -pulls 4 sets till failure -lat pulldowns: -bent over row DB -pullovers: -lower back extensions just body wt Wednesday: rest Thursday: Run 4 miles ( times are slow as shit right now but getting better) chest: normal chest workouts but have implemented starting off doing pushups until failure before starting my chest workout friday: legs - squat -leg press -walking lunges -leg extensions -leg curls saturday: arms Sunday: Ruck March 60lbs dry (currently at 7 miles) adding one mile per week I'm currently In the CA Army National Guard full-time AGR Recruiter and plan to attend SFRE for the 19th Group coming in May. I go to a local gym called Chuze if you have one in your area highly recommend Didn't want to put sets and weights cause everyone starts at a different level if you want to know more let me know. hope everyone keeps driving towards their goals and don't let anyone stop you, "make sure to give 110% at all times because if you don't you just wasting your time".

[@FNGACADEMY]

Good stuff!

[@ionator2000]

I say shift your focus to more running. SFRE with the 19th is a lot of miles in one weekend

[@ionator2000]

For example 3-4 runs and 1-2 rucks a week

[@maxwellsvader2573]

@@ionator2000 Rgr thanks.

[@maxwellsvader2573]

@@ionator2000 are you part of group? Lol.

[@kadebrown5437]

Anyone that’s at Bragg and is worried about the swim test… go to YMCA downtown Bragg. You pay 30-40 bucks a month and you can swim as much as you want and they don’t care about uniforms or boots, as long as it’s all clean. Some of the life guards have helped dudes with military course swimming issues. I failed the swim test first time around, smoked it the second. Swim in heavy boots and standard OCPs, test out in summer OCPs and light boots.

[@ewankramer4644]

That thumb nail was spot on! 👌

[@tonyanderson191]

I have always wanted to be apart of the special forces community.so much so at 43 I would still give it a go if I could (I maybe old,but I'm in better shape than 90% of men in their 40's!) When I was a teenager,I had stomach cancer.i was worried that in a fire fight my stomach would let me down and I would get soldiers hurt or worse because of that.thank you for this type of content!

[@kelly648]

We did every year the swim test in the Belgian Para Commando regiment with clothes, leather boots and rifle. Boots were tied to the rifle because everyone used a set of the section PTI so that everyone had the same. The trick we used was to tuck the shirt in the trousers and buttoned all the way up, so that when you jumped in the water there was a airbubble trapped in your shirt on your back.

[@flowbro96]

Thank you for your honesty bro.

[@damin1916]

your vids have really helped me out man keep it up

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks bro I’m glad!

[@irish4680]

Perfect start to the day 🏄‍♂️!

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊👊

[@robertprice9052]

I was in selection with a guy who had been in the SAS and was scuba qualified. He swam down underwater, turned around and swam back underwater. He was a go-no because he toucher the wall during turn around. Back then it was a show stopper like the PT test and 12M ruck. If you failed any of them you didn't make it the McCall.

[@Bonjourn3yman]

Hey Buck keep up the great videos 🤙🏽

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks bro! Will do!

[@AUClay]

Thank you for your service!

[@TechiesGeek]

I'm 29 and I've always had regret for not joining when I was 18 straight out of high school. I stumbled on your channel and subsequently OA Podcast. You two guys have made me hungry and made me realize it doesn't have to stay a regret. Going to join the NG and I'm gunning for 18X. Thanks for all you do. Unrelated question, whats your intro song? I dig it

[@MoonLight-qw8sz]

Where are you at now?

[@sisirkumarsen3269]

@FNGacademy love from india.... I watch your videos to get selected in para sf.. (special forces (army)) ...thanks brother❤

[@pfdrtom]

Green canvass jungle boots. The only boot we wore in water or out. Of course, this was the 80s.

[@WalterCruz-USA]

Number 1 USA.🇺🇸🦅 God bless América.🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@michaelegotti6439]

I’m a navy seal ork ork

[@Mrscoutification]

I got the reference

[@simonostinelli187]

Buck your smashing it my brother channel's getting big now!! Soon you will have millions of subscribers and you can act completely obnoxiously, ignore people and tell them do you know who I am lol!!! I'm completely joking I know in a million years you'd never act like that that's why it's funny!!! Love from London and Dublin my bro!

[@kevinvolk8846]

I know this is more of an education and motivation channel, but would you ever make a video on your first kill as well as losing friends and how that changed you mentally? As someone thinking of joining I think thats a huge deciding factor that some people don't really take into consideration. If not I can definitely understand why.

[@FNGACADEMY]

Parts of that yes

[@stephensmith5115]

Look up the Story Time organization. The goal os to have a better alternate solution to the vet crisis line or the Suicide Prevention hotline. The focus is to allow the guy or gal to just talk about what is going on where they are listened to. Look it up

[@FNGACADEMY]

ill check them out!

[@Japanimal1992]

Great videos, Buck. Could you possibly do a video on Active Duty Civil Affairs?

[@artwest7074]

Always tuck your Shirt in your Paints,before you Swim. It will reduce drag.

[@saltycelery2045]

Makes sense, thanks for the advice

[@artwest7074]

Or ware a Combat Shirt,if authorized for the Swim Test & Jungle Boots are good for the Swim Test.

[@CKCHETSMOS]

Thank you Buck. Swimming is my weakness.

[@arod2104]

I love that thumbnail so much 🤙

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thank you 👊

[@Naiuhz]

I heard the sound of running water can calm down crying babies. Maybe just playing the sound from your phone might be enough. I hope you get enough sleep mate, cheers.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Marines are aquatic by nature. Swimming starts at conception.

[@AlexRife]

You should do a vid on charitys that actually help , I see a lot out there. Don’t know who’s who

[@benrosauer297]

Good stuff man

[@FNGACADEMY]

Thanks homie

[@shyannefairchild1000]

Love you videos! I am talking to a guard recruiter right now! Do have any advice for females wanting to go to selection? I have come across many SF recruiters that have some inappropriate things to say when I talked to them so I think I am going to join the guard and the try to get to selection. Any advice would be great, you make amazing content!

[@matthewwilliamson2715]

I don’t mean to be cliché but if that’s your goal, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything. Use whatever inappropriate things those SF recruiters told you as fuel. Gender does not matter as long as you’re the right person for the job. Train as if your life is on the line because if SF is your dream, then quite frankly it is all on the line. Remember, everybody use to think the 4 minute mile was humanly impossible until Roger Bannister did and since then, well over 1,000 people have broken the 4 minute barrier. DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF.

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

My friend went to the Q course and failed out in the swim dive phase. He's a florida guy that certified scuba diver since he was 16. He said there was a 30 some year old dude who they wanted to push thru. No hard feelings but I'm like why not just do it again? He was mentally beaten by then. Guy did well has a ranch in colorado and works all over the world. Govt contractor. He later passed the butt hole poly if you know who does that and the agency.

[@thetruth7046]

I have supported Warrior Dog Foundation🐾 for years, along with LZ-Grace Warrior Retreat Foundation. You asked for other foundations, LZ-Grace would be an excellent choice.🇺🇲💝

[@joshpowell3441]

first past test i took for cct i swam my ass off. got my 500 meter swim time down to mid 8 minute then low 8s (from around 11 when i first started training). swim time has been made easier since then. as with every other test in the past

[@doozer3297]

So I have a crown on one of my teeth and some fillings. I heard that could disqualify me from service. Is that true?

[@shawnsee2688]

Going to airborne at the end of the week. Then to the 82nd. Soon as I'm there, I'm walking over to your side and finding a man with a green beret and asking him if there's a build up program. My run (I'm 36) is lacking, but I'm plenty strong and smart. Just need a motivator.

[@joserequena7290]

We should donate to Baby Buck Formula and Diaper Foundation

[@maximumporecontrol6829]

Awesome

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊

[@DD-wv7vg]

Big fan of the channel. Any advice for Pararescue?

[@johnnyv8172]

Appreciate the info ✊🏽

[@NickSchraderWeekly]

Hey Sean, any chance you can make a video about Working with other teams? Specifically Civil Affair guys, active or reserves. I am a CA reservist and I hope to get the opportunity to deploy or volunteer to attach to a SF deployment. Love learning through your videos on how to be an overall soldier and athlete

[@cementoarmato5052]

Can you make some advices for high school students who want to join sf? Thanks

[@FNGACADEMY]

Of course

[@m6504]

Question Mr.Rogers, I’d like to join SOF but I have past drug use (cannabis)- a few years. Its been several months without and I don’t intend on using anymore. I’ve never been in trouble with it in any way nor is it on my record, I was planning was to lie to my recruiter and tell them I’ve never used. Not worried about drug tests, but I worry later down the road if they find out I’ll be in trouble. Wanted to get your opinion, thanks. Also you’re awesome man your work is appreciated

[@GamingT0G0]

Just lie man, nearly everyone has done it. If you don't have any records and are clean for enough time, that the drug tests aren't positive, keep it to yourself.

[@et9939]

Quick question man, what law enforcement officer job do you have.

[@osiris_the_great6861]

Hey buck, you able to do a video on a watch/watches you’d recommend?

[@FNGACADEMY]

Can do

[@osiris_the_great6861]

@@FNGACADEMY much appreciated😎

[@jeffcrawford3438]

Side recovery swim is suggested.

[@notyourgoat7489]

Im ganna go to college to have a safety plan before enlisting to become a SEAL. I will die before I ring that bell. 💪

[@buckshot832]

Are you American?

[@notyourgoat7489]

@@buckshot832 yeah why

[@thelegendarycamel]

Should be interesting to see the looks on peoples faces when I dive into the lap pool at my gym tonight with clothes on 😁 thanks as always for the insight buck😁

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊👊

[@anthonymenses13]

Hey buck gotta quick question. I’m Air Force active duty and cross training into CCT. I’m currently a SrA and testing for SSgt. I got a promotion statement from my leadership and got a joint com from my deployment in baf a few months ago. My shop is expecting me to make staff because I’m ready for that in this career field but I’m a bit nervous to go into the pipeline as a staff because I’d be a brand new staff still learning the stripe and trying to figure out how to do the job. I would probably be given troops because of the stripe but I’m brand new so I wouldn’t be able to guide them to success as a CCT because I’m brand new and haven’t even been down range yet. I think it’d be better to not make staff go in as a SrA and learn the job then focus on making staff after I got deployment under my belt, what advice do you have or recommend?

[@nerychristian]

Better to make staff now. Take the opportunities when they come. You never know if something will change in the future. Plus I'm sure there is a pay increase.

[@invis0217]

Hey Buck, I just found your channel, and I have already learned so much valuable information from you. I recently got out of the Marines, but I am realizing that college isn't right for me at the time. Right now I am debating on Guard SF or Guard CCT (I need to do more research on that part). CCT sounds cool, but I would really only be interested in being attached to an SF team. From your experience working with CCT's, do you know if they choose whether or not they get put with an SF team, or is it needs of the Air Force? Thanks in advance, it's hard to find specific info like this, and guys like you are the most accurate/ realistic source of information for these types of communities.

[@danielherring5991]

Can you tell us some about the USAF DAGRE? Whats the purpose with so many other special forces?

[@davidhawkins1527]

How did you prep yourself for the special ops training? And what helped you get through it?

[@Brent0285]

in the Coast Guard training for ME so I can make it to TACLET. i was prior Marine and I am using the Marine raider prep to aid in my training. i suggest for anyone wanting to go ME and get into MSRT or TACLET get that book its perfect.

[@sololobo9994]

Hell yea

[@FNGACADEMY]

👊

[@Anas-fu2qg]

Can you make a overall tip video for teenageres 16-18? Food, workout, marching and stuff like that?

[@Anas-fu2qg]

@@gwagner4581 Just wanted his perspective. It doesn't hurt to get as much information as possible, he could have tricks & tips I haven't heard before

[@yojohnathan4190]

Hey Buck! I plan on enlisting this summer with the ultimate goal of becoming a green beret. Out of most special ops you tubers you are the one I relate to most because you weren’t the biggest guy but mentally we’re always their. I’m mentally there but am only 6’4 165 right now. What weight do you think I should Ideally be at? Thanks brother!

[@FNGACADEMY]

Weight isn’t a big deal just be able to hump weight and run

[@santi8205]

I thought they recently got rid of the swim test

[@FNGACADEMY]

They may have... but even if they did you should still practice just for the skill set

[@austinmay7125]

We learn combat side stroke for seals. Since I started training I really enjoy combat side stroke (CSS) They changed a lot about our program... including getting rid of 40k bonus haha but who cares I guess

[@Tetleyb]

Buck for future fund raisers, how about first responders? I’m not SF, just a USMC Grunt. But I’m retired after 30 yrs as a police officer. Many former military become police officers, firemen and paramedics (yourself included).

[@FNGACADEMY]

Love it! Just need to find a good one

[@Tetleyb]

@@FNGACADEMY I’ll look around and send you some ideas.

[@tyruslarue8668]

for the warrior's dog foundation, can we adopt the dogs?

[@FNGACADEMY]

You’d have to send them a message

[@mcbins1993]

i didn"t know green berets do swim qual. is it to seen who can go to dive school in a way or just a thing you have to do?

[@anthonypalazzo8182]

Would you be able to do a video on CDQC? Thank you

[@TridentLion]

Would like to join sf national guard group 20 3rd battalion.

[@shararrahman154]

How long do you have to serve the green berets to get quit or get honorably discharged?

[@mymatelookslikeafatkangaro2775]

Gday buck, I’m wondering what age I should go for sf. A guy who’s in a recon platoon in the Australian army told me to wait till 25. But then another who’s in a police tactical group told me to go for it when I feel ready. Which is the right advice?

[@natty.chungus]

If you're already in then ask your CoC or NCOs. You'll know when you're ready. I know a guy who was 21 who has gone into selection. Worse case is you fail and reattempt, as long as you don't quit.

[@mymatelookslikeafatkangaro2775]

Cheers mate

[@rl1271]

Can you do a video about guys you knew who were major dickheads and arrogant about going SF then failed THEN had to go back to their original unit and face shame? That would be hilarious

[@ms_shooting]

Can you do a video on waivers? Ways to work around issues? Different kinds?

[@elvisacosta6666]

Also practice not touching the bottom of the shallow end (25 m) of the pool when you're transitioning (going back to the deep end (25 m)). Why, if the assessor sees you touching the bottom with your feet (of course), he will pull you?! I use the side stroke.

[@user-vt7zt3is3o]

Awesome video and could start donating to Tunnels2Towers

[@FNGACADEMY]

ill look into them!

[@user-vt7zt3is3o]

@@FNGACADEMY appreciate you!

[@parkercarpy810]

I’m not an Olympic swimmer but I am decent enough that I think I can swim the 50 meters and biggest take always for me is to double check the uniform and make sure it’s as stream like as it’s gonna get. Never been a fan of swimming in deep water aka the ocean but pools I can do

[@menomjoff9989]

Might be a terrible swimmer but I would make a great diver being as I sink straight to the bottom.

[@FNGACADEMY]

🤣 same

[@gabetower6165]

Hey Buck have you ever considered doing a video on my dieting and eating healthy-er

[@FNGACADEMY]

i will for sure

[@gabetower6165]

@@FNGACADEMY cheers man. I do love my food but I need to work on eating less of it sadly. 😥

[@jsamuel251]

Buck, this may be too way niche of a question but is Geo bachelor BAH still available for guard bums going through the Q?

[@FNGACADEMY]

It should be depending on rank

[@jsamuel251]

@@FNGACADEMY thanks big dog, heard rumors geo bach was getting the ax. But you know how that goes 🙄 Thinking of treating the Q like a deployment so to speak with the family instead of moving them. Not like it's a 9-5 course 😂😂