The U.S. Navy SEALs occupy a unique place in the military—an elite special operations unit with a mythical reputation, able to get any job done under any conditions: SEa, Air, or Land.

The raid that killed Osama bin Laden further cemented that legacy and left a generation of young men wondering what it takes to enter the world-class Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training program.

The answer is complex: fitness, endurance, and special skills all play a role. To even be considered for BUD/S, you must meet the requirements below.

The Workout

Exercise Minimum Recommended Rest
500-Yard Swim 12:30 9:30 10 minutes
2 Minute Push-Ups 42 100 2 Minutes
2 Minute Sit-Ups 50 100 2 Minutes
Pull-Ups 6 25 10 Minutes
1.5 Mile Run 11:00 9:30 10 Minutes

Can you make the cut?

Get more features like this for free in the web version of the Muscle & Fitness 2014 Training Trends Special Digital Issue.