Counterattrition in Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal Program: Selection and Training
Abstract
Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and Sea/Air/Land (SEAL) Teams are highly trained combat units within the Navy Special Warfare community. These teams are trained at the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) School, Coronado, CA. Historically, the attrition rate for BUD/S training has averaged 65 percent, most of which is voluntary and occurs early in training. High attrition rates are considered as part of the process of selecting and training the highest quality UDT/SEAL combat swimmers. At the inception of this research project in 1978, however, BUD/S had not produced sufficient graduates to maintain authorized manning levels in fleet Special Warfare units. The primary objectives of this research were to (1) identify factors that relate to BUD/S attrition, (2) develop recommendations that may reduce BUD/S attrition, thereby increasing manning levels in the fleet, and (3) test and evaluate the effect of recommended changes, in terms of attrition and associated costs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA116426
Entities
People
- Gene E. Bretton
- Linda M. Doherty
- Thomas Trent