The Special Warfare Combatant Crewmember (SWCC) of today is the product of years of history. Since 1963, when one of the father's of Special Warfare - Phil Bucklew commanded and developed the Special Boat Units of today to specifically support the SEALs and UDTs during the Vietnam War. Since then, the "Brown Water Navy" has distinguished themselves and are now one of the three components of the Naval Special Warfare Command (SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery vehicle (SDV) Teams, and Special Boat Units). These high-tech, high-speed boats make up the maritime component of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

The training to become a SWCC operator is FIVE months long in Coronado, CA., Home of the Phil Bucklew Naval Special Warfare Training Center. There, in the heart of Naval Special Warfare, these future SWCC operators go through an intensive course of instruction that includes the following phases:

SWCC Indoc                                           2 weeks

Basic Crewman Training (BCT)                   8 weeks

SOF selection and screening / Basic Crewman Skills
Crewman Qualification Training (CQT)

Advanced Crewman Skills                               12 weeks

In 22 Week, a SWCC students will receive the basic certifications in all the above. Once stationed at the Special Boat Unit (SBU), the SWCC student will receive advanced training and operate in direct support of Navy SEAL missions as boat drivers, medic assistants, navigators, communications links, and direct suppression fire from the arsenal of weapons on these vessels. The SWCC operators are a vital link to our special operations communities. see Navy recruiter link

(Also for the best SWCC site info I have found check out www.navyswcc.com)

Info about the community and warfare insignia - Navy article

Below are the physical standards you must meet when at the SWCC Training Center: As you can see the pace and intensity is challenging but not impossible. It is highly recommended that you be able to perform at least the week 9 standards prior to entering. To ensure your graduation chances, it is recommended to surpass the following minimum standards with the recommended scores:

FITNESS STANDARDS

PHYSICAL EVOLUTION             STANDARDS              RECOMMENDED

WEEKS 1-3

Pull-ups                                                  06                                  12-15

Push-ups                                               55                                      80

Sit-ups                                                   60                                      80

Swim 800 meters (pool) without fins 35:00                               17:00

Swim 1200 meters (pool) with fins    40:00                               25:00

Run 5 kilometers (sand) with boots and pants 45:00              35:00

Water entry from a height of 10 feet                                Completion

25 meter underwater swim                                               Completion

Drownproofing                                                                   Completion

Basic Lifesaving                                                                Completion

Swim 200 meters (pool) in full uniform                            Completion

WEEKS 4-6

Pull-ups                                                 08                                  10-15

Push-ups                                              65                                  80 -100

Sit-ups                                                  70                                  80-100

Swim 1/2 mile (bay) without fins (sidestroke) 35:00               20:00

Swim 1 mile (bay) with fins (sidestroke)            55:00             45:00

Run 7 kilometers (sand) with boots and pants  50:00             40:00

Water entry from a height of 1 meter                               Completion

25 meter underwater swim (bay)                                     Completion

Drownproofing (bay)                                                         Completion

Basic Lifesaving (bay)                                                     Completion

Swim 200 meters (bay) in full uniform                            Completion

PHYSICAL EVOLUTION             STANDARDS         RECOMMENDED

WEEKS 7-9

Pull-ups                                                   11                          15-20

Push-ups                                                 70                          80-100

Sit-ups                                                     75                          80-100

Swim 1/2 mile (ocean) without fins (sidestroke) 30:00     20:00

Swim 1 mile (ocean) with fins (sidestroke) 50:00             40:00

Swim 400 meters (pool) without fins           10:30                9:00

Run 10 kilometers (sand) with boots and pants 60:00     50-55:00

Water entry from height of 1 meter                              Completion

25 meter underwater swim (ocean)                             Completion

Drownproofing (ocean)                                                 Completion

Basic Lifesaving (ocean)                                              Completion

Swim 200 meters (ocean) in full uniform                     Completion

Most of the injuries at SWCC as well as BUDS involves unprepared legs for high amounts of running. You have to run to get better at running. Check out the links on StewSmith.com for sample running, swimming, and PT programs:

To achieve the above scores may take at least 12 weeks even if you are fairly active and workout regularly. Here are some sample workouts to help boost your scores.

Your calisthenic workouts should consist of the above exercises performed every other day for a total of 3-4 times per week. The day of PT rest will help your muscles recover and be able to gain more reps in two minutes. Also practice perfect form but do each of the exercises as fast as you can. Speed and endurance is your goal. 

Pullup Pyramid System - See pullup workout for ideas to increase pullups. 

Workout ideas for FREE - See this workout for ideas to increase pushups and situps. These 20-30 minute workouts really work. 

Run Faster - Check out this link to run faster 

Master Any PFT Test - Check out this link for tips to get a few extra points on your PFT instantly. 

The Combat Swimmer Stroke  - AKA sidestroke (advanced version)

With any download you buy you get over 40 hours of training personally designed for future students of the group AND access to Stew Smith (the author) for any answers to your training questions!!

If you are interested in the preparatory workout for the SWCC program: Click the link to go straight to the SWCC Workout . The Fitness eBook Store will allow immediate access to the workout via a download option.