"I Couldn't Push Myself To Death" | Tennessee Swimmer Captain Nightmare At BUD/S... LEARN!! 

I have nothing but respect for this guy. He got farther than 95 percent of the country ever would. Just attempting Buds is commendable

“I’d rather die before I quit” it’s easy to say it and sound cool but to really be in that moment and rather die than quit is another story. Great video

I was in Zweig's class 217 class. We began training with about 168 poeple, by the time I quit at friday of week 3 or 4 we were down to 38 or so. I suffer from PTSD from BUD/S to this day. El Nino was no joke. God bless you Jake, keep it real, wake these kids up, this aint a COD video game kiddies! You better be ready to die.

We need to stop calling finding out something isn't for us as "failure."

I was Army and never did the buds route. However, I remember during a couple deployments where we were just getting after it and got into some situations where it was literally the thought “ok I’m going to die here. I’m not going die quitting” and I know it was that mindset at the time that actually kept me alive. It’s a weird place to be to just accept and really be ok with your mortality.

I played college football 1989-1993 University of Kentucky Dline!! There was times in winter workouts where I felt death but a coach named Larry New would scream "KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU DIE, WE GOT PARAMEDICS HERE TO RESUSCITATE YOU". I use that knowledge in my life now!! NEVER QUIT!

I went to BUD/S back 1993 (Class 191 & 192) at the age of 29. The mindset when I went to BUD/S was the childhood game 'Musical Chairs.' The goal was when the music stopped you had a chair. I was aware that the failure rate was 70 - 80%. I had 'survived' 5 months of [BUD/S] training before being 'performance dropped' during an ocean swim suffering hyperthermia. So I did not experience the depression that others may have experienced I know that I gave my best! I retired after 21 years in the navy.

I’m being completely honest. When I first starting watching you Jake I thought you were being a hard ass for no reason and I didn’t like you. The more I watch your videos the more I realize how right you were and now I love your channel and respect the guy you are. These types of videos humbled me quick and snatch the soul out of my ego. Made me realize I’m no where near these guys level yet and I got more work to do. I’m about 1 week into your PDF file and I already got shin splints from the 25 mile a week run lol. I’m working the problem, Already start doubling up on my calcium and ever since I started eating pasta the way you recommended my energy levels were way better then where I started before and after workouts. Just wanted to let you know your definitely helping young guys like me improve so much (21 years old if your wondering). Thank you for everything your doing. Future Navy SEALs will be grateful to have information like this to help get them through to accomplish their dreams !

I think the interviews with those who didn't make it are more valuable than the ones of the people who did.

I ran the USMC obstacle course and was surprised by how well I did. Then after a month our OIC challenged the whole series 3 platoons of 60 guys, who started with 85 people. I had made squad leader of 4th squad, class 2045 Echo Company, 1990. The Captain ran the O course in 60 seconds and then challenged anybody to beat him. Myself and 15 others gave it a go. 3 of us 18 year old guys broke his record, a 26 year old grown ass man! We were all 3 in the high 50’s. My time was 57 seconds and I had lost a few tics on the rope climb. I was so happy and everyone was singing our praises. So much fun! It was a great morale boost for all of us. Captain Snow USMC. He joined the CIA right after that.

Thanks Mike for stepping up and handling that 4 years in the fleet.

I was in BUD/S class 243 in autumn 2002. I'm a dual citizen and couldn't get the top secret security clearance without relinquishing my British citizenship so I admin dropped. But I ran into an instructor (who later became a Mission Beach cop) at Fashion Valley Mall and told him why I dropped. He said "whatever you do in life, don't stop kicking ass." Don't worry if you drop. You have value and can contribute to humanity in or out of the SEAL teams.

This might be one of the most important videos Jake has done. Everyone thinks they can go be in SOF. No one really gets what this training is like. A small percentage gets to try out and an even smaller percentage get through that training. It's not fairytale land, it's reality. Cheers to this guy and cheers to Jake for keeping it real.

I enlisted in 2018 thinking I could go from the fleet to BUDs and was sorely mistaken. Everyone listen to Jake, you’re not gonna be able to go back if you quit or get dropped. I even had my package all set and still wasn’t going to get in because of my YG being full. I smoked that crack pipe at 18 thinking that all I wanted was to be a SEAL. Shit happens and life goes on now I’m out of the Navy and have a good job with benefits.

Sobering stuff to hear about these pipelines from the people who didn't make it, especially a stud like this dude. Glad I'm going officer.

That point of realizing it’s not going to stop exposes parts of you you don’t even know are there. Wether it’s steel pier or getting to the wagon after 40 miles thinking you’re done and watching it drive away…..you never know how you’re going to react until you’re there. Respect to Mike….turning a negative into a positive. 🤙🏻

I'm a disabled veteran from ARMY. , but I have been in that water. I don't know how you do it's cold as hell I used to MWR facility over on the the other side at breakers Beach. Sweet loving Jesus. My Tabernacle crawled up into my intestines

Mike is a stud. A lot of respect for him. I am horrible swimmer so I know SEALS was never an option. I was a SeaBee (BUCN). I loved it. Great channel Jake! Love your videos and what you are doing mentoring these young people.

This is hands down the best explanation and visualization of how brutal that training is..steel pier is a known evolution BUT the details shared here would break almost anyone. Jump in, get your uniforms soaking wet (freezing cold), take them off, lay down on the steel pier, jump in, tread water...get out...back in...out...back in...back out, put said freezing clothes on (timed), I literally felt my core temperature dropping listening to that.

Jake speaks truth. Preparation 1st then 2nd willing to die. Told my step son who wanted to go to seal.....to go marine get in elite shape. He was like i can do seal. I said yeah ur 18, ur not a swimmer, u dont run 30-40 miles a week(i mean 18 hour days during buds prob 100+ miles a week, i would guess) I told him he has no idea. Told him hes not even close to physically ready. Step son is in marines working out all the time, learning to swim and working to get into recon next couple of years. Hes loving it.💪 Proud of him

man this is so invaluable. thanks jake

Thank you Jake, Thank you Mike

Much respect to you both ,thank you for sharing and thank you for your service!!

Nothing wrong with wanting to live man. Thank you for putting this up.

Your videos save a lot of dreams & lives from being crushed.

My man still has some shame in there and I feel for the man. I am a Marine and that was tough enough and I would have loved to have gone to BUDs but back in 1976 I never had social media around to tell you the prep needed and that would have probably hurt me.

Bad ass video Jake. Great perspective to see from these fellas.

Awesome channel Jake! Thank you for mentoring this nation’s future warriors! We need more men doing what you’re doing! God bless! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Thanks Jake for getting these guys on that didn’t make it through it really gives a big perspective on the reality of BUDS IF able to get more guys like this on. the insights from them are really helpful. Also don’t stop the videos Jake love you man !

Both takes on the situation will preserve the souls of many. Bravo to both narratological takes on the dark existential reality of SEAL training. My superior in Iraq was grand and he got hurt at BUDS but was a great leader in a combat zone. I appreciate guts like my superior and Mike for their way of making the best out of a tough chapter in life.

Great interview and this man has nothing but my respect. This video was extremely valuable. Thanks Jake.

Much love and respect for the brother!

man you are keeping it real,dishing out some real advice!

This was really deep man. It’s a giant realization check on the reality of digging deeper than what’s sometimes capable for the most capable people. I’ve gotta build more grit now knowing that TACP could easily wash me out in the same way. Thanks for your videos man, I’m still staying strong on the program.

This guest has uncommon character for sharing his narrative. Salute

Amazing interview. Subscribed.

Outstanding. Courage.

Credit to this man for doing what he did and taking ownership. Not surprised hes crushing it right now

God Bless You, man. You have your whole life ahead of you to be successful. Go do it.

Fantastic interview and awesome guest! Love this authentic story

Great interview team

Jack you Provide a great service to young and women wanting to go into spec warfare..... Even us old guys get something out of your videos keep them coming shipmate....Hooya

POWERFUL INTERVIEW!!!

We love you be strong Seals

I really appreciate the comment one event does not define your whole life.... A successful life is Success outnumbers failure by one.... I very much enjoy your videos keep them coming..Hooya

Appreciate his honesty. Great interview.

I'm addicted to these honest self reflection and honest assessment videos. "Die before you quit" that's a great motivator. Excellent content!

Big up to this guy for trying to be one of the elite.. its not a failure, its a test to see where u r in life.. be a success in being a great human being.

The honesty from this dude is unique and commendable.

Great episode. Lots of great info here.

I do appreciate the content. I appreciate the work, the effort, and sincerity to this podcast/channel. Hopefully I'm not wrong when I say that, (above). And to further that I believe he is truly doing his best because he enjoys getting these stories, and many times, messages, out to everyone. It just doesn't seem like he is in it for RU-vid money or fame. So thanks and good job.

Damn! 6 min swim, sub 9 min mile in a half, 100push-ups, 115 sit-ups, and 25 pull ups. I need to do some work

These are good listens. There are way more of these guys than guys who made it through BUDs. A lot of great guys like this, too who for one reason or another didn't make it through.

This is great content!

I appreciate you, Jake.

Hey, man, you either win or you learn. So don’t feel bad if you didn’t hit a goal. You gave it what you had and that’s what matters.

I went to high school with Mike. One of the toughest dudes I have ever known and a great human being! Thanks for sharing Mike and Jake!

Dude, How in the FUCK did we go from quitting BUDs to quitting Oprah Winfrey?!?

Sometimes even when we lose we actually gain. He used his GI bill to get his Master’s degree. I’d say that’s a win. Thanks for sharing your story.

BOOM. LEGENDARY INTERVIEW.

Great video! The young man who attempted to be a SEAL now realizes he is the Man in the Arena. No shame and total respect. No shame in striving for greatness. Striving is winning. End of story.

"The Man in the Arena" Teddy Roosevelt, applies to everyone who attempts to do something difficult.

Jake, I don’t even know how your videos showed up to me…but dayum they are good. I have heard many SEALS on podcasts say “your never hear or meet anyone who QUIT BUDS. Recently I heard Shawn Ryan on his podcast make that statement. And then I see your two videos by the two young men who did. What POWERFUL videos! The first young man was good, but this one with Mike literally made me cry. Look, I am the proud daughter of a WWII Ranger who after Anzio, transitioned to the First Special Service Force….I’m a proud American. These young men feeling like failures, ashamed and as Mike said, feeling that his quitting defined him broke ME. Broke my heart. First any American who serves this country, even the enlisting, is a hero to me. So them feeling shame is heartbreaking. Thank you for interviewing them and for lifting them up in your interviews. They obviously respect you, and you served them well by telling their story, making them feel they DID serve and there IS power in their stories. I am hooked on your channel now! Thank you for the great videos.

Wish there was someone or mentor like you when I was younger and going for the Royal Marines, Someone who just wants to help, doesn’t want money for the great help, and great advice plus motivation, you don’t have any ego in the way, Just really solid advice, I could of done with zach advise, I hope the navy and army are understand the effort and work you put in to help young men to join the military, Respect Adam From England

Thankyou for your service .

Awesome video

Man, I loooove this. Thank you! I quitted something I regret to this very day. This is Powerful!!!!!!!

"everybody breaks man, you just have to keep it from becoming fatal". Daaaayuummm....

Great video, hard facts.

Another awesome video, thank you Mike, good luck with your future endeavors! Jake, I hope you get better ASAP! Vitamin c, d and zinc help

Exactly man If you’re the right guy you go all in because there is nothing else You have to be responsible with your life and understand before you get there If this is for you because if you can’t push yourself to death You love your life to much to serve and sacrifice You should really work hard on figuring out what matters to you and what’s worth sacrificing for

Choose & do not think. Being over prepared or under prepared. Be patient or become the patient. Be a victim or have victims. Kill or be killed. Choose or be chosen. Know more or think more. Heaven or Hell. A pamphlet or RU-vid. Life is a blink & balance is key. The only good day was yesterday & the only comfort was never getting comfortable. Platinum Respect to Jake & Mike. 🇺🇸 🌬🧊💎

I JUST CAME ACROSS THIS CHANNEL..I LOVE IT...SEMPER FI

Just subbed brother

Mike, you are a stud just to even attempt it.

Tons of guys get seriously injured in buds, leave with permanent injuries (heat stroke etc), and even die so I wonder if some people think "I'll just push myself even to death" well shit man you might actually die. Some dudes quit before that happens and others just push through and never recover this is an awesome video talking to a guy who DOR'd, very cool for this guy to get on here

Loved what you said about BUD/S in the early 80's. No one outside the military knew about the SEALS. In 1980 I went to join army to be a Green Beret. They didn't like that I had a prior, (disorderly conduct) so I went next door and the Navy recruiter said "we got something better". It was both UDT and SEAL back then. Went to Boot, then A school, (photo mate) and then BUD/S class 116. (Mr. Menendez OIC) Hell week sucked. Hallucinated on night 3. But the worst of the worst, was Steel Pier. Butt ass naked on the the cold aluminum. That was the only time I considered quitting, and that lasted about 2.5 seconds. Then it was back to loving the suck. Day 4, I think, we took the IBS through the O course. That was fun. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Damn BUD's sounds really crazy when I hear real testimonials. Thanks for serving!!!

Really impressive guy.

Real talk right here

I can see in his face the anguish,shit I can feel it cos I know the feeling of failure (30 years ago (not military) - got on with life and I’m truly blessed but it wrecked me even though I know for a fact it’s 100% psychological,it still wrecked me,never got over it but that’s life it really is.

powerful stuff

Great video. i like to the stories. Used to be an Airman. Left the team in a bad way. Got to move past it. Keep it moving! Still an Airman. ; )

In my bud/s class in 2016, our instructors kept us in the water during steel pier (Monday night of hell-week) until they got at-least 5 people to quit. I didn’t think that many people would quit during the evolution but as soon as 1 dude quit about 10 minutes in, a trail of 6-7 people followed with him. That was the coldest I have ever been in my life.

Hell, I got hurt training in Damneck VA just waiting to go to buds running soft sand runs every night, 1 mile down and 1 mile back and stepped in a 2 feet deep hole that a kid dug that i didnt see running at night. Probably a blessing in disguise tbh. But I did feel like a failure as my goal and only goal was to become a Seal. Kudos for giving it your all!

The thing is he at least tried. Failure should never define anyone, it should make you stronger.

i got hypothermia hiking in the wilderness in February new York at night time, i ended up getting waist deep in water on some random stream in the mountains to showboat to my friend. man being cold cold is horrible, i used to love the cold and feeling cold before that happened. Now a days if it drops below 60 i hate being outside without a coat.

Every time I watch a video those subscriptions are going up and up.

This video and the one before is probably worth more than 100 training and motivational videos put together when it comes to Bud/s.

Powerful

Mr Zweig, love your vids. Should training for army sapper be similar to the training you recommend for ranger/seal? been following you for a while but haven't seen any vids on going through sapper school and I was wondering thanks

I think this was amazing and informative and I'm glad that he shared his story, I hope he's doing okay. He was an amazingly fit athlete and top tier performer but didn't make it. The thing I think about is that in a situation where America is at war with a conventional force (say China), I'm pretty sure guys like him would be able to get through special forces training easier. The level of casualties and dangerous missions would mean that they wouldn't be needing to get rid of extremely high performance people that are on a 95/100 of mental game instead of a 100/100 or 110% like yourself Mr. Zweig. It's a grim thought and hopefully we never get in that situation but I still think guys like him would be given a pipeline to do some decently high speed work due to casualty rates even if not necessarily SEALs. It's not much consolation I guess and it's just my opinion but the needs and circumstances of the armed forces can change but what wouldn't change is that you'd still need to put in your best. If casualties were high sure you may find selection is more flexible/ streamlined but you will be facing the dangerous missions that are taking the lives of a lot of soldiers so it doesn't mean it's "easier".

Being a strength coach with a Navy Seal resume would have been so much better. I actually feel bad for this dude.

Mmm-kaaaay lol. Love your videos man

Knew a couple top level swimmers who quit because of the cold as well. It’s another level of psychological challenge.

these quitting stories are heart rendering, but the truth is these brave noble men, once they ring the bell, they will never attain that self contained confident look in the back of their eyes, they instantly become second guessing defeated personalities for eternity, if only I bit the bullet for another minute, what if I did that, what if I did this.. a recurring nightmare for life, a pity !!!

For the past 20yrs or so UKSF have classed those who don't pass as being "unsuccessful" as opposed to being "failures". The rationale is that guys who apply for UKSF are hard charging high achievers who don't want a perceived Black Mark on their records should they not pass. As a mind set it makes total sense, you may not be SF material but you can still be an ultra high performing soldier and achieve significant rank so there's no sense in putting them off applying etc. This guy seems to fit that mould, he'd have been a top 2% soldier just not quite making the 1% and there's no shame in trying to hit that top 1% and not making it. Respect where it's due.

I've met a dude who passed buds/but was safety violation dropped during SQT...so it's wild...dude literally had his baby brother make it through and were both stationed in BAHRAIN at the same time...lol..

My take on SF is it's more about mindset than fitness. Fitness is important you have to be in shape but if you aren't willing to push yourself beyond the limits or to new limits, if you aren't looking forward to being miserable, if you aren't willing to die to achieve your goal, you have a slim chance of making it through. I was in WC with a girl who could barely do 2 pull-ups 2 months in, she graduated the pipeline top of her class, I know another chick real bad ass crossfit warrior type chick went EOD graduated with ease. I know a couple buddies Diver & EOD that DOR'd at Dive School, they were in better shape than the two girls but mentally weren't/ didn't go to the limits. Even when I was in the ND pipeline for WC, when I would workout after our workout with the SWCC/SO candidates you could tell the ones that were in really good shape, then you could tell the ones that wired with that crazy loose screw mentality, you need that shit for BUD/s in particular. I grew up in SoCal, that water in the Pacific Ocean/SD is ice fuckin cold, year fuckin round. You might as well take an ice bath to the 15th power.

They say that if they let Hell Week by Hell Month, they would have no one left. No one would have quit (the SEALS in the group I mean), they would work until they died.. Everyone cannot be a SEAL - it is intense. It hurts - but this guy can literally do anything in life he puts his mind to! And dude, if he would have not quit, dude would be a SEAL. He let one bad mistake make his immediate fate.