Rising Above the Challenge: A Black Navy SEAL's Incredible Story of Survival in BUDS Meat Grinder 

Take a shot every time we get an "oakaaaay". Great vid Jake.

“Houston we have a problem ....mkayyyyyy” makes it sound less stressful when trapped in space

Whenever he says mkayyy makes me feel like everything is going to be ok

Proud of you bruh. As a retired army senior NCO, I love hearing stories from African American Special Operations men.

Whenever he says “mmmmmkkkaaayyy” I get reminded of Key and Peele

"You fail you go home" mkayy...

As this was uploaded on my birthday, and me being a black male who had aspirations of becoming a SEAL, coming across this video was something special.

He talks like Mr. Garrison from south park mmmkayy

@jakezweig Let me just say that operators like you, David Goggans and the few others that represent our small minority in special operations give all of us young guys the motivation and example to keep pushing. I’m only 33 now but I spent 6 years in SWCC before I was medically discharged and of the 800 or so SWCC operators I was one of only 26 African Americans on active duty during my time. Although times have changed there is most DEFINITELY still a stigma against blacks in Special operations especially when it comes to the Seals or SWCC. There’s a lot of stereotyping and almost distrust for us which means we have to go even further and beyond to prove ourselves. But we did it, thanks for helping pave the way!! “On time, on target, NEVER quit”

WOW! what an inspiring story. I am a black female Officer Seabee in the Navy and can relate to the struggles and the feeling of knowing you aren't welcome. Thank you for sharing. Hopefully I can overcome all my obstacles just as you have.

Thank you for your service. Im always so intrigued by these SEAL stories. You guys are truley another breed of human. My accomplishment was Army Infantry with 1 Year in combat Ramadi and Fallujah 2003-2004 era. Lots of all night stack team door kicking. That was enough for me. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I've seen/heard a few interviews and podcasts ect. with SEALs who talked about Jake. They all said he was a stud in the SEAL teams.

Sir, you have my upmost respect to come out on top with everything working against you. What really hit home in this video and what I can relate to is when you said about the other guys can fail a section and be ok, but you weren’t playing under those same rules. This exactly how I felt during my years at UGA College of Pharmacy as one of only 2 African American males in my class of 140. We really need to hear your voice in our community to show younger kids that what society might tell them is impossible is very possible if you rather die before you fail! Thanks brother

This guy is the Mr. Mackey of seal Mkay.

People stupidly say that there is no "racism" in the military. Well that is absolutely bs. What Jake went through is evidence that it is alive and well; especially in the SpecOps community. It is, what it is.. Kudos to Jake, my Dad, David Goggins and other brothers for their perseverance

Only easy day was yesterday. If you fail as a enlisted you go to the fleet if a officer you are now a civilian....yea thats it

“mmm’kaayy”

Was in my recommended videos, glad I clicked. Respect Mr. Zweig, you’re one hard mother and a hell of an inspiration.

Damn good story. You should post some more stories like these. Thank you for your service. Mkayy 🙏🤙

That shower story is epic, what a badass

The way he says “Kayyy” is 😂 funny but adorable

Hell of story....glad i got to serve with warrior's like you, although i hated setting up blocking positions while yall got to go in and have the fun haha, Army Infantry, Afghanistan 2006

Thank you King! You keep us alive a thousand miles away!

Thank so much for you service 🙏🏿 I'm praying your videos get me to being a navy seal

You sir have a terrific story telling ability!! Thank you!

I leave for prep in a few weeks, thanks for the talk!

Thanks for sharing your story and thank you for your service!

Mr Zweig i watched this video last night and today i broke my running time by 5 minutes y just want to thank you for your great words of encouragement

Thanks for sharing Jake!

Awesome presentation and articulated story, very inspiring.

"the cold fears zweig, tell us that a book will be forthcoming" -flexa-

It was great chatting today on the phone Jake. Man hearing your stories man, really pumps me up to want to go after such a badass job. You’re a tough dude and I agree with these comments that say that racism and blatant torture like that should be investigated and they reprimanded. I’m going to pursue that pilot slot though. Hope to keep in touch brother. Let’s get some minorities in those officer positions!

Jake Zweig-the definition of a badass. Thanks for posting this.

Jake, you are truly an inspiration!! It would be awesome, I think, if your story was told by you, on the big screen!! The gritty and all, your journey to excellence!!

I just wanted to watch the first 5 minutes to see what's up but the stories got me so invested i watched the whole thing.Thats the attitude and people like you and john that make the world a better place. Never stop!

Thank you for your service and congrats on being able to live your life knowing that you are the 1%.

What an inspiring story! Sorry for the loss of your classmate, and thank you for your service.

"YOU DIDNT GET COLD YOU GOT HOTTERRRR" man imma use that same phrase when im at buds lmfaooo

Thank you for your service!!

Awesome stories man.... you refused to loose. Your mindset made you unstoppable. Thank you for your service.

Very inspirational story. As a african american male I wanted to do something insane like joining the special forces . I'm not physically fit. But I believe I am mentally. I dotn know what the future holds for me but I realized from you that I won't be controlled physically. The game is all in your head and you can achieve anything. Thanks for sharing your story.

Man this was an absolute testimony, i think i really needed this. Everyday you have to earn your trident, every day you prepare as if tomorrow is the superbowl. everyday is tuesday, and youll get through anything in life.

Great stories, Jake. You keeping it real. 80's and 90's for me.

Great video. Came here from your interview with Lively which was superb. Knew of him and Class 234 since watching the documentary back in 2007. I had not had the privilege of "knowing' you until "meeting" you in the interview.👍🏿. As a 75 year old vet, when we grew up, back in the day, we were told from the earliest, to always do 110%. It was teaching moment, said for a reason. by our elders, who may have had less education than we did, but understood the value of education and working hard, if not in fact harder, than our white counter parts. That is stated as a fact of life not a statement of victimhood. THIS is not a bad world we live in and there are a lot of us damn good people of all shapes, sizes, descriptions and colors in it. Be it in the military or in the world, It just that there are some knuckleheads who have a perspective on life that no legislation can change what is in their hearts and souls. Sometimes the best payback is not kicking someone else's ass, physically, but kicking their ass by being 400%[better] prepared and leaving them sitting in their quicksand of ignorance and being unprepared. Now I'm gonna retire my podium, lol. Thank you sir, and keep up the great work. E-7 USAR, Ret

This has been the fastest 40 min video ever, I need more brother. I’m watching this the day before I ship for the marines!

You sir are one bad ass SEAL

Thank you for your service.

Jake's story recalibrated my standard for of hard work.

Man, I'm glad i got to hear this speech. Really puts life into perspective to understand no matter how hard someone tries to break you, you are the only one in control of your Destiny. Sleeping outside in your underwear for 5 fucking days? Mentally they went to the extreme to break you. I spent 2 years of literally every waking moment of my life trying to join the Army. 265 pounds, criminal record, traffic record, and at 29 years of age. I trained 7 days a week, went to MEPs more times than i can count, interview with a company commander and battalion commander, psychological evaluation, moral wavier, and starved myself and dehydrated myself for days and weeks at a time. Wavier went up to USAREC to a 1 star general in October 2016 and was disapproved. Than march 2017 i tried again with our new Commander and Chief. Enlisted as 11X 11X March 2017. Bitter sweet unfortunately I was medically Discharged and that followed up with kidney problems and ankle surgery. But, this moment right now I am Training to join by july. This speech allowed me to understand its not about the past or your failures, its about your preparation and your will to never quit on yourself.

Straight beast 💪 and facts " it didn't matter because at the end of the day, I ate it all"

I know this was long agonfor you but thank you so much for your service and for the inspiration

If our country had more Jake Zewigs it would not be in the pitiful shape it is now. A man of integrity, honor and grit. A huge, grateful salute to you Sir! Great story.

Ohhkayy

Army Artillery Veteran here and we learn first , we don’t see color, except red when your buddy is bleeding 🩸

Brilliant stuff!

amazing experience, thank you for sharing. keep up the good work.

We finally found the real life Mr.Mackey guys. Didn't expect him to be a SEAL, I'll be honest.

This experience is a Masterclass in the Practice of Stoicism

Thank you for sharing your experiences I will never lose those lessons Godspeed..!

So Happy I found this Video!!!!!!!!!!

Jake needs to get on Joe Rogan podcast!

Make sure you put the cover sheet on that TPS report mmm’kaayy. Great stories bro, I remember you from Top Shot. You were not playing their games lol!! Look forward to more videos!!

May God bless you. Thank you for your service. Shalom.

Thank you sir.

That guy chewing in the front row drove me crazy!

I’m going to try out for SEAL training after I graduate college in a year and a half, and I’ve been training for about a year already. I hope to get on your level one day haha

Really good and entertaining video, full of wisdom. Shared it with my son who is going to Marine Corps OCS this summer. R/ New "Jake Zweig" fan.

My son told me about this brother about a year ago. This dude has my ultimate respect.

Great insight on the teams.

Great video! I was Goggins’ indoc roommate in 235. I listen to many of these stories but think it would be way more fun to tell them. I was not fully prepared and it upsets me at times. For anybody going to be BUD/S take advantage of this knowledge and prep in all areas physically. It is a life long purgatory if you cheat yourself on your dreams. I am still trying to prove myself to myself everyday. Great video! Great story!

Great lessons

Hey i stumbled on your vids because i was looking for training to build up my running and have no intensions of becoming a seal(or trying) but i watched the whole 42min video and enjoyed what you shared. Thank you for sharing your incredible experiences.

Brotherhood...

You prevailed despite blatant racism and Literally couldn't be broken. Awe inspiring!

Man, that's more human than human for sure, thank you for your service Sir.

Sir. Much respect for your journey and success. I'm 45 and wished I had pursued a career as a SEAL. The information was never made available as I was growing up. I'd give anything to spend a day with a SEAL for their knowledge and advice. Much Respect

Ever notice swim buddies are always the guy you fought with and now is your best friend. In bootcamp I got 300 8 counts with a puddle of sweat under me and marching party every night and were pissed i didn't sweat to stain my dungarees

Hey Jake. I really admire watching your videos, I like them. I just started watching your content. I’m currently training for SEALs. I’m 24 years old, just a basic average dude, nothing special, who really slacked a lot during high school, no college degree, just working full time doing front desk security. idk if it’s too late to train for NSW but it’s been a long life dream of mine to serve my country. I just took the initiative to take this path serious, started training this year, put in the hard work, reading a lot of books, basically doing everything that I should’ve done during my HS career. Is there a way I can get in contact with you and ask questions? Thanks Sir.

Thanks Jake ! Inspiration!

Keep it going!

Don Shipley enters the chat*

Mkaaaaay

RESPECT ✊🏿 “you can’t control Me with work I’m Uncontrollable! Strong uncanny brother!

Well done sir!

“Mmmmkkkayyy”

He’s like a swole Mr. Garrison from Southpark

Such an inspiring story

Awesome video. I was drawn in the whole time.

So I am 18 as of now but I'm planning on joining the navy In 4-6 years. I injured my back from wrestling and jiujitsu so I have to take a while to recover my injury and eventually get into better shape. I am just now again starting to train but lightly for the next six months or so. I am skinny (5'11" 152) because of the cutting I had to do for wrestling but I was wondering what it would take to get you as a mentor in a few years?

Great insight. My son wants to be a Seal. Know there’s not many of our color that enter and pass. Hopefully with men like you that have blazed the way, things have gotten better culturally. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

It’s my dream to be a SEAL it is a great inspiration for all you have done. Stay hard!

Outstanding mentor

Kaaaay...

That’s one tough frogman.

BOOM! Great class Jake

Remarkable story. You should be a speaker at all inner city high schools, in order to inspire our Black youth to change their lives and be the best that they can be. I know people like you, smart, gifted athletically, and tough mentally. I still can't believe that you "played" with the instructors minds. Wasn't the training hard enough? Thumbs up and new subscriber. And I do remember seeing Buddy Young at his brief time with the Colts in Memorial Stadium.

Great insight, Thank you for your service. If i was your friend your nickname would be "Mr. Mackey" mmkaaay

I don't get it: Segregation is Bad, BUT Society Separates Us Black Folk from the Rest of the other Races. If Segregation is Bad, Black History Month is Bad. Racism would decrease Drastically if everyone would quit talking about RACE! I have heard my Brothers say "There is only one Race the Human Race" or People Should be Color Blind. HUH? I don't get it If there is only one Race "The Human Race" why are my people always talking race and color? Some the most Racist people i know are Brown folk! HYPOCRITES!

thank you for your service Jake, true Frogman Navy Seal!

Wow I should have waited to post a comment till the end. Inspirational