… I knew deep down I wanted to do something spec ops related and the Diving booklet seemed to catch my eye…
A spec ops diver in the US Navy is a SEAL, not a Navy Diver. Navy divers are normally not combatants.
There is a user named
Akimbo that you might get in touch with. There are probably others too.
I was a Navy diver, not a SEAL. Navy diver training (now) is in Panama City Florida and BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training is in Coronado, California. My training was VERY different. I never shot a weapon after boot camp, but did get to blow some stuff up.
… From what I can gather I'm assuming dive prep is all physical and instructors trying to physically break you, and dive school is more of a mental aspect, hints trying to drown you in the pool. Anything I can do to better prep myself for whats to come? And exactly how bad do you get beat down?
I don’t think it is accurate to say that they are trying to physically break or drown you. They are testing you so you can prove to yourself that you can or cannot do the job. The Navy has nothing to gain by making you drop out of any school. Short of a medical problem like breaking bones or pneumonia, BUD/S is really mental — mind over pain, exhaustion, and hypothermia. The objective isn’t doing “X” number of jumping jacks after a nighttime swim with sand in your crotch. It is all about never giving up. They can make you physically stronger over time, but they can’t reprogram your brain to do what’s necessary or die trying. They are called SEAL Teams for a reason. Your failure in the field can kill team members and the mission.
I worked with a lot of SEALs after getting out of the Navy and one thing became abundantly clear. Regardless of what this site says, the main obstacle is the cold.
Top 10 Things to Know Before BUD/S | Military.com
I don’t know if there is anything you can do to develop your cold tolerance, especially in the two months left before boot camp, but you can learn about hypothermia. I have also known several recreational divers who were highly motivated and Triathlon-level fit who rang the bell (voluntarily quit BUD/S training) because they couldn’t handle the cold.
Just to give you an idea, I have a good friend who is a retired SEAL. He swims several miles for a workout… in Monterey Bay without a wetsuit or fins. I would be a floating blue corpse if I tried that… and it would require a gun to my head to make me try.
You also need a backup plan. As an officer, you get sent to the fleet as a Line Officer if you drop out of SEAL training. An enlisted sailor is designated a primary rate out of boot camp, such as Boatswain's Mate or Electrician’s Mate. Dropping out of BUD/S will get you sent to the fleet or to an “A” school to learn the basics of your primary rating before going to the fleet. You have a limited opportunity to request a certain rating in Boot Camp. Getting that rating will depend on your test scores and the needs of the Navy.
List of United States Navy ratings - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The reason that is important is it can limit your options if you do have to drop out of BUD/S. Say for instance you would like to volunteer for submarine duty. Choosing a rating required on the boats will give you a far better chance.
A lot has changed since I was a sailor so check everything out yourself. Navy Divers are now a primary rating, as are Special Warfare Operators (SEALs). Where do you live? You are trying to make a critical decision that will affect the rest of your life. I would travel to the nearest SEAL team base, find a favorite SEAL watering hole (bar), buy some drinks and ask questions. Chances are good that someone will take you under their wing for a while and give you far more information than you can ever get off the Internet.
Thank you for choosing to serve your country and I wish you the best finding your way in life.