Special Warfare Combat Crewman

SWCC are maritime Special Operators trained to deliver combat capability where the sea meets the shore. Operating in high-risk environments, they employ advanced platforms, specialized equipment and tactical expertise to execute Naval Special Warfare missions around the world. As a member of this elite community, you may:

1. Conduct special reconnaissance and intelligence collection missions to identify threats and provide critical battlefield awareness
2. Carry out direct action missions against maritime targets with precision, speed and disciplined execution
3. Perform maritime interdiction operations, including boarding and securing vessels involved in hostile or illicit activity
4. Enable combat mobility in shallow-water environments and contested areas inaccessible to larger naval vessels
5. Operate and maintain advanced combat craft, weapons systems, communications equipment, robotics systems and autonomous platforms
6. Integrate across the joint force, Navy strike groups, and expeditionary teams to execute complex SOF maritime operations and maintain global operational readiness
7. Execute clandestine insertion and extraction operations through challenging maritime environments

Special Warfare Combat Crewman undertake missions the U.S. Navy keeps very quiet because of how vitally important they are. They are extensively trained to execute high-risk warfare and reconnaissance missions in river and coastline settings. SWCC operators may be deployed anywhere in the world and operate day or night in cold weather, desert, tropical or jungle environments. Though much of your time will be spent training or in the field on missions, you may work in an office on administration duties from time to time. As the Sailors who insert and extract Navy SEALs from classified locations around the world, they are true warriors—highly trained, disciplined and distinguished.

Becoming a SWCC Operator requires exceptional physical readiness, mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure. Through an intense training pipeline built around discipline, teamwork and precision, SWCC candidates develop the skills required to operate specialized combat craft and support Naval Special Warfare missions worldwide.

At Recruit Training Command (RTC), also known as Boot Camp, you will complete comprehensive physical evaluations and medical screenings before beginning specialized training at the Naval Special Warfare Center – SWCC Training Center (STC). There, you will be challenged to meet the highest standards of performance while building the capabilities needed to operate in demanding maritime environments.

Your training pipeline includes:

1. Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command — 7 weeks
   1. Phase Zero prepares candidates for the physical and mental demands of SWCC training while assessing readiness for the following phase.
2. ALPHA Phase — 7 weeks
   1. The selection phase evaluates physical endurance, mental resilience and the ability to perform as part of a high-performing team.
3. BRAVO Phase — 7 weeks
   1. Develops foundational SWCC capabilities, including boat operations, navigation, communications and maritime tactics.
4. CHARLIE Phase — 13 weeks
   1. Builds advanced operational skills required of SWCC Operators, including Naval Special Warfare Survival, Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) training and Static Line Jump School.

Members of the Naval Special Warfare community have any number of unique opportunities to advance their education. Navy training provides everything from the fundamentals of explosive ordnance disposal, to knowledge of chemical and biological warfare, military tactics, deep-sea diving or a number of other tactical military procedures.

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy training in the NSW field can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education.

You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

A high school degree or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Navy SWCC operator, but the standards of qualification require the kind of mental and physical fortitude that few possess. For those making the cut, immense challenges and constant training are a way of life.

To qualify for SWCC training, you must:

• Meet specific eyesight requirements: 20/40 best eye; 20/70 worst eye; correctable to 20/25. Ask your local Navy recruiter about color blindness.
• Meet the minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score: AR+VE ≥105, MC ≥ 51 or AR + 2MK + GS = 210 and MC ≥ 51
• Be less than 31 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance

SWCCs should possess an aptitude for mechanical skills, study habits, arithmetic and basic algebra, and ability to work with others as a team.

You should be in excellent physical condition and motivated to endure rigorous physiological demands. Strong swimming skills and the ability to withstand fatigue is essential. SWCCs must be able to work under stressful and hazardous conditions. Important personal traits also include self-assurance and self-confidence, high moral character and the willingness to follow orders.

The Minimum and Elevated Navy Physical Screening Test (PST & EPST) requirements for SWCC are:

Candidates who achieve the Elevated Physical Screening Test (EPST) scores shown above may qualify for the Enlisted Bonus for Shipping (EB-SHP) program. These elevated standards must be met during your 14-day shipping PST to be eligible for the bonus. Learn more about Navy enlistment bonuses.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

For additional questions or inquiries, contact: [email protected].

There are no part-time jobs as a Navy Reserve Sailor in this role. Go back to Careers to find other jobs that have a Reserve component. You can also find out more about what life is like as a Reserve Sailor in the Navy.