In honor of Veterans Day, our article will be the first in a series of interviews with Brad McLeod, former Navy SEAL and founder of SEAL Grinder PT.
Brad graduated from SEAL training in BUD/S class 132 against all odds and having failed out the first time through for a math test (I had been through Hell Week and was dropped in second phase). Despite having no athletic background and having life long asthma Brad climbed his personal Mount Everest and made it through BUD/S the second time (He spent close to 10 (yes, ten) months in BUD/S in total going through Hell Week twice – and went on to serve on SEAL Team 4. Although he lacked physical ability he was determined not to quit and worked hard to mentally stay in the game and succeed.
Here is Part I:
Z: Brad, thanks for taking the time to crank this interview. Tell us how and why you became inspired to become a Navy SEAL?
Men with the Green Faces". I was mesmerized and knew this was what I wanted to do. I decided right then to pick the biggest gnarliest dream I could accomplish and becoming a Navy SEAL was my goal. 
10 Responses
Hooyah Brad and Zach! Happy Veterans Day to all who have and still are serving this great nation.
I graduate BUD/S Class 167 and I have enjoyed both of your websites for my own workouts.
Thanks
Kory, you’re the man, brutha, pls. keep me posted if we can ever crank an interview for the blog, I’d be happy to return the favor, brutha!
Good stuff! I love the pic! Cinder blocks are a great tool, I have entire cinder block workouts occasionally. God bless our troops!
Kory, Dude!!! I am beyond honored that you find the blog a place to inspire and learn from.
I am beyond humbled and at a loss for words, thank YOU!!
–Z–
A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. That is beyond honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact. Thank you Brad and all the other members, former members and future members of our armed forces!
A big THANK YOU to our troops, and a Shout out to the Mountain Warfare Instructors in Vermont!@ Brad; What was the most mentally and physically challenging part of of your training?
I am just really interested into how Special Ops work out. I assume alot of bodyweight. I would really like to emulate how they train because they are so bad ass. Do they lift weights?
Matt
Your determination and skills could be of great vaule to the wounded warriors representing all of our armed foeces struggleing to make a new life for themselves while at VA and Military rehab facilities across the country. I am proud to be your teammate.
MCPO Pete Slempa RET.
Plank Owner, ST-1
Buds Class 19, West.
Hello, I am trying to achieve long term goal (i’m at the age of 14) to be strong enough join the navy, right now I workout at home I do sit ups, squats, push ups and pull ups. I am wondering what parts I need to be strong to be prepared for BUDs training. Instead of just those extra sizes. I’ve always wanted to be a navy seal and I need to know how to be eligible to join.
Hi Brayden, there are actually MANY books and resources on YouTube for this, with former SEALs sharing exactly what it takes. I would join the wrestling team and LAX team. I would get GREAT at calisthenics, join a swim club and go all in.
If you’re asking me what it takes, you need to use google and take aggressive action. Many former SEALs are sharing their strategies.