SEAL Training Age Limit Waiver Data Shows Zero Success Rate Over 28
"Above 28, dude, I mean, you got to get a waiver to get into BUD/S. And we gave, I think we gave 11 waivers when I was the XO there. Zero made it. The body just doesn't heal fast enough."
About this episode
On Jocko Podcast 541, host Jocko Willink welcomed back Navy SEAL veteran Jimmy May to discuss fatherhood, veteran transition, and the explosive growth of Beyond the Brotherhood, May's nonprofit supporting elite special operators after service. May, who served with Task Unit Bruiser in Ramadi and later commanded at multiple SEAL units, revealed that his organization has achieved zero suicides among over 60 high-risk veterans, all screened for character and provided tailored career mentorship. The conversation opened with May's reflections on parenting his 12-year-old son, detailing how he applies leadership principles—such as letting children set their own rules and build things themselves—to raise resilient, self-reliant kids. May shared LinkedIn posts he writes about fatherhood that have gained significant followings, covering topics like teaching maintenance, overcoming learned helplessness, and instilling respect without blind obedience. Willink and May also explored the origins of Beyond the Brotherhood, founded after May lost four teammates to suicide within four months of retirement. May described the nonprofit's rigorous screening process, requiring evaluations from superiors, peers, and subordinates, followed by personality assessments, medical detox from military pharmaceuticals, and one-on-one mentorship with civilian business leaders. He disclosed that his original board resigned en masse over disagreements about mission scope, prompting Willink and others to step in and fuel exponential growth. The episode also covered May's adventure company, Mayday Executive, which offers high-intensity corporate team-building experiences like spearfishing, car stunts, and firearms training. The pair discussed upcoming fundraising efforts, including a 3.5-mile New York City swim around the Statue of Liberty aiming to raise $1 million for veteran support. Willink praised May's leadership and the model's success, noting the critical importance of helping elite warfighters transition without losing their sense of identity and purpose. The conversation closed with reflections on government waste, California's e-bike safety crisis, and the enduring value of passing skills across generations.
Key takeaways
- Beyond the Brotherhood has achieved zero suicides among 60-plus screened Navy SEAL veterans considered highest-risk after multiple combat deployments.
- May disclosed that during his BUD/S tenure, 11 age waivers were granted to candidates over 28, and none completed training due to slower recovery.
- Willink cited reports that California spent $160 million providing iPads to prisoners, framing it as emblematic of reckless government spending.
- Southern California faces an unregulated e-bike crisis with children as young as 11 riding 60 mph vehicles in gang-like groups, resulting in fatalities.
- Beyond the Brotherhood's original board resigned collectively over mission disagreements before Willink and others rebuilt leadership and accelerated growth.
- May's nonprofit uses a rigorous screening process including superior, peer, and subordinate evaluations, personality assessments, medical detox, and civilian mentorship.
- The NYC SEAL Swim around the Statue of Liberty is targeting $1 million in fundraising, with 300 swimmers raising a minimum of $2,000 each.