Extra Guys show up for Hell Night but during Platoon and Advanced Training the class size is 16 guys' max. This allows for much one on one time with trainees and greater attention to detail.  We keep the classes small...

The below critique was written by a trainee who "Forced" himself to come here, needing to take a hard look at himself, and his life.

Leaving a week later, he left a trail of Ass Kicking across Virginia as wide as an interstate.

You died on June 12th before my eyes.  You fought the battle for years but
it took you in the end at 8 years old.  My close and dear Nephew, Alex.

I thought I was tough enough but I was not.  The downward spiral then took
its grasp.  It always had a firm hold on me but never overtook me until now.
As I moved downward it weighed on my marriage, my job, my friends.  You come
to the crossroads at the age of 31 and wonder what is next?  The Lexus, the
boat all the crap doesn't fill the void as you thought it would on the day
of College graduation 8 years ago.  Who knew I would be here now, wondering
what next?

I found Extreme Seal Experience doing my usual self-educating of useless
military knowledge.  I've read all the books, watched all the documentaries,
played the "I can do that" game in my mind, but what is this?  These guys
must be out of their minds to pay for this type of training.  An hour went
by and I found myself in a different state of mind.  Maybe this is exactly
what I need?  A shock therapy of sorts.  Age 8, baseball team, too hard, not
enough playing time, just quit.  College, Fraternity pledging, too hard,
just quit.  Not this time.  I'm forcing myself into a situation with no way
out, with everything at stake.  Complete it and get a feeling of
satisfaction that I've never experienced before in all my life.  Quit and
the downward spiral continues on, this time more rapid and deeper, live in
shame and regret.  

There is no middle ground on this one and a lot on the line.  I woke up my
wife at 12:30 in the morning.  She didn't understand what this training was
all about but she wanted the outcome, she wanted change.  The next day I sat
down in the morning with my boss and counterpart.  They didn't understand
what this training was all about but they wanted the outcome, they wanted
change.  I wanted change!  My boss went so far to state that if I came home
early I would be terminated.  He knew that if I quit then it would continue
the downward spiral and I would be no use to the business any longer.  

Only Don knew of my "baggage".   I left everything in the vault from day 1,
but the guys knew something was up.  Sizing each other up, shirtless, etc.
They could see something in me that didn't quite fit the mold of the typical
trainee.  No matter, I would conquer the tasks at hand and earn the respect.
Looking across the lake in the morning I told myself there was no way I was
going to make it to the other side when I heard Don say "go to the other
side and come back" I could have quit on the spot.  One tough evolution at a
time and many "F-faces" later I found myself in the middle of "hell night".
Wanting to quit, wanting to quit, cold, wet.  "Can't quit", "can't quit".  I
wondered all week what would I say to myself to shut off my mind wanting the
easy way out.  I found the answer during the tough tasks.  "I can't let my
boat crew pick up my slack if I quit," that was it and it worked.  Hell
night will end and when it did I choked up and almost dropped to my knees.
It was the feeling of satisfaction that I had been yearning for.  I didn't
know how I would get there but Don took care of that for me.  He placed the
tasks in front of me and I kicked their ass!  Thanks Don, I'll never forget
what you did for me. You changed my life. –Rob