Dear Senior Chief,

Ready for buds training. 

I know that this e-mail is a bit after the fact but I would just like to say

thank you for the amazing June class. I truly respect what it is you do there,

and I feel that going through that experience has made me even more driven in

the direction of the SEAL teams. Nearly every principle you taught I had

already subconsciously believed in and it was interesting hearing it from

another person.

Now that I am back home, everything is as you said it would be. Almost no one here understands why I did it. I miss my brothers and hope that they all achieve their lives goals. ESE was a great confidence booster and I have finally realized something I had

known to be true since junior high this is what I wanted. I want to live the

SEAL life style and achieve my own life’s goals.

ESE has also taken some immediate effects on my life. While I was there I was able to observe my own strengths and weaknesses and because of this I can tell you that my PT has definitely intensified (particularly in the area of swimming). I have swam almost everyday in addition to my daily upper body work outs and running. Without ESE’s spark, I can tell you I would not have been able to comprehend the level of motivation

required to keep up that intense training.

So basically, this is just one big thank you note.. Thank you for the PT, the survival training, the lessons on life, the encouragement, the shooting, and especially the beatdowns during Hellnight.. It was those beatdowns that taught me so much about myself and will help me in the long run. As I am typing this, I am sitting in a lodge in Wyoming outside of devils tower. Tomorrow I will train with one of the areas best

climbers and then on Tuesday I will summit the Tower. It is 800 ft straight up

and will be, by far, my most challenging climb yet. It is then that I will have

to call upon my new found guts and push through even when it sucks.

Thanks for everything; I couldn’t have asked for a

greater summer experience.

Cory R. Cameron

It’s been a month to the day since I completed the Hell Night that Don Shipley of Extreme SEAL Experience offers and I’ll be damned if I can get the experience out of my mind! I remember when I first contacted Don about signing-up for the course his claim was “People emerge better than when they started. They find that after the course they’re better firemen, better police officers, better fathers, etc.” Hearing something like that in this world of hype we live in, my first reaction was of course yeah right. But after completing Hell Night, I would soon learn the truth.

My reason for taking the course is because I am one of those people who has always been curious about what my life might have been like had I joined the military, specifically a combat unit. Naturally after watching history and military channels and reading books related to SEALs, I fortuitously stumbled upon Shipley’s youtube speech and became instantly intrigued. This prompted me to fly out the following week and take the course immediately.

Needless to say Hell Night does indeed represent a crucible for those who are fully intent on joining the Navy and seek to prepare for BUD/s or those like me who merely possess a curiosity. For me the course is a perfect mixture of tactical paramilitary education and ‘evolution’ conditioning associated with BUD/s. Hell Night included lessons in hand to hand combat, practicing OTB (Over the Beach) Reconnaissance. The later part of which culminated into a mock waterborne assault on a Marina that was both educational and exciting! On the other hand ‘evolution’ conditioning is an invariable part of the experience as it mimics what one experiences in BUD/s itself, that is crawling through mud, exercise with logs, exercise with Zodiac rafts, boat races and the beat down sessions that accompany losing are all inherent to BUD/s and thus apart of the Extreme SEAL Experience as well.

At the head of this all is retired Navy SEAL Don Shipley whose credentials are easily found and are more recommended than is necessary for this critique. That being said I encourage all readers and prospective students to do their own research on his credentials as doing so will only edify the quality of education and experience I received during my entire time at his camp. Make no mistake, Mr. Shipley is a retired Navy SEAL and the people he hires to assist with the course are also retired or active Navy SEALs. They are the real deal that makes this course 300% legitimate as far as the curriculum and training are concerned that is the very reason I chose this course in the first place. An additional benefit I found was simply the fact that I got to be around some of these people. As the SEALs themselves will tell you, the quality of people one meets is unparalleled. Indeed, their observations are mine.

The result of this legitimacy was an experience that was adventurous, challenging, merciless, educational and fun at the same time. Although using the words merciless and fun in the same sentence cause me to laugh out loud, they are the most appropriate adjectives I’d use to best describe the course. Through his experience as a Navy SEAL Don Shipley has managed to produce a course that gives the curious civilian an insight at what a Navy SEAL does in addition to what it takes to become one of them.

As far as support for the entire experience accommodations are literally in Mr. Shipley’s backyard (read his rustic, pastoral cabin) and are comfortable for this type of experience. Meals are provided by Mr. Shipley’s wife, Diane whose forte in southern style, comfort cooking is more than adequate for a course that touts the rigors of paramilitary training. Need less to say, good food was certainly above expectation for an experience of this type and was appreciated immensely. Beyond that Mr. Shipley, takes care of everything else not listed the gear list he provides on his web site: camouflage and warm clothing (if you need it), combat swim fins that fit over combat boots, UDT life vests and training shapes that add the element of realism to the training.

This exposition is in fact of a commendation of Mr. Shipley’s Extreme SEAL Experience simply because it gives the participant exactly what he/she needs. I was challenged, but not beaten down (too badly). I was able to have the experience of training like a Navy SEAL without committing (or in cases of others, before committing) to the US Navy. I was in reasonable shape (although prior to the course I thought I was in better shape) and I was able to participate and function in all activities set in front of me. The only words of advice I could offer would be to practice swimming, practice exercising in combat boots and invest in some athletic, compression shorts as chaffing occurs with unbelievable ease when one is wet and dirty most of the time

As a personal aside, I felt my best lesson was learning that I was capable of doing so much more than I expected from myself. If you’re like me, all the documentaries and literature surrounding SEALs and BUD/s training all contain one crucial element, fortitude. Not quitting, not giving-up when times get tough but putting you’re head down and seeing things through to completion. Although that is a cliché and an ideal that can easily be recited on a couch, it is a completely different practice to engage in activities that require such a mindset from moment to moment when supreme discomfort rules the hour.

In conclusion, Mr. Shipley’s claim that people completing his course emerged “better”. While that claim is purely subjective I can attest that exactly one month after taking his course I am better able to focus in on and pursue my civilian goals without being distracted by the self-defeating thoughts and hesitant attitude I allowed to afflict me.  Additionally, I received an extremely small taste of what it takes to be a part of one of the most elite Special Forces units the American military has to offer. While I can give a simple ‘yes’ to the question of whether or not the curriculum at Extreme SEAL Experience made me a better person. I feel a more precise response to Mr. Shipley’s claim would be that the primal, gut level education I received during my time with Extreme SEAL Experience just keeps on giving and giving with each day that passes. Furthermore outside of committed, formal BUD/s training, what more could a civilian ask for?  Eddie, September Class...

Hell week f**King rocked my world it really gave a chance to experience what BUD’s Hell week would be like. I got a good taste of what I will be looking forward to when I make my journey to become a Navy SEAL. The instructors are the best, they are very good with one-on-one, always wanting you to ask questions and willing to answer anything you ask, anything you have ever wanted to know about the SEALs you will learn and experience here BEST EXPERIENCE BY FAR I HAVE HAD 100% PERFECT! -Christopher Beutler 

Hell night was a riot. Our class did some new stuff that was real fun. All the SEALs are some badass muthaf**kers. I learned a lot about BUD/s. Overall the experience was great. Maddog is just like he sounds FUCKIN MAD! Don is awesome; everybody here was real helpful about answering questions and sharing their experiences with you. Hellnight’s what you put into it, KICK SOME F**KIN ASS

-Kyle Meyer               

Hellnight was the shit, the instructors broke us down and gave us a very good insight of what to expect at BUD/s. The newly added night op taught everyone teamwork and was f**king sick. Maddog, Senior Chief, Instructor Chris and Commander Gnesda gave us shit all the way through, which is exactly what you want to come out with. Instructor Chris taught some f**king awesome tactics that we will always be able to whip out of our pockets. Diane & Fallon cook the best f**king food in the dirty south. Shit’s awesome - so man up and get out here- Chris Lawall

Hell night was f**king awesome. From the time it began until the time it was secured. It’s an amazing experience and an ass kicking. The op was fantastic. The dump boat drills were hard shit. But you just got to suck it up and say “this shit is easy” The food was amazing, best I had in a while. Don, Chris, Bill and Maddog dig an awesome job. The log races were fun as shit and even after all those evolutions our boat crew was able to make record time in the Zodiacs. It was really badass- Justin Kemph

The October Course was the greatest experience of my life.  There is no
other place that you can be so tired, so cold, so hungry, so thirsty, and so
sore and still have the funest week imaginable.  Hellnight broke me and
changed my whole outlook on life.  The tracking survival and airsoft
evolutions were amazing.  Special thanks to Diane and Fallon for keeping us
fed the food was great.  DJ and Luke were great motivators.  DJ especially
helped us kick some ass in those airsoft missions.  Ben was both "An officer
and a gentlemen". Being a sniper was the scariest and funnest thing i have
done in a long time.  I was pissed that it did not work as planned but the
adrenaline rush from having the Op For so close that I could count there
respirations was amazing.  Being able to make sure Dillion was a part of the
group and enjoyed his experience was very rewarding.  I went into the course
thinking I wanted to be a SEAL and thinking i knew what it would take.  Now
i know I want to be a SEAL and I know what it will take.  I have a long hard
road in front of me but now it all feels less like a chore preparring and
more like a reward for the advantage I will gain.  Everyday tasks are now
just easier after last week.  Its hard to explain the feeling of pride I
know have in myself.  It started as soon as I got home my roommate was
complaining about his long day at work and I was just thinking how hard can
it be, I woke in a pile a leaves at 0330 and feel better than he does. I can
not thank everyone there enough. I will be back and cant wait to do it all
again. Alex, October Course...

The 24 hours of Hellnight were some of the best, and hardest of my life. I learned what being a SEAL is all about. From the PST, to the mud pits, to log PT, to the sick f**king OTB op we pulled off almost flawlessly. It was an amazing glimpse into the most elite warrior fraternity on earth. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I was capable of completing all the physical challenges of Hellnight. However I made sure I took Don’s Advice about “not giving a shit” to heart and the autopilot came on and I just did it. Oh and having the new course record for returning the Zodiac kicks ass and it was the icing on the cake. Haha I’ll look back on this valuable experience with pride, especially if I end up enlisting in the Navy and going into BUDs. HOO-YAH JULY 08 it was one hell on a time- Alex Guzzo              

Hellnight is not comparable to many things you can do as a civilian. I know my strengths and understand my weaknesses. But it’s great being able to talk to experienced SEALs, Learning about OTB was great and doing it was better. David Murgo

I wasn’t really sure how I would be able to handle Buds, I came out here and found out what I was made of. I learned my strengths, weaknesses, got great advice from Navy SEALs and had a “Kick ass” time. I appreciate all the instructors. Thanks you -Torin McCullough

Hellnight is kick ass. Plain and simple, that’s what it is. Not only do you get a feeling for what BUD/s First phase has in store. You get over the beach, patrolling and hand to hand combat. Badass and the megaphone you hear in the distance, yupp he really is making fun of you because you look like an idiot. Awesome .I would recommend Hellnight to anyone interested in BUD/s. -Schultz

“Hellnight” was one of the most mentally and physically demanding nights of my life. It was also very rewarding. I am really glad I did this. Although “Hellnight” can hold no candle to BUD/s, I fell it got our feet wet in what to expect-John Brock Longest             

Definitely some on the best training a person can experience outside of the military. The instructors are genuine operators and very approachable. The course taught me more about myself than the 3 years of college. The principles and virtues learned and instilled while painful at times, apply not only in a tactical setting, but in life, A positive mental attitude, can do it mind set and pure grit take on individual for period, the kind of individual who will adopt and over come to accomplish the mission regardless of any and all obstacles is the kind of individual that this course brings out. Its not who you are underneath, its what you do that defines you. -Jt

Hellnight was an awesome experience. When I first heard about it I thought it would just be a 24-hour of mindless push-ups and sit-ups- but it turned out to be much better than expected. I thought it was a perfect balance because we did all sorts of evolutions that we can expect in BUD/s, but we also learned cool stuff like hand-to hand with Chris. The OTB’s was definitely my favorite part, and I thought it was a great addition because it gave us a sample of what we would be working for in BUD/s to get to the teams do. Hellnight opened my eyes and gave me a really good idea of what to expect from BUD/s and from life in the teams-Ned Kingsley

HOLY DOGSHIT! That about sums up that badass experience. No mistaking it. That 24 hr period took you from heaven to hell and back smiling all the damn way. The PST was a straight kick in the nuts for some of us who had never completed one before. Being in the company of SEALs as our instructors is nothing short of f**ktasic. These bad asses have been through the real deal and are some hard people. Push harder than you thought possible and learn not to give a shit no matter the task, god damn amazing experience- Luke Scalise

Awesome! One of the greatest experiences I and the others will ever have. I wish I could have jumped, but I know I’ll get a chance to do it someday. The only regret I had is that Mrs. Shipley couldn’t cook for us on Wednesday and Thursday, the survival days, her food was fantastic. I loved it, it is a great course and I would recommend it to anyone… Alex Pennetti

Hell Night was extremely beneficial for me. I came here hoping to get a taste of what BUD/S and Hell Week are like so that I could be better prepared for the training, and I defiantly got what I came for. The instructors that came were fantastic and increased my knowledge in hand-to-hand combat. Overall, great Hell Night course. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be a SEAL.     Adrian Bilyk

I had a great damn time doing this buds training. It’s 4:45 am and Hell Night is secured, and I’m wide awake from all the adrenaline. Don was right when he said that you reach a point of “not giving a shit.” That’s the only way to make it through this training. The SEALs that came out were cool dudes during the breaks, then turned directly into Terminator mode once training began They were funny as shit and I’m glad they took the time to share their expertise. Ryan and Luke, I salute you assholes. Come to Chang’s and I’ll hook you up. That goes for all of you. Kit and I will see you in the Teams.    Nathan Mateer.

Hell Night was fucking awesome. It really was the best thing I ever did. Food was great, the instructors were great down to earth guys, who knew what they were talking about. They're the real deal. I learned a lot about myself, teamwork and hard work. I would reccommend it to anyone. So go try it. - Otto Borden

Hell Night was awesome. I think it was an amazing experience that more should go through. It was very hard but fun at the same time. It also gave me some good information and a good insight on what BUDS is like. The Instructors were awesome. Being around them is an awesome thing in itself. They were very good at answering any questions you might have. I would recommend this to anyone; it is well worth every penny.  James J. Glass III

I am really f**king happy I came for this camp. The only regret I have is not staying for the week. Mr. Shipley, thank you for keeping me going when I didn’t think I could make it.    

Bobby Carlin

I enjoyed the Hell Night course for what it was. I came to see if I had a shot at making it through BUD/S. The Hell Night course did that for me. It was tough and it was a challenge. It also showed me that I can do more that I thought. It is motivating to go through this with a good group of guys. I was also impressed with the Instructors. The staff was knowledgeable and approachable. I would recommend this course to anybody thinking about going to BUD/S.    Pete Schmillin

I thought the course and the Instructors were excellent. No complaints out of the program. It hurt real f**king bad at times, so it worked. I appreciate you going through the trouble to put this together.  Mike Lanier