SPECOPSLAB

Kampfschwimmer vs SEAL

Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of Kampfschwimmer and SEAL, event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.

GERMANYKommando Spezialkräfte der Marine (KSM) — KampfschwimmerPFV I — minimum sports requirementsOFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →UNITED STATESU.S. Navy SEALPhysical Screening Test (PST)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventKampfschwimmerSEAL
5,000 m run22:00only this unit—
1,000 m swim24:00only this unit—
Static breath-hold dive60 sonly this unit—
Underwater distance swim30 monly this unit—
Pull-ups (overhand)SEAL: Pull-ups (no time limit)810stricter
Bench press 50 kg (reps)15only this unit—
500 yd swim (side/breaststroke)—12:30only this unit
Push-ups (2 min)—50only this unit
Curl-ups (2 min)—50only this unit
1.5 mi run—10:30only this unit

Events in the same row are similar but not identical — read the event names.

Higher levels (e.g. competitive or elevated standards) and your gap to each are in the paid report.

Where the bar is higher

SEAL sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups.

Kampfschwimmer tests 6 events, SEAL tests 5 events.

Pay

KAMPFSCHWIMMER
€5,097 / monthWhat a combat swimmer (Kampfschwimmer) earns · Hauptbootsmann (A 8) · Stufe 5 · default scenario, grosspartly provisional
SEAL
$6,901 / monthWhat a SEAL earns · E-5 · >3 · default scenario, gross

Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.

Questions

Is Kampfschwimmer or SEAL harder to get into?

SEAL sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups. These are only the published fitness minimums; selection itself, medical and other requirements differ, and passing the minimum does not guarantee selection.

How do the Kampfschwimmer and SEAL fitness tests differ?

Kampfschwimmer: 6 events (run 5k, swim 1k, breath, dive dist, pull-ups, bench 50). SEAL: 5 events (swim, push-ups, curl-ups, pull-ups, run 1.5mi).

Does Kampfschwimmer or SEAL pay more?

Kampfschwimmer: €5,097/month; SEAL: $6,901/month (default scenarios, gross). The amounts are in different currencies and depend on taxes and cost of living, so we do not rank them.

Sources:
Kampfschwimmer
SEAL