SPECOPSLAB

SEAL vs USCG DSF

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

UNITED STATESU.S. Navy SEALPhysical Screening Test (PST)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →UNITED STATESU.S. Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces (MSRT / TACLET) — Tactical OperatorTactical Operator screener: PFA + 5 chin-ups and 5 pull-ups (2024)APPROXIMATElast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventSEALUSCG DSF
500 yd swim (side/breaststroke)12:30only this unit—
Push-ups (2 min)50only this unit—
Curl-ups (2 min)50only this unit—
Pull-ups (no time limit)USCG DSF: Pull-ups10stricter5
1.5 mi run10:30only this unit—
Chin-ups—5only 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.

SEAL tests 5 events, USCG DSF tests 2 events.

Pay

SEAL
$6,901 / monthWhat a SEAL earns · E-5 · >3 · default scenario, gross
USCG DSF
$4,253 / monthWhat a Coast Guard Tactical Operator earns · E-5 · >3 · default scenario, gross

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

Questions

Is SEAL or USCG DSF 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 SEAL and USCG DSF fitness tests differ?

SEAL: 5 events (swim, push-ups, curl-ups, pull-ups, run 1.5mi). USCG DSF: 2 events (chin-ups, pull-ups).

Does SEAL or USCG DSF pay more?

In our default scenario SEAL pays more than USCG DSF (gross, before tax). Rank, seniority and allowances change this — use the pay calculator on each unit page.

Sources:
SEAL
USCG DSF