The Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) is an elite Philippine Navy unit specializing in maritime special operations and challenging combat missions.
If you’re interested in joining NAVSOCOM, the first step to do is to join the Philippine Navy.
READ: How to Apply for the Philippine Navy in 2025
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By joining NAVSOCOM, you can serve your country as part of one of its most elite and specialized naval forces.
You can find out how to join here, so let’s dive in!
NAVSOCOM Main Tasks
NAVSOCOM is responsible for many essential tasks, including:
- Destroying enemy structures or equipment (demolition)
- Rescuing hostages
- Harassing enemy forces
- Protecting naval forces
- Carrying out special operations on water or rivers
These missions focus on non-traditional combat, especially in water environments like seas and rivers.
NAVSOCOM Specialized Role
NAVSOCOM specializes in Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) operations.
These include:
- Collecting information (reconnaissance)
- Fighting in close combat
- Demolition
- Underwater operations
The unit became well-known for its role in counter-terrorism operations, especially against the Abu Sayyaf Group.
It is also known for its tough physical training, similar to the US Navy SEALs program.
NAVSOCOM Training Program
The NAVSOCOM Training Program is called the Basic Naval Special Operations Course (BNSOC).
It is one of the toughest training programs in the world, with only a few applicants managing to complete it.
The training includes:
- Swimming 3 kilometers and running 10 kilometers every day
- Swimming 14.6 nautical miles from Roxas Boulevard in Manila to Sangley Point, Cavite City, without any rest
- Surviving “Hell Week,” where you will go through challenging physical tasks without sleep for an entire week as a candidate.
These are just the common and basic phases of BNSOC.
There are more advanced stages of training, such as “interrogation resistance,” but these details are highly classified and not made public.
Under Filipino law, women can apply to become SEALs, but none have completed the program so far.
Additionally, as a SEAL candidate, you will undergo Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, which lasts four months but can extend to six months with breaks between training phases.
NAVSOCOM Units
As of 2020, NAVSOCOM consists of the following units:
Type Groups:
- Headquarters, NAVSOCOM
- SEAL Group (SEALG)
- Special Boat Group (SBG)
- Naval Diving Group (NDG)
- Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (NEODG)
- Combat Service Support Group (CSSG)
- NAVSPECOPNS Training and Doctrine Center (NSOTDC)
Naval Special Operations Units (NAVSOUs):
Each unit consists of 3 to 6 special operations and support teams, with 8 sailors per team (1 officer and 7 enlisted personnel).
- Naval Special Operations Unit 1
- Naval Special Operations Unit 2
- Naval Special Operations Unit 3
- Naval Special Operations Unit 4
- Naval Special Operations Unit 5
- Naval Special Operations Unit 6
- Naval Special Operations Unit 7
- Naval Special Operations Unit 8
- Naval Special Operations Unit 9
- Naval Special Operations Unit 10
- Naval Special Operations Unit 11
History of NAVSOCOM
NAVSOCOM started on November 5, 1956, as the Underwater Operations Team (UOT).
It was inspired by the US Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams and handled tasks such as disposing of underwater explosives, removing mines, and conducting search-and-rescue missions.
The unit changed its name several times over the years:
- 1959: Became the Underwater Operations Group (UOG)
- 1983: Changed to the Special Warfare Group (SWG)
- 2005: Renamed the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG)
- 2020: Became the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM)
In 2022, NAVSOCOM officially became a combat support command of the Philippine Navy.
To learn more about the Naval Special Operations Command, you may visit the following:
- Official Facebook Page: Naval Special Operations Command
- Official Website: Philippine Navy
Don’t Miss Out!
Joining NAVSOCOM means joining a special unit that protects the Philippines through tough and important missions.
NAVSOCOM’s special skills make it an essential unit, whether protecting naval forces, performing dangerous rescues, or carrying out secret missions.
If you’re ready for a challenge and want to serve your country, don’t wait.
Learn how to join the Philippine Navy and take the first step toward being part of NAVSOCOM.
To stay updated on the latest recruitment, you may consider joining our official Facebook group, [Insert Group Name Here].
References
- Naval Special Operations Command. (n.d.). Www.facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/navsocom
- Naval Special Operations Command. (2024, September 12). Naval Special Operations Command. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/navsocom
- Naval Special Operations Command. (2020). Philippine Navy – Modern & Multi Capable Navy 2028. Navy.mil.ph. https://navy.mil.ph/navsocom/
- Philippine Army Website. (n.d.). Philippine Army Website. https://army.mil.ph/home/
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