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* Bahmanyar, Mir. ''US Navy SEALs''. Osprey Publishing, 2005. (ISBN 1-84176-807-3)
* Bahmanyar, Mir. ''US Navy SEALs''. Osprey Publishing, 2005. (ISBN 1-84176-807-3)


==External links==/
==External links==
{{Commons|United States Navy Seals}}
{{Commons|United States Navy Seals}}
* [http://199.208.208.41/seal/ U.S. Navy SEALs Information Website] - official site.
* [http://199.208.208.41/seal/ U.S. Navy SEALs Information Website] - official site.

Revision as of 09:37, 26 September 2007

"Navy SEALs" redirects here. For the 1990 film, see Navy SEALs (film).
"Navy seals" redirects here. For military uses of seals and sea lions (the animals), see U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program.
Navy SEALs
U.S. Navy SEALs Insignia
Active01 January1962 - present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
TypeNaval Special Forces / US Special Operations forces
RoleSea, Air and Land Special Operations/Counter-Terrorist force
Size~2,500
Part ofU.S. Navy Special Warfare Command
USSOCOM
Garrison/HQNaval Special Warfare Command
Nickname(s)Frogmen
Motto(s)(Unofficial) "Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit", "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday", "It Pays to be a Winner"
EngagementsVietnam War
Beirut, Lebanon
Achille Lauro hijacking
Operation Just Cause
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Restore Hope
Battle of Mogadishu (Four operators from SEAL Team Six were a part of the assault convoy)
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Operation Urgent Fury
File:Members of a US Navy SEAL unit climb aboard a STAB to begin a combat mission in late 1968.jpg
Members of a US Navy SEAL unit climb aboard a STAB to begin a combat mission in late 1968

The United States Navy Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) forces are the elite Special Operations Forces (or Special forces) of the U.S. Navy, employed in unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, Counter-Terrorism, hostage rescue, and special reconnaissance operations.

Those qualified to become Navy SEALs are authorized, after completing Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL school (BUD/S) and a specialized program known as SQT (SEAL Qualification Training), to wear and display the Special Warfare Badge, also known as the SEAL Trident. This badge serves as the insignia for the SEALs as a whole. It is usually worn along with the U.S. Navy paratrooper wings, which are awarded after 10 jumps. In order to blend in with units they are supporting, Navy SEALs wear modified versions of all service Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs). However, during the Vietnam War, SEAL members wore tigerstripe camouflage, often with civilian blue jeans and 'coral' sneakers (rubber-soled high-top canvas sneakers), for patrol missions.

History

In the summer of 1941, training began for units referred to as Amphibious Scouts and Raiders, and in the spring of 1943, the first group of volunteers selected from the Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees). They were organized into special teams called “Navy Combat Demolition Units” (NCDUs) and were trained at Waimānalo, Hawai'i and Fort Pierce, Florida (the latter is the home of the Navy UDT-Seal Museum, see below for link). The units reconnoitered and cleared beach obstacles for troops going ashore during amphibious landings. They evolved into Combat Swimmer Reconnaissance Units, known as frogmen. Some of these frogmen were recruited from breath-holding divers who dived for abalones on the California coast before the war. The Navy frogmen were then sent to the top secret Camp X in Australia to train with British and Australian commandos for a possible invasion of Japan. The NCDUs distinguished themselves during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. In 1947, the Navy organized its first underwater offensive strike units. During the Korean Conflict (June 1950 – June 1953) these Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) took part in the landing at Inchon as well as other missions, including demolition raids on bridges and tunnels accessible from the water. They conducted mine-sweeping operations in harbors and rivers. Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces formed its own counterinsurgency force. The U.S. Navy's UDT personnel formed units called SEAL teams. On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy spoke to the U.S. Congress to authorize the establishment of the Navy SEALs. In December of 1961, Navy SEALs were authorized for operations via the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Arleigh Burke. At 1300 hrs on January 1, 1962, SEAL Team ONE was commissioned in the Pacific Fleet and SEAL Team TWO in the Atlantic Fleet. These teams were developed to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerrilla warfare and clandestine operations in both blue water and brown water environment. In 1963, the first Vietnam War-detachment, composing elements from SEAL Team One, was sent to Da Nang, Vietnam. They served under the command of the CIA Chief of Station. In 1964, SEALs became subject to the Commander-in-Chief (CINC) of Vietnam’s theatre forces. In 1967, the Naval Operations Support Groups were renamed “Naval Special Warfare Groups” (NSWGs) because of the increased perceived need for special operations by decision makers. In 1983, existing UDTs were renamed “SEAL teams”, or “SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams”, and the requirement for hydrographic reconnaissance and underwater demolition became known as “SEAL missions”. In 1987, SEAL team SIX became the DEVGRU (DEVelopment GRoUp). On April 4, 1987, the Naval Special Warfare Command was commissioned at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, California. Its mission is to prepare Naval Special Warfare forces to carry out their assigned objectives and to develop special operations strategy, doctrine, and tactics. In 2002, under Operation Enduring Freedom in the Philippines, SEALs were involved in the capture and killing of a key Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorist leader[citation needed]. In March 2002, SEALs were involved in Operation Anaconda in the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, and in March 2003 participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Navy SEAL Teams and Structure

SEALs in from the water.

A SEAL Team comprises three 40-man Task Units. Each Task Unit consist of a Headquarters element consisting of a Task Unit Commander (O-5), a Task Unit Senior Enlisted (E-8), a Targeting/Operations Officer (O-2/3) and a Targeting/Operations Leading/Chief Petty Officer (E-6/7); Under the HQ element are two SEAL Platoons of 16 men (2 officers, 14 enlisted SEALs and sometimes 2 enlisted EOD Operators making the platoon of 18); and support staff. Each Task Unit can be easily split into 4 squads or eight 4-man fire teams for operational purposes. The size of each SEAL “Team” with Task Units and support staff is approx. 300 personnel. The typical SEAL platoon of 16 men has an OIC (Officer in Charge, usually an O-3), an AOIC (Assistant Officer in Charge, usually an O-2), a platoon chief (E-7), a LPO (Leading Petty Officer, E-6) and the rest range from E-6 to E-4 (most are E-5). Occasionally there is a "third O". Usually the third O is an O-1 and on his first operational deployment. This makes the platoon consist of 3 officers and 13 enlisted personnel.

Task Unit core skills consist of: Sniper, Breacher, Communicator, Maritime/Engineering, Close Air Support, Corpsman, Point-man/Navigator, Primary Driver/Navigator (Rural/Urban/Protective Security), Heavy Weapons Operator, Sensitive Site Exploitation, Air Operations Master, Lead Climber, Lead Diver/Navigator, Interrogator, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Technical Surveillance and Advanced Special Operations.[citation needed]

As of 2006, there are eight confirmed Navy SEAL Teams. The original SEAL Teams in the Vietnam War were separated between West Coast (Group ONE) and East Coast (Group TWO) SEALs. The current SEAL Team deployments include Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10. The Teams deploy as Naval Special Warfare Squadrons. Any Team can deploy anywhere in the world. Each team is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), and has a number of operational SEAL platoons and a headquarters element. In 1987, SEAL Team 6 was renamed to the United States Navy Special Warfare Development Group, although members are still frequently referred to informally as "SEAL Team 6". Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, a naval base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is home to SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8 and 10.

Training

Entering training to become a Navy SEAL is voluntary. Anyone can volunteer, and officers and enlisted men train side by side. In order to enter SEAL training, however, they do have to meet certain requirements. Those wishing to volunteer for SEAL training have to:

  • be a male active-duty member of the U.S. Navy
  • be 28 or younger (although waivers for 29- and 30-year-olds are possible)
  • possess uncorrected vision no worse than 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye correctable to 20/20 through contacts or glasses (corrective surgery [PRK] is also possible)
  • be a U.S. citizen
  • pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
File:Navy SEALs training.jpg
Navy SEALs undergo Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure training.
Underwater Demolition Team jumps over the side from boat.
SEALs in woodlands operation.

SEAL recruit training has these components, lasting 48 weeks (or 11 months):

  • 25 weeks Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado (San Diego, CA)
  • 1 week of static line jump training, followed by 3 weeks of Military Free Fall (MFF) Qualification training at Tactical Air Operations in Otay, CA.
  • At Coronado, 19-week SEAL Qualification Training (SQT).

After this, the trainee is officially named a SEAL.[1]

Assignment to BUD/S is conditional on passing the PST, which requires the following minimums:

  • 500-yard swim using breast or side stroke in under 12:30
  • At least 42 push-ups in 2 minutes
  • At least 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes
  • At least 6 pull-ups from a dead hang (no time limit)
  • Run 1.5 miles in running shoes and shorts in under 11:00
  • Members’ vision must be no worse than 20/200 in both eyes. Vision must be correctable to 20/20. SEAL candidates may qualify for PRK surgery to correct their vision

Again, the above are the minimum requirements necessary to qualify for BUD/S. Prospective trainees are expected to far exceed these minimums. Competitive scores (according to Stew Smith, an ex-SEAL) are as follows:

  • 500-yard swim using breast or combat side stroke in 7:00-8:30 minutes
  • 100 push-ups in 2 minutes
  • 100 sit-ups in 2 minutes
  • 15-20 pull-ups from a dead hang (no time limit)
  • Run 1.5 miles in boots and long pants in 8:30-10:00 minutes

Upon arrival at Naval Special Warfare Command, check-ins for BUD/S are immediately placed into a pre-indoctrination phase of training known as 'PTRR', or Physical Training Rest and Recuperation. PTRR is also where all of the 'roll-backs' are placed while waiting to be put into a class. Once additional medical screening is given, and after enough BUD/S candidates arrive for the same class, organized physical training begins.

BUD/S consists of a five-week 'Indoctrination Course', known as INDOC, followed by three phases, covering physical conditioning (eight weeks), diving (eight weeks), and land warfare (nine weeks) respectively. Officer and enlisted personnel go through the same training program, and it is designed to develop and test their stamina, leadership and ability to work as a team.

In the first phase BUD/S students are divided into 'Boat Crews' which can consist of six to eight men. However, although some exercises will be undertaken as boat crews (such as 'log PT', which requires boats crews to exercise with logs that weigh 150 pounds each, and 'Surf Passage', where boat crews must navigate the Pacific surf in inflatable boats), the first phase of BUD/S also consists of a series of demanding individual physical tests including frequent sets of push-ups and sit-ups, ocean swims and timed four mile runs in boots and long trousers (to be completed in 32 minutes). The first phase is most well known for 'Hell Week', which usually occurs during the third week. During this period, from Sunday evening until Friday afternoon, trainees get a total of approximately four hours of sleep, (exactly how much depends upon the schedule set by the instructors, and how closely the trainees can be kept to that schedule) while subjected to intense physical stress. Trainees are almost always wet, cold and covered in sand which leads to trainees developing what is known as 'Hell Week shuffle', which is a way of walking that keeps salt-stained clothing away from chafed skin. The last day of Hell Week is known as 'So Sorry Day', during which the BUD/S students are made to crawl and slither their way through scum-covered water in the 'demo pits' as automatic weapons fire blank rounds over their heads and artillery simulators explode around them.

SEAL training and duty is voluntary. Many BUD/S students find that they do not have the desire to continue to endure the physical and mental strain of training, and subsequently drop on request (DOR), from the course. The tradition of DOR consists of dropping one's helmet liner next to a pole with a brass ship’s bell attached to it, and ringing the bell three times. Classes typically lose around 70–80% of their trainees — either due to DORs or injuries sustained during training, but it is not always easy to predict which of the trainees will DOR during BUD/S. Winter class dropout rates are usually higher due to the cold. SEAL instructors say that in every class, approximately 10 percent of the students simply do not have the physical ability to complete the training. Another 10–15 percent will definitely make it through unless they sustain a serious physical injury. The other 75–80 percent is 'up for grabs' depending on their motivation. There has been at least one BUD/S class where no one has completed the program. Most trainees are eliminated prior to completion of Hell Week, but trainees will continue to DOR in the second phase or be forced to leave because of injuries, or failing either the diving tests or the timed runs and swims. In fact, the instructors tell the students at the very start of BUD/S that the vast majority of them will not successfully complete the course and that they are free at any time to drop out (via the bell) if they do not believe they can complete the course. A trainee who DOR’s from First Phase before the completion of Hell Week and reapplies to the BUD/S program must start from the beginning of INDOC (if they are accepted). Any BUD/S trainee who drops on request after Hell Week goes through the same out-processing as a trainee who quits before or during Hell Week. If they reapply to BUD/S they would stand a very good chance of being accepted, but they must complete Hell Week again. However, those who have completed Hell Week, but cannot continue training due to injury are usually rolled back into the next BUD/S class after Hell Week, or the respective phase in which they were rolled. There are many SEALs who have attempted BUD/S two or even perhaps three or more times before successfully completing training. There is only one person who has successfully completed Hell Week three times. He completed training after his third application to BUD/S[citation needed].

After BUD/S, students must then attend Military Free Fall school for one week of static line parachute training and three weeks of free fall parachute training, conducted at Tactical Air Operations(TACAIROPS) school in Otay, outside of San Diego. Until 2003, the Army trained Navy Special Warfare teams to free fall. The new school allows more SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen (SWCC) to become free fall and HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) qualified than ever before. Finally, the last requirement before going to a team requires students to go through SEAL Qualification Training, or SQT, which is a 15-week course of advanced training which builds on the skills developed during BUD/S. After completion of SQT training, students are put on a probationary period with a team.

Upon assignment to a team, the new SEALs will be assigned to a Platoon as an Operator. Once in a Task Unit/Platoon, the Operator will train for an 18-month period (work-up) before a six month active deployment which is followed by six month 'stand down' period. After this has been completed, they are officially considered SEALs.

Phase One of a work-up is called the Professional Development Phase (PRODEV). PRODEV is a 6-month block where Operators gain critical skills required by the Task Units/Platoons for deployment. Operators can expect to acquire the following core skills:

  • Sniper
  • Breacher
  • Surreptitious Entry
  • Electronic and Media Exploitation
  • Technical Surveillance
  • High Threat Protective Security (PSD)
  • Advanced Weapons Training
  • Advanced Driving Skills (Urban/Rural/Security)
  • Advanced Climbing/Rope Skills
  • Advanced Air Operations: HALO/Jumpmaster/Parachute Rigger and Packer
  • Ranger School (U.S. Army)
  • Diving Supervisor
  • Range Safety Officer
  • Instructor School
  • Leadership School
  • Foreign Weapons
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal
  • UAV Operator
  • Language School
  • Advanced Special Operations

Phase Two of a work-up is called Unit Level Training (ULT). ULT is a 6-month block where the Task Units train in their core mission areas (Land Warfare, Close Quarters Combat, Urban Warfare, Maritime Interdiction, Combat Swimmer, Long Range Interdiction, Air Operations, Special Reconnaissance and Maritime Operations, Advanced Marksmanship/Heavy Weapons).

Phase Three of a work-up is called Squadron Integration Training (SIT). SIT is the last 6-month block where the Task Unit conducts advanced training as well as integrates all supporting attachments (N-codes (N1-N8), Special Boat Squadrons, Medical Teams, EOD, Interpreters, Intelligence/HUMINT Teams, Cryptological Support Teams, etc). A final Certification Exercise is conducted with the entire SEAL Team to synchronize Task Unit operations under the Task Group umbrella. Following CERTEX, a SEAL Team becomes a SEAL Squadron and deploys to the area of operations for 6-10 months. The Task Units will be assigned an area of operations and work under a Squadron Headquarters Unit called a Task Group.

SEAL ethics

The SEAL code

"Loyalty to Country, Team and Teammate Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield, Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit, Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates, Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation, Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation’s Enemies, Earn your Trident everyday."

SEAL creed

"In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me - my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail."

Area of Operations

File:SEAL firing M60E3 from the shoulder.jpg
Navy SEAL team member fires an M60E3 from the shoulder during a field training exercise in 1987.

Deserts

SEAL operators must be ready for desert deployment especially with the current Iraq War. The Desert will test the SEALs both mentally and physically. Vast movement in the desert environments is sometimes covered by Humvees or Desert Patrol Vehicles. The harsh desert environment provides little to no concealment so blending in is difficult for a SEAL. A SEAL knows that hydration in the desert is a must.

Arctic

Arctic missions can call for a lot of equipment and skill. The SEALs layer their clothes, travel by night, sleep in snow caves and carry 3 lines of gear and often pull a sled.The First Line gear includes: survival gear, including signaling device, emergency rations, spare parts, E & E kit, map & compass, flashlight and the side arm. Second Line gear includes equipment carried on the operator's web gear, including primary weapon and ammo, short-term supplies (should the rucksack be ditched), grenades, water, med kit, smokes, flares, carabiners and other miscellaneous gear. Finally, the operator's Third Line of gear includes that equipment stored in the rucksack, including sleeping bag, ground pad, tent, food for the duration of the operation, gas stove & utensils, dry socks, clothing layers and a water container. Mountaineering gear will also be divided among the squad and carried with the third line, and each member will carry his personal ice ax and snowshoes attached to his rucksack. Other Arctic operations include extreme cold water diving, kayaking, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Woodland/Jungle

The woods and jungles are difficult to maneuverer in. In the jungles SEALs will typically carry a machete to clear foliage quickly and easily and a shotgun for close combat. Patrols in the jungle will normally take longer than usual because of the difficulties in maneuvering.

Mountaineering/climbing

An operator will carry his climbing gear in the third line rucksack for use if and when needed. The common gear, such as ropes and carabineers, are split among the squad to distribute the weight among the Team. Each individual will carry his own sit harness.The lead or point climber is the most experienced climber in the squad. He will climb the face free of any protection (i.e.: chalks, pitons, top rope etc.) and set the route. Once at the top he will anchor a top rope and let it down to the squad below. He will then set security while the climbers ascend the rope. A belay man will assist from below or above depending on the type of climb. The gear will be hauled up on a Jumar along with the climber. This is dangerous work and emphasis is on speed and stealth. The lead relies on his strength and vast amount of free climb training and experience to find the best route in the darkness.

Sea

SEALs can insert, extract, and perform underwater attacks; this is what distinguishes them from other Special Operations Forces. The SEALs have a variety of equipment and water crafts that help them perform water missions.

Air

SEALs utilize several different forms of insertion from the air. Static Line and Free Fall Parachuting, Fast-Rope and Rappel Operations, or just plain jumping out of a helicopter into the ocean with a zodiac. SEALs are also extracted by air transportation on occasions.

Notable Navy SEALs

See also

References

  1. ^ "SEAL Challenge Contract Instructions". Official U.S. Navy SEAL Information Website. Accessed April 08, 2006.
  • "Navy Fact File: Navy SEALs". San Diego: Naval Special Warfare Command – Public Affairs Office, United States Navy. 2005-03-03. Retrieved 2006-06-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • McCoy, Shane T. (August 2004). “Testing Newton's Law,” All Hands Magazine, p.33.
  • Sasser, Charles W. Encyclopedia of The Navy SEALs, Facts on File, 2002. (ISBN 0-8160-4569-0)

Further reading

  • Bahmanyar, Mir. US Navy SEALs. Osprey Publishing, 2005. (ISBN 1-84176-807-3)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to United States Navy Seals.

Other Military links

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