🦅 U.S. Navy SEALs – Special Warfare Operators & Maritime Commandos
First Phase Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs (BUD/S) Candidates Use Teamwork to Perform Physical Training Exercises With a 600-Pound Log at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado on April 6, 2011. Log Physical Training Exercises Are One of Many Physically Demanding Evolutions That Are Part of the First Phase Training At BUD/S. The Navy SEALs Are the Maritime Component of U.s. Special Operations Forces and Are Trained to Conduct a Variety of Operations From the Sea, Air, and Land. (DoD Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Shauntae Hinkle-Lymas, U.S. Navy. (Released) VIRIN: 110408-D-D0439-2599). | GGA Image ID # 2350759b4d
Introduction
The U.S. Navy SEALs are the Navy's elite maritime special operations force. Created in 1962 under President John F. Kennedy's vision for unconventional warfare, SEALs operate in Sea, Air, and Land environments—hence their name. They represent the tip of the spear in modern special operations combat.
⚖️ Missions & Deployments
- Direct Action (DA): Raids, sabotage, and precision strikes
- Special Reconnaissance: Covert surveillance and intelligence gathering
- Counterterrorism and Hostage Rescue
- Unconventional Warfare and Foreign Internal Defense
- Historic deployments: Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more
⚔️ SEAL Training & Selection Process
- Recruitment: Enlist with a SEAL Challenge Contract (SO rating)
- Prep & Screening: PST (Physical Screening Test)
- BUD/S: Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (26 weeks)
- SEAL Qualification Training (SQT): Advanced warfare instruction
- Advanced Schools: Airborne, Diving, Survival, and more
Over 70% of candidates do not complete BUD/S, often dropping during the infamous "Hell Week."
📈 Career Paths & Designations
- Enlisted: SO (Special Warfare Operator)
- Officer: SEAL Officer Designator 1130
- Warrant Officers: SW (Special Warfare Technician)
🌏 SEALs vs. Marine Special Operations (MARSOC)
| Feature | U.S. Navy SEALs | U.S. Marine Raiders (MARSOC) |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Navy | Marine Corps |
| Founded | 1962 | 2006 (origins in WWII Raiders) |
| Focus | Maritime special operations | Ground combat and counterinsurgency |
| Training | BUD/S, SQT | Assessment & Selection, ITC |
| Typical Size | Small fire teams (4–8) | 14-man teams |
🏆 Notable SEALs in U.S. History
- Chris Kyle: Navy SEAL sniper with 160 confirmed kills
- Michael P. Murphy: Medal of Honor recipient (Operation Red Wings)
- Marcus Luttrell: Author of "Lone Survivor," SEAL survivor of ambush
- Robert O'Neill: Credited with killing Osama bin Laden
📃 For Educators, Students, and Veterans
This page supports:
- Educators & Students: Topics in military history, asymmetric warfare, endurance, and special ops tactics
- Veterans: Honoring the legacy and achievements of SEAL units across generations
- Researchers: Background for books, films, genealogy, or historical work
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