Movies and TV shows dedicated to heroism have often highlighted the various achievements of the United States Navy’s Sea, Air and Land teams. SEALs for short, these dedicated diving professionals keep themselves in peak physical condition in order to carry out a variety of combat, rescue, and surveillance operations wherever the need may be. If you think you might want to pursue a career as a Navy SEAL, get ready: training is intense, and every day is an adventure.
SEAL Teams: The Basics
During the second world war, specially trained divers carried out missions in the name of coastal defense and reconnaissance. At first, they were called “Scouts and Raiders,” with the group being commissioned in 1942. Operating under a variety of different code names, these men conducted operations in both the Pacific and European theatres. Special demolition units were formed, focusing on cable cutting, demolitions, and commando raid techniques. Operational Swimmers were dropped behind enemy lines in order to gather vital information which could be used in formulating attack plans. Thanks to these special operations, we have flexible swim fins and diving masks, plus we have closed circuit diving equipment; bubbles would have alerted the enemy.
Today’s Navy SEALs are trained in such skills as hand to hand combat, foreign languages, high altitude parachuting, combat diving, demolitions, and more. Working from Naval bases and ships around the world, they have participated in every major military conflict and carried out countless covert operations in the name of Homeland Security. Often working hand in hand with the US Marines and other military and civilian special operations forces, they use specialized equipment, conduct very deep dives, and continue to carry out land based special operations as well.
Becoming a Navy SEAL
If you think you may be cut out for a career as a Navy SEAL, prepare yourself for tough competition. Not only is the selection process rigorous, so is the training. More than 90% of candidates drop out of or fail SEAL training, which takes 24 weeks. During this time, survival training, underwater demolitions, and many other courses are attended, and a strenuous physical training regimen accompanies the hours of classroom and field instruction. Successful candidates go on to complete a 26 week combat medic training course before joining an operational team. There are several other courses which are required; it can take as long as thirty months to train a Navy SEAL prior to the first operational mission.
Both officers and enlisted personnel can become SEALs, meaning that if you are qualified to join the United States Navy, you could have a chance to find your place on a SEAL team. Prior to selection, you will undergo physical and psychological testing, along with an intensive background investigation which is designed to determine whether you are a good candidate. The Navy invests valuable time and money into training, and understandably, only the cream of the crop are chosen.
If you hope to become a Navy SEAL, you should speak with a Navy recruiter about the position, and don’t be surprised if he or she delivers discouraging news. Luckily, there are other fantastic Navy jobs available, and getting a foot in the door allows you to develop military skills and knowledge prior to attempting to qualify. Pay and benefits vary with rank; normally hazard pay, overseas duty pay, and other incentives are provided, and military members enjoy a number of benefits, such as housing and medical care.