All About the Navy Seals - Article

Introduction and History

To become a Navy SEAL, you have to have many different qualities and strengths. Some of these attributes include intelligence, determination, and bravery. A Navy SEAL is a highly specialized job, and it takes a lot of hard work and training to complete successfully. Navy SEALs are among the most elite maritime forces that protect and serve the United States. The Navy SEALs were established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Though he was the president that announced the creation of the Navy Sea, Air, and Land Team, the idea for such a special group of military personnel had been around since the Korean Conflict (1950-1953). The Navy SEALs have many responsibilities, including: Special Operations missions, obtaining information about terrorists and other enemies of the United States, reconnaissance missions, carrying out close contact missions, and working underwater (also known as amphibious missions).

What do Navy Seals Do?

SEALs must not only be able to work independently, they must work as a team to train in many types of environments. Some of the places that SEAL teams work include urban areas, mountains, deserts, woodlands, jungles, and arctic areas. Missions that are completed by Navy SEALs are done through a variety of ways: within a submarine, parachuting from a plane, on foot, or in a combat swimmer situation.

Training

To become a Navy SEAL, one has to complete 7 to 9 weeks of initial training. In this Boot Camp, a candidate for SEAL will be tested both physically and mentally. The purpose of the Boot Camp is not only to prepare a recruit for extreme conditions, but also teach each person to work alone and as a member of an elite team. Many people that have completed SEAL training refer to it as “brutal”. After Boot Camp, there is even more training to complete. A recruit must complete training for underwater missions and specialized training in a chosen field. If a recruit is able to complete the training successfully, he or she is able to advance through the very competitive system.

Qualifications of Becoming a Navy Seal

There are many qualifications to become a Navy SEAL, and among those requirements include great study habits and learning math and mechanical skills. SEALs have to be in excellent physical condition and have near perfect eyesight. Other qualities a SEAL must possess are confidence, maturity, and a willingness to follow orders.