Meet The Pirate Killers

How can the Navy SEALs drop three pirates with three precision shots, thus saving Captain Richard Phillips? FrumForum.com was allowed to visit a SEAL qualification program to see how these men were trained.

For six previous days, with only two periods of rest per day, each rest lasting only two hours, applicants had been pushed to their breaking point both mentally and physically. They had been immersed in cold water close to hypothermia conditions. They had run up steep hills in soft sand, each team of six hoisting a 200 pound boat above their heads. They had run relays with the boat above their heads, with rest permitted only to those who won. They had performed diving and swimming drills in deep water – blindfolded.

At any point during this training they can go to a platform, ring a bell and drop out of the program. And most do: Out of the 157 men who had begun the “hell week” whose conclusion I witnessed, exactly 100 had dropped out, leaving 100 helmets lined up behind them. I will never forget watching those who had survived the initiation. They walked toward their rest area slowly, deliberately; bow legged, grimacing with pain with each step they took.

The acronym SEAL stands for sea, air, and land forces of the US Navy special warfare unit.

A prospective SEAL can either go to the local Navy recruiter and sign up or request a transfer from another unit once in the Navy. Most of the recruits are 18 to 24 years of age. They come from every imaginable ethnic background. Interestingly, they are not necessarily the tallest or fastest recruits. However, as Commander Gregory Geisen, Naval Special Warfare Command Force Public Affairs Officer stated, “One common characteristic you will find in a SEAL is the willingness not to quit.” A SEAL spokesman stated that this special warfare unit does not want a Rambo type personality. Instead, they are looking for men (due to a congressional regulation women cannot serve) who are willing to sacrifice their personal life and are excellent team players. Mental toughness is as much a pre-requisite as physical toughness. A SEAL pushes his body and mind to succeed.

SEAL applicants undergo a three-year training program based out of Coronado, California, or Norfok, Virginia. Only at the end of this long apprenticeship can they call themselves SEALs.

SEALS are deployed in over thirty countries. They are inserted to a mission by a Mark 5 boat, or a small combat rubber craft, by jumping off the boat and swimming, or by parachute. They prefer ghost-like operations where their comings and goings are in secret.

A SEAL spokesman wanted the American public to know that most of their missions are never heard about. Yet, “Since 9-11 every single day and night SEALS are coordinating with other agencies to find, kill, and capture terrorists in order to protect their fellow Americans”, the spokesman explained.

The SEALS live and die by their creed, which states in part: “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.” It was a privilege to observe their guts and commitment. They are indeed today’s silent heroes.