I went into the Air Force when I was 19, and I was in good shape (I have always been athletic), so the physical aspect of Air Force Basic Training was nothing at all to me (in fact, I thought it was kind of lame). The mental aspect was a bit tougher, but by no means difficult (really, I just thought it was annoying).
So, when I was 19, could I have completed SEALS training? It never would have crossed my mind to even try. I have the greatest respect for those guys.
Thank You for your service!
A man that grew up here worked hard from the time he was a little kid on his family farm. He played all sports at the little High School, really fit kid when he finished High School. He joined the Marines and said their training wasn’t that hard- for him of course, he was in that kind of shape. He worked with SEALs in Afghanistan a couple years later and when he got home someone asked him why he didn’t try to become a SEAL. He said the same thing you did; the thought didn’t cross his mind to try. He said “those guys” were beyond human.
I don’t know where they find SEALs and other Special Ops guys but I am sure glad they do. For that matter I am happy we have people willing to serve no matter their job to keep our freedoms safe.