Most SEALS are not regular married Sailors because of the nature of their duty. Is al-Qaeda or Pakistan really going to go to the effort of tracking down a SEALS, Delta, Marine Recon, Rangers' family to make a point? Think of the blow-back. Plus, they can all get new ID's.
The CIA combat operators are those most wanted and you will never hear about, because no one can find their names. Those guys are right along side our spec-op guys in theater, but when they die, they only get a star on a wall. Our SEALS, Marine Force Recon, Army Delta and Rangers, Air Force search&rescue get medals for all to see.
But then I'm working on info from old SEAL friend at Coronado many years ago - things could have changed. But I doubt their families are in jeapordy. And I know the SEALS themselves are not. Doesn't matter if anyone knows their names. The media could plaster their face all over the world, but when they activate, they are always under the radar, with face camoflauge. So who would know if John Smith SEAL were to infiltrate? Their entire scenario is about going in undetected. Think about it.
It is a big deal. These man don’t need to be hunted down like dogs. They also took out OBL, not some guy who is only known inside the intelligence community.
It is much different today. Years ago would the media camp out in front of your home and run checks on you, like they did Joe the Plumber? We see the ugliness of people every day. The internet makes finding pictures of people very easy, same thing with their exact address. It does not mean that they are going to be targets of Al Qaeda but it can be any other whacko. We hear about people being stalked all the time.
You talk about their families. What if it were your wife and kid that were harrassed or targeted? Hello? Code Pink or a group like them? Do you think it is fair that these men and their families have to be compromised so that Obama can have a photo with them?
Your post defies common sense.
“Is al-Qaeda or Pakistan really going to go to the effort of tracking down a SEALS, Delta, Marine Recon, Rangers’ family to make a point?”
There are plenty of targets in plain view - like the Pentagon.
Bad idea, Bin Laden.
Good post, Navy Vet.