"College-prep" for Navy SEALs?

World Defense Review ^ | February 9, 2005 | W. Thomas Smith, Jr.

[SuzyQ2]

The problem is, transforming a good man into a Navy SEAL is not cheap - about $350,000 a copy - nor is it easy. Sure, there are lots of schoolyard scrappers, gym rats, competitive swimmers, and adrenaline junkies who believe they have what it takes to become SEALs. But few pack the gear to endure-to-completion BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training. Some are injured. Many fail to measure up during various training evolutions. Most simply quit, concluding that the wet, miserably cold life of a frogman is not for them.

None of this, however, changes the U.S. Defense Department's requirement for more special operators, including SEALs.

[doug from upland]

They should be among the highest paid Americans; not just highest paid servicemen, but of all Americans.

[bnelson44]

I've toured BUD/S. These guys go through hell.

[jazusamo]

Read a book several years ago written by a Navy Seal about going through the school. It was unbelievable, don't see how anyone could do what they go through. Those men have to be totally focused, have a huge heart and be extremely tough. They certainly have my respect and thanks.

[Freee-dame]

transforming a good man into a Navy SEAL is not cheap - about $350,000 a copy - nor is it easy.

Bump

[Tin Cup]

These guys are the best of the best. Nice article.

[sarasmom]

Many try and most fail, to meet the minimum standards of the Special Forces in all the branches of the USA DOD.
There is no dishonor associated with trying and ultimately failing to meet those particular standards.
One has to be deemed exceptionally qualified, to even be offered the opportunity to try, in the first place.

[cyborg]

I get some personal training from a Navy Seal. It's amazing what you can do without a gym machine.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Richard Marcinko is a rare man in America -- a true combat-proven hero and a leader of legendary men. Marcinko, the Rogue Warrior, founded SEAL TEAM SIX and RED CELL -- our Nation's most secretive and skilled warriors.

Marcinko has earned 34 citations and medals including the Legion of Merit, The Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars with a combat “V” for Valor.

An expert in terrorism and political science, Marcinko has been a recent guest on “Jesse Ventura's America” and is often called on by national news agencies to comment on current affairs.

Marcinko is also the author of Rogue Warrior, his best-selling autobiography, and the Rogue Warrior series of action-adventure novels. His next book is completed and currently scheduled for release in late May 2005.

Marcinko holds a B. A. in International Relations from the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and a M. A. in Political Science from Auburn University. He’s an advisor and hands-on trainer for U.S. and foreign hostage rescue teams, as well as an “in-demand” lecturer to law enforcement and multi-national corporations on security, team building, operational management and strategic planning.

Marcinko’s commitment to national security as an active patriot, his continuing involvement with global security issues, and his colorful personality make him deserving of the distinctive and honorable title of the “ROGUE WARRIOR”.

[chadwimc]

I know a guy who completed the training in the 60's, VietNam, era. He was an aggressive athlete before joining. He always claimed "they" were trying to "wipe that stupid smile off his face". He would swim the Ohio river for a beer...

[cyborg]

These guys are in such amazing shape. It's completely awe inspiring.

[chadwimc]

I still wouln't fool with him in a fair fight way. I think he's 60, now.

[cyborg]

You know it's funny... even if a Navy Seal gets out of shape a little, he can still kick a young guy's azz *lol*

[razorback-bert]

ping

[Chode]

Mouth Breathing Knuckle Dragger's Need NOT Apply...

[Tammy8]

The military loses many to civilian jobs, simply because the private sector is willing to pay them a ton of money. I think they are some of the highest paid in the military and it's not nearly enough.

[Strategerist]

The relationship of all special forces with the military at large has always been strained.

Not saying I agree or disagree with the sentiment, but if you create a situation where enlisted special forces are making more $$$ than regular Majors or other officers, that causes a lot of resentment among those people and sort of screws up the perceived pecking order.

[BobS]

"The military loses many to civilian jobs, simply because the private sector is willing to pay them a ton of money."

That's not all. Military people can give straight answers in an interview. And can write and communicate in a way that gets a chore done.

[killjoy]

Richard Marcinko is a rare man in America -- a true combat-proven hero and a leader of legendary men. Marcinko, the Rogue Warrior, founded SEAL TEAM SIX and RED CELL -- our Nation's most secretive and skilled warriors.

He is also a convicted felon. Read Combat Swimmer: Memoirs of a Navy SEAL by Robert A. Gormly. He took over command of SEAL Team 6 after Marcinko. He has absolutely no nice things to say about the man.

[TEXASPROUD]

Cyborg is talking about you again Travis. (I thought you had your eye on a Selous Scout)