Special Warfare

Today's SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) teams trace their history to the first group of volunteers selected from the Naval Construction Battalions (SeaBees) in the spring of 1943. These volunteers were organized into special teams called Navy Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs). The units were tasked with reconnoitering and clearing beach obstacles for troops going ashore during amphibious landings, and evolved into Combat Swimmer Reconnaissance Units.

The NCDUs distinguished themselves during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. In 1947, the Navy organized its first underwater offensive strike units. During the Korean Conflict, these Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) took part in the landing at Inchon as well as other missions including demolition raids on bridges and tunnels accessible from the water. They also conducted limited minesweeping operations in harbors and rivers.

During the 1960s, each branch of the armed forces formed its own counterinsurgency force. The Navy utilized UDT personnel to form separate units called SEAL teams. January 1962 marked the commissioning of SEAL Team ONE in the Pacific Fleet and SEAL Team TWO in the Atlantic Fleet. These teams were developed to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerilla warfare and clandestine operations in both blue and brown water environments.

Concurrently, Naval Operations Support Groups were formed to aid UDTs, SEALs, and two other unique units — Boat Support and Beach Jumpers — in administration, planning, research, and development. During the Vietnam War, UDTs performed reconnaissance missions and SEALs carried out numerous offensive operations. In 1967, the Naval Operations Support Groups were renamed Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWGs) as involvement increased in limited conflicts and special operations.

In 1983, existing UDTs were re-designated as SEAL teams and/or SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams and the requirement for hydrographic reconnaissance and underwater demolition became SEAL missions.

SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) teams go through what is considered by some to be the toughest military training in the world. Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL (BUD/S) training is conducted at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado. Students encounter obstacles that develop and test their stamina, leadership and ability to work as a team.

The newly commissioned officer from the NROTC program may elect to pursue a career in Naval Special Warfare, which is the smallest of the unrestricted line communities. The Special Warfare Officer concentrates on the development of skills in the areas of unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, coastal and riven interdiction, and tactical intelligence collection. To enter this career area, the officer must meet the various physical prerequisites, volunteer for hazardous duty, and request to be selected to receive Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUDS) Training.

BUDS Training is a 6-month course that is both physically and mentally demanding. Both prospective SEAL officers and enlisted are required to successfully complete the course before being admitted to the SEAL community. It is specifically designed to provide the necessary basic physical and technical skills needed by the Special Warfare operator, and its requirements are sufficiently demanding so only those who are highly motivated will complete the course. In BUDS Training officers receive instruction in the planning and conduct of all phases and forms of Naval Special Warfare, including the various forms of hydrographic reconnaissance, land and underwater demolition's, individual and crew served weapons, small unit tactics, land reconnaissance, and various types of SCUBA.

Successful completion of BUDS Training signifies that an officer has attained the necessary skills to be assigned to a SEAL or SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team and this initial assignment marks the start of a SEAL officer's professional development. A first tour SEAL officer can expect to be assigned as an assistant Platoon Commander, receiving advanced instruction that will expand upon the basic skills obtained during BUDS Training. Additional training in new areas such as parachuting and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Operations will also be included. A new SEAL officer will also receive pre-deployment training prior to a first deployment to a forward deployed Naval Special Warfare Unit or with an Amphibious Ready Group.

To some people, comfort is a warm spot under the covers or a favorite couch. To a SEAL, comfort is more likely to be that warm fuzzy feeling that comes from a job well done; even if the job requires you to jump from a hot airplane into a cold ocean.

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