How much you know about SEALs? [Archive]

childofgod

11-11-2002, 10:22 AM

Reading about SEALs, watching about SEALs, listening about SEALs. Those of us who aren't actually in there at the moment have a wealth of knowledge to find out about SEALs. But I was beginning to think lately.....is all of that barely a fraction of the training SEALs actually get?

I hear all these people who are in a position to know (SEALs on this site), talk about how much of badasses the instructors really are. How they could tear any BUD/S student up in a second. How they can hold their breath longer than anyone who isn't a SEAL... etc etc. Of all the stuff I read or see on the SEALs, they never mention un-orthodox training like breath holding (well...for SEALs it might not be unorthodox). Or any other training that would give them that ability. Is most of the SEAL training classified?

Could those who know let me know how much we can actually find out about the SEAL teams? Is it very little in comparison to what they actually do, or is it quite a bit?

Thanks

Doug

11-11-2002, 01:21 PM

I hear all these people who are in a position to know (SEALs on this site), talk about how much of badasses the instructors really are. How they could tear any BUD/S student up in a second. How they can hold their breath longer than anyone who isn't a SEAL... etc etc. Of all the stuff I read or see on the SEALs, they never mention un-orthodox training like breath holding (well...for SEALs it might not be unorthodox). Or any other training that would give them that ability. Is most of the SEAL training classified?

Excellent Question. Im actually surprised this has not surfaced earlier. I have a clear-cut sensible answer for you too. Ok - there is no type of classified training that teaches you a secret to holding your breath longer. There is no "secret" way to kill a man with one finger (well, except your trigger finger), etc. So why are the instructors such badasses and capable of such mythical claims? Simple. Because they are SEALs. If you go through BUD/S, Jump School, STT/SQT, etc. and become a SEAL, you have a dedication, motivation and driving force that goes beyond what the average person knows he/she is capable of. You have learned through a lot of pain, sweat, tears and blood exactly how capable you are of successfully performing any given task - regardless of what it may be. Obstacles do not stand in your way. We don't stop running if we twist our ankle - we will just run harder and faster, we don't come up for air if we THINK that we "need" air. We know from experience that we still have a good minute left before we would experience shallow water blackout. We are capable of what we do from experience. We know our EXACT limitations and capabilities to the letter. We don't THINK we know what we are capable of - we know exactly what we are capable of. We use that to our advantage. It is extremely difficult to understand or comprehend this if you have not been there and done that. Many civilians (especially young BUD/S students) truly THINK that they already have this ability and that is where they are mistaken. I don't know of anything else in the world that can give you this feeling and experience other than SEAL Training. There are no magic tricks or secret techniques. Just hard core dedicated training by motivated and determined men who never give up and know how to push far beyond what an average man is thought to be capable of. I hope this answers your question. Like I said, it was an excellent question...

Could those who know let me know how much we can actually find out about the SEAL teams? Is it very little in comparison to what they actually do, or is it quite a bit?

You can find out what you would like to know. Of course some things are not to be said. For example if you wanted to know what they teach you about SDV's in SDV school, it can not be said. Some things are classified, some things are just not discussed. But the information that you would find useful for basic knowledge or to see what SEALs mainly do or to see what you could be doing if you are successful in becoming a SEAL - you can find out easily. Most of your questions can be answered on this site. So simply, we do partake in more than most people probably think, but plenty of information is readily available for the curious surfer or potential SEAL hopeful....