Is it possible to lead a normal life after living as a SEAL?

[Soulja]

To be more specific, would someone be able to raise a family and live a normal lifestyle when they are finished with the SEAL's? I know its close to impossible having a family while you are in the SEAL's. Also, I have talked to a SEAL and he said that after 6 years of being a SEAL he went back into society and felt like he didn't belong. He lived as a civillian for a year and couldn't adapt like before so he re-enlisted. I know there are former SEAL's on this board and my question is did you feel the same way at first? Another question is did you have a life outside of the SEAL's? Did you have any fun, normal fun? Lastly, I know the gov't doesn't want to let a SEAL go after only 6 years, if one were to get out, as that is the minimum time, due to money spent on training and what they know. I figure the gov't would keep tabs on an ex-SEAL to make sure he doesn't say anything. As always, any info would be appreciated. Thanks

[Wetwash]

Certainly it is.. I was married to my Ex wife Forty yrs an draised two children, both college graduates.

[VMI_ARMY]

of course it depends on the person, but I know several SEALs and SFers that had good family life while in and have been highly successful in the "real world"

[lauren78]

SEALs are highly functional people. They're not robots.

[MagnumResearch]

Hell, look at Jesse Ventura. He was a SEAL. Then a pro wrestler. Now he is into politics....

[chris504b]

Yeah there are plenty of SEALs that have lived normal lives after leaving the Teams. I was recently talking to a SEAL that said that a lot of SEALs, including himself, have problems relating to people. Face it your average American is not trained to fight and win like SEALs are. I also know a SEAL that has problems and doesn't really have a "normal life." It really is a shame because people in Vietnam were scarred both physically and mentally scarred.

[honeybutterfly]

Maybe this website could help those SEALs who have issues dealing with average people. They now have people who could relate to their job as a SEAL versus my next door neighbor for example who doesn't even know what the acronym SEAL stand for. I will say that as a woman, I will never know what it is like to be a SEAL, I can only understand the basic concept of a SEAL from those who ARE SEALs.

For those of us who are on this board who are seriously interested in being educated about SEALs, can do a good deed for those SEALs who are having a difficult time adjusting to "normal" life by providing a listening ear and a genuine understanding for their issues. If you need to talk, email me: honeybutterfly@navyseals.com