Explore the World of the US Navy SEALs (Information)

The U.S. Navy SEALs were first created by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. A while back when they were created (Vietnam War)...the SEALs were mostly in water. In the water they could hijack an enemy ship and then destroy it if needed with no or little resistance. But now the SEAL's most effective area is now air and land. The SEAL teams could range from 4-16 people per team (Normally higher amounts of SEALs per team = more likely to have resistance)

The Navy S.E.A.Ls have one of the most hardest training of all. The part all SEALs hate most is "Hell Week". Hell Week is held the 3rd week of training where the remaining seals from basic training are pushed to the limit, to see if they are really SEAL material so the Navy doesn't waste their money on "Non-SEAL Material". Hell Week is meant to test physical endurance, mental toughness, pain and cold tolerance, teamwork and attitude.

During "HellWeek" the seals in training do nothing but work, they get a mere 3-4 hours of sleep a day and often suffer from mental and physical problems, such as mental stress and sleep deprivation.

A seal that trained in "Hell Week" said " It was amazing that I learned how to fall asleep while carrying a boat on my head and running with my squad." Trainees often fall asleep anywhere during training, some have fallen asleep in boats while paddling, others while eating their food.

During "Hell Week" it is almost Hell every day. The SEALs always have mud somewhere on their body, their clothes or their weapons.
As one of the things they must do they must lay in the cold surf with linked arms with their fellow companions in hell and sit there for hours at a time.
Most other exercises they must do are carrying heavy objects, sometimes along with the weight from their weapons and supplies they need.

Then there are the somewhat "Simulations" where the SEAL team must sneak up on the enemy and execute a plan on their "Enemies" (other trainers at the camp).

(This information is from the book "You want Us to do WHAT?" by Jeff Krause) The trainees always had to be motivated (or at least look motivated) because if they aren't the trainers will make their work twice as hard. At times trainees would act motivated knowing the consequences if they showed they actually weren't. Jackets were NEVER allowed during training, trainees got 2 sets of clothes and that was it, nothing more.

Of course, each SEAL can quit if he chooses by ringing a bell 3 times...to agree that they have quit Training. In fact trainers often try to encourage trainees to quit by mimicking the inner voice that tells you to give in to your physical pain. But still many go on taking the heat from the trainers, boxing out their thoughts and focusing on what is important. The trainers need to know these trainees are Real material because they know that they will probably be on a mission with one of the trainees who pass. So they need to be sure the trainees know what they're doing because the trainers know their life may depend on one of those trainees. (Wow that's a lot of words with "train" in them!)
The SEALs can either be taken out of Training for medical reasons or because the individual chooses to quit for whatever reason.

Those who pass all training can call themselves

Every Navy SEAL Must learn to depend on others and learn that others depend on him. The SEALs are trained to go on operations ranged from the scorching hot Desert to the freezing Arctic to the Humid Jungles. The Navy SEALs rarely talk while on a mission, they use hand motions and other actions to tell their fellow team what to do.

Each move made by a SEAL must be made correctly, even under pressure or they will suffer dire consequences that could decide whether they live or die. The SEALs most of the time are not permitted to kill unless told to do so or if they have to (meaning the enemy is going to attack him). Most of the time the Navy SEALs are used for "In and Out" operations, meaning they go in, do what they have to do, then get out with as little sound made as possible. A SEAL team can potentially Capture an Enemy Leader, Rescue any Prisoners or set a C4 or any explosive in a building before the Enemy even realizes they've been infiltrated.

SEALs also work very closely with other countries military and special forces, such as SAS - Special Air Services (Britain's Special Forces). This requires them to constantly have a translator not only for their Allies from other countries, but also for the enemies they capture.

A SEAL Platoon can consist of 16 SEALs, 2 Officers, 1 Chief, and 13 enlisted men. When the Platoon is out of duty, tasks are split into positions for best efficiency. These positions were mostly used by all platoons and squads during the Vietnam War and were quite effective.

These positions would include:

In a Platoon not all of these positions would be used. The reason for this is because not every platoon needed each of these positions or lacked the men to fill them.

Point Man - Front soldier (One of the most hated positions, because of the danger of being first) Usually man with the best tuned instincts and senses. The Point Man is the early warning for the Patrol Leader of booby traps, mine fields, or enemy patrol so the Patrol Leader can notify the rest of the squad. He is normally 20 to 30 yards in front of the squad and uses sticks to find trip wires. If he spots any dangers he will either give hand signals or talk in a very low whisper. The Point Man is often given to experienced SEALs.

Patrol Leader - Gives commands to the Platoon in and out of firefights and the position is usually given to an Officer because he must make smart decisions quickly that will keep his squad safe. He is behind the Point Man and receives signals from the Point Man of dangers. He carries a CAR-15 with a M203 grenade launcher which he savors each and every M203 round. The Patrol Leader also carries a GPS and on longer missions can carry up to 100 lbs in gear.

Radio Man - Obviously, carries the radio for the platoon and radios back to HQ their position, status, number of men incapacitated, how hostile the area is, and call in reinforcements. Normally stays with the Patrol Leader so he can call in napalm or artillery or evacuation. The Radio Man is responsible for a communications plan and getting a connection when they need it.

M-60 Gunner - Carries the VERY HEAVY M60E3 which lays down covering fire. He often is near the middle and is VERY slow making the rest of the squad slow down, which at some times can be good. The M60 Gunner is great to have in a firefight.

Bullet Feeder - This position certainly isn't fun, mostly because this soldier has to carry all the bullets for the M60E3 Gunner and then feed the bullets to the to Gunner when he's laying down covering fire so he can keep on shooting without constant starting and stopping.

Corpsman - Basiclly the Medic of the Platoon. He carries a weapon just like any SEAL and fights the enemy until a team member is wounded, then he focuses on them. ( This Red Cross was worn by mostly every Medic around his arm and also sometimes painted on his helmet, so soldiers could easily find them in emergencies. Especially during D-Day and throughout the Vietnam War these were worn.)

Grenadier - Obviously... mostly throws grenades, but also has a regular rifle (M16A2) This position was rarely used... instead every troop would get an equal amount of grenades But this position was used during the Korean War by many soldiers, due to the lack of rifles. Soldiers would end up charging the enemy in 3 lines, the front line having grenades (and most of the time ONLY grenades), the 2nd line would have rifles, and the 3rd line would have barely any weapons (Some just charging the enemy without a weapon) they would then pick up rifles and grenades from the fallen Soldiers that had been ahead of them.

Rear Security - Almost exactly like the Point Man but he is placed in the rear of the Platoon watching all the SEALs backs and preventing ambushes. The Rear Security normally carries the CAR-15 with a M203 attached that shoots M203 smoke to escape if ambushes were to happen. He has to be an expert in Navigation because at any point in time if the squad has to retreat then he becomes point man and the Old Point man becomes the Rear Security. He also carries up to 100 lbs.

Sniper - The Snipers can take down guards or sentries (Silently if needed) that the SEAL team is either unable to get around or shoot them only because it would be easier later on during the mission. Otherwise he just picks off enemies if his platoon is in a battle.

Spotter - The Spotter's whole point is to spot out enemy targets for the Sniper and tell him where to put the scope to kill the enemy. Example: The spotter would use his binoculars and find the enemy then calculate the wind and other components to find where the sniper must put the scope to kill the enemy. So the spotter would do his calculations (which wouldn't take long) then tell the sniper (either with hand motions or actually talking) "1R, 2D."


Then the sniper would use his scope and go 1 notch right then 2 notches down and put the enemies body right where the 2 match up. (think of it like the game Battleship "C5")

Breacher - The Breachers job is to get him or his team into closed spaces. He carries C-4 (good for blowing doors and walls down) a 12 Gauge Shotgun and a sludge hammer.

"One man with a gun can control 100 without one. "

-Vladimir Lenin

IMPORTANT: I have not had the privilege to serve as a US Navy SEAL, so I cannot personally confirm these.

The U.S. Navy SEALs are sometimes required to have complete radio silence, where hand signals would become very useful to communicate.

These signals may have more than one meaning because I cannot completely confirm which is really used by the U.S. Navy SEALs. Enjoy!

Hold Position: Hand up with Palm forward, Hand up in a fist.

Crouch or Lay down: Hand in patting motion in the air.

Follow: Touch head twice (or once) with one hand

Hold Your Fire: Finger in front of mouth as in "shush"

Fire at Will: Hand in the air in fist shape then pulling hand down vertically (once or twice)

"I see 2 Enemies [insert location]": Two fingers each in front of an eye (looks like they're going to poke their eyes) means I See. Two fingers (like counting on your fingers to 2) means 2. Then pointing with hand (looks like you're about to shake someone's hand) at location means Where the Enemies are.

Move to: Pointing at members of the SEAL team then Pointing hand (looks like you're about to shake someone's hand) at a location.

Below are very good pictures showing Hand Signals

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

You

Me

Come

Listen or I hear

Watch or I see

Hurry up

Stop

Freeze

Cover This Area

Go here or Move up

Enemy

Hostage

Sniper

Obstacle

Cell Leader

Column Formation

File Formation

Line Abreast Formation

Wedge Formation

Rally Point

Pistol

Rifle

Shotgun

Ammunition

Vehicle

I Understand

I Don't Understand

Crouch or go Prone

Door

Window

Point of Entry

Note: The Boats/Subs don't always insert the SEALs very close to shore most of the time. If dropped far from shore, SEALs must use Inflatable Boats to move toward the shore.

-Boats

MK V Special Operations Craft (MK V SOC)
-Used in Low-Medium Threat Areas
-Has Gun Mounts(Though not always used) for..
.50 Caliber Machine Guns, M60 Machine Guns, MK 19 Grenade Launchers, GAU-17 Minigun, and MK 38 Chain Gun

11-Meter NSW Rigid Inflatable Boat (11M NSW RIB)
-Has high speed and high buoyancy
-Used When have light-load operations.
-Gun Mounts for M-60, M-2, or MK-19

Special Operations Craft Riverine (SOC-R)
-Used in low-medium threat operations
-Quick and maneuverable
-Gun Mounts for M60 7.62 mm, MK-19, M2HB .50 cal

Subs

Dry Deck Shelter (DDS)
-Used to recover and launch SEAL vehicles or pick up large teams of SEALs

Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS)
-Used to insert close to shore to keep S.E.A.Ls safe from cold and fatigue.
-Controlled by 2 men and can carry up to 8 SEAL members

Land Vehicles (More to come later!)

Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV)
-High Speed
-Lightly Armored
-First used in Gulf War by SEALs
- (can be)Armed with M2 Browning machine gun, two 7.62mm machine guns, and two AT4 anti-armor rocket launchers.
-VERY vulnerable (nothing to stop a bullet)
-Used mostly for Downed pilot rescues

Humvee (Car) (Also called "Dumvee")
-Armored
-Turret on top (Can be a rocket launcher or regular machine gun)
-Seats around 5 people
-Camouflaged
-Four wheel drive
-Diesel powered
(Picture of Humvee hopefully soon!)

BRADLY (Tank)
-Lightly Armored
-Small rapid firing tank
-Carries around 4-5

Air (Planes/Helicopters)

AC-130H Spectre and AC-130U Spooky (Plane)
-Provides Fire Support for SEALs
-Armed with 105 mm artillery
-Has sensors and infrared

MC-130E and MC-130H Combat Talon I/II (Plane)
-Capable of air Re-Fueling
-Can airdrop equipment or personnel

MC-130P Combat Shadow (Plane)
-Can be used for Infiltration
-Mostly used to Re-Fuel Helicopters while still in air and to airdrop supplies.

MH-53J and MH-53M Pave-Low (Helicopter)
- Used for insertion, extraction, resupply, airdrop
-Also has heavy-lift sling for lifting heavy objects

CV-22 Osprey (Helicopter)
-Used to penetrate denied airspace to Extract, Insert or Resupply

Many thanks to Navyseals.com for the great pictures!

SD= Sound Depressor
M203= Attachable Grenade Launcher

Assault Rifles
-M16A2
-M16A-M203
-M4A1
-M4A1-SD
-M4A1-M203-SD
-CAR-15

Machine Guns
-M63A
-M60E3

Pistols
-Mark 23
-Mark 23 SD
-SP10
-Glock 9mm

Shotguns
-12 Gauge Shotgun
-Mossberg Shotgun

Sub Machine Guns
-HK5K
-HK5
-HK5-SD

Explosives that are planted
- C-4 (explosive with shapeable mold that can stick to surfaces)
- Claymore (Planted on the ground and has a 180 degree radius and can be set for Timed- Detonates after a set time, Trigger- In some way the Claymore is detonated, either by tripwire or pressure sensitive , Detonation- Hand detonated by pressing the trigger on the detonator.)
-PMN Mines (Pressure sensitive Mines)

Ranged Explosives/Grenades
-AT4 HEAT (Rocket Launcher)
-RPG (Rocket Launcher)
-MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher; Gun that shoots Explosives, similar to M203)
-M67 (Grenade; used for killing large groups of people)
-Flash bang (Grenade; used for capturing enemies)
-SMOKE (Grenade; used to create a smoke screen)
-Red SMOKE (Grenade; normally used to alert extraction helicopters but can also be used for smoke screen)

Some Sniper Rifles
-SR-25
-SR-25-SD
-SASR

I will have more information posted later on....just testing on how many people at least look at it =) thanks for looking.

The Navy SEALs have started to become more well known among gamers, as many newer (and old) games are having Navy SEALs in them. One of the installments of the Call of Duty series allows you to play a mission on an oil rig fighting alongside Navy SEALs, and in fact, use their motto "The only easy day was yesterday" as the mission's name. In this mission the Navy SEALs are well represented. In the mission, the SEALs are stealthy, quick, and efficient but deadly - Much like how they are in real life. The mission resembles how a SEAL team (though parts are exagerated for more fun gameplay) may conduct a hostage evacuation. They enter quietly and try to take down as many enemies as they can, without making a sound. However, when they are discovered and an alarm alerts the whole rig, they are crafty and set up a quick "trap" so they can gain the element of surprise and the advantage of numbers.

Another game which has represented the SEALs very well is a game I'm quite a fan of. This game series, is SOCOM US Navy SEALs.
SOCOM - Standing for: Special Operations COMmand. Has worked closely with people in the Navy SEALs to learn how to develop their game to accurately represent real Navy SEAL guns and tactics. The first game of the series even came with a documentary about the SEALs, interviewing them about their training and tactics in the field. It also spoke of the strong relationship of the Navy SEALs and Navy SWCC (Swix for short).

NOTE: All of these items may not be used on every mission.

Radio Headset

-Used to talk to fellow SEALs if needed

Secondary Weapon Holster
-Used to hold a secondary weapon (Handgun)

Eye Protection

-Used in Water or cold/stormy climates
-Keeps eyes safe

Canteen

-Holds water for various purposes such as: Clean wounds, drink, or give to a rescued hostage.

Hat/Helmet

-Used to camouflage SEALs head
-Minimal protection from bullets

Ammo Pouch

-Used to hold Ammo for the SEALs weapon

Maps and Map case (often replaced with a GPS)

-Used to stay on track to their objectives

Harness

-Used for climbing heights to prevent from falling

Nylon climbing gauge rope(9mm & 11mm)

-Used when needed to climb heights
-Also used to keep the team together. Example: each SEAL hooks the rope to their backpack or harness/belt.

Crampon spikes(attach to combat boots for ice climbing)
-Used for ice climbing

Ice Axe
-Also used for ice climbing and to break ice away from objects.