Navy SEALs are part of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) special operations force, making up just 1% of the US Navy. They are trained in land and air tactics, but begin and end their operations in the sea environment. Their primary training is in Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Direct Action (DA). Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewmen (SWCC) are also part of NSW, focusing on the maintenance and operation of watercraft and weapons. Both groups require excellent physical fitness, intelligence, motivation, and correctable 20/20 vision.
Navy SEALs work for the United States Navy in the special operations force called Naval Special Warfare (NSW). NSW makes up just 1% of the US Navy. SEAL stands for sea, air and land. Members are trained in land and air tactics, but begin and end their operations in the sea environment.
Primary training is primarily in Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Direct Action (DA), as these are regarded by NSW as basic SEAL skills. SR missions are conducted from NSW as a means of preparing military troops for what to expect in enemy territory; SEALs covertly monitor enemy operations and weapons and report intelligence to NSW. DA provides direct confrontation strategies such as trained snipers ready to protect other US military personnel. Navy SEALs select the right weapons for each job such as handguns, rifles, grenade launchers, shotguns, or sniper rifles.
The six-month basic training is called Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) and is both physically and mentally demanding. A three-week parachute course and 15-week advanced training are also required for Navy SEALs to earn the “Trident” pin which means a SEAL. After the first stage of training is completed, prospective members receive a sheet of paper called a “Dream Sheet” which they use to express their choice of San Diego, California, or Virginia Beach, Virginia. Two of the four groups that field Navy SEALs are in San Diego and the other two in Virginia Beach. The total number of SEALs totals more than 2,450, and there are also 325 reserve members.
Special Operations Forces are small, concentrated units. Navy SEALs are expected to expertly handle equipment and strategic tactics on missions around the world. They are trained to attack their targets unexpectedly, day or night, either by parachute or submarine.
Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewmen (SWCC) are not the same as Navy SEALs even though both are part of NSW. SWCC goes through similar training, but focuses on the maintenance and operation of watercraft and weapons. The SWCC aids and supports SEALs in shallow water areas. Both groups must have excellent physical fitness, intelligence, motivation and be able to respond accurately in stressful situations.
Both potential SWCCs and potential Navy SEALs must have 20/20 vision, or at least vision that is considered correctable to 20/20 with laser eye surgery. Both must have received at least the minimum allowable scores on the Armed Services Professional Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB tests ten subjects and the scores obtained in each area indicate suitability for basic training. Prospective SWCCs usually require high scores in Arithmetic Knowledge (AK), Word Knowledge (WK), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC). Prospective SEALs often need to score high in General Science (GS), Electronics Information (EI), and Mechanical Understanding (MC).
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