History
Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Teams trace their history back to the first group of volunteers selected from the Naval Construction Battalions in the Spring of 1943. Their mission was clearing obstacles from beaches chosen for amphibious landings, Thus, the first formal training of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) began. The NCDUs distinguished themselves at Utah and Omaha beaches in Normandy and in Southern France.
In the Pacific, the NCDUs were consolidated into Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). The newly formed UDTs saw action in every corner of the Pacific during World War II.
In September 1950, the UDTs participated in the Korean War at Inchon, Wonsan, Iwon, and Chinnampo. The redeployment of the United Nations Forces featured the UDTs conducting delaying operations using guerrilla warfare.
In January 1962, the first SEAL Teams were commissioned to conduct unconventional warfare, counter- guerrilla warfare, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. These Teams were SEAL Team ONE on the West coast and SEAL Team TWO on the East coast. During Vietnam, the SEALs compiled an impressive record of combat success. Since the close of the Vietnam conflict, the ever-changing world situation and increased operational tasking have prompted the expansion of SEAL Teams in number, size, and capabilities. To effectively respond to this evolutionary process, Underwater Demolition Teams have been redesignated SEAL or SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams. Thus, the newly designated SEAL Teams acquired the SEAL mission and retained the amphibious support mission inherited from their UDT forefathers.
SEAL and SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Teams and Special Boat Units comprise the elite combat units of Naval Special warfare. These units are organized, trained, and equipped to conduct special operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. These highly trained specialists are deployed worldwide in support of fleet and national operations. The wide range of tasks performed by Naval Special warfare and their outstanding combat records have earned an enduring and highly respected reputation.
Naval Special warfare extends a personal challenge to those interested individuals like yourself. This program will push you to your physical and mental limits, again and again, until you are hard and strong, both physically and mentally, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the SEAL Teams. Freefall parachuting at 10,000 feet into the ocean at night, travelling by small rubber boat for 100 miles, conducting a mission, then travelling 30 miles out to sea to rendezvous with a submarine is a typical mission for the SEALS and is an adventure most people can experience only by reading a book. So, if you are ready for both a challenge and an adventure, the naW has just the training to test your mettle. BE SOMEONE SPECIAL! ! !
As a BUD/S student, you will participate in challenging training and encounter opportunities to develop and test your stamina and leadership. BUD/S training is extremely thorough both physically and mentally; but through adequate preparation and a positive attitude, you can meet its challenges with confidence. The workout schedules in this booklet are designed to prepare you physically for BUD/S. You are the one who has to prepare to give all you have every day. At BUD/S it is essential to live, eat, and sleep BUD/S.
SEAL history can be quickly traced back to World War II. A time of great need in the world for brave, intelligent, creative men to pave the way for the allied landings on enemy soil. Through the conquests and triumphs of the Navy's Underwater Demolitions Teams grew the legends of the "Naked Warriors". The SEALs, by that name, were not commissioned until the early 60s. Spurred by the kennedy Administrations approval of the Green Berets and the need for units with the type of tactical skills that the Green Beret represented promted the Navy to form their own elite unit. Some people believe that the American unconventional warrior was forged in this era of our history. In fact this country was liberated from Imperial Rule by a brave and ruthless group of guerilla commandos that we call "Minute Men". In fact one of the Revolutions greatest battles was a riverine operation at Delaware Crossing near Trenton, New Jersey.
WORLD WAR II
World War II marks the beginning of the modern day Naval Commandos. The Navy SEALs trace their heritage back to the original Naked Warrior. The Navy Combat Swimmers led the way reconnoitering and clearing landing beaches of obstacles making possible the Allied Beach Landings of World War II. These brave men operated in every theater of the great war and their contribution greatly outweighed their numbers, a trend that will follow them throughout their long and colorful history.
KOREA
The forgotten war began in 1950 and ended in 1953. The Underwater Demolition Teams fought heroically and with little fanfare during this conflict. The UDT started to employ demolition expertise gained from WWII and adapt it to an offensive role. Continuing the effective use of the water as cover and concealment as well as a method of insertion, the Korean Era UDT targeted bridges, tunnels, fishing nets and other maritime and coastal targets. They also developed a close working relationship with the Republic of Korea (ROK) UDT/SEALs, whom they trained and which continues to this day.
VIETNAM (SOON TO COME)