We all know about this elite fighting force. These are the same guys that have been feature in movies, and sent on high-risk missions such as the one that took Osama Bin Laden’s life.

But did you know when they were first commissioned and the first mission that they actually undertook? How about the acronym, “SEAL”? What does it stand for?

In this blog, I want to go over the history of this historic fighting force and throw in a few other tidbits worth mentioning to better acquaint my readers with this deadly and highly-trained United States military group.

Origins

The Navy Seals roots are firmly planted all the way back to WWII. They began as a group of soldiers who were trained at the, “Amphibious Scout and Raider School,” which was established in 1942, just 9 months after the Pearl Harbor attack. Back then, the Seals were known as the Scouts and Raiders.

Shortly after they were commissioned, the Scouts and Raiders saw their first action and combat during “Operation Torch,” which began in November of 1942. This operation is historically known as the first Allied landing in Europe…although the landing actually took place on the North African coast.

From there on out, the Scouts and Raiders also participated in landings which took place in Italy and France – including the invasion of Normandy.

The Acronym

As for the acronym, SEAL stands for SEa, Air and Land Teams, and denotes the forces ability to operate at sea, in the air, and on land. You can think of them as the Navy’s “well-rounded” task force, which also makes them the MVP’s of the Navy as well.

With the ability and training to undertake almost any mission asked of them – whether on land, at sea, or in the air – it comes as no surprise that the SEALs are one of the first called upon when it comes to specific missions and operations.

Mostly Males

Also, most members of the SEALs are males, although there has never been a specific reason given as to why this is. I guess men are just more macho after all.

Even More Prestige

On May 2, 2011, 40 CIA-led SEALs stormed a compound located in Abbottabad, Pakistan. In that compound, they found and killed Osama bin Laden after years of trying to hunt him down.

Although the SEALs have always been viewed as a prestigious and elite group, the announcement of Bin Laden’s death at their hands probably raised their profile even more in terms of how the public viewed them.

Sadly, this triumph was soon overtaken by news just months later, when 17 SEALs died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Reports noted that the helicopter was shot down by RPGs fired by Taliban soldiers.

Training

Each and every SEAL must go through yearly trainings to hone their skills. But before they even become a SEL, they must graduate from two different training courses.

The first is called the “US Navy SEAL Selection and Training Course,” and lasts for 24 weeks. The second is called the “SEAL Qualification Training Program” and lasts for 28 weeks.

If a SEAL hopeful can pass both of these trainings, then they can be considered for deployment.

Final Thought

Hopefully you enjoyed this blog about SEALs. Its always important to remember the service, dedication, and sacrifice that these men and women of who serve in our country’s military give each and every day.

Its definitely not easy being a SEAL, but it has to be very rewarding. More importantly, I think most SEALs do what they do because they know they are serving millions of us back home.

I want to just take this chance to say, “Thanks for all you do Navy SEAls!”