SEALs: Defending America on the Sea, Air, and Land -- Part 6

We’re back to learning more about the SEALs.

One of the things that most intrigued me in my research  is the vast variety of skills SEAL trainees learn. 

One such skill involves a pair of  prospective SEALS exchanging SCUBA (Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus)  equipment underwater in the Combat Training Tank at the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado. 

This exercise gives the trainees an extra measure of security in the water and with their equipment.  By simulating an emergency situation in which two divers musts survive from one man’s breathing apparatus, the students learn to depend on each other.

Teamwork is vital to SEAL training and operations.  Though trained to make lightning-quick decisions on their own and to use their instincts, SEALS work as teams and as buddies.

Another skill trainees must master is to swim with their hands and feet  bound.  Imitating a capture situation, the students learn to survive in the water in the most extreme circumstances.

Are you impressed yet with what these courageous warriors can do?  If so, drop by next week for more of their exploits.  If not, drop by anyway and come prepared to be impressed.

May the Lord bless you and the United States of America,

Jane

Veteran's Day

Dear Readers,

We’re going to depart from learning about the SEALs today to talk about Veterans Day.  Originally known as Armistice Day, the name was officially changed to Veterans’ Day  on June 1, 1954.   November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars, including World War II and the Korean War.

World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,”  officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept to celebrate the end of all wars was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

“Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed".

World War I was thought to be the end of world wars.  With the advent of World War II and the Korean War, veterans and others petitioned to have the day include a day to honor veterans of all conflicts in which America participated.

Over the years, there was some confusion over which day Veterans Day would be celebrated; however, the purpose of this sacred day will always be a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and to sacrifice.

May the Lord bless you and the United States of America,

Jane

SEALs: Defending America on the Sea, Air, and Land -- Part 5

Dear Readers,

It seems I can’t pull myself away from writing about SEALs.  I actually met an honest-to-goodness SEAL who came to our writers’ group and talked about his exploits.

To my surprise, he wasn’t a big man.  He probably stood no taller than 5’8” and weighed less than 150 pounds.  He was wiry, had a keen sense of humor, and didn’t mind using words like “kill.”

The other attendees and I were captivated with him and his stories.  One lady who wrote romantic suspense  asked him what was the most efficient way to kill someone.  He said that if you didn’t mind some blood and gore, that running the person over the car was quick, easy, and efficient.

Wow!   I’d imagined something much more exotic, something with stealth and secrecy, but this warrior got right to the point.

Okay.  Enough of my stories.  Let’s get to some down-and-dirty facts about SEALS:

Fact:  President John F. Kennedy, on January 1, 1962, officially signed documents that led to the establishment of SEAL Teams One and Two in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets, respectively.  Personnel from the UDTs composed both groups. 

Fact:  The SEAL Teams were essential for operations in the Vietnam War.    They were the most highly decorated units assigned to duty in that conflict.

Fact:  Twenty years later, in 1983, the four remaining UDTS were officially un-established and reorganized into SEAL teams. 

I hope you enjoy learning more about SEALS as much as I have in researching them. 

May the Lord bless you and the United States of America,

Jane

SEALs: Defending America on the Sea, Air, and Land -- Part 4

Dear Readers,

More about the SEALs.  (Can you tell that I am smitten by these courageous warriors?)

You have no doubt heard of BUD/S training.  This vigorous training is broken down into three phases.  The first consists of basic condition, which lasts eight weeks.  Physical training involves calisthenics, running, and, of course, swimming, all of which becoming more and more difficult as the weeks progress.

The fifth week of training earned the nickname “Hell Week” and for good reason.  It beings with five and a half days of continuous training with very little sleep.  The purpose of this week, to push the students to their limit and beyond, weeds out many applicants, testing them both physically and mentally.  Hydrographic reconnaissance takes up the remaining three weeks.

The second phase is the diving phase, seven weeks in duration.  Students learn combat SCUBA, with emphasis placed on long distance underwater dives, preparing the men for basic combat dives.

The third and final phase involves land warfare training and is ten weeks in length.  This phase incorporates demolition, reconnaissance, and focuses on teaching land navigation, patrolling techniques, rappelling, land navigation, and the handling of individual infantry weapons and military explosion.  

Wow!  Can you imagine what these warriors must undergo to call themselves SEALs, all with the goal of defending America?  It boggles my mind … and stirs my heart.   

May the Lord bless you and the United States of America,

Jane

 

SEALs: Defending America on the Sea, Air, and Land -- Part 3

Dear Readers,

The gold Navy SEAL Trident is reputed to be one of the most difficult military insignias to earn.  Made up of four symbols, which each symbolize something different, the insignia was adopted in 1971.  The eagle represents freedom and American ideals, the musket the right to bear arms and defend American values, the anchor the US Navy, and the trident, which resembles a pitchfork, denotes the maritime nature of the SEALs.

Consider the following which the SEAL hopefuls must learn and accomplish:  underwater reconnaissance, detection of mines and booby traps, seamanship, use of rubber boats, rigorous physical conditioning, long distance surf swimming with equipment, handling of explosives, removal of obstacles, shallow water diving, close order drill, mine sweeping in shallow water.  

Now add to that drills in removing obstacles through use of hand-placed charges, speed and ability in analyzing and solving demolition problems,  night vision and observation of coastal silhouettes, armed and unarmed combat, stealth and concealment.

Perhaps most important in SEAL training is the reliance on and loyalty to team members.  As one leader pointed out, “There is no ‘I” in Team.”

SEALs are one of America’s first line of defense, taking the battle to the enemy.  Is it any wonder that they are the stuff of legends, inspiring movies and books?

May the Lord bless you and the United States of America,

Jane

SEALs: Defending America on the Sea, Air, and Land -- Part 2

Dear Readers,

Lt. Commander Kauffman had a vision.  He saw the men who joined S&R and NCDUs as warriors who would do what other armed services personnel could not:  removing obstacles and demolition (a fancy word for blowing things up).  The training originally lasted eight weeks (10 for some groups).  Today, that training is 26 weeks

This program weeded out many who could not make the grade.  Some estimate the number of those who tried out but were not selected  at 70 percent.  That percentage remains high today.   Physical conditioning was emphasized as well as skills in removal and demolition.

NCDU training continued at Ft. Pierce until V-J Day in September, 1945 when some men were selected for advanced work.  These men were assigned to a UDT base at Maui, Hawaii where they underwent even more training. 

Today, SEALS must complete a demanding SEALs Tactical Training, after completing BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL).  These men are considered the best of the best, giving everything they have to serve their country.

Drop in next week to learn about the coveted SEAL trident.

May the Lord bless you and the United States of America,

Jane

SEALs: Defending America on the Sea, Air, and Land -- Part 1

Dear Readers,

Chances are you’ve watched a movie, read a book, or seen stories of the exploits of SEALs on the news. 

The acronym SEAL identifies the environments in which SEALs operate:  sea, air, and land.  Though equally adept (and deadly) in any of these environments, it is the water where SEALs feel most comfortable, where they return after completing a mission on the land or in the air.

SEALs trace their beginnings to the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) of World War II.  Initially, Scout and Raider units were joint Army and Navy, but were later composed of all Navy personnel.  Scout and Raiders made up amphibious reconnaissance units. 

Lt. Commander Draper L. Kauffman was hand selected as the leader of the NCDU project.  Kauffman had a wide experience of demolition work and bomb disposal which he incorporated in the training, setting up a vigorous program, including Hell Week, which remains a cornerstone of SEALs training today.

The NCDU had as their mission statement, “To have the responsibility for removing natural and manmade underwater obstacles, which are likely to obstruct landing operations.  This mission is performed in close cooperation with other units of the amphibious forces.”

More to come next week about the storied SEALs.

May the Lord bless you and the United States of America,

Jane