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Navy SEALs

SEALs are a U.S. Navy special operations unit. The name SEAL refers to their versatility in operating by sea, air and land.

SEAL Trident
SEAL trident


Navy SEAL
A Navy SEAL armed with a M60E3 belt-fed machine gun.
(view larger image]
photo : US Dod

Navy SEALs - Role

  • Counterterrorism
  • Unconventional Warfare
  • Foreign Internal Defense
  • Direct Action
  • Special Reconnaissance

Whilst Navy SEALs specialize in operations on, in or underwater, they are equally at home on dry land, be it in the jungle, desert, mountains or arctic conditions.

Navy SEALS - Organization

SEAL teams are split into 2 groups:

  • Naval Special Warfare Group One (West Coast)
  • Naval Special Warfare Group Two (East Coast)

Both groups come under the control of The United States Naval Special Warfare Command (NSW) which itself comes under the SOCOM umbrella.

There are 8 SEAL teams (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10). Each SEAL team comprises:

  • Staff Head Quarters element
  • 3 40-man Task Units comprising:
    • Headquarters element
    • 2 SEAL Platoons of 16 men
      The SEAL platoons are the primary fighting element of the SEAL teams
      read more on SEAL Platoons
    • Combat support staff
      • N1-Administrative support
      • N2 Intelligence
      • N3 Operations
      • N4 Logistics
      • N5 Plans and Targeting
      • N8 Air/Medical

Aside from the standard SEAL teams, other NSW units include:

  • Naval Special Warfare Development Group' (DEVGRU)
    SEALS specialists in counter terrorism, formerly known as 'SEAL Team Six'. The men of DEVGRU are all experienced SEALs, trained in the demanding field of Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT).
    more info : DEVGRU

  • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams
    specialists in the use of underwater Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs)
    more info : SDV Teams
SEAL divers
Navy SEAL divers using SCUBA gear.
more info : SEAL diving gear
photo : US Dod

SEAL Diving Equipment

US Navy SEALs use a variety of SCUBA and rebreather apparatus for underwater operations.

more info : SEAL diving equipment

Supporting Units

The SEALs are supported by several other Naval elements:

Navy SEALs - Notable Operations

more info : Navy SEAL operations


Navy SEALs Resources

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