seals today
The
original SEALs had only 50 men, now there are about 2000. SEALs operate anywhere needed, and in cooperation with agencies worldwide. The SEALs
are becoming more and more important for
today's missions which require unconventional warfare including terrorism, surveillance,
defend human rights, drug wars, hostages, and tracking criminals and nuclear
weapons. SEALs
constantly adjust their tactics and planning to keep up with changing enemies. "We don't talk about operational details for the obvious reasons: It puts peoples'
lives at risk, and it gives the bad guys a heads-up as to what we're doing" Pentagon Spokeswoman Torie Clark
SEALs
are divided into different teams with specialized members and each team specializes in different environments.
- "There are eight SEAL teams. Each team has six platoons and
a headquarters element. SEAL platoons consist of 16 SEALs -- two officers, one
chief, and 13 enlisted men. A platoon
is generally the largest operational element assigned to a mission. The platoon
may also be divided into two squads
or four elements. Every member
of a SEAL platoon is qualified in diving, parachuting, and demolitions." science.howstuffworks.com/navy-seal17
- "There are other
specialized teams of SEALs called SEAL
Delivery Vehicle teams (SDVT). SDV teams operate in areas where it is
too far out for a SEAL to swim and carry gear. Using underwater SDV watercraft,
these teams increase the areas in which SEALs can operate. SDV teams usually
deploy from submarines, but can also deploy from shore-based
stations or surface ships." science.howstuffworks.com/navy-seal17
Recent SEAL recognitions:
Congressional Bills 111th CONGRESS H. Res. 993 12/16/2009
"Recognizing the service, professionalism, honor, and sacrifices of the Navy SEALs and their contribution to the national security of the United States, supporting the mission of the Navy SEALs, and encouraging the people of the United States to learn the history and mission of the Navy SEALs. Whereas the members of the naval special operations forces, known as 'Navy SEALs' because they are able to operate in sea, air, and land, bravely serve in combat operations around the world in support of the global war on terrorism; Whereas the Navy SEALs are the critical element of the special operations capability of the United States and have retained the highest standard of loyalty, honor, and duty since their origin as Navy frogmen during World War II....." loc.gov
Congressional Bills 111th CONGRESS H. Res. 977 12/16/2009
"Honoring Navy SEALs ...for their heroic actions in the capture of Ahmed Hashim Abed, the mastermind behind of one of the most notorious crimes against Americans in Iraq. Whereas in 2004, four Americans working for a security company in Iraq were ambushed and killed; ...Whereas three United States Navy SEALs ... successfully captured Ahmed Hashim Abed, the alleged mastermind behind the killings; and Whereas Mr. Abed spearheaded a number of other insurgent attacks against members of the United States Armed Forces and murdered innocent Iraqi civilians." loc.gov
Congressional Bills 111th CONGRESS H. Res. 339 4/22/2009 |