Brief History of the US Navy Seals

1940-1950

In the summer of 1941 a division of the US military called “Amphibious Scouts and Raiders” started training. Later in the spring of 1943 a team of volunteers were trained in clearing landing zones for military operations in which their access point was from water. These military personnel were later referred to as frogmen which was derived from what they functioned as during operations. In 1947 the first underwater strike units were organized by the Navy, before their true utility would be fully harnessed during the coming decade.

1950-1960

From the middle of 1950 all the way through to June 1953 the Korean conflict utilized the skills of underwater demolition units for a host of activities. This included attacks that weakened enemy infrastructure; including taking down bridges and tunnels which was all done from covert under water positions. Above sea level they also performed minesweeping functions in harbors which created strong points for military access.

1960-1970

Every branch of the military was instructed to create counterinsurgency squads, in the case of the Navy what was earlier referred to as underwater demolition teams evolved into what is known today as SEAL squadrons. In May of 1961 the current president, John F Kennedy, formed the Navy SEALs, however it was December of that year before Arleigh Burke (CNO) approved the SEALs as being fit for deployment. The US Navy SEALs were later split into two teams, one of which would control Pacific operations and the other Atlantic operations. They were called SEAL team 1 and SEAL team 2 retrospectively. These teams were utilized in unconventional guerilla warfare situations in both blue and brown water environments. In 1963 The SEALs were used in the Vietnam War where their input was vital and surely a large component of the overall effort. In 1967 the name NOSG was changed to NSWG as their role was increased significantly in what is referred to as special operations.

1970-1980

During the decade starting in 1970 the role of the Navy SEALs was further consolidated as their weapons, infrastructure and equipment were enhanced, as well as their efforts considered increasingly important when taking a cohesive look at the US military as a whole.

1980 +

As the US become increasingly patriotic about the role of the US Navy SEALs in the military their achievements would go towards further enhancing this position. In the Philippines they killed the ASG terrorist leader who had made unequivocal attacks on the US. During the rein of President Bush they have participated in both the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. In March of 2002 in a mission called Operation Anaconda they invaded Afghanistan and in March 2003 they invaded Iraq. To this day, especially with the rise in terrorist activity, remote military operations cannot suffice. That is why the role of the Navy SEALs is still as prominent today.

About The Author-- This article is written by James Kara Murat. A longer version of this article is at US Navy SEALs Brief History Supplementary writings that were written by the writer related to Navy SEALs Fitness Programs are available on the net.

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