About This Quiz
The U.S. Navy trains and maintains some of the most powerful special operations groups in the world, such as the Navy SEALs. But how much do you know about this ultra-elite group, which has been the subject of films such as Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper" and "GI Jane," starring Demi Moore?
Navy SEAL teams were established in 1962, after President John F. Kennedy expressed a wish for the military to create unconventional warfare capabilities. The teams are based in Coronado, California, and are deployed in more than 30 countries around the world.
SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) training is open to men and women. And it's tough. Really tough. Although wild rumors persist about the training — for example, that you're dropped 10 miles out at sea and have to swim back to shore, or that you're tied up and thrown in the ocean — it isn't easy.
Prospective SEALs have to swim 6 miles in the ocean, although they're swimming parallel to shore and only about 100 yards out. And they do have to undergo a test called "drown-proofing," where their hands and feet are tied — hands behind the back — but within the safety of a pool. Still, recruits have died (!) during training.
If you're like most Americans, Navy SEAL training isn't for you. But it doesn't hurt to learn more about this elite group. So test your knowledge, and learn some things, by taking the quiz!
It will probably always be the most famous SEAL mission in history.
It's officially called DEVGRU (Development Group), a unit of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group; SEAL Team Six is an unofficial moniker held over from the old days.
And if you have a pattern of any kind of criminal behavior, or you're a substance abuser, you can forget your SEAL dreams.
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But they will learn sniper skills, surveillance, drone operation and much more.
The invasion was a success and Grenada marks the conflict as Thanksgiving Day in appreciation for its liberation.
This 6-month training course is divided into three phases that tests the limits of each service member.
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It is the high (or rather, low) point of an obscenely difficult physical conditioning phase.
These service members are some of the most mentally adaptable and physically tough people in the world.
The Physical Screen Test scores are very important for people who want to enter SEAL training.
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But ideally, the Navy wants people who can run that distance in 9:30 or less.
To begin the program at this age, you need a special waiver and you have to be highly qualified.
The challenges of training take their toll on just about everyone.
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Even Navy SEALS need nine weeks of land warfare training.
And that's if he's lucky.
That's in addition to the other physical conditioning they do; they also have to complete complicated mental exercises.
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Now known as Kristin Beck, she served for 20 years and won several medals, including a Bronze Star.
If your mom or dad is willing to sign, you could potentially begin your training at 17.
When the unit was named, there was actually only one other SEAL team.
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Although SEAL training is slated to open to women, the Navy does not expect to see much interest from female divers.
Once they finish parachute training, they move on to SEAL Qualification Training.
Once completed, the trainee is officially a SEAL and can begin specialized training that leads to deployment.
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Other teams specialize in transportation, surveillance or assault.
SEAL members did their part to find the Viet Cong and either capture or kill them.
That number is probably on the low end.
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One team was sent to the West Coast; the other went to the East Coast.
Some service members spend much more of their time as SEALs, though.
Colorblindness is not a deterrent for the Navy SEALs.
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Platoons are generally 16 people; squads are eight.
SEAL service members were critical to the removal of dictator Manuel Noriega.
At more than 2,000 strong, they have enough firepower to address several areas of conflict simultaneously.
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