History

Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Teams trace their history back to the first group of volunteers selected from the Naval Construction Battalions in the spring of 1943. Their mission was to clear obstacles from beaches chosen for amphibious landings, which began the first formal training of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs). The NCDUs distinguished themselves at Utah and Omaha beaches in Normandy and in Southern France. In the Pacific, the NCDUs were consolidated into Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs).

The newly formed UDTs saw action in every corner of the Pacific during World War II. Beginning in 1950, the UDTs were active in the Korean War, participating at Inchon, Wonsan, Iwon, and Chinnampo. The redeployment of the United Nations Forces featured the UDTs conducting delaying operations using guerilla warfare.

In January 1962, the first SEAL Teams were commissioned to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerilla warfare, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. These teams were SEAL Team ONE on the West Coast and SEAL Team TWO on the East Coast. During Vietnam, the SEALs compiled an impressive record of combat successes.

Since the close of the Vietnam conflict, the ever-changing world situation and increased operational tasking have prompted the expansion of SEAL Teams in numbers, size, and capabilities. To effectively respond to this evolutionary process, Underwater Demolition Teams have been redesignated as SEAL or SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Teams. The newly designated SEAL Teams acquired the SEAL mission and retained the amphibious support mission inherited from their UDT forefathers.

SEAL, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams, and Special Boat Units comprise the elite combat units of Naval Special Warfare. These units are organized, trained, and equipped to conduct special operations, clandestine maritime and riverine operations, foreign internal defense, and unconventional warfare. These highly-trained specialists are deployed worldwide in support of fleet and national operations. The wide range of tasks performed by Naval Special Warfare and its outstanding combat record have earned a respected and enduring reputation.

Naval Special Warfare extends a personal challenge to interested individuals like yourself. This program will push you to your physical and mental limits, again and again, until you are physically and mentally hard and strong, and ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the SEAL Teams.

Free-fall parachuting at 10,000 feet, traveling by small rubber boat for 100 miles, conducting a mission, then traveling 30 miles out to sea to rendezvous with a submarine is a typical mission for the SEALs and an adventure most people can experience only by reading books. If you are ready for both a challenge and an adventure, the Navy has just begun to test your mettle. Be someone special!

As a BUD/S student, you will participate in challenging training and encounter opportunities to develop and test your stamina and leadership. BUD/S training is extremely thorough both physically and mentally, but through adequate preparation and a positive attitude you can meet its challenges with confidence. The workout schedules are designed to prepare you physically for BUD/S. You are the one who must be willing to give all you have every day. BUD/S is a challenge, but if you meet it head-on with determination not to fail or quit, it will be the most rewarding time of your life. Good Luck!