From left, Seaman Daniel DelBianco, Seaman James “Derek” Lovelace and Petty Officer 2nd Class Caplen Weare. (Courtesy of DelBianco family, U.S. Navy and the Weare family)
Washington Post: Three deaths linked to recent Navy SEAL training classes
A sailor has died in three out of the last four Navy SEAL training classes, with one drowning days ago during a pool exercise and another committing suicide in April after failing to complete one of the U.S. military’s most demanding training programs.
A third sailor, who had been drinking heavily, died in November after his pickup truck rolled off the side of the road, less than three days after learning he had just barely missed the cut to continue training.
All three men were trying to complete a grueling six-month course that serves as a gateway into the storied community of Navy SEALs. The training includes a seven-day stretch of little sleep, self-induced hypothermia and brutal physical conditioning known as “Hell Week.” It is here the majority of SEAL hopefuls quit, also known as “ringing the bell.”
Read more ....
Update: Three Deaths Raise Questions About Navy SEAL Training Program (NBC)
WNU Editor: Yes .... there is a problem .... but I doubt that the US Navy SEALs are going to change their program.
4 comments:
What problem would that be? As someone in SOCOM I can tell you that any training exercise is closely watched and there are always safety staff nearby. The suicides can't be placed on the Navy and the drowning, while tragic, is something that happens when stressful exercises are executed in the pool.
I am with Caleb. Also there will be no safety staff nearby on the mission. This may seem harsh to some, but the more rigorous and dangerous the training, more individuals will accomplish and survive the mission. The safer the training the more dangerous and difficult the mission.
"
Safety observers noticed he was having problems during the water familiarization exercise and pulled him out of the pool, the Navy said in a statement Tuesday.
He was aided to the edge of the pool by instructors where he then lost consciousness. Resuscitation efforts and first aid at the scene were unsuccessful," the Navy said.
The pool exercise involves treading water and swimming in dive masks and camouflage uniform. Trainees take part in the exercise on their first week to determine their competency and confidence in the water, the Navy said."
http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/11/us/california-navy-seal-trainee-dies/
I should have been more clearer. It is not the training that I was referring to .... it is what happens after .... especially after they have failed the cut. For some it must be a very hard pill to swallow.
Post a Comment