Why do our SEALS and special forces do what they do?

[Midnight Flyer]

The more I read about it the more I wonder why our men and women in our military special forces (especially the Navy SEALS) do what they do. The team that killed Bin Laden went deep into Pakistan, got into a firefight with Bin Laden's people, killed him and several others, and then was gone all within 40 minutes. In my opinion it takes a hell of a person with a very deep love of country to volunteer, go through the hell of training, then put themselves deep into harm's way to pull off their mission. All of our military personnel have my deepest love and respect but these people, there's no words in the English language to describe the respect I have for them. All I can say is thanks guys, you don't know how much your country looks up to you and loves you for what you did and what you do!

[Mr. Ford95]

They even had a chopper go down in the middle of the whole ordeal. All they did was split up and jump on the other 3 before blowing up the one they crash landed. IMO it takes a half crazy person to be Special Forces or SEALs but more than anything they have more courage than most everyone else combined in our armed forces.

Courage (also bravery, fortitude, or intrepidity) is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. "Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death

Yet they go anyways without a 2nd thought or hesitation on a mission that may be a one-way mission. It also takes smarts, they planned the mission themselves with backup plans for any and all possible scenario's. While a chopper going down would normally be game over for most the SEALs acted like Marine's, they adapted and overcame in order to finish the mission before Pakistan had any clue what took place and without any American casualties.

[MichiganDriver]

I'm glad they're on our side.

[golfhobo]

I'm glad they're on our side.

Yeah? Well, I'm glad they don't QUESTION the orders of "the Black dude" with an ATTITUDE who lives in the WhiteCube eating the "people's food!"

The BEST special forces in the World executed almost perfectly the biggest "raid" since Entebbe.... at the command of, and ONLY because of the program they've been training on since OBAMA re-instituted it.... and CHEERED the prez when he gave them the GO sign for it... and GOT that sumbitch that Dubya quit looking for!

And barely a WORD from the right. (There HAVE been some good words.) But, YET.... barely a mention of the "leadership" of this president!

ALL the credit has gone to Dubya for being the "architect" of the Bush Doctrine and the "Dead or Alive" poster! Yet, it was OBAMA in the 2008 election debates with McCain, who said: "We will ACT! We will find and KILL UBL and crush Al Quaida."

Promise made.... promise KEPT!

That is "change" for me. Promise kept.

What about HOPE?? Could Obama return the hope and spirit of America before 9/11?? The ole geezer in Pearl Harbor didn't think so! .... and spoke up about it! I wonder if he had his T.V. on last night?? I wonder if he saw the thousands of citizens celebrating outside the WhiteHouse and at ground Zero?

That's the HOPE I was looking for. Promise kept.

GolfHobo is "calling" the 2012 presidential election right now. If there was any doubt before this week, it should now be dispelled.

[Windwalker]

Yet they go anyways without a 2nd thought or hesitation on a mission that may be a one-way mission. It also takes smarts, they planned the mission themselves with backup plans for any and all possible scenario's. While a chopper going down would normally be game over for most the SEALs acted like Marine's, they adapted and overcame in order to finish the mission before Pakistan had any clue what took place and without any American casualties.

First of all, you'd have to go through Coronado to understand the training.

Second, theirs is NEVER a one-way mission. The Navy Seals were instituted by President Kennedy. They've been in, virtually, every single tight spot ever since. From Viet Nam to the present. In all that time, we buried the first man EVER KILLED IN COMBAT a little over a year ago. Remember the picture of the casket spiked with pins? "One-way-mission" is not in their vocabulary. If they're going, they're also coming back. It's part of their training. They're ready for any mission, anywhere in the world, on a minute's notice.

Third, their armament is far removed from standard military issue. Five men (one team) can lay down fire power nearly equal to two companies of normal infantry. And, they are trained to REACT to what they see, rather than see, think, and react.

Consider, also, of all the people that volunteer for Coronado, only a small percentage actually makes it through to graduation. The ones that are qualified to wear the pins are the very best of the best there are. It's a percentage of "the cream of the crop" that graduates. I would strongly suspect that some of the Seals had to insure the safety of the paramilitary CIA as well. But, they did not act like marines. Talk to a few of the marines that have been in action with the Seals. They'll tell you the difference.

I begin wearing my pin again after 9-11, and said I would wear it till Bin Laden was caught and dealt with. I've finished polishing it, and it's back in it's case.

[Mystikal]

I had a former seal that was medically disqualified (developed allergic reactions to the chemical compounds of the SCUBA gear anti-bubbling equipment) after several years in combat in my police academy. He said it was the comraderie that made him want to be a seal. He told us that after he was disqualified he was offered a desk position, still within the seal command, but he turned it down. said that if he couldn't be out there with his "brothers" he'd rather not be in the military and separated and went law enforcement instead.

[Mr. Ford95]

Wind, you took my comment out of context there. They go without hesitation knowing the risk of it possibly being a 1 way mission but they plan for it to never happen that way. They go places nobody else is willing to go to on missions nobody else will take.

[Windwalker]

Wind, you took my comment out of context there. They go without hesitation knowing the risk of it possibly being a 1 way mission but they plan for it to never happen that way. They go places nobody else is willing to go to on missions nobody else will take.

And, they do so very successfully.

[golfhobo]

Mr. Ford said:

They even had a chopper go down in the middle of the whole ordeal. All they did was split up and jump on the other 3 before blowing up the one they crash landed.

There were actually only THREE total. The third WAS the "backup" in case one of the others failed as they wouldn't have had the lift force necessary to save even all of our SEALS without it. So, they extricated using TWO choppers.

IMO it takes a half crazy person to be Special Forces or SEALs but more than anything they have more courage than most everyone else combined in our armed forces.

COMBINED???? Really? That's either more courage than the Greek Gods had..... or, it's a definite SLAP against the other 99% of our military (combat) forces.

They planned the mission themselves with backup plans for any and all possible scenario's.

Um..... not quite. The mission was planned by JSOC. There were other units that could have been tasked with it.... but, they chose Seal Team 6. The team trained for several weeks without EVER knowing the actual "target." They "trained" on backup plans that have long been part of JSOC's inventory of plans. They most certainly DID adapt and complete their mission.... cuz that is what they are trained to do. And they were picked partly because they are the best.

But, if you think Obama went to them and said, "Hey guys! We FOUND UBL.... now go and git him .... and I'll leave it up to YOU to plan the attack..." you are reading too many comic books.

Just trying to keep it real.

[Mr. Ford95]

No mission is ever the same so no plan can be saved for later use in the same manner. The WH keeps updating the whole deal so who knows WTF actually all went down. My comments were made with the info available at the time before updates. The only credit I give your boy is for having some of Bush's guts to give the ok eventually. All other credit goes to the SEAL team not Obama. His feet were not on the ground tracking clues over there or getting shot at. The whole "I" got Osama sickens me when it was the SEALs who did it.

[Windwalker]

No mission is ever the same so no plan can be saved for later use in the same manner. The WH keeps updating the whole deal so who knows WTF actually all went down. My comments were made with the info available at the time before updates. The only credit I give your boy is for having some of Bush's guts to give the ok eventually. All other credit goes to the SEAL team not Obama. His feet were not on the ground tracking clues over there or getting shot at. The whole "I" got Osama sickens me when it was the SEALs who did it.

Actually, if you were to give credit to all that were involved, there were (perhaps) thousands that were gathering information, sifting through it, and compiling it. And, that includes the woman in Idaho ( a private, unpaid, citizen) that has a knack for listening in on Arabic sites and passing the information on to the government. I don't doubt that she was in on this one as well. In the past, she was almost "single-handedly responsible for thwarting some of the terrorist's plans. She's been in the news once, but outside of Idaho, you won't find out where she is, her name, or what she looks like. It was the Seals that carried out the mission, and no one can downplay their performance or what they faced, but without an army of support behind them, there would have been no mission. There are many names that you will never hear that had just as much to do with the mission as the Seals. They simply don't face the danger.

[geeshock]

yup, it take teamwork, and EVERYONE did their job. I know golfhobo is wanting someone to bicker at him but all I have to say, is we were in the service. at least i beleave i heard you mention you were. I might lean right but when I was in the navy the prez was my top boss. no mater who it was, if he gave the order i followed it.

[Windwalker]

It seems, since Obama won't release the pictures of the dead Osama, many people in Pakistan do not believe that he's really dead. Maybe, he should release them. The pics of Saddam's sons were released. Other's pictures have been released. Why not Osama's?

Also, I think I'd like to see the news media cut down on the "splashing" the Seals all over the networks. Yes, they did a great job. Something that, perhaps, no one could have done. But, they are also the "silent service". The ones that are never mentioned. And, that's part of what is essential to their success. The mystery works in their favor. Why all the coverage. For that matter, they should never have said that it was Team Six. They have never gotten this kind of coverage in the past, and I don't know that it's a good thing.

A former Seal was asked if he thought the name of the man that shot Bin Laden would be released. He said he prays, very fervently, that that information is NEVER released. It might put his family and relatives at risk. I agree. None of them can have their dedication compromised. If that happens to just one member, the whole team is endangered.

Yes, they did their jobs in the usual manner, but now, the media needs to back off of that subject.

[golfhobo]

Mr. Ford said:

No mission is ever the same so no plan can be saved for later use in the same manner.

I couldn't find a better "choice of words." What I mean is.... there are standard "templates" for backup plans for nearly EVERY offensive mission our military/gov't embarks on. If a team goes in on foot, they have a helo extrication "backup" option in case they are discovered. If they go in by helo (and they all fail) .... they have a backup plan to egress through safehouses or with the help of "friendlies" or local assets.

SOME of this specific plan will include input from the team.... but, the plans are plentiful and specific and trained on often... by ALL of our Special Forces.

The only credit I give your boy is for having some of Bush's guts to give the ok eventually. All other credit goes to the SEAL team not Obama.

Shortly after taking office, Obama told Pinetta to start making plans to FIND.... and eliminate.... UBL. He had to "reconstitute" a CIA team that Bush had "terminated" about the time he started saying he no longer really CARED about where UBL was or whether we "got him." He's convened 5 "strategic" meetings with them in the last 6 months (after leads were confirmed,) and had already given the order BEFORE he joked around at the Correspondent's Dinner! He risked his career and re-election on this "gutsy" move! You.... and ole geezer.... wanted LEADERSHIP??? "Whoop, there it is!"

His feet were not on the ground tracking clues over there or getting shot at.

Neither were Dubya's..... EVER! But, Obama had his people "doing it" instead of changing wars and chasing revenge.

The whole "I" got Osama sickens me when it was the SEALs who did it.

I think I've seen ALL the footage (especially of the horse's mouth itself,) and I don't recall him saying "I" got UBL! He said "WE" got him! As in WE THE PEOPLE. WE Americans. WE the forces of the U.S. military.... and WE the special teams that make up the best of the best.

You want "sick??" That would be him rapelling down a rope from a Blackhawk onto the deck of an aircraft carrier before a banner saying "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"

[golfhobo]

yup, it takes teamwork, and EVERYONE did their job. I know golfhobo is wanting someone to bicker at him but all I have to say, is we were in the service. at least i beleave i heard you mention you were. I might lean right but when I was in the navy the prez was my top boss. no mater who it was, if he gave the order i followed it.

I wasn't looking for a "debate." I WAS kinda joking around a bit, but I meant what I said. There's been alot of talk lately about NOT taking orders from a perceived "illegitimate" president. There's been the "another letter to Obama" from the ole geezer (I say that with loving reverence and appreciation for his service!) where he has only found his voice to speak up to the "head man" when he feels comfortable (possibly) speaking down to a black man. [And many of his facts were wrong.]

There is all the revisionism of history since the raid concerning Bush's tactics and focus. Mostly B.S. And any credit given to Obama from the right has been gudgingly and politically expedient.

Yes, I served in the service. I served in the military branch that was deeply dedicated to the Intelligence agencies (plural) of our gov't. I spent my first half (including 9 months of specialized training) attached to the National Security Agency (NSA.) I spent my last two years flying recon missions out of Greece on an RC-135V (and M.) About 2 years after my honorable discharge, I went to work in a satellite intelligence facility that I can't even NOW name. It doesn't officially EXIST.

I was in Greece when the Iranian "students" took over our embassy there, and in the air during the Israeli/Syrian "war" about the same time. I was on duty in the un-named facility the night we bombed Libya under Reagan.

I liked Reagan, and often said, "Well.... well.... he might get us INTO a war, but he'll give us the bullets to fight it with!"

I just heard Rachel Maddow insinuate that "if I were watching right now... I probably didn't HAVE.... a T.S. Clearance with "special compartmented endorsements." She was WRONG.

I always "followed orders" from the Head Man. But, that doesn't mean I wasn't inclined AND trained to question and anlayze everything.

Sorry. Just felt it necessary to bore y'all with MY creds (again) in light of this Piecnek dude!

[repete]

YEPPER!! Good thing we got the seals to do jobs like that, BUT if it wasn't for Obama.....

Good lord Hobo, the way you sing his praises Obama must've planned the whole mission, after finding the compound and IDing Osama by flying a drone overhead and then flew the C&C chopper!

And why did YOU have to bring race into it? I think by now pretty much evrybody knows he's a black man!

[Windwalker]

About 2 years after my honorable discharge, I went to work in a satellite intelligence facility that I can't even NOW name. It doesn't officially EXIST.

Well... Let's see.... NRO. NGA.
I'm afraid "WIKILEAKS" has got you covered.

[golfhobo]

Well... Let's see.... NRO. NGA.
I'm afraid "WIKILEAKS" has got you covered.

I said I couldn't name the FACILITY, not the customer agencies. NRO was secret at the time, but has since been "outed." I've been out a long time..... I don't recognize NGA. Wikileaks didn't "out" the NRO, and wikileaks (to my knowledge) hasn't leaked any info about our program. Remember, the Army guy who was the source ONLY had a SECRET clearance. NOTHING he leaked even came close to Top Secret material (let alone "compartmented.")

You only mentioned 2 agencies. I never counted them, but I recall something like 12 - 18 in the header of every message I ever saw or contributed to. I still can't (and won't) name any of them although you might figure NRO and NSA to be two of them.

Wikileaks is both good and bad news. But, I've never been too concerned about it due to the LIMITED access the young soldier had.

[Windwalker]

Actually, I know of 21 that use satellite intelligence. NGA is National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. They may have added a few since your day. And, if you saw my "smileys", I was joking... Well, at least a little. But, I also have things I don't believe I'm allowed to talk about either. And, my service was a bit earlier than yours. ('67 to '73) And, back then, civilians had no idea what a Navy Seal was. They actually thought the Navy had "trained seals" swimming alongside the ships.

[mitchno1]

ur seals like our s.a.s trained to do these type of jobs ,get all the no hoping dreaming ragheads they whinge when you hurt there religion etihics but dont care when they kill inocent people at work in twin towers or elsewhere fk them