A Navy Seal ( Sea, Air and Land) is the U.S. Navy’s primary special operation force and a component of the Navy’s special warfare command. The roots of the Navy SEALs can be traced back to World War 2. Read on for some interesting facts about Navy SEALs.

All SEALs must go through extensive training. Training begins with passing the basic tests to achieve entry. Then, the potential SEALS go through an eight week recruit training, eight week Naval Special Warfare Prep School, 24 weeks of basic underwater demolition training ( also known as BUDS), a five week parachute jumping school and then 26 weeks in SEAL Qualification Training. While the numbers fluctuate, the dropout rate stays around 80%. Because of the specialized training, they are trained in jungle, desert and other conditions. Visitors in San Diego can go to Navy Rock where they can watch Navy SEAL training. Here you can watch then as they are hoisting logs, working in inflatable boats and racking up mileage in the warm sun. For the recruits it’s just another day at the beach.

Women were not allowed to join the Navy SEALs prior to 2015. In August of 2015, the Navy opened its elite SEAL team to women who could pass the grueling training regimen. As of April 2016, no female sailors had applied to become a Navy SEAL. In August of 2017, one woman entered Navy SEAL training but dropped out after a week.

This is the Navy SEAL dog of choice. These dogs accompany SEALs on missions and are specifically trained for special operations. They can operate parachutes and are even able to jump with their handlers or solo. The dogs have the ability to identify concealed humans and explosives. They are also extraordinarily fast runners, reaching speeds double what a fit human can run. The Malinois dogs are also trained to enter danger zones before their human troops, alerting them to what is ahead.

The Navy SEALs have an interesting history and are fascinating to learn about. With a drop out rate around 80%, it is clear that this program is not for the faint of heart!