Seal Team Six: The Lengthy Tours Of Duty In Afghanistan's War Zones

The length of a tour of duty for military personnel varies depending on the branch of the military and the nature of the mission. In the case of Navy SEALs, their tours of duty can vary depending on the specific operation and location. For example, during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, Navy SEALs were involved in operations that lasted a few days to several weeks. On the other hand, SEALs have also been deployed for longer periods, such as during the Vietnam War, where they conducted missions over several years. Overall, the length of a tour in Afghanistan for SEAL teams can range from a few days to several months or even years, depending on the specific mission requirements and the operational environment.

SEALs are part of the US Navy and are its primary special operations force

The United States Navy SEALs, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the US Navy's primary special operations force. SEALs are a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command and are trained to operate in maritime, jungle, urban, arctic, mountainous, and desert environments. SEALs are typically ordered to capture or kill high-level targets or to gather intelligence behind enemy lines.

SEAL team personnel are hand-selected and highly trained. SEALs possess a high degree of proficiency in direct action, special reconnaissance, sabotage, demolition, intelligence gathering, and hydro-graphic reconnaissance, training, and advising friendly militaries or other forces. SEALs are also trained in hand-to-hand combat, high-altitude parachuting, and foreign languages.

SEALs are deployed in a variety of ways, including by sea, air, or land, to accomplish covert, Special Warfare/Special Operations missions. SEALs are also used to capture high-value enemy personnel and terrorists around the world. SEALs are trained to perform underwater reconnaissance and the demolition of natural or man-made obstacles prior to amphibious landings.

SEALs operate as highly capable individuals and as members of tightly knit teams. SEALs train and work in all manner of environments, including desert and urban areas, mountains and woodlands, and jungle and arctic conditions. SEALs are deployed in a variety of ways, including by parachute, submarine, helicopter, high-speed boat, foot patrol, or by a combat swimmer insertion.

SEALs are hand-selected and highly trained, with proficiency in direct action and special reconnaissance

SEALs are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. SEALs are hand-selected and highly trained, with proficiency in direct action and special reconnaissance. SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct missions from sea, air, and land. They are superbly trained in all environments and are the masters of maritime Special Operations. SEALs are required to utilize a combination of specialized training, equipment, and tactics in the completion of Special Operation missions worldwide.

SEALs are named after the Sea, Air, and Land elements in and from which they operate. Their clandestine methods of operation allow them to conduct multiple missions against targets that larger forces cannot approach undetected. SEALs are highly trained in direct action and special reconnaissance. They are deployed in small units worldwide in support of fleet and national operations. SEALs are trained to capture or kill high-level targets or gather intelligence behind enemy lines. SEALs are also trained in sabotage, demolition, intelligence gathering, and hydro-graphic reconnaissance, training, and advising friendly militaries or other forces.

SEALs are required to undergo rigorous training to prepare them for the extreme physical and mental challenges of SEAL missions. The training includes basic water competency and swimming, underwater combat, weapons and demolitions, and navigating on dry land. SEALs are also trained in various martial arts, including Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing. These disciplines help SEALs defeat enemies in close quarters and execute covert missions. SEALs are also trained in parachuting and cold-weather operations.

The basic operational SEAL unit is the platoon, numbering approximately 16 men, which may be divided into smaller squads and fire teams as needed. Several platoons plus headquarters and other elements make up a SEAL team. Each SEAL team is assigned to a specific area of the world and may have a specialized skill set. Active-duty SEAL teams are components of either Naval Special Warfare Group One or Naval Special Warfare Group Two. Each of these groups is also assigned a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) team, which operates submersible craft designed to insert and extract SEALs operating in marine areas.

SEALs are deployed for combat operations, patrols, and fleet duties, and are assigned to foreign countries

SEALs are the US Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. SEALs are deployed for combat operations, patrols, and fleet duties, and are assigned to foreign countries.

SEALs are typically ordered to capture or kill high-level targets, gather intelligence, and conduct small-unit special operation missions in various environments, including maritime, jungle, urban, arctic, mountainous, and desert terrains. They are also skilled in direct action, special reconnaissance, sabotage, demolition, intelligence gathering, hydro-graphic reconnaissance, and training.

SEAL deployments can be classified into two types: Spin Up and Deployment. Spin Up missions are shorter in duration, usually lasting from a few days to a week. These missions are typically carried out from the US and involve hitting a specific target and returning. On the other hand, Deployments are longer-term assignments, lasting several months in a specific geographical location, such as a foreign base. During deployments, SEALs conduct multiple missions tied to a particular area.

SEALs have a long history of deployment to various countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They have conducted operations in challenging environments, such as the rough terrain of Afghanistan and the urban settings of Iraq. In Iraq, SEALs conducted overwatch for US and Iraqi patrols, mentored local forces, and performed surveillance and sniping missions. In Afghanistan, they worked alongside special operations forces from various countries within Task Force K-Bar, carrying out extensive SSE and clearing caves and structures.

SEALs are based in Coronado, California; Little Creek, Virginia; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. From these bases, SEAL teams deploy to over 30 countries worldwide, conducting a range of critical missions.

SEALs are eligible for medals of honour after tours lasting over two years

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded to soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of Congress.

The Medal of Honor is bestowed for extraordinary acts of valor and is often bestowed posthumously. The Medal of Honor is never "won." It is presented, awarded, bestowed or given after a service member's act of selfless courage, typically at the risk or loss of that individual's own life. It is the nation's highest honor.

The Medal of Honor is one of only two United States military awards suspended from a neck ribbon. The other is the Commander's Degree of the Legion of Merit, which is usually awarded to individuals serving foreign governments.

The Medal of Honor has been awarded to five Navy SEALs since the unit was officially formed in 1962. They are:

• Lt. (j.g.) Joseph Robert “Bob” Kerrey, SEAL Team One
• Lt. Thomas R. Norris, SEAL Team TWO
• Petty Officer (later Lt.) Michael E. Thornton, SEAL Team One
• Lt. Michael P. Murphy, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE
• Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, SEAL Team THREE

SEALs have been involved in operations in Grenada, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq

Navy SEALs have been involved in operations in multiple countries, including Grenada, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

In Grenada, SEALs took part in Operation Urgent Fury in 1983, which was their first introduction to combat since Vietnam. They performed beach reconnaissance for U.S. Marines, captured Radio Free Grenada, and rescued Governor Sir Paul Scoon.

In Somalia, SEALs have participated in raids and operations against Islamist militants, such as al-Shabab. In one incident, two SEALs went missing during a mission to intercept Iranian weapons being transported off the coast of Somalia.

SEALs have had a significant presence in Afghanistan, conducting operations against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. They have participated in Task Force K-Bar, clearing caves and structures, and gathering intelligence. In 2011, 17 Navy SEALs were killed when their helicopter was shot down by an RPG fired by Taliban militants.

In Iraq, SEALs have been involved in the fight against the Islamic State group. They have conducted heliborne direct action raids and advised local forces. However, there have also been controversies, including a platoon being sent home early due to allegations of sexual assault and drinking while deployed.

Frequently asked questions