US SEAL special forces training program to kill

To become a full-fledged SEAL, students must undergo a grueling training program, even paying with their lives.

Navy SEAL James Derek Lovelace, 21, drowned during SEAL training in California in May. Investigators have concluded that Lovelace's death was at least partly caused by his instructor. According to the medical examiner, Lovelace tried to surface during a diving exercise but was pushed under the water at least twice by the instructor.

The instructor who killed aspiring Navy SEAL Lovelace during his first week of training has been charged with murder, raising questions about the rigors and dangers of SEAL training, AP reported.

The Ultimate Underwater Demolition (BUD) program is a six-month SEAL training course that only 25% of participants complete on average.

Members of the US Navy SEAL team. Photo: AFP

Before officially joining BUD, students must undergo a five-week preparation and "acquaintance" training program. This course is followed by three rigorous training phases.

First comes physical training. This is the most grueling part of the training program. It lasts eight weeks and includes activities such as swimming 2 miles (3.2 km) in the ocean using fins, running 4 miles (6.4 km) in timed boots, enduring wet, cold, and exhausting conditions of all kinds. In addition, they are allowed only four hours of sleep per night.

The climax of phase one is "Hell Week". Many students have had to give up because they could not survive this period.

“The physical pain and discomfort will cause many to quit,” the SEAL website reads. “The cold and wet training method that causes hypothermia will defeat many students. The exhausting exercises and sleep deprivation will help students understand their own capabilities, motivations, and limitations.”

This is followed by an eight-week diving training phase. This process focuses mainly on perfecting underwater agility and coordination. Students will practice breath-holding diving, scuba diving, long-distance diving, mission swimming, and a variety of other diving skills. The training intensity will gradually increase over time.

SEALs practice beach landings. Photo: Daily Beast

The final stage is an advanced version of the basic military training that many cadets undergo.

"Training activities shift from testing the trainee's ability to react in a high-stress environment to ensuring the operator's proficiency in performing strategic missions," the description on the SEAL website reads.

Activities in this final phase include explosives research, weapons and precision shooting training, small-group tactics, rope techniques, and formation assembly. Upon completion, students graduate and have the honor of serving in the ranks of the U.S. Navy’s most elite special forces.

According to VNE