To be historically accurate, the Seals weren’t on the scene in 1941. However a small group of units called the Amphibious Scouts and Raiders began training in 1941. These volunteers were grouped into “Navy Combat Demolition Units.” Training was conducted at Waimānalo, Hawaii. In the beginnings, this group focused on ground combat. Their primary function was to conduct reconnaissance on beach shores and to make sure there would be nothing hindering a Navy landing from taking place.
Combat swimming began to be integrated into the early Seals training. Interestingly, these early seals were known as “Frogmen” rather than Navy Seals at this point. One of the initial stipulations to become a frogman was that the soldier could hold their breath for an inordinate amount of time under water.
The Navy Seals trained in Australia with British and Australian soldiers. In 1947, the Seals were grouped into underwater offensive strike units.
Their first recorded activity was during the Korean Conflict. Units of Seals participated in demolition missions as well as minesweeping. At this point in their history, the Frogmen became known as the United States Navy Seals.
In 1961, Congress authorized the establishment of the Navy Seals as requested by President John F. Kennedy. The seals were then divided into two teams, team one and team two. Each team was sent with a Navy fleet.
“These teams were developed to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerrilla warfare, and clandestine operations in both blue water and brown water environment.” (Wikipedia)
On a more recent note, the Seals have been involved in the capture and discovery of terrorist personnel and networks. Without their unconventional warfare tactics, our military would not be the informed and lethal powerhouse that it remains today.
