Navy SEALs are professionally trained to operate on sea, land and air. When these unique warriors come to mind you initially think of them as brave people who risk it all to defend this country. They have dedication and perseverance while performing some of the nation’s top missions. In a nutshell, they are considered to be heroes.
The SEALs are known for the vigorous training they go through in order to be considered the best. You have to be in the best physical shape and be mentally prepared as well. The responsibilities of a Navy SEAL are not to be taken lightly. They are required to capture high-value terrorists around the world and collect information throughout their missions. A college degree is not required, but if someone tries to become a SEAL, they need to possess great leadership and have the intense training required transform their work into a way of life.
“A young fellow that has the drive and the desire and heart,” Robert Muzlay, former Veteran Navy SEAL, said. “That invdividual will never say no or quit, and that’s how you get your canidates.”
The Navy SEALs take you to your limit and beyond. The training for this is mentally and physically exhausting. On the last day of hell week for Muzlay there is a segment where they take everyone and go into cold mud. “When you step in it you’re almost up to your knees.”
“They sat us down, we ate, and we weren’t allowed to talk. There were TVs of guys running on the beach and doing courses, jumping out of airplanes and I was like, ‘Wow, that’s kind of cool,’” William Brown, Iraq SEAL, said.
Brown had witnessed a lot of tough things in Iraq but he wouldn’t trade his experiences he learned in the SEALs for anything.
The reason I wanted to shed light on these heroes of the night is because I have been living with one my entire life.
In 1979, a 20-year old Louis Gallagher didn’t know anything about the Navy but tried the SEAL team out because his uncle told him to join for the “girls and overseas ports.”
Throughout his career he had accomplished many things. He first spent 1.5 years in the SEABEES and then married his sweetheart. He was first command UDT 21, and SEAL Team Four then deployed with 4th platoon to the Carribean during Grenada. He also went to El Salvador’s civil war as one of the 55 advisers.
Going through training, being a husband, pursuing law school and becoming a father are things my dad went through. Learning about the grueling training he endured and how level-headed my father is today has made me respect the man he is today more than ever. Not many people can do what he has accomplished.
The “Act of Valor” is a movie that came out this past year, which shows some of the obstacles the Navy SEALs face. It is a fictional movie based on real-life operations filled with adrenaline and action.
Learning about these brave men just made me appreciate the heart they have in order to protect our country. My dad once told me a story about when he did some of his training, saying, “even though I was cold, wet, sleep deprived and damn-near delirious, all I could think about was taking my next footstep forward.”
When I asked Muzlay about what he thought the SEAL team stood for and the men involved he said, “Seal team members are dedicated workers, they don’t quit and they strive for better things.”
