The United States Navy maintains a Special Operations Force that conducts unconventional and psychological operations at sea and along the coasts and rivers of the world.

The cutting edge of this force - the SEALs (Sea-Air-Land) - are specially trained, highly motivated warriors who view combat as much easier than their basic training.

The SEALs are organized into small teams with the capabilities of light infantry The teams are capable of collecting intelligence, conducting psychological warfare, or taking direct action. During the invasion of Grenada, for instance, the SEALs were able to penetrate the island's defenses and rescue the Governor General and several other high ranking officials.

SEAL teams are grouped with their support organizations into Special Warfare Group One (Pacific) and Two (Atlantic). A Group routinely comprises two SEAL teams, a Special Boat Squadron, a SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team, a Naval Special Warfare Unit, and a Light Attack Helicopter Unit.

Aside from specialized ability in naval operations, the advantage of the SEALs over other Special Force units is that their strategic deployment into an area is difficult to detect. They normally operate with fleet units at sea that are far away from the prying eyes of TV cameras. The Army Special Force units are often forced to board aircraft in full view of news crews, and their departure for a troubled area is broadcast to the world before they ever leave the United States.

Battle Briefs

USN SEALs
The Prettiest Uniform
The M-198
The Armed Transport
The Great Scud Hunt