Navy SEALs are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force, established in 1962, with roots tracing back to maritime commando units in World War II. "SEAL" signifies their capability to operate in Sea, Air, and Land environments. They are components of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. SEALs are trained to conduct small-unit special operation missions in diverse environments, including maritime, jungle, urban, arctic, mountainous, and desert terrains. Their missions often involve capturing or eliminating high-level targets and gathering intelligence behind enemy lines.
Navy SEALs undergo extensive training that may last over two and a half years before deployment. This includes Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). The attrition rate during training is high, with only about 20% of candidates successfully completing the program. Those who graduate earn the Special Warfare insignia, also known as the "SEAL Trident". SEALs make up less than 1% of the U.S. Navy, yet they have a significant strategic impact. They are experts in unconventional warfare, direct action, special reconnaissance, sabotage, demolition, and intelligence gathering.