Leaders Let Problems Mount at Brutal SEAL Course, Navy Finds

The New York Times (NYT) (05/25/2023)
  • A US Navy report revealed serious issues at the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training.
  • While historically 3/10 sailors passed Navy Seal training, fewer than 10% passed until recently.
  • Young instructors with less training viewed their jobs as enforcers to “weed out” the weak by keeping students in frigid water, sleep deprivation, and denial of medical attention.
  • SEAL candidate Kyle Mullen’s February 2022 death (pneumonia, didn’t receive medical intervention) sparked reforms.
  • Recent changes include increased instructor oversight and closer medical oversight (pass rate back above 30%).