
Originally Posted by
CSAR
I get so tired of all the misinformation that's posted on here when it comes to SEALs. *sigh*
Thore, if you're comfortable with being tied up and thrown in the deep end of the pool while people try to drown you, then go for BUD/S. If you think you can handle 30 weeks of pain, suffering, cold water, sand in every nook, cranny, and orifice of your body, then go for BUD/S. If you want to do the job of a Navy SEAL (I say job instead of just being a SEAL, because guys who aren't in love with the job don't make it through BUD/S), then go for BUD/S. Notice that I didn't say "if you're a good athlete, a good swimmer, etc.", because world class triathletes have attempted and failed at BUD/S. It's physical, no doubt about it - but, it's more of a motivational and mental thing.
Rangers are the premier light infantry force in the world. Their missions include taking/securing airfields and other targets of value, QRF, SAR, etc. SEALs do many of the same missions, but on a smaller and more covert scale. SEALs are also unique in that water is not seen as an obstacle, but as a refuge. Many SEAL missions typically (note, I didn't say always) start from and end with the water. There were 12 guys in my BUD/S class that I knew were former Army Rangers, but only because they bragged about it. Not a single one of them made it past the first night of Hellweek - but that's more of a characteristic fitting the profile of the typical BUD/S DOR and not intended as a slight against Rangers.
Sometimes, but not often, SEALs will go through Ranger school (known as RIP) to gain a better understanding of what Rangers do.
In the acronym-crazy military, SEAL stands for SEa, Air, and Land. Originally, the name came about because with the old-style duck feet fins and wetsuits, they resembled seals. It's the same story with the term HOO-YAH, which has its origins in three different stories, all of which are plausible.
If you want first-hand BUD/S knowledge and none of this second, third, fourth, etc. -hand knowledge, just send me a PM and I'll try to sort you out.
CSAR
BUD/S class 211, winter Hellweek survivor February '97.