The training program for Navy SEALs is plagued by widespread failures in medical care, poor oversight and the use of performance-enhancing drugs that have increased the risk of injury and death, according to an investigation triggered by a sailor's death.
His death shined a light on the brutal test that pushes SEAL candidates to their limits. During the five-and-a-half day test, which involves basic underwater demolition and survival and other combat tactics, sailors are allowed to sleep just twice, for two-hour periods only. It tests physical, mental and psychological strength along with leadership skills, and is so grueling that at least 50% to 60% don’t finish it.
“Our effectiveness as the Navy’s maritime special operations force necessitates demanding, high-risk training," Davids said in a statement. “While rigorous and intensely demanding, our training must be conducted with an unwavering commitment to safety and methodical precision." Smith was briefed on the investigation Thursday along with Mullen’s mother, Regina, a registered nurse who has vowed to work to force changes to ensure this doesn’t happen to another family.
The latest report notes that special operations forces are routinely required to carry out high-risk military operations, and thus require demanding training. But it said SEAL instructors in recent years appeared to focus on weeding out candidates, rather than teaching or mentoring. Compounding that problem, the report said, is that candidates were often reluctant to seek medical care because it would be seen as weak and could get them removed from the course or delay their completion.
The use of performance-enhancing drugs has been a persistent problem. Investigations in 2011, 2013 and 2018 into suspected steroid use by SEAL candidates led to discipline and requests for enhanced testing. The report said that after an “awkward silence” the instructor added,"that was a joke.” It said some candidates interpreted it as an implicit endorsement of using the drugs. Barracks are subject to routine inspections, which the report said were done about once a week during Mullen's class, and it noted several instances where the drugs were found or sailors admitted to their use.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Navy SEALs training plagued by pervasive problems, according to investigation after death of sailorThe “ability to continue training through discomfort and some degraded physical condition was seen as a positive trait by instructors and this was understood by candidates,” the report said.
Leer más »
Navy SEALs Training Plagued With Failures, Investigation Finds After Sailor's DeathMedical oversight and care 'put candidates at significant risk,” the Naval Education and Training Command report concluded.
Leer más »
Navy SEALS Face Prosecution for ‘Hell Week’ DeathA damning new report has indicated that 10 people, including two senior Navy SEALs, may face prosecution following the death of 24-year-old Kyle Mullen during the SEALs’ infamous Hell Week training.
Leer más »
Navy says SEAL training in which seaman died operated with 'unrecognized accumulation of risk'The Navy has released its investigation on the death of a seaman who died during 'Hell week' training in California.
Leer más »
Kyle Mullen died during Navy SEAL training. Now, 10 people could be prosecuted for his deathTen people, including two high-ranking Navy SEALs, have been singled out for possible prosecution as a result of last year's training death of Kyle Mullen hours after he had completed the infamous 'Hell Week.'
Leer más »
Investigation into ‘Hell Week’ death of Navy SEAL candidate shows ‘failures,’ lawmaker saysThe Navy’s investigation identified “failures across multiple systems that led to a number of candidates being at a high risk of serious injury.'
Leer más »