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The Navy SEAL Teams and Leadership
Mon, September 20th, 2010I have never met a U.S. Navy SEAL that wasn’t a leader. So when I was invited by Bullfrog 1, two-star Admiral Dick Lyon, to attend a special session in Coronado to meet this special breed of warriors in action, I jumped at the opportunity provided by my friend. Dick, a graduate of Yale and Stanford, is the first Navy SEAL to achieve the rank of Admiral in the United States Navy. A world record holder and Olympic swimmer, Dick was part of the pre-SEAL team that was called the “Scouts and Raiders,” whose mission was to clear the beaches in Europe and provide reconnaissance and demolition of beach obstacles prior to island landings in the Pacific in World War II.
The Navy SEALs are physically fit young men with an uncommon desire to succeed in the midst of adversity. Their training is unparalleled in the world. Marked by an introductory 27 weeks of physical and mental conditioning, the future “Frogmen” receive six additional months of a U.S. Navy parachute course along with special warfare survival, escape, resistance, and evasion courses held in San Diego. The drop out rate is severe in the training. In a class of less than 200, I saw more than 25 helmets placed on the ground in a straight line, representing recruits that had already volunteered out within their first week in San Diego, and two men were standing next to them ready to drop their helmets because the training was too much for them.
Captain Bill Wilson, a Navy SEAL and lead trainer, spoke about the five qualities they look for in these young men in order for them to become Navy SEALs. He reminded me that the best kinds of leaders are Servant Leaders who willingly sacrifice for others for the greater good. The five qualities are:
- Physical Courage: All of them, even the dropouts, are expert swimmers. They seek to discipline their bodies so they can achieve their mission. Fitness is not a goal for its own sake, but pursued for the sake of others. Their physical training, according to Capt. Wilson, is equivalent to swimming from Cuba to Florida, then running from Miami to New York City. They cannot allow their bodies to fail them for the mission.
- Moral Courage: The Navy SEALs look for men with integrity. They know the difference between right and wrong, they understand sacrifice, responsibility, and honesty. They thrive on mental adversity, knowing that the right thing to do is the best thing to do regardless of circumstances. They live not as one, but as a community, willing to die for another.
- Humility: The Trident is a symbol of that humility. In the Trident of a Navy SEAL, the majestic eagle has his head bowed. Without humility, the Navy SEAL knows he cannot learn. Without humility, the Navy SEAL in all likelihood will die on the battlefield. Humility helps them to learn and live to their full potential.
- Creativity: The Navy SEALs expect innovation in problem solving. Their technical skills and tactical proficiencies are always challenged by the obstacles of life, so they must always be creative in giving full attention to details. They must know what it is the “box,” but must be willing to think outside the box to survive.
- Team Ability: Every Navy SEAL, regardless of military rank, must be willing to lead and be led. An officer will submit to the expertise of a corporal. They all are courageous followers and courageous leaders who trust one another. They know that the lives of their teammates and the success of the mission depend upon being able to lead or be led.
The Navy SEALs are our guardians in America. They are always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. They all have that spark of determination that only grows through the tough times of battle, regardless of circumstances. In essence, they never give up because their character and honor are steadfast. As the U.S. Navy SEAL creed states, their word is their bond. In a day where most institutions are lowering their standards, this institution seeks to maintain their standards so we can live in the land of the free.
I salute you, Navy SEALs, for your sacrificial leadership and your steadfast commitments to your ideals that make me want to grow personally as a human being and as a Servant Leader. Thank you to Bullfrog 1, the former mayor of Oceanside, and much honored Navy SEAL, for teaching me something about servant leadership.
Tony Baron+
President, Servant Leadership Institute
9 Responses to “The Navy SEAL Teams and Leadership”
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Tony,
“thanks for the memories”. When you speak to your Navy Colleagues, you might inquire if they knew Lt. Mike Miller. In the early sixties I was employed by Loral Electronics (now L3) as a Senior Project Engineer developing a one man wet sub.(the Pegasus) Mike was the Navy counterpart. I spent quite a bit of time with these guys and you are exactly right with your characterization. One correction though. The teams are composed of officers and enlisted men, the teams do not have corporals unless they are Marines.
God Bless,
Bob Britton
Are you sure that eagle’s head in the trident is bowed in humility? Having watched them and having a small collection of eagle stuff, including a painting of an eagle in a very similar pose, that is the pose of an eagle just before they strike. You can watch eagles up at Big Bear lake in late winter/early spring where they nest (American Eagles). The eagle is a fierce hunter and the prey does not see them coming or going. Sounds like a SEAL to me. I love the SEALS; they are true symbols of American Exceptionalism. Tim+
Hey Tim, The bowed Eagle in the Trident was described as a sign of humility by Capt. Wilson and Admiral Lyons. Tony+
Tony – what a wonderful tribute to these men who sacrifice and serve so honorably. Thanks for sharing the true servant nature of their calling.
Tony,
I spoke to you shortly after your return from this visit.
I could tell then it made a profound impression on you.
Thanks for putting into words, the essence that characterizes the SEALs over any other highly trained groups. Great model for a servant leader to strive to achieve.
I just met Bill Wilson at Coronado this evening and
had the most engaging hour long conversation and found
him to be well read, balanced in his opinions and
all around well rounded treating his children with
immense respect.
As an ex SF and Dad as well, I was totally impressed
and enjoyed the meeting very much. Coming after
a personally very emotional Veterans Day remembering
many of my fallen comrades it was that much more
enjoyable to get his tacit and educated insights into
Pakistan, Afghanis, and Iraqi…
RJC
re the Bowed Eagle.
I live in the Sierra Nevada mountains now and
we have several Eagle families in resident
nearby…
The poise in the Trident is “EXACTLY” without a
doubt, the posture our eagles take just prior to
their strike of death on their target.
I believe it also could be humility…the Eagle has
the power, might, and ethical right to strike and
does it to eat and survive…and not out of
greed or anger ….therefore in honor and
respect for its target meal..which is doomed
but does die in honor from the strength, “training”
and focus of the Eagle…same as the focus of
the SEALS in protecting our Country.
RJC
I WANTED TO KNOW WHY HE HEAD ON THE EAGLE WAS BOWED ON THE SEAL EMBLEM, WHEN I WENT TO JUMP SCHOOL AT FORT BENNING GA. CLASS 21 AND 22 FROM LITTLE CREEK VIR. TOOK TRAING WITH US AT THAT TIME THEY WORE THE SILVER EMBLEM WITH OUT THE EAGLE THE DATE WAS DEC OF 1970, THERE WAS AN ARMY NAVY RIVALY AT THE TIME BUT THEY WERE SOME OF THE BEST MEN IVE EVER KNOWN. LOST CONTACT WITH THEM AFTER JUMP SCHOOL AS THEY WERE ON THEIR WAY TO DIVE SCHOOL IN FLD. BUT TOOK AWAY FROM THE TRAING WHAT REAL TEAM WORK WAS ALL ABOUT. PROUD TO HAVE TRAINED WITH THEM
Thank you for your article. Occasionally I “google” my son, Capt. William Walker Wilson, so was especially pleased with his inclusion in this blog.
Thank you.
Emily Jones (Bill’s mother)