Are Navy SEALs Enlisted or Officers?

The nature of the Navy SEALs organization can sometimes be a bit confusing for those who are not well-versed in the military structure. Are they all enlisted personnel? Or do they also include officers? This article seeks to clarify these points and provide a comprehensive understanding of the Navy SEALs structure.

Enlisted Side and Officer Side

Believe it or not, all Navy SEALs, whether they are officers or enlisted, are a part of the larger Navy organization. They all undergo the same initial rigorous training and are considered active duty Navy personnel. The primary difference lies in their specific path to becoming a SEAL.

For officers, a minimum of an associate’s degree is required, along with attending the United States Naval Academy (USNA) or another Officer Candidate School (OCS). On the other hand, enlisted personnel need only a high school diploma to join the Navy and progress through the ranks.

Various Ranks and Positions within the SEAL Teams

It's important to note that SEALs can hold various ranks and positions, including enlisted, commissioned officers, and even warrant officers. Regardless of their specific rank, they all share the same goal and are part of a highly specialized unit within the Navy.

For instance, I have personally known SEALs ranging from Second Class Petty Officers [E-5 paygrade] to a Rear Admiral Lower Half [O-7 paygrade]. Just like any other Navy personnel, they can either be commissioned officers or enlisted. The only commonality they share is their active duty status and successful completion of BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training).

The BUD/S Traineeship

BUD/S is a select training program that is open to both officers and enlisted personnel. Interestingly, it is one of the few situations where officers and enlisted train side by side. From all reports, the only concession given to officers during training is for instructors to use the phrase “Move your ass, Sir!” instead of simply “Move your ass!” Many would speculate that the officers probably face the same tough challenges as the enlisted sailors, but in slightly different ways.

Training is structured to evaluate leadership potential, and instructors, who are typically Chief Petty Officers (CPOs), decide who gets to lead SEALs after the training. This hands-on approach ensures that both officers and enlisted personnel are equally challenged and evaluated.

The Composition of a SEAL Team

SEAL teams are structured in a battalion-sized organization, which consists of 6 SEAL platoons and a headquarters platoon. Each SEAL platoon comprises 16 SEALS, 2 officers, and 14 non-commissioned and enlisted sailors.

While a significant number of SEALs are enlisted, the command structure does include a number of officers. However, these officers are relatively few in number due to the specialized nature of the SEAL teams. Typically, there is only one officer per 7 enlisted/non-commissioned personnel, making the number of officer positions in SEAL teams quite limited.

A key point to note is that while some SEALs can hold higher ranks, the majority of them are enlisted. This structure emphasizes the diversity of skills and roles within the team, ensuring that all members contribute to the overall mission and success of the SEAL operation.

Understanding the various roles and ranks within the Navy SEALs helps to demystify the structure and highlights the complexity and importance of each member's contributions. Whether they wear the insignia of an officer or that of an enlisted personnel, all SEALs play a crucial role in ensuring mission success.