Are Navy SEALs Part of Any Navies Other Than the U.S.?

The phrase 'Navy SEALs' conjures up images of highly trained and specialized units that execute complex missions from sea, air, and land. However, it is important to note that while many countries have their own special operations groups, they often have different names and backgrounds. This article explores the existence of similar units in other navies and how they compare to American Navy SEALs.

Background and Brief History of Navy SEALs

Navy SEALs, short for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Teams, are elite units within the U.S. military, specifically the U.S. Navy. Trained for underwater demolition and amphibious assault, they are known for their ability to operate in challenging environments. The formation of Navy SEALs can be traced back to World War II, with the original Force Reconnaissance Company being established in 1942. Since then, they have undergone numerous changes and expansions to become the formidable force they are known as today.

Special Operations Units in Other Countries

While the U.S. Navy SEALs are one of the most well-known special operations units, other countries have their own elite groups with similar missions and training. Here are some examples:

Thai Navy SEALs (Naval Special Warfare Command)

The Royal Thai Navy has its own special forces unit called the Naval Special Warfare Command. Their role is similar to that of the U.S. Navy SEALs, including training for underwater demolition, amphibious assault, and rescue operations. Notably, they were involved in the Tham Luang cave rescue in 2018, where they played a crucial role in the successful rescue of the boys trapped in the cave. Tragically, one operator lost his life during the mission, highlighting the dangers and sacrifices involved in such operations.

South Korean UDT/SEALs

South Korea also has a unit known as UDT/SEALs, which was founded with the help of the U.S. Navy SEALs in the 1950s. The South Korean UDT/SEALs undergo rigorous training similar to that of the U.S. Navy SEALs and are modeled after their BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) program. Unlike the U.S. Navy, which has separate units for SEALs and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) technicians, the South Korean navy combines these roles and rotates personnel through different units for cross-training.

In the picture above, you can see UDT/SEALs training with U.S. Navy EOD techs, which illustrates their ongoing relationship and collaboration.

Special Operations Units in Other Countries

Other countries with similar units to the U.S. Navy SEALs include:

ROK (South Korea): The South Korean Navy has a unit that is essentially named UDT/SEALs, as mentioned above. Lebanon: Lebanon has a special forces unit with similar mission profiles as the U.S. Navy SEALs. Other Eastern Bloc Countries: While not explicitly named 'SEALs', several countries in the former Soviet Union have special operations units that are comparable to the U.S. Navy SEALs, often referred to as 'Spetsnaz'.

These units are based on the U.S. Navy SEALs and practice and train regularly with their counterparts for effective joint operations.

Conclusion

While the term 'Navy SEALs' is primarily associated with the U.S. military, many other countries have their own elite special operations units with similar mission profiles. These units often share a common heritage and training, as evidenced by the collaboration and cross-training between the U.S. Navy SEALs and their counterparts in other countries. Understanding these similarities and differences helps in appreciating the global nature of special operations and the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex security challenges.