Opinion: Navy SEAL course is hard for a good reason

Re “Navy orders high-level outside investigation of SEAL course” (Sept. 9): If we want to avoid such disasters as the failed rescue mission of our people captured in Iran back in the 1970s, we should be willing to risk casualties during the training we now give our SEALs.

Our more recent missions regarding the Taliban demonstrate the veracity of current training.

Tony Flitcraft

National City

I cannot defend the loss of a fine life or the use of performance-enhancing drugs at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs (BUD/S) but I wanted to speak about the people who are forged during that process. BUD/S is hard for a reason.

I have had the incredible good fortune to meet and become friends with a fair number of SEALs. It is obvious they are physically and mentally capable of much more than the rest of us. What has impressed me most is their intellect and caring. They are a tight-knit community that loves and supports each other like no other.

I have only met the “friendly and caring” side of these SEAL warriors. I have not met the fierce war fighter side that gets called when no one else is capable. Those are the people BUD/S forges when the country needs them most.

I am grateful for those who are willing to sacrifice it all if needed to get the job done.

Jeff Gray

Ramona

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