How Many Navy SEALs Are There?

Did you know that only 1 in every 5 candidates ends up becoming a Navy SEAL?

Becoming a Navy SEAL is one of the most difficult and rigorous tests that a human being can go through. So how many Navy SEALs are there if the test is so hard?

We'll answer that question and more in this article. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is a Navy SEAL?

The Navy SEALs are a special operations force in the Navy. They get their name from executing missions in the sea, air, and on land.

They take part in several different kinds of missions, like performing reconnaissance missions on enemies, participating in high-danger missions against terrorist groups, and engaging in direct assaults and raids on targets.

As mentioned earlier, they undergo some of the most rigorous and intense tests known to man, so more than 80% of recruits end up dropping out before graduating.

How Many Navy SEALs Are There?

There are 10 active-duty SEAL teams today. Each team makes up more than 200 people, including both SEALs and support personnel, as well as an O-5 commander. There are also two reserve teams of Navy SEALs as well.

Today, the Naval Seal size equals about 2,450 active duty members in this highly exclusive and elite special operations force.

In every SEAL team, there are eight operational platoons as well as a headquarters element. Each platoon has 16 SEALs. 14 of those 16 comprise of enlisted men while the other two are officers.

Usually, a platoon is the largest operational element that can be assigned to a mission. During missions, platoons are split up into two different squads or four different elements. Every single member of a SEAL platoon has special skills like demolitions, diving, and parachuting.

The SEAL teams are split between the West Coast and the East Coast in the U.S. All of the odd-numbered teams are in Naval Special Warfare Group One. These teams are based in Coronado, California. The even-numbered teams are part of Naval Special Warfare Group Two and operate out of Little Creek, Virginia.

SDV Teams and NSW Units

Along with the normal SEAL teams, there are also specialized teams called SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT). The main task of these teams is to help increase areas where SEALs can operate by bringing special watercraft to areas that are too far out to swim to.

They often use submarines but also use surface ships and shore-based stations as well.

There are two SDV teams:

• SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1)
• SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2 (SDVT-2)

These teams operate out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Little Creek, Virginia, respectively.

Learn More About Navy SEALs

That's everything you need to know about the question: how many Navy SEALs are there?

Navy SEALs are some of the most highly-respected military units in the world. There are endless inspirational stories and news to learn about them to learn about. If you'd like to learn more or would even like to join the Navy SEALs, check out our articles about the Navy SEALs today!