SEAL Team Six

SEAL Team Six is the unofficial name for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), one of the United States' most elite Tier One special mission units. Here's what you need to know:

Official Name: Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
Founded: October 1980
Primary Mission: Counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action against high-value targets
Most Famous Operation: The 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden (Operation Neptune Spear)
Size: Approximately 1,787 authorized personnel (as of 2014), including around 300 operators
Headquarters: Dam Neck Annex, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Command: Operationally controlled by Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)

When most Americans think of elite military units, SEAL Team Six often comes to mind first. This group represents the absolute pinnacle of Naval Special Warfare - a unit so secretive that even its current official name remains classified to some degree.

Created in the aftermath of the failed 1980 Iran hostage rescue attempt, SEAL Team Six was designed from the ground up to handle "no-fail" missions. Commander Richard Marcinko was given just six months to build the team, and he hand-picked 75 shooters to form what would become America's premier maritime counter-terrorism force. The name "SEAL Team Six" was itself a deception - only three SEAL teams existed at the time, but the name was chosen to confuse Soviet intelligence about the true size of U.S. special operations capabilities.

Though officially disbanded and renamed DEVGRU in 1987, the "SEAL Team Six" moniker has endured in public consciousness, especially after the unit's role in eliminating Osama bin Laden became public knowledge. Today, these operators conduct some of the most dangerous and sensitive missions on behalf of the United States, from hostage rescues to counter-terrorism operations worldwide.

The unit operates with an annual ammunition budget that once exceeded that of the entire U.S. Marine Corps. Its operators are recruited from existing SEAL teams and undergo an additional eight-month selection and training course known as "Green Team," which has an attrition rate of around 50%. Those who make it through become part of color-coded assault squadrons - Red, Blue, Gold, and Silver - each with their own distinct identity and approximately 50 operators.

But SEAL Team Six's story isn't without controversy. The unit has faced scrutiny over allegations of operating without proper oversight, incidents resulting in civilian casualties, and the tragic loss of 15 Team Six operators when their Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011 - the costliest day in the unit's history.

I'm LARRY FOWLER, publisher of the USMilitary.com Network, where since 2007 I've worked to provide clear, accurate information about America's military to service members and veterans. Through years of research and connection with the military community, I've developed deep knowledge of units like SEAL Team Six and their critical role in national security. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this legendary unit - from its founding to its current operations.

Know your SEAL Team Six terms:

The Origins and Evolution of an Elite Unit

The story of SEAL Team Six is one born out of necessity and a clear vision for an agile, highly capable special operations force. Its creation marked a pivotal moment in U.S. military history, changing how we approached high-stakes, unconventional warfare.

The Birth of SEAL Team Six

The catalyst for SEAL Team Six's formation was the disastrous Operation Eagle Claw in April 1980, a failed attempt to rescue American hostages held in Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis. This mission highlighted significant shortcomings in the U.S. military's ability to conduct complex, clandestine operations. The aftermath spurred a critical need for a dedicated, "no-fail" counter-terrorism unit.

In response, the U.S. Navy tapped Commander Richard Marcinko, a charismatic and unconventional SEAL officer, to create this new unit. Marcinko was given just six months to get the program off the ground, a testament to the urgency of the situation. He swiftly hand-picked 75 of the most capable SEAL operators from existing teams, forming the nucleus of what would become SEAL Team Six.

One fascinating detail of its inception was the unit's name. At the time, the Navy only had two official SEAL teams. Marcinko intentionally named his new unit "SEAL Team Six" to mislead Soviet intelligence about the true number of U.S. Navy SEAL teams in existence, hoping to sow confusion about our special operations capabilities. This early act of deception underscores the secretive nature that has defined the unit ever since. From the outset, SEAL Team Six was endowed with an extraordinary level of resources, including an annual ammunition training allowance larger than that of the entire U.S. Marine Corps, highlighting the intense focus on marksmanship and combat readiness.

From ST6 to DEVGRU: A Change in Name and Scope

While the name "SEAL Team Six" captured the public imagination, the unit underwent a significant official change. In 1987, the original SEAL Team Six was officially disbanded. Its role and personnel were largely absorbed by a newly formed entity: the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU (often shortened to NSWDEVGRU). This rebranding was partly to shed some of the "maverick" reputation associated with its founder, Richard Marcinko, and to better reflect its evolving mission within the broader special operations community.

DEVGRU operates as the U.S. Navy component of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a highly secretive and specialized command responsible for the nation's most sensitive and critical special missions. While its official purpose is to test, evaluate, and develop technology and tactics for all naval special warfare forces, it is commonly understood that DEVGRU engages in dangerous, complicated, and sensitive actions around the world. As The New York Times once put it, DEVGRU functions as a "global manhunting machine," involved in "one of the nation’s most mythologized, most secretive and least scrutinized military organizations."

Despite the official name changes and administrative reconfigurations, the moniker "SEAL Team Six" has proven remarkably resilient. It remains the unit's widely recognized, albeit unofficial, name, a testament to its dramatic origins and the iconic status it has achieved in popular culture. Even though defense officials reportedly renamed DEVGRU again in October 2010, the new moniker has not been made public, further cementing "SEAL Team Six" in our collective consciousness. The unit's headquarters are located at the Dam Neck Annex of the Naval Air Station Oceana near Virginia Beach, Virginia, a fittingly discreet location for such a covert force.

Inside the Unit: Structure, Roles, and Headquarters

Understanding how SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU) operates requires a glimpse into its unique structure and the specialized roles within its ranks. This isn't just a collection of highly skilled individuals; it's a carefully organized force designed for maximum effectiveness in the most challenging environments.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

At its core, SEAL Team Six is a Tier One special mission unit with a broad mandate for the nation's most critical operations. Its primary roles and responsibilities include:

Counter-Terrorism (CT): This is the cornerstone of their mission, focusing on preventing, deterring, and responding to terrorist threats.
Maritime Counter-Terrorism (MCT): Given their Navy SEAL heritage, a significant focus remains on maritime operations, including hostage rescue on ships or oil platforms and the elimination of terrorists in marine environments.
Hostage Rescue: Liberating captives in high-risk situations, whether domestically or abroad, is a key capability.
Direct Action: Conducting short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions to seize, capture, recover, or destroy specific targets.
Special Reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence and performing surveillance in hostile or denied areas, often serving as the eyes and ears for larger operations. This includes providing close protection for high-value individuals, such as Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in the early days of his presidency.
Counter-Proliferation: Efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Elimination or Recovery of High-Value Targets: Locating and neutralizing or capturing individuals deemed critical threats to national security.
Pre-emptive and Pro-active Counter-Terrorist Operations: Taking action to disrupt threats before they materialize.

These are the "no-fail" missions that define the unit, requiring unparalleled skill, precision, and secrecy.

Squadron Breakdown

DEVGRU's operational structure is highly compartmentalized and designed for specialized capabilities. It consists of several color-coded squadrons, each with distinct roles:

Assault Squadrons: These are the primary direct-action units, responsible for executing the most dangerous missions. There are four known line squadrons:
- Red Squadron
- Blue Squadron
- Gold Squadron
- Silver Squadron
  Each of these assault squadrons contains around 50 operators and is typically led by a commander (O-5). They are further divided into three troops, which are then broken down into smaller teams of assaulters and snipers.
Black Squadron: This specialized unit focuses on Reconnaissance and Surveillance (Recce/Surveillance). It's reported to have more than a hundred members and is known for its intelligence-gathering capabilities, sometimes operating out of U.S. embassies in trouble spots and using female operators to offer a "softer profile" in certain environments.
Gray Squadron: This squadron handles Mobility Teams, Transportation, and Divers, often serving as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and providing specialized insertion/extraction capabilities.
Green Team: This isn't an operational squadron but rather the selection and training department responsible for evaluating and preparing potential DEVGRU operators.

Each squadron is a self-contained unit, equipped and trained for its specific tasks, allowing DEVGRU to deploy highly specialized teams for any given mission.

Command and Location

Administratively, DEVGRU is supported by the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC). However, operationally, it falls under the direct command of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). This dual oversight ensures that while the unit maintains its Navy identity and expertise, its missions are integrated into the broader strategic objectives of the U.S. Special Operations Forces.

The headquarters for DEVGRU are located at the Dam Neck Annex of the Naval Air Station Oceana near Virginia Beach, Virginia. This location provides access to coastal training areas and facilities necessary for their maritime-focused operations.

Leadership within an assault squadron typically includes a commander (O-5) at the squadron level, while a troop chief, usually a master chief petty officer (E-9), leads each troop. As of fiscal year 2014, DEVGRU had a total of 1,787 authorized positions, comprising 1,342 military personnel and 445 civilian staff, indicating a substantial support infrastructure behind the operational teams.

The Path of a Warrior: Selection and Training

Becoming a member of SEAL Team Six is not merely about being an exceptional Navy SEAL; it's about proving oneself among the best of the best. The selection and training process is legendary for its rigor and high attrition rate, designed to identify individuals with an extraordinary blend of physical prowess, mental fortitude, and unwavering determination.

Joining the Elite: The "Green Team"

Recruitment for DEVGRU, or SEAL Team Six, primarily comes from existing Navy SEAL teams on both the East and West Coasts. However, candidates can also be drawn from other naval special warfare communities, including SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) teams, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, and Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen (SARC).

The prerequisites are stringent:

Candidates must be male.
They must be at least 21 years old.
They must have served at least two deployments.
Eligibility for a Secret clearance is mandatory.
Enlisted candidates typically range from E-4 to E-8, while officer candidates are usually O-3 to O-4.

The actual selection process involves an initial physical screening, comprehensive psychological testing, and multiple interviews. Those who pass these initial problems proceed to the infamous "Green Team" — an eight-month selection and training course that pushes candidates to their absolute limits. The attrition rate for Green Team is notoriously high, usually hovering around 50%. This intense period is designed to test not just physical endurance, but more importantly, mental capacity and determination. As one former operator noted, the program primarily seeks individuals with an indomitable will to succeed. Training is so demanding that, in one particular year, out of 16 applicants, only two were accepted into the unit.

Advanced Skills and Weaponry

Once accepted, operators start on a continuous journey of advanced skill development. Their training encompasses a vast array of disciplines, ensuring they are proficient in every conceivable combat scenario:

Close Quarters Combat (CQC): Extensive training in "Kill Houses" where operators practice clearing rooms and neutralizing threats with extreme precision.
High Altitude-Low Opening (HALO) Jumps: Advanced parachuting techniques for covert insertion into hostile territory.
Advanced Diving Operations: Proficient in various underwater insertion methods, including combat swimming and the use of specialized submersibles.
Ship Boarding (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure - VBSS): Specialized tactics for assaulting and securing vessels at sea.
Land Warfare and Unarmed Combat: Mastery of ground combat tactics and hand-to-hand fighting.
Advanced Driving and Communications: Skills vital for complex operations in diverse environments.
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE): Training to survive capture and resist interrogation.
Lock Picking: Essential for covert entry during sensitive missions.

A unique aspect of their marksmanship training involves live-fire drills where other students play the role of hostages, fostering an unparalleled level of trust and precision among operators. SEAL Team Six also regularly trains and operates with special forces units from other allied countries, including Australia, the UK, and Canada, enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices.

Operators are equipped with a diverse arsenal of cutting-edge firearms, custom for specific mission requirements. This includes:

Carbines: Noveske carbines, Heckler & Koch HK416, Heckler & Koch MP7, Colt Mk 18 CQBR, and M4A1.
Sniper and Anti-Materiel Rifles: Colt Mk 12 SPR, Knight's Armament SR-25, Remington Model 700, McMillan TAC-338, McMillan TAC-50, and Barrett M107A1.
Sidearms: Heckler & Koch HK45, SIG Sauer P226, Glock 19, and SIG Sauer P320.

The sheer volume of ammunition fired during training underscores the emphasis on combat readiness; operators of SEAL Team Six are reported to fire more bullets in a single year than the entire U.S. Marine Corps.

Notable Operations of SEAL Team Six and Its Public Image

SEAL Team Six has participated in some of the most critical and sensitive operations in U.S. military history, many of which remain shrouded in secrecy. While their successes often make headlines, the unit has also faced significant scrutiny and controversy, shaping its public image.

High-Profile Missions

The operational history of SEAL Team Six is punctuated by numerous high-stakes missions that have left an indelible mark on global events:

Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983): This early operation saw SEAL Team Six involved in the rescue of Governor General Paul Scoon. Tragically, four members of the unit were lost at sea during this mission.
Battle of Mogadishu (Somalia, 1993): While primarily associated with Delta Force, DEVGRU elements were involved in the broader Somali Civil War operations, including Operation Gothic Serpent.
Rescue of Captain Richard Phillips (2009): SEAL Team Six operators successfully rescued Captain Phillips from Somali pirates who had hijacked his cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama, demonstrating their maritime counter-terrorism capabilities.
Operation Neptune Spear (Osama bin Laden Raid, 2011): This is arguably SEAL Team Six's most famous operation. On May 2, 2011, 23 members of the unit carried out a nighttime raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The raid, which lasted less than 40 minutes, resulted in bin Laden's death. Intelligence leading to the raid was not conclusive, with only a 55% chance of his presence. During the operation, one of the stealth helicopters experienced a "soft crash" and had to be destroyed to prevent sensitive technology from falling into enemy hands. Bin Laden was confirmed killed on the third floor of his compound. His identity was confirmed through facial recognition, corpse measurements, and DNA analysis, which yielded a near 100% match.
Rescue of Dr. Dilip Joseph (2012): SEAL Team Six successfully rescued an American doctor who had been taken hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Senior Chief Edward Byers Jr. received the Medal of Honor for his actions during this daring rescue.
Rescue of Jessica Buchanan and Poul Hagen Thisted (2012): The unit also rescued an American aid worker and a Danish aid worker held hostage in Somalia.

The unit has also been involved in numerous other critical engagements, including Operation Just Cause in Panama, operations during the Gulf War, and extensive involvement in the War on Terror across Afghanistan and Iraq, undertaking missions ranging from direct action to special reconnaissance and infrastructure security.

Scrutiny and Controversies

Despite their operational successes, SEAL Team Six has not been immune to scrutiny and controversy, reflecting the inherent complexities and ethical challenges of clandestine warfare:

Secrecy and Lack of Oversight: Critics, including former New York Times journalist William M. Arkin, have alleged that DEVGRU operates "nearly without oversight," reporting directly to the president or secretary of defense. Arkin describes DEVGRU as a "bureaucracy and a business…one where only the most limited issues of sources and methods demand such ridiculous secrecy," suggesting it's part of a larger, overly secretive military apparatus.
Linda Norgrove's Death (2010): During an attempted rescue of British aid worker Linda Norgrove in Afghanistan, she was tragically killed by a grenade thrown by a SEAL operator. A joint investigation determined the grenade caused her death, leading to disciplinary action.
Extortion 17 Helicopter Crash (August 6, 2011): Just months after the bin Laden raid, a Chinook helicopter carrying U.S. service members, including 15 SEALs from SEAL Team Six's Gold Squadron, was shot down in Afghanistan. This incident, which killed all 38 people on board, including two of the squadron’s bomb-disposal technicians, regular SEALs, and aircrew, marked the costliest day in the unit's history. More members of the unit have died in the 14 years preceding 2015 than in all its previous history.
Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar Death (2017): Army Special Forces Staff Sergeant Logan Melgar died in Mali during an apparent hazing incident involving two DEVGRU members, leading to criminal charges.
Allegations of Excessive Force: Reports, notably from The Intercept, have detailed allegations of war crimes, abuses, and cover-ups by SEAL Team Six members, including claims of torturing enemies and mutilating corpses. These allegations highlight a tension between the unit's mission and the strict rules of engagement.
2019 North Korea Mission Incident: A declassified report described a 2019 mission into North Korea where a DEVGRU team allegedly killed unarmed civilians after being compromised, further fueling debates about accountability.

These incidents underscore the immense pressures and moral complexities faced by operators in such high-stakes environments, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining oversight in highly secretive operations.

Media Portrayal and Cooperation

Following the Osama bin Laden raid, SEAL Team Six achieved unprecedented public recognition, cementing its status as national heroes. This newfound fame led to a surge in media interest, including:

Books by Former Operators: Several former members, including Robert O’Neill and Matt Bissonnette (who both claimed to have fired the shots that killed bin Laden), have published books detailing their experiences, sometimes defying the military's code of silence. Richard Marcinko's "Rogue Warrior" series also provided an early, albeit fictionalized, glimpse into the unit's ethos.
Film and TV Portrayals: The unit's exploits have been dramatized in films like "Zero Dark Thirty" (depicting the bin Laden raid) and "Captain Phillips." The TV series "SIX" also offered a fictionalized look into the lives of SEAL Team Six operators. Interestingly, the series highlighted actual SEAL practices, such as identifying members by first name or nickname during operations and not wearing rank or SEAL-specific insignia.
Collaboration with Other Agencies: SEAL Team Six frequently interacts with other military units and intelligence agencies. They often train and deploy alongside the U.S. Army's Delta Force, another Tier One special mission unit, on counter-terrorist missions. Furthermore, the CIA's Special Activities Center (SAC) and its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often work with and recruit from DEVGRU, integrating intelligence gathering with direct action. This close partnership, established during the Vietnam War, continues to be crucial for sensitive operations.

This complex interplay of operational success, controversy, and media portrayal shapes the public's understanding of SEAL Team Six, balancing the mystique of its secret missions with the realities of modern warfare.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEAL Team Six

We often receive questions about the specifics of SEAL Team Six, given its classified nature and prominent role in national security. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries.

Is SEAL Team Six the same as the Navy SEALs?

No, SEAL Team Six is not the same as the general Navy SEAL community. While all SEAL Team Six operators are Navy SEALs, not all Navy SEALs are in SEAL Team Six. Think of it this way: the broader Navy SEAL community (Teams 1-10) forms the foundation of Naval Special Warfare. They are incredibly skilled and undergo grueling training.

SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU) is a Tier One special mission unit, meaning it's an elite unit selected from within the SEAL community (and other naval special warfare roles) for the most sensitive, high-priority, and complex missions. They undergo an additional, even more rigorous selection and training process ("Green Team") to become part of this specialized force. We often refer to them as the "best of the best" or the "tip of the spear" within the SEAL community.

How many operators are in SEAL Team Six?

The exact number of operators in SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU) is highly classified and fluctuates. However, we can use publicly available estimates to give you a general idea. In fiscal year 2014, DEVGRU had a total of 1,787 authorized positions, which included 1,342 military personnel and 445 civilian staff.

Within that total, the number of actual "operators" (those directly involved in direct action missions) is much smaller. Based on the structure of four line squadrons, each with around 50 operators, we can estimate approximately 200 operators in the assault squadrons alone. When you add members of the Black Squadron (reconnaissance and surveillance), which reportedly has more than a hundred members, and other specialized units, the total number of operators is likely in the range of 300-400. The remaining personnel fill critical support roles, ensuring the operational teams have everything they need to succeed.

Can women join SEAL Team Six?

Historically, all Navy SEALs, including those in SEAL Team Six, have been men. However, the landscape of military service is evolving. Naval special warfare training was officially opened to women in 2016. In 2021, we saw the first female sailor graduate from the naval special warfare pipeline, though she became a special warfare combatant-craft crewman (SWCC), not a SEAL operator.

While no woman has yet completed the operator training pipeline for Navy SEALs or SEAL Team Six, there's an interesting nuance within DEVGRU. Black Squadron, which focuses on reconnaissance and surveillance, reportedly includes female operators. These women are used for their unique ability to offer a "softer profile" in certain environments, which can be invaluable for clandestine intelligence gathering. This highlights DEVGRU's adaptability and willingness to integrate diverse skill sets to achieve its mission objectives, even if the direct combat operator roles remain male-dominated for now.

Conclusion

From its urgent inception in the aftermath of a national crisis to its evolution into a highly specialized, globally deployed force, SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU) stands as a testament to American military ingenuity and the unwavering courage of its service members. This unit, often shrouded in secrecy, embodies the pinnacle of special operations, executing "no-fail" missions that safeguard our national security interests around the world.

The path to becoming a SEAL Team Six operator is extraordinarily challenging, demanding an unparalleled blend of physical and mental resilience. Those who earn the right to wear the trident represent a unique breed of warrior, embodying the "quiet professional" ethos while continuously adapting to new threats and technologies.

While their operations are often classified, the impact of SEAL Team Six on critical events, from hostage rescues to counter-terrorism strikes, is undeniable. Their story is a complex mix of heroism, innovation, and, at times, controversy, reflecting the inherent complexities of modern warfare.

As we steer an ever-changing global landscape, the role of elite units like SEAL Team Six remains vital. For more insights into the incredible capabilities of our special operations forces, we encourage you to explore further.

Compare the Army's Delta Force vs. the Navy SEALs.