(Washington, D.C.) Future Navy SEALs will conduct combat scenarios six-feet apart, emulate high-risk combat scenarios, study in smaller classrooms and be directed by megaphones at farther distances, because more candidates for the special operations unit are again competing, training and preparing for war following temporary delays caused by COVID 19.
Following a brief pause in training selection due to risks associated with COVID 19 risks, some selection and assessment training have now resumed, according to a report from the Naval Special Warfare Center. Story HERE
Runs, swims, combat maneuvers, rough-sea integration and rigorous combat training have all resumed after the Navy paused three of its 12 cohorts March 16, the Navy report states. The final paused phase will restart May 11.
“We took a conservative approach to properly assess our student population and establish protocols in order to minimize risk to them during training,” said Capt. Bart Randall, commodore, NSW Center, adding the decision to restart training is based on mitigation efforts put in place that follow CDC recommendations and DOD medical professional guidance.
The Navy report also specifies that Instructors will wear face masks and gloves, when practical, and make sure students perform daily COVID-19 screenings.
“Classes will maximize bubble-to-bubble travel to limit personal contact outside their cohort and remain on base until after the completion of BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL School) Hell Week and its SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman) counterpart, The Tour,” the report says.