Jesse Ventura (Featured Image Courtesy: Washington Post)
I’ve heard the speculation and gossip about Jesse Ventura’s Navy SEAL status and wanted to set the record straight. Jesse Ventura graduated with Basic Underwater Demolition Class 58, and, like it or not, he earned his status. Some say he’s a UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) and not a “SEAL,” but that’s bullshit.
Ventura is shown here in the UDT 12 cruise book on the far left.
Others have seen the flaw in this analogy and mentioned in private SEAL forums, “try telling that to a WWII UDT veteran who swam ashore before the landing craft on D-Day.” The UDTs and SEALs are essentially one and the same. That’s why the UDT is still part of the training acronym BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL).
Like it or not, Jesse Ventura is a Navy SEAL. He did the pushups and put up with the cold water, just like the rest of us.
Many are rightfully upset that he took a personal issue between himself and the late Chris Kyle and is now going after his widow and children in a lawsuit that is currently in the trial phase. SOFREP has recently spoken with legal insiders who are on the trial side, and they are putting the odds squarely in the court of the Kyle estate, in their opinion, and that’s good news for everyone.
Lots of lessons can be learned from Jesse’s lawsuit. The main takeaway is that family should be off limits; if you have an issue with a teammate, then take it behind the proverbial mil van (Navy talk for behind the woodshed), and don’t drag uninterested parties involved.
As far as Jesse is concerned, it’s safe to say he won’t be showing his mug at any of the UDT/SEAL reunions anytime soon. At one time, he was highly regarded in our community for his big personality and accomplishments as a Governor of Minnesota. Now, some in the Teams are petitioning to have him officially removed and banned as a member of the UDT/SEAL fraternal order.
The damage is done, and now Jesse will be forced to live with the consequences of his actions. And as a result I’m sure he’ll be spending even more time south of the US border.
I’ve heard the speculation and gossip about Jesse Ventura’s Navy SEAL status and wanted to set the record straight. Jesse Ventura graduated with Basic Underwater Demolition Class 58, and, like it or not, he earned his status. Some say he’s a UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) and not a “SEAL,” but that’s bullshit.
Ventura is shown here in the UDT 12 cruise book on the far left.
Others have seen the flaw in this analogy and mentioned in private SEAL forums, “try telling that to a WWII UDT veteran who swam ashore before the landing craft on D-Day.” The UDTs and SEALs are essentially one and the same. That’s why the UDT is still part of the training acronym BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL).
Like it or not, Jesse Ventura is a Navy SEAL. He did the pushups and put up with the cold water, just like the rest of us.
Many are rightfully upset that he took a personal issue between himself and the late Chris Kyle and is now going after his widow and children in a lawsuit that is currently in the trial phase. SOFREP has recently spoken with legal insiders who are on the trial side, and they are putting the odds squarely in the court of the Kyle estate, in their opinion, and that’s good news for everyone.
Lots of lessons can be learned from Jesse’s lawsuit. The main takeaway is that family should be off limits; if you have an issue with a teammate, then take it behind the proverbial mil van (Navy talk for behind the woodshed), and don’t drag uninterested parties involved.
As far as Jesse is concerned, it’s safe to say he won’t be showing his mug at any of the UDT/SEAL reunions anytime soon. At one time, he was highly regarded in our community for his big personality and accomplishments as a Governor of Minnesota. Now, some in the Teams are petitioning to have him officially removed and banned as a member of the UDT/SEAL fraternal order.
The damage is done, and now Jesse will be forced to live with the consequences of his actions. And as a result I’m sure he’ll be spending even more time south of the US border.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
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