Specialoperations

Unplug and put down that Xbox controller. You’ll need to bring your A-game if you want to be a part of the elite SEAL teams. Listen to lead instructor Pearson from the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School in Great Lakes, Illinois, as he lays out the best plan of action to get you ready […]

Want some humble pie? No? Well I’m going to give it to you anyway. I could always pick out the guys in the spec-ops community who were going to thrive after leaving the military. Some left for family, others to pen the next great American novel, and some to explore the great outdoors. For Michael Crooke, his journey took him from the […]

Second Phase, the combat diving phase, lasts seven weeks. This phase introduces underwater skills that are unique to Navy SEALs. During this phase, candidates become basic combat swimmers and learn open and closed-circuit diving. Successful Second Phase candidates demonstrate a high level of comfort in the water and the ability to perform in stressful and […]

One of the first things you see at BUD/S is a sign that says, “The only easy day was yesterday.” For a Navy SEAL like Paul Tharp, he relishes the challenge of what lies ahead. The 42-year-old SEAL is the driving tip of the spear. “It’s a fortunate position that many will never know.” He enjoys every minute […]

SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) is a grueling 26-week course that takes basic skills already learned and refines them through high-pace tactical training. The point of SQT is to provide the trainee with the tactical skills needed before reaching the platoon. Advanced weapons, small-unit tactics, land navigation, SERE, static-line and free-fall parachute operations, demolitions, cold-weather training, medical skills, […]

You will lug a red-oak tree around as if it were your only source of oxygen. On the command “lift,” your shoulders will burn so badly, you’ll think molten lava is being poured down your anterior deltoids. That’s just the primer. First Phase is comprised of seven long weeks of brutal training, and will tests a man’s commitment to […]

Get your mind right. If you want your forearms to burn like the 9th circle of Hell, you have got to try the water obstacle course used by Navy SEALs. Always a good time! Courtesy of the Navy SEAL & SWCC scout team

My least favorite part of Marine Corps boot camp was the swim evolution. Getting yelled at by a drill instructor while practically drowning is anything but cool. Boat guys are the unsung heroes of the Naval Special Warfare community. Do you have what it takes to join these elite boat warriors? Find out by watching the Navy SWCC water rescue test below. – […]

No, this isn’t an advertisement for the new “Call of Duty” game. Watch what keeps our enemy up at night as a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) goes underwater to insert SEALs and their equipment onto an objective. The SDV is used for secret missions into denied-access areas. It can carry up to six combat-equipped SEALs. The SDV’s chamber is flooded, then the men utilize an internal […]

Ground Branch operators, the CIA’s elite, carrying out their missions and staying in the shadows to protect national security.

Happy (Wild) Weasel Wednesday, FighterSweep Fans! You know we have a very special affinity for this group of specialized aviators, and we cannot stress the importance of their SEAD/DEAD mission enough. Not only that, they’re just a fantastic group of guys and gals and we always have a good time when we’re hanging out and […]

Happy Wednesday, FighterSweep Fans! We wanted to share a story with you that is very close to our hearts. Almost a year ago, we were on hand at Luke Air Force Base for a fini-flight. While the flight profile itself wasn’t particularly noteworthy–a low-level over Lake Powell, the pilot flying it certainly is. Our friend […]