Two women have made history by advancing further than any previous female candidates in the Navy SEALs training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California. Although they did not complete the course, their progress marks a significant achievement since the special operations field opened to women in 2016.
Both candidates reached the third week of the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. The female officer chose to leave before Hell Week, while the enlisted sailor was medically removed during it. Names remain confidential for privacy and security.
Hell Week, a notorious part of the SEAL training, pushes candidates to their physical and mental limits. Approximately 45% of participants are removed or delayed before this phase, as per Navy data from 1998 to 2023. During Hell Week, participants function with minimal sleep, complete rigorous physical tasks, and face harsh conditions.
A Naval Special Warfare Command spokesperson noted that individual details of candidate progression are not publicly discussed. Historically, women have supported U.S. special operations in non-combat roles, contributing significantly since World War II. The 2016 lifting of gender-based restrictions allowed women to formally compete for combat positions like Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Green Berets.
The SEAL training is exceptionally demanding, with a 68% dropout rate. This attrition spikes during the initial seven weeks, including Hell Week. Completion rates improve in later stages, with only a small percentage dropping out during advanced training phases.
In 2021, a woman graduated as a Special Warfare Combat Crewman, an elite maritime operator role. Nonetheless, few women attempt these rigorous tests, and success remains rare. Attempts by women to become Marine Raiders and other special operation forces have been challenging with limited completions.
The U.S. military has faced internal debate about women in combat roles. Some assert that standards might have been adjusted to accommodate female participants. However, many military officials, including women like former Capt. Hailey Gibbons, refute these claims. Gibbons, who completed Ranger School and served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, asserts that standards have not been compromised.
The Pentagon is reviewing the impact of integrating women into ground combat. This study aims to ensure that military effectiveness remains uncompromised while maintaining high standards for all personnel.
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