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by Ltjg Usnr T. Dunne (Editor), Ptc W. B. Humes (With), Yn1 N. L. Dufault (With)
The U.S. Navy's principal Special Operations force, the SEALs (SEa, Air, Land) represents an elite force that, through its distinguished service, has changed history. As their name implies, the SEALs can be deployed conventionally, through airborne operations (such as high altitude / low opening parachute insertions) or from the sea (including deployment by submarine). Comprised of only the most physically and mentally fit individuals -the drop-out rate in basic training exceeds 90% - SEALs operate at maximum self sufficiency. Their legendary toughness is embodied by their motto: "The only easy day was yesterday." The SEALs trace their history to the early days of WWII, when special "Ranger" and "Scout" forces were created to clear obstacles from enemy-held beaches. The first such groups saw combat in North Africa as part of the TORCH landings, and they participated in the D-Day landings and every major amphibious assault in the Pacific. By war's end, 34 Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) were established. Their service continued in the Korean conflict at Inchon, and they conducted infiltration and special operations for the duration of the war. In the 1960s, the growing need for an Unconventional Warfare capability led the Kennedy Administration to create two SEAL teams from top UDT personnel. Those groups and the UDTs conducted extensive operations in Vietnam. In 1983, all UDTs were re-designated as SEALs. Their passports since then include stamps from operations in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan and perhaps most famously Pakistan - where SEALs eliminated Osama bin Laden with a bullet to the head. Originally created in 1965 as a textbook for new operators, this UDT Handbook contains chapters about diving, communications, demolitions, intelligence, first aid, map reading, weapons, survival, and more. It even features a chapter on Swimmer Delivery Vehicles - miniature submarines used for covert deployment - and parachute operations. It provides rare insight into one of the world's most extraordinary, and extraordinarily secret, military organizations. Although never classified, this book has never been available to the general public until now. This enhanced edition includes all of the original text, with special care taken to preserve the integrity of the book. It's a terrific read for anyone who has ever wondered, "What does it take to become one of the best?"
