NEW BLOOD A look at what it takes to join the SWCC brotherhood 1: Building Warriors Quiet professionalism begins at the Center. 2: MMA How MMA can help operators fight on the battlefield. 6: RIGGERS They say “JUMP” — and can tell you how high! 12: HIGH CALIBER PEOPLE Naval Special Warfare’s best and brightest 13: WAVE RIDERS Candidate to SWCC: What it takes to make the cut. 18: BIKER BOYS Why they love to drive fast and how they do it safely. AIRS 23: FOREIGN AVSCFFIATTS. Group 4 takes over NA 26: Teambuilding on ice is nice! 28: LOYALTY Finding the right path and sticking to it.

CATCHING AIR: Students parachute from 1,500 feet above El Centro, Calif. Jan. 19 during a Static-Line Jump Master course conducted by NSW ATC Air Operations.

COMMANDER > Rear Admiral Edward Winters, III PRODUCTION MANAGER > MC1 (SW/AW) Andre Mitchell FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER > Commander Gregory Geisen ART DIRECTOR > Ms. Mandy McCammon DEP. PAO/EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS > Lieutenant Nathan Potter LAYOUT/DESIGN > MC2 (PJ) Michelle Kapica DEP. PAO/INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS > Ms. Patricia O’Connor STAFF > MC2 (SW/AW) Arcenio Gonzalez, MC2 (SW) Shauntae Hinkle, EDITOR > MCCS (SW/AW) Scott Williams MC2 (SW/AW) Erika Manzano, MC2 (SW/AW) Dominique Lasco

Ethos is an authorized official production of the Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs Office, 2000 Trident Way, San Diego, Calif. 92155-5599. Send electronic submissions and correspondence to [email protected] or call (619) 522-2825. STAFF On the cover: SWCC students triangulate their position on an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat in Coronado Bay, Calif., June 13. On the back: Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class (EXW/AW/FPJ) Justin Birch monitors a Static-Line Jump Master course student as he performs outside air safety checks from a C-130 Jan. 19 above El Centro, Calif. Photos by MC2 (PJ) Michelle Kapica 1: Building Warriors Quiet professionalism begins at the Center. 2: MMA How MMA can help operators fight on the battlefield. 6: RIGGERS Get Centered They say “JUMP” — and can tell you how high!

hat is the essence of a warrior? Is it toughness, Ultimately, it makes no difference whether the warrior is 12: HIGH CALIBER PEOPLE skill, attitude? Certainly our ethos contains many downrange, conducting local training or riding a motorcycle on the Naval Special Warfare’s best and brightest of these tenants, including honor, perseverance, weekend. The operators of Naval Special Warfare live our ethos every and teamwork. The SEAL/SWCC ethos is the day and are representatives of the special operations community both fundamental core principles of all that we do at the on and off duty. It is truly a privilege to be work with the young 13: WAVE RIDERS Naval Special Warfare Center. aspiring warriors and instructor staff assigned to the Naval Special Candidate to SWCC: The core of the training at the Center has remained intact since our Warfare Center. What it takes to make the cut. inception. From the beginning, we have always produced individuals with an extraordinary will to succeed and never-quit life philosophy. - Capt. Stewart G. Elliott YS With increased demands to grow the force no standards have been Commander, Naval Special Warfare Center 18: BIKER BO compromised at the Naval Special Warfare Center. Candidates continue Why they love to drive fast to meet the high standards that have not changed over the past 20 years. and how they do it safely. SEALS and SWCC are proven warriors on today’s battlefields and we will continue to assess and select the finest individuals for Naval AIRS Special Warfare; our force and our country deserve nothing less. 23: FOREIGN AVSCFFIATTS. The key to producing a professional warrior is to ensure our Group 4 takes over NA curriculum reflects efficient processes of training that contains all of the mental, physical and moral attributes we want to instill in ALL our operators. The instructor is the tool by which we pass on these 26: BROOMB attributes, to which end we invest substantially in training the trainers. Teambuilding on ice is nice! Everyone in a teaching position attends the Naval Special Warfare Instructor Qualification Course, which covers not just training YALTY techniques but also safety, psychology and ethics. Our instructors are 28: LO total professionals who perform flawlessly on a daily basis in their Finding the right path mission to make, train and educate our next generation of Naval and sticking to it. Special Warfare warriors. In the pages of this magazine, you will discover the various aspects of our lifestyle – on duty and off. One article features the hard-working support staff at Advanced Training Command as they teach Air Operations to candidates and conduct refresher courses for our operators returning from deployment. You’ll also see how the instructor staffs for the Basic Crewman Training and Crewman Qualification Training courses create a SWCC. Additional stories provide examples of how our people spend some of their off duty time. It should come as no surprise that the people who work at NSW - guys who like adrenaline, competition, challenanged faces, life or death

– choosistuate off-dutyi actoinsvities that match their natural inclinations.

2 ETHOS

Modern MMA competition made its debut in popular American culture in the early 90’s with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It brought together practitioners of different martial arts styles in a realistic, street-style type of fighting with few rules. Some SEALs believe development of MMA-style fighting skills provides a tactical advantage over the enemy in close-combat situations. “There are a lot of things you’ve got to be good at (in the teams),” said Lt. Cmdr. John “Jocko” Willink, Commanding Officer of NSW Group 1 Training Detachment and co-owner of Throwdown Elite Training Center in San Diego. “Being able to fight is definitely one of them.” Although MMA combines many different forms of martial arts, Brazilian Jujitsu is considered to be one of the core styles due to its heavy use of submission holds and grappling. hese are the guys who watch, study and “Brazilian Jujitsu is definitely the base,” said Willink. “Then you learn the brutal fighting techniques of a tie that with Muay Thai, which uses elbows, knees, kicks, punches and more clench work… finally, wrestling because you have to be able to sport that has evolved from blood-thirsty, dictate where that fight is going to go.” cage-fighting wrestlers into one of the Putting serious time in at the gym is the only way for fighters to improve their technique. It’s the time on the mat, in the ring and in most popular, technical and respected sports the cage that pays dividends when faced with an enemy insurgent today: Mixed Martial Arts. downrange. It provides the confidence, that extra edge that operators need to be able to walk into any situation knowing they can handle anything or anyone – with or without weapons. “It’s true hand-to-hand, as far as knowing how to manipulate someone to do stuff,” said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Thomas Giummarra, Group 1 TRADET training department LCPO. Giummarra, who has trained in MMA for seven years, said fighting can be a very humbling experience – a distinct reality check for a fighter whose skills aren’t on the same level as their opponent. “I think more guys should do it just for the experience and knowledge of how much of a bad-ass we aren’t some times,” said Giummarra. Besides the obvious tactical benefit, MMA is a great total body workout that hits the core areas of strength, endurance and flexibility. It provides focus and is a great way to relieve stress, leading to a healthier and more productive lifestyle. Despite its reputation, MMA is a relatively safe sport, said Giummarra. A good fighter can control a fight, leading his opponent in any direction. Injury rates in MMA are no greater than sports like football or basketball, he said. Getting into MMA is easy. There are hundreds of specialized gyms all over the country with qualified instructors who teach at all levels. “Have fun with it and realize you won’t be an expert overnight,” said Giummarra. “You must leave your ego at home – the sport equalizes everyone. It doesn’t matter how strong or big you are you can still get tapped out by the smallest guy in the gym.”

- Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Thomas Guimmarra - MC3 Antontio Ramos and MC2 Hadi El-Abiad NSW TRADET, Training Dept LCPO - Photos by MC3 Antonio Ramos TAKING NAMES: UFC Fighter Dean Lister takes a break from training to pose for a photo at Throwdown Gym in San Diego. Lister, a native of Brazil is one of the best Jujitsu fighters in the world. He regulary works with local service members and shows them new techniques. Climbing to altitude, youíre pretty much doing math ñ ensuring that your calculations are correct and the winds havenít shifted. The ramp opens. Youíre looking for the perfect spot. Itís surreal. Youíre sticking out of the aircraft at 12,500 feet ñ not something you probably thought youíd ever be doing ñ Itís pretty exhilarating!

6 ETHOS eaning over the side of the ramp mission done,” said Birch. “It’s a good jump do in the fleet transfers over here (to NSW),” of a C-130 travelling at 130 knots, when everybody is on the ground safely. said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd That’s always a good day’s work.” Class (AW/FPJ) Matthew Taylor, leading Class (EXW/AW/FPJ) Justin Birch Birch is a qualified military freefall petty officer at LOGSU-1 parachute loft in scans the ground. The wind whips jumpmaster with around 190 jumps under his Coronado, Calif. However there are additional furiously, pulling the skin tight on his belt — so far. He is part of a specialized team responsibilities that NSW’s PRs are given and face as he pushes himself out responsible for far more than just sewing. the opportunity to attend various schools. a little farther. He is a parachute Fleet riggers primarily maintain aircrew Only the very best fleet riggers are rigger at NSW Advanced Training Command survival equipment such as life preservers, selected to be part of the NSW community. in Imperial Beach, Calif. He knows that the radios, survival knives, aircrew vests and “You have to prove yourself to be worthy safety of the 25 NSW operators on the bird oxygen masks. Between ATC and the of being in this community,” said Birch. is in his hands — a responsibility that he Logistical Support Units, NSW’s riggers “We’re responsible for the lives of anyone doesn’t take lightly. To give the “go” in the take that job one step further. They have the who puts on any of our parachutes.” wrong spot could result in injury or death. opportunity to jump out of that maintenance Potential candidates go through a “As jumpmasters, we’re responsible role to actually perform — to instruct and rigorous screening process to include higher for making sure they’re safely exiting the re-qualify our SEALs, SWCC and EOD physical fitness standards. They have to be aircraft at the prescribed altitude, as well as techs, giving them the skills they need meet able to make it through jump school — a the proper spot, to give them every chance to demanding mission requirements. three-week course at Fort Benning, Ga. Not fly as a team, to land as a team and to get the “The meticulous work that they have to everyone can.

ETHOS 7 around 1,200 feet to the unforgiving ocean surface below. “Once it’s all dropped, the clean up is the most intensive work,” said Taylor. It takes upward of 75 man hours to recover, transport and store the equipment, he said. That includes getting the parachutes and other equipment out of the water and onto land, then to an aircraft that will fly it back to Coronado. Another truck ride and it’s back to the parachute loft to rinse the gear. The parachutes are untangled and hung in the tower to dry — a process that takes around three hours. The way our operators train and fight is evolving as a result of current operations. Though the probability of jumping into a combat zone today is small, operators must still maintain their qualifications to stay mission ready. “Any guy who goes on deployment and didn’t jump during that deployment — which they typically don’t — comes back and “We’re in the water in class at HRST to guys when it comes to Combat Delivery they’re what we would call “out of date,” said (Helicopter Roper Suspension Training) cast System drops, commonly known as duck Taylor. “They’re not current.” with operators,” said Taylor. “We need to be drops. Combat Rubber-Raiding Craft are Each qualified parachutist must jump able to jump into that training and climb up dropped from helicopters many miles off at least four times a year to stay current. a caving ladder to get into a helicopter. We shore with supplies as an over-the-horizon On average, Taylor and his team coordinate have to be second class swimmers and later insertion technique. Training usually occurs around 400 re-qualification jumps per month first class swimmers to do freefall parachuting off the coast of San Clemente Island, Calif. for operators during their Unit Level Training into the water.” “We not only train the guys in the shop to cycle. Refresher training is always offered With such high-risk activities, these guys run one of those evolutions and build it,” said before each jump, which is mandatory for have to be on top of their game. The training Taylor. “We teach the operators how to do it out-of-date jumpers. is extensive. By the time most riggers have all themselves. The teams pride themselves in But it’s not as simple as showing up on worked at NSW for a couple of years they are being self sufficient.” typically qualified in multiple disciplines, to It takes a team of include static-line and freefall parachuting roughly 10 guys four and jumpmaster, HRST/castmaster and hours to set up for a duck Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction. Some of drop. Each duck has to the qualifications also transfer to the civilian be carefully constructed. Two CRRCs are the day. world since they are accredited by the Federal stacked on specialized wooden pallets. These “We have to verify records and make Aviation Administration. They are constantly are secured, along with required gear, with sure they’re current with paperwork,” said teaching these skills to operators and have honeycomb padding and straps that must be Taylor. become the subject matter experts. cranked down simultaneously. This provides Flights must also be coordinated, NSW parachute riggers are also the go- a secure package that will survive a drop from whether it’s a rotary or fixed-wing aircraft. A

KEEPING WATCH: Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class (EXW/AW/FPJ) Justin Birch watches closely as a student performs outside air safety checks from a C-130H during a Static-Line Jump Master class Jan. 19 at 1,500 feet above El Centro, Calif. — Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class (AW/FPJ) Matthew Taylor NSW LOGSU-1 Parachute Loft LPO

JUMPERS, ONE MINUTE: Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Matthew Taylor (AW/FPJ) gives the one-minute-to-jump signal to freefall parachute jumpers in a C-130 at 12,500 feet above San Diego July 22. Taylor monitored their position over the drop zone to ensure jumpers exited the aircraft at exactly the right moment.

ETHOS 9 MARKING THE SPOT: Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class (AW/FPJ) Andrew Lightner plants a wind indicator flag into the ground July 22 at Trident drop zone in San Diego.

10 ETHOS Notices To Airmen, known as a NOTAM, must be filed at least 72 hours in advance to reserve the airspace needed for each evolution. The NOTAM creates a no-fly zone for the jumpers to safely enter. Parachutes are usually packed at least one day prior to a jump. Each qualified freefall jumper packs their own main parachute. These are individually checked by riggers at specific points during the process for quality assurance. It takes around 30 minutes to pack a static-line rig and around 40 minutes to pack a freefall rig. That’s just the main chutes. All reserve chutes must be packed by parachute riggers. Taylor’s team spends at least 150 hours packing chutes every week. Responsible for the drop zone, our riggers are also trained as drop zone safety officers. The DZSO sets up wind- speed indicators and the ‘T’ that marks the landing spot. They measure wind speed and relay the information to the aircrew and jumpmaster. When the jumpers land, the DZSO takes muster, directs medical emergencies and acts as the malfunction officer. While parachute malfunctions are not common, they do happen and are more likely with new students, said Birch. Any number of things can cause a malfunction. The pack job is important, but proper body position upon chute deployment is critical to a clean opening. “Typically it’s jumper error vice equipment error” said Taylor. He knocked on wood. “These systems have been jumped for decades so they’re proven. It all comes with experience. Some people jump thousands of times and never have the need to deploy their reserve or someone can jump ten times and have two reserve deployments.” It’s those times when the significance of the PR is clearly underlined. “My first save was here about a month ago at the Naval Parachute Course,” said Birch. “It feels good. You know you’re doing your job. That’s when GEAR CHECKS: Mark Volpe, a civilian instructor from ATC Air Ops, (right) and Special Warfare Operator 1st it really is evident and brings things into Class (SEAL) Shad Tucker (left), ATC Air Ops LPO, perform Jump Master Personnel Inspections on students Jan. 20 during the Static-Line Jump Master course at Brown Field in San Diego. perspective.” It’s the saves, the teaching aspect and the thrill of flight that keeps NSW’s PRs doing what they do. “Having the opportunity to jump out of planes on a regular basis is a pretty good way to get paid!” said Taylor. “Seeing your efforts come to fruition with things that you’ve built, things that you’ve rigged, the qualification of individuals and proficiency that they gain, is typically only accomplished by working with the MARKING THE SPOT: Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class (AW/FPJ) Andrew Lightner troops. That’s what keeps me going.” - Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class (AW/FPJ) Matthew Taylor plants a wind indicator flag into the ground July 22 at Trident drop zone in San Diego. NSW LOGSU-1 Parachute Loft LPO - MC2 Michelle Kapica ETHOS 11 Leadership,

When people outside of our community hear your amazing perseverance and stories of courage and bravery, they realize that it takes more than just a call to duty to do the job. Those people are honoring that leadership, innovation are perseverance and innovation by putting a few outstanding individuals into the spotlight. For the first time a SEAL was honored with the Vice Adm. James qualities that you Bond Stockdale award for inspirational leadership, Nov 4, 2008. Unlike most Navy awards, awardees must be nominated by their peers – who are themselves eligible for the award. Cmdr. Robert E. Smith, expect from your commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Unit 2, received the award for demonstrating the leadership qualities that were embodied by Stockdale. teammates and Perseverance is defined as a steady persistence in a course of action, or a purpose in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. support community. You see it as a challenge that you can’t fail. SOCM Douglas M. Day lives up to that definition and clearly demonstrated his unbreakable determination during operations in April, 2007. Despite being hit 28 They are not things times by small arms and a fragmentation grenade, he pushed on to complete the mission. The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs selected Day as you take for granted, one of six military members to receive the Grateful Nation award Dec 8, 2008 for his actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The award was introduced five years ago to recognize the courage and dedication of yet most guys those most often in the line of fire. Since then five SEALs have been honored with the award. don’t want any big It’s not just military who are doing amazing things. Our civilians have been at the front line fighting in many different ways too. As a leading force in new technology, NSW is always looking for more ceremonious hoopla efficient ways to operate. While working with Blue Force Tracking software John Locke, a systems engineer for NSW Mission Support Center, recognized a shortfall and decided he could do better. He after performing developed specialized software called Mr. Socket 2.0. Mr. Socket 2.0 is an information management program that is now being used by the U.S. military and various government agencies worldwide. one of them. The creation of this program earned him the U.S. Navy League’s Rear Admiral William S. Parsons award for scientific and technical progress. These are just three examples of the remarkable things members of the NSW community have accomplished. There are many more that go unrewarded yet are just as important to the mission. Leadership, perseverance and innovation is the backbone to this community and without people like you doing great things NSW would fail and that is not an option. - MC2 Erika Manzano

12 ETHOS FORWARD LEAN: Mineman 3rd Class Damien Drolet (left) and Seaman Colby Cook prepare for push-ups with their Basic Crewman Training (BCT) classmates at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado.

ETHOS 13 getting in and out of cold water. It begins with the SWCC physical fitness test then moves on to navigation at sea in small boats. In the end, typically 10 to 20 students make it through. One candidate who was dropped but “One of the biggest things that causes made it back into the program and persevered students to drop is that they realize how much was Special Boat Operator 2nd Class Michael work it is, or how it isn’t as glamorous as Gough. the recruiting video portrayed it to be,” said “This training is physically hard,” he instructor Special Boat Operator 1st Class said. “The job and the camaraderie made me (SWCC/FPJ) Anthony Blond. “They also find come back and do this all over again.” out how scary it is being on a boat at night There is much to celebrate after making going 40 knots and then decide that it isn’t it through “The Tour.” Both the instructors The training to be a future “Dirty for them.” and the newly-graduated candidates gather Boat Guy” may seem similar to the By the beginning of week five, almost in front of BCT headquarters to eat, casually BUD/s and SEAL Qualification Training, half of the candidates remain and they talk, and relax for a few short hours. The but is remarkably different. To become struggle to get into a groove. candidates have finally earned the SB rating. a SWCC, it takes 21 weeks of hardcore “They come here as individuals and For those new SBs, it’s time to move on to the mental and physical training in two phases: they forget that they have to work well with next step of becoming a SWCC. Basic Crewman Training and Crewman others,” said instructor Special Boat Operator Qualification Training. 1st Class (SWCC/FPJ) Lawrence Obst. “No BCT comes first and is a seven-week matter how fast or how strong they think CQT is a less physical and more mentally program testing the physical strength of they are, they now have to motivate others demanding part of SWCC training. This 14- a candidate and his ability to work as a to complete the tasks and get through the week school requires candidates to study member of a team. The class begins with training as a group.” for and pass written tests rather than just approximately 40 students and includes men But the instructors don’t let up on tough concentrate on strength and endurance tests. straight from recruit training and seasoned standards. They know the candidates must “BCT tests the heart and physical Sailors from the fleet. A team of highly-trained learn to cope with stressful environments. capabilities of a student,” said Senior Chief and experienced special boat operators serve “We can teach them how to use a radio Special Boat Operator (SWCC) James as their instructors. and shoot a gun,” Blond said. “But when the Budrakey, the leading chief petty officer This phase is the most physical part of stress level goes up that’s when they lose of CQT. “At CQT we are more interested training. Some candidates arrive for training everything they’ve learned. We have to keep in pumping the students with technical in good shape, but some don’t realize exactly that stress level up so that we know they can knowledge on how to be boat guys and make what they are getting into until the training perform in that environment.” an overall package that is ready to go to the has begun. Blond and Obst know that they will teams in a more functional manner.” “During the first two weeks we basically likely be serving on teams with these students The students are given a PQS as a do the crawl, walk, run method,” said Chief sometime in their career and they want a reference for what they are expected to learn Special Boat Operator (SWCC) Christopher teammate they can trust. It is the instructors’ over the remainder of the training. This Moore, leading chief petty officer of BCT. mission to ensure the strongest candidates, book includes everything from the rules of “We teach them exactly how to do what they both mentally and physically, make it through. warfare and 3M to weapons training and need to do to make it through the next five They would rather graduate a few strong communications. weeks.” candidates that can handle the stress than a Over the 14 weeks of instruction, The beginning of the third week of whole class that may not perform. the students spend about 600 hours in the training is when everything gets kicked up BCT culminates in a final test of the classroom and countless more studying a notch. Instructors teach candidates the candidate’s knowledge and physical stamina. independently. About 150 classroom hours basics, from proper swimming technique to It is called “The Tour.” This is a simulation include labs where candidates learn hands-on equipment maintenance. Now it is up to the of a basic mission. It consists of more than with the equipment they were taught during Sailors to decide if they really want to be in 36 hours of various physical activities like class. the program. swimming and push ups, little to no rest, and The process of going from class to lab to

14 ETHOS point of training and it has the reputation of being a very tough part of the course,” said Budrakey. “A lot of students get excited about the practical test is repetitive, but according getting out on the range and shooting, but to instructors, is essential in making sure they are also nervous about it because they candidates know and are comfortable with know it’s a pretty strong challenge.” the basic elements of their rating. Repetition The weapons training involves classroom becomes especially important as they as well as shooting range time. The students approach the weapons training portion of only have three chances to pass their practical their training. shooting test. This is when paying attention to Weapons training starts at week eight of detail becomes paramount. CQT. Over the one-month period of weapons “There are some candidates coming training, the candidates train and qualify through that have never held a weapon on nine weapons from 9mm pistols to .50- before,” said SBC (SWCC) Thomas Sounier. caliber, mounted machine guns. Repetition is “Getting them used to the sounds and feel can key in order to safely train. According to some only be done by repeating the training from instructors, it is the most challenging part of the classroom to the range.” the course. Ironically, it is also the training Figuring out how to be a Sailor can be students look forward to the most. difficult as well for some young candidates “Weapons is known as a high-failure who may have no naval experience.

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ETHOS 15 IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?: A SWCC candidate provides security while teammates give medical treatment to simulated casualties in an exercise at Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, Calif.

“The biggest challenge that many of them face is sailorization and learning what it means to be a Sailor and a leader at such a young age,” said Budrakey. The students also realize that they have to take more responsibility in order to receive their warfare device. “CQT gave you more freedom ... but it put more on you as an individual to complete the course,” said SB2 (SWCC) Russell Manyo, a recent CQT graduate. “When they leave here they get their basic 3M qualification, CMS user qualification, and their warfare designation pin which encompasses their weapons and other qualifications,” said SB1 (SWCC) Justin Beebe, a CQT instructor. “They are qualified to go to a team.”

16 ETHOS BOYS DON’T CRY: (above) Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Russell Manyo wipes water from his eyes while treading water in the Combat Training Tank. A LITTLE RUN, JUST FOR FUN: (above right) CQT Class 60 runs to the beach.

After nearly 100 days of grueling, brain and gut busting training and evaluations, the students prepare for graduation. Gear is turned in, orders to their boat teams are handed out and uniforms are prepped. Graduation morning, the students and all of their instructors form up for the final time. The instructors, special warfare members and family gather to congratulation their loved ones and welcome their new brothers to the teams. “It feels amazing,” said SB3 (SWCC) David Hostetter. “I have been waiting to get this rate and pin for about a year now and everything I went through was worth it.” The instructors feel a real sense of accomplishment as well, knowing they have not just done their job, but created the best Sailor they possibly could. “In the end this is not just a SWCC school or a Special Warfare school,” said Sounier. “We are creating a Sailor.”

- MC2 Dominique Lasco A PROUD MOMENT: SB3 (SWCC) Christopher Dumph smiles after receiving his SWCC pin from NSWC commander, Capt. Stewart Elliott, during graduation.

ETHOS 17 HUG THE TURN: Builder 3rd Class Brantley Honeycutt leans into a turn on his 2007 Yamaha R1 on Telegraph Canyon Road in Chula Vista, Calif.

18 ETHOS It’s a lifestyle that quenchs what cannot be satisfied by a job. It’s a thrilling hobby or a moonlighting opportunity that many in the Navy are discovering at an astonishing rate. From motocross to Harleys, the riding lifestyle has become an entrenched part of the Naval Special Warfare community. There are operators and techs who are professional riders. People who at first glance don’t appear to have a need for speed – let alone a desire to drive anything other than a sensible car. Navy SEAL Capt. Rick May is one of these professionals. “I ride because in life you are told what you need to do, but on a motorcycle you can be your own commander and make your own choices,” said May. “It’s autonomy that I look for on a bike. That is what it’s all about — just making your own decisions, and that complete and total freedom. You’re not thinking about anything else. You’re thinking about that moment and living in that moment.” May has been riding since he was five years old. His father first introduced him to motorcycles with a Honda 90 step-through frame. Then he started competing. First it was motocross at age 11, then every kind of bike imaginable — dirt bikes, Harleys and street bikes. “I first got into street bikes when I went to UDT 21,” said May. “I got in with the Harley crowd. At that time Harleys weren’t as reliable (as now) and required you to perform maintenance all the time. Harleys also didn’t provide that thrill of going fast and being in control.” May began getting into street bikes in the 1980s. He started road racing with Suzuki’s in 1991, but was drawn to Ducati. “I am a part of the Ducati racer program, which involves the company getting me a deal on the bike and helping me get it on the track,” explained May. “This year I’m going to be racing in a second class with a Ducati 848. Additionally I will be racing with the American Motorcycle Association, the premier level of racing in the country for motorcyclists.” His most recent triumph was at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif., where he placed first in the Formula 50 class for 2008 and 10th overall in the championship series.

ETHOS 19 “Motocross lines [of approach] on the track, finding which ones work the best in different is a passion. It’s situations. An off-road environment, though fun and challenging with friends something that and family, has uncertain terrain and surprises.” grabs your interest On the open road and you run with it. If you want to have fun and relax while satisfying a need for freedom The competition is or speed, recreational riding may be just for you. Riding bikes in groups a true measure of seems to be the way a lot of people get satisfaction. It is a different scene your competence that motorcyclists and motocross enthusiasts enjoy. Clubs and groups as a rider. You associated with motorcycles may bring images of Hell’s Angels or the become a better Mongols to mind, but it may surprise some people to know that the groups riding through the canyons are simply friends that enjoy riding. rider from it.” Many individual commands organize their own rides. An example of Special Warfare Operator 1st this is the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman instructors at the Class (SEAL) Stacey Virgin, Center for SEAL and SWCC who recently organized a ride with everyone at 16-year sanctioned rider their command that own bikes. “On the most recent ride we had just seven riders, including a master chief and our first classes,” said Special Boat Operator 1st Class Lawrence Obst, a Basic Crewman Training instructor and 10-year rider. “We organized it through emails between the BCT instructors and the CQT instructors and we rode through Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park near Julian.” “Sixty percent of the staff here has motorcycles and we’re all pretty tight knit,” said fellow instructor SB1 (SWCC) Anthony Blond. “When we do ride it’s just little rides after work or go ride out and have lunch and come back.” Learning from other riders in a group is a huge benefit but other benefits include a sense of fellowship, community service, and safety. “In groups you are seen better because there are five or six bike riding in the slow lane together but that depends on the group you ride with,” said Builder 3rd Class Brantley Honeycutt. “For the most part they provide safety and a way to learn from each other.” Just because a group may be safer, doesn’t mean everyone in a group is looking out for the new guy. Honeycutt recommends riders they are in a group with similar riding goals and don’t push past their riding limits. “Get to know the guys in the club. That’s the only way you will know if you are going to fit in the club,” said Honeycutt. “The most important thing is to ride within your limits.” DUST TRACKS: A dirtbike rider rides up “I still believe the best way to begin riding in groups is with trusted Oldsmobile Hill in Glamis, Calif., part of the friends,” said Blond. “You will be more comfortable and still have fun in the Imperial Sand Dune Recreational Area. safest way you can.” the fast & feeble Dirty Business You’re a new inexperienced rider with a penchant for the best money Back when May was racing dirtbikes, he never dreamed motocross can buy. You yearn for the freedom of choice and the adrenaline rush of would become the hugely popular sport that it is now. riding, and lets face it, you want to look cool. You’ve got all the hottest gear: On any given Saturday there is a rapid-fire, dirt-track race happening helmet, boots, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, jeans and, of course, the eyewear. somewhere in Southern California.The riders zone in, focusing down the The only thing separating you from total Evel Knieveldom is the ride. You’ve track to a fast-approaching checkered flag. been reading the latest magazines and you want that turbo-charged death So what drives riders to push these high-flying, explosively powered rocket on all the covers. Local bike dealers are eager to sell you what you machines to the extreme? crave, but is it really what you need? “Motocross is a passion,” said Special Warfare Operator 1st Class “The number one issue I find with motorcyclists is people exceeding (SEAL) Stacey Virgin, a 16-year sanctioned rider. “It’s something that grabs their ability,” said Officer Brad Baehr of California Highway Patrol. “They buy your interest and you run with it. The competition is a true measure of your the F-18 Hornet of motorcycles when they’re attempting to get their pilot’s competence as a rider. You become a better rider from it.” license. These bikes can do one to 200 mph. They’re made for tracks and Like May, Virgin began riding motorcycles with his father at a very for professional riders. They’re hard for them, let alone a novice.” early age and rode professionally until 1996. Recently he has been riding So what should you look for when getting your first bike? in amateur and intermediate opens and welcomes the challenge and Chief Operations Specialist (SW) John Hainline, motorcycle safety camaraderie of the sport. It requires the dedication of countless hours course instructor, said it’s not on the track to become good. Much of the time is spent in practicing so much the type of bike that techniques or working with the bike. matters but the amount of “Nothing replaces actual lap time,” said Virgin when asked about engine power it commands. where people train. “I can practice on a track to improve and hone my skills, “I would recommend a bike with a 500 cubic-centimeter (CC) engine or concentrating on repeating the same obstacles. Also, I can look at different less,” said Hainline.

20 ETHOS TAKE A KNEE: Navy SEAL Capt. Rick May leans into a turn on his Ducati during a recent race. May has been racing competitively since he was 11 years old. Photo courtesy Cali Photography safety first When you have your protective gear, bike and license, the next step is “Everyone to take one of the motorcycle safety courses. These courses are designed to should at least stem the rising tide of fatalities due to motorcycle-related accidents, and are take the basic offered on most Navy bases. riders course. According to the Naval Safety Center web site, 58 Sailors It’s imperative lost their lives during fiscal year 08 — a 53 percent increase from for new and old the year before. The majority of these fatalities involved sport riders and it’s bikes. Thus, training courses are offered not only for basic riding a requirement instruction, but for experienced riders and sport bike riders. to get base “Everyone should at least take the basic riders course,” stickers for your said Personnelman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Charles Rayborn “It’s motorcycles.” imperative for new and old riders and it’s a requirement to - Personnelman get base stickers for your motorcycles.” 2nd Class (SW/AW) The basic rider course offers 15 hours of classroom Charles Rayborn and hands-on instruction covering everything from types of motorcycles and how they operate to motorcycle safety and maintenance. The experienced rider course offers six more hours of instruction, while the sports bike training is specifically geared toward skill development. “The most important thing I was reminded of was safety habits,” explained Honeycutt. “You don’t realize how one mistake can quickly spiral out of control.” Hainline said motorcycles offer less protection than cars and can be unforgiving in an accident. Risks cars and animals darting in front of you. ” associated with motorcycles can stem from road debris, weather hazards, May stressed the need for proper safety equipment both on and off the animals and even the amount of space between yourself and the vehicles track and attributed his racing success to taking classes such as basic and around you. Riders should also learn basic motorcycle maintenance. One advanced racing techniques. flat tire, or loose chain can lead to debilitating injuries and costly repairs. The feel of being on a motorcycle for the first time is unmistakable. The Racing is a physical and emotional outlet for May. It allows him to twist of the grip on your handlebars, and feel of the throttle as your engine satisfy his need for speed in a controlled, safe environment. roars, letting you know you are in the presence of power. Whether a Sailor “Even though my passion is speed and going fast on the track, I don’t is a newbie or a world-class racer, they share the same love of two wheels. do that on the road,” said May. “I commute daily and I never go over the They ride. speed limit. On the track you don’t have to worry about other distractions like - MC2 Dominique Lasco

map key

Coastal Ride: San Diego to Long Moreno Valley LONG BEACH Beach on the Pacific Coastal Highway. Corona 74 APPLE PIE RUN: Try this ride to Costa Mesa 74 Julian, in the fall to catch the famous Apple Festival. 10 Lake Elsinore SAND AND SUN: Ride out to Glamis, Laguna Beach and hit the dunes!

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Oceanside 76

San Marcos Julian Glamis

Encintas

Lakeside Imperial Pacific El Centro Ocean 5 San Diego 8 98 Mexicali 125 94 Illustration by MC2 Arcenio Gonzalez Illustration by MC2 Chula Vista Tijuana ontrol of the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS), switched from the Naval Special Warfare Center (NSWC) to Naval Special Warfare Group 4 Feb. 1. NAVSCIATTS mission is to provide partner nation security forces with the highest level of riverine and coastal craft operations and maintenance technical training. The change in structure incorporates the operational expertise of SWCCs with the NAVSCIATTS schoolhouse. The latest techniques and procedures in small boat operations are being taught, along with increased military-to-military professional engagement with friendly countries. NAVSCIATTS has been conducting security force assistance since 1963 to prepare partner nation forces to conduct small craft operations in riverine and littoral environments, as well as develop and sustain professional and personal relationships. “The reason NAVSCIATTS exists is to provide technical training to our partner nation security force students, not only to improve their individual technical skills, but also to enhance the readiness of select maritime security forces within key partner nations,” said NAVSCIATTS Commanding Officer Cmdr. Bill Mahoney. This mission is closely aligned with the Navy’s maritime strategy of increasing security and alliances in waterways across the globe. With this waterborne mission, it is a natural evolution for NAVSCIATTS to fall under Group 4, U.S. Special Operations Command’s maritime mobility component. “This is phase zero of the Navy’s maritime strategy: pre-conflict capacity building,” said Capt. Chuck Wolf, Group 4 Commanding Officer. NAVSCIATTS provides us with the initial contact with a potential ally or partner nation force, and helps set the stage for training with nations around the world. “Trust and cooperation cannot be surged, and our relationships with partner nations must include improving regional and cultural expertise through expanded training, education and exchange initiatives,” he added. “The defense of all countries against common threats to security — whether civil conflict; social instability; humanitarian crises; arms, drug or human trafficking; territorial February marked a significant disputes; piracy or terrorism; — is best achieved through improved event in Naval Special Warfare. cooperation, strong coalitions and regional partnerships that provide Group 4 took control of the for our collective security. This training and relationship building begins with training programs exemplified by NAVSCIATTS.” international small craft Additionally, NAVSCIATTS conducts security force assistance training program in Stennis, missions in support of combatant commanders in accordance with Miss., known as NAVSCIATTS. SOCOM priorities using in-resident courses and mobile training teams (MTT) to prepare partner nation security forces to conduct Illustration by MC2 Arcenio Gonzalez small craft operations in riverine or littoral environments within their own countries. The goal of an MTT is to teach both how to operate and maintain the craft used by the partner nation in their own environment, and often includes establishing a logistics chain from the ground up. These are skills that the SWCC instructors are specifically trained for as SOCOM’s premier maritime experts. Wolf would like to use NAVSCIATTS to shape Naval Special Warfare’s combatant-craft global impact through partner nation capability assessments. He envisions a cohesive strategy for developing

ETHOS 23 PLOTTING TOGETHER: International students attending a course at the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School on Stennis Space Center, MIss plot points on a map. Group 4 took control of NAVSCIATTS Feb. 1. partner nation maritime capabilities that will be formulated by engaging several iterations of train-the-trainer instructor development courses, the with the State Department, U.S. embassies and their military advisory follow-on MTTs help partner nations to develop and sustain programs to and assistance groups abroad. operate independently on their own to effectively provide both internal Wolf’s enlisting the Naval Post Graduate School to send teams and external security of their territorial waters.” of inter-disciplinary subject matter experts to designated countries to After a period of sustained interoperability the unit will ideally determine specific and reliable maritime security forces the government become more involved with the , specifically with special should work with, what their current capabilities are, and what their operations forces, and develop their own training capabilities. capabilities could become. “It’s in our mutual interest to improve security through enhanced “There will be a closer lashing-up of NSW maritime components interoperability, improved alliances and increased cooperative security,” with partner nations we should be and are currently working with,” said said Mahoney. Wolf. Mahoney predicts that the shift in control of his command to Group NAVSCIATTS in-resident training is an effective first step of U.S. 4 will improve security force assistance efforts to build select maritime government development of partner nation forces, focusing on teaching security force capacities within key partner nations. independent maintenance, limited planning and the basics of combined “It’s in everyone’s interest to more effectively concentrate U.S. operations. This initial training often leads to MTT deployments and efforts on building select maritime security force capabilities,” said more advanced training. Mahoney. “NAVSCIATTS in-resident training pipeline is crucial to the In an ongoing effort to both continually improve the training overall security force assistance concept,” said Mahoney. “In fact, most provided to partner nation forces as well as sustain their reputation countries use our NAVSCIATTS in-resident training as their respective among its customers, NAVSCIATTS’ schoolhouse instructor cadre nation’s qualification courses. After completing core in-resident and seeks out and learns from best practices among similar DoD training

“It’s in everyone’s interest to more effectively concentrate U.S. efforts on building select maritime security force capabilities.”

24 ETHOS programs including from the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security the command to the Stennis Cooperation (WHINSEC), the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, Space Center. and equivalent NECC and Coast Guard courses. Under the International For example, this year NAVSCIATTS water-based students will Military Education participate in a joint training exercise with WHINSEC’s students and Training program, undergoing land-based training. The maritime students will insert and NAVSCIATTS supports extract the ground students during a final exercise to demonstrate that a robust Field Studies the scenario works, as well as the combined training. Program designed to ensure Mahoney believes that synergies like these are critical as U.S. students return to their government and DoD efforts increasingly shift from direct toward respective countries with indirect methods. a greater understanding NAVSCIATTS is distinct from other commands with similar of U.S. business, military missions because the school exclusively trains international students; and government cultures. the cadre are full-time instructors and the command is adjacent to As part of the FSP and in Special Boat Team 22, allowing the instructors to easily a wealth conjunction with the Navy of knowledge from the SWCC who operate the riverine attack boats International Programs known as SOC-R. Office, NAVSCIATTS NAVSCIATTS is conveniently located near the Pearl River, which coordinates educational trips provides some of the finest riverine and coastal training environments to local businesses and civic in the world. activities in Mississippi, NECC and the Coast Guard offer similar training, but their Louisiana and Alabama. equivalent courses are not as long, as in-depth, or facilitated by Students have the a dedicated full-time instructor force, focused solely on training opportunity to learn about international students. their classmates’ cultures too; “Despite our relatively small size, our NAVSCIATTS master during each course students training specialist SWCC cadre provides unmatched professional are asked to share a cultural knowledge and expansive institutional experience unmatched in the presentation about their military,” said Mahoney. “Our sustained competitive advantage within home country. This provides the maritime security force assistance arena is the result not of one single opportunities to cultivate aspect of our command, but rather a mix of internal excellence through relationships with foreign a culture of teamwork; a sterling reputation among our customers; and countries, as well as develop external stewardship from both NSW and SOCOM leadership over our and sustain professional and 48 year history.” personal relationships, in NAVSCIATTSs instructor force of less than 30 is comprised of order to provide the U.S. with full-time, bilingual, master training specialists, including SWCC, both access and influence in government employees, civilian contractors and Navy engineers. The partner nations. instructor cadre teaches partner nation maritime forces how to protect “The relationships their own waterways through courses offered at the school house in forged at this small command Mississippi. in Southern Mississippi,” Nine courses are offered in both Spanish and English, and cover said Wolf, “will last a lifetime and put a human face on very important such topics as patrol craft familiarization, outboard motor maintenance, decisions made in the future that may impact maritime security on a mission planning, navigation, weapons training, rules of engagement, global scale.” laws of armed conflict and how a military law justice system functions - Naval Special Warfare Group 4 Public Affairs in accomplishing military objectives. All instructors are United States citizens, but many are originally from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador and Panama. This cadre has trained more than 6,000 international students from more than 55 countries in the past 48 years. The dynamic command that exists today started with somewhat humble beginnings in 1961, as a Coast Guard military training team deployed to the Panama Canal Zone to train the local military on small craft operations. In the midst of the deployment the team recognized the need for sustained training and based a Coast Guard Small Craft Inspection and Training Team (SCIATT) at the U.S. Naval Station, Rodman, Panama in 1963. Later, control of SCIATTS was transferred to the Navy and it subsequently came under the control of USSOCOM. Mahoney said the decision in 1999 by Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and USSOCOM to take NAVSCIATTS as part of the NSW A U.S. Navy instructor assigned to NAVSCIATTS train personnel from the Iraqi Coastal and Riverine Training Center concept led to the relocation of Riverine Police Force on special boat maneuvers and weapon handling.

ETHOS 25 OMBA O L R L B in iego an D

Illustration by MC2 Arcenio Gonzalez Illustration by MC2 S

When Lt. Cmdr. Eric Pihl got the notion to play broomball as one of the Mission What is broomball, anyway? Someone somewhere thought trying to Support Center’s monthly teambuilding run on ice wearing shoes and pelting a hard leather ball using an aluminum stick and wearing little protection would be fun. events, he had no idea what to expect. He “Broomball is a bit like a modified version of hockey, but with shoes and had organized some rather odd choices shorter sticks,” explained Pihl. before, notably kickball and kayak hockey Pihl’s father was a college professor and his family moved to Montreal, (a type of full-contact soccer game played Quebec, when his father accepted a job at McGill University. His upbringing in one of the centers of Hockey Night in Canada’s backyards may have in Glorietta Bay on kayaks), but nothing on predispositioned him to enjoy colder than normal sports. ice. “Broomball is actually a very popular intramural sport in colleges,” Pihl So why has broomball, an obscure Canadian ice sport, taken off? explained. When asked if he played in college, he was quick to add that his Pihl summed it up in five words: Ice is the great equalizer. “Of all college athletic prowess was not shown in the broomball rink, but rather by the sports we have played, broomball has really been the most fun and playing football for the U.S. Naval Academy. (Note: raised in Canada, but not successful, I think because anyone can play.” Canadian.) The MSC is filled with officers, enlisted, civilians, SEALs, techs, There are two teams with anywhere from five to 10 players whose goal young people, old people, men and women with every variance of is to place a ball resembling the same one you would use for soccer, into a athletic ability. net roughly a third smaller than a hockey net. A game consists of two, 18- “It doesn’t matter how athletic you are, the ice puts everyone on minute stop-time halves. (For actual broomball rules and history, see sidebar their backs,” Pihl remarked. rules and history.) The inaugural game in October was more or less a version of this except they played longer and didn’t care about any other “actual” rules.

26 ETHOS .

Broomball as we know it was first played in Canada in the early 1900’s by street car workers using a small soccer ball and corn brooms. The sport evolved and was brought down to the United States. The first games were reportedly played in , the birthplace of USA Broomball, beginning in the 1930’s. Leagues, however did not blossom until the 1960’s, when teams like Duffy’s flourished. Duffy’s, a team from , was the championship team of Minnesota’s first state tournament, held in 1966. Broomball in the United States started out with 10 players on the ice per team (one goalie, three defensemen, three mid-linesmen and three forwards). By 1967, the number of players was reduced to eight players per team. Some leagues still play eight-man broomball. By 1980, the rules changed to six players per team, as the game is played today. Also in 1980, the floating blue line rule came into effect (see The Basics, below). “She’s called the Gorges Johnson trophy,” Pihl is happy to explain. From Minnesota, the sport was exposed to other states, such MSC awards the trophy after each sporting event. The command had as , and . Thanks to the determination of the a contest to decide the name and picked “Gorges Johnson” as the winning Minnesota Sports Federation and due to cold winters and its interest entry. Submitted by Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Dave in hockey, Minnesota, the “State of Hockey,” bears the largest Russell, he put the last names of his two coworkers, Justin Gorges and known concentration of broomball teams in the nation. Some of the Scott Johnson, together to create the winning combination. sport’s best teams hail from Minnesota, including Minnesota Red, “The trophy is great, the MVP of the winning team gets to keep the the 2002 World Cup Champions, and former team USA Blue, a very trophy and the team’s name gets engraved on it,” Russell explained. “And competitive team that has won numerous tournaments throughout the losing team gets to pick next month’s sport.” North America. Although each month brings something new, Russell admitted that source: American Broomball Association broomball was among the most popular ever. “Everyone absolutely loved it,” he added. “It was really fun.” Game Basics: A game consists of two halves. Goals are six by eight feet instead of the standard hockey nets. A game consists of two, Broomball was so popular, Pihl decided to expand the next game and 18-minute stop-time halves. invite all of NSW to come out and play. The turnout was good. There were roughly fourteen players who showed up for the 10:15 p.m. (not a typo, that Teams: Each team has a goalie, three forwards and two was p.m.) game. defensemen (same line up as hockey). A captain and two alternates “Getting ice time in San Diego is tough since there are only a few are allowed per team and must be designated prior to game time. Only these players may speak to an official. The designation must be rinks,” Pihl said. “We have to take the late ice times.” marked by a C or an A on the jersey. Lt. Mark Sand, the flag secretary for Rear Adm. Winters, was the team captain against Pihl’s team. On Sides: USA Broomball uses the “floating blue line” concept. “Most of us were broomball rookies, but we all had a really great time That is, once an attacking player has crossed the blue line in and didn’t realize the intensity of the sport,” said Sand, who was given the the offensive zone, the red line now becomes the designated nickname “White Gold” because of his uncanny likeness to a fictitious rocker offsides line. Essentially, the blue line disappears as the offides in milk commercials with the name. “I think everyone walked away with marker. The ball must completely clear the blue line before the battle scars, sore muscles, smiles and the resolve that Lt. Cmdr. Pihl’s team player’s shoes and no other attacking player can be in the zone would be soundly defeated in the next matchup.” before the ball in order for the attacking team to be considered Sand’s team, while novice, put up a good fight, even withstanding “on-sides.” slanderous smack talk from the other team who were shouting things like Icing: Icing occurs when any player of a defending team shoots “Milk can’t help you now!” and “I will break your calcium-enriched bones!” or intentionally deflects the ball from behind their defending zone In the end, they succumbed to Pihl’s more experienced — and balance blue line and across the goal line of the opposing team. Icing is advantaged — team. ruled automatically. Pihl’s goal is simple – get people together and have a good time. “I just hope people will come out and have fun and bring great music.” High Broom: At all levels of USA Broomball play, a high broom is called when the ball makes contact with the player’s stick - Mandy McCammon above shoulder level. A minor penalty is called, unless an injury occurs as a result of the high broom, which is a major Interested in playing? penalty. There are monthly games that anyone in NSW is welcome to attend. Just contact Lt. Cmdr. Eric Pihl at the Mission Support Center. In the military today, the virtue of loyalty isn’t black and white Essay by Bob Schoultz

Loyalty is clearly an important military virtue. We demand loyalty from our subordinates and we expect it from our superiors. It is a bond of trust. But just what do we mean by ‘loyalty?’ Is loyalty always a virtue? Whether loyalty is a virtue, depends on how we answer the question, “Loyalty to what?” Most of us think of loyalty as something we give to a person or an organization – loyalty to friends, teammates, one’s service or country. But loyalty which merely serves as the glue which holds a group together has no independent moral value. Loyalty to the group is a virtue within the Mafia, Enron, a gang culture, Al Qaeda, as well as within one’s platoon, boat crew, or team. But for loyalty as a concept to have any real moral content, it must directed at something beyond simply loyalty to an individual or a group. The willingness to sacrifice and endure hardship for others or for something greater than one’s own immediate pleasure is how loyalty is associated with honor. But loyalty has an interesting relationship to honor. Most would agree that not all loyalty is honorable. Giving uncompromising loyalty to a friend who is stealing from one’s team mates or the government, or who is undermining the mission and values of the team, is not honorable. Loyalty to an organization whose main objective is to acquire wealth by illegal or immoral means is not honorable. Giving one’s highest loyalty to dishonorable people, organizations, or causes is not honorable. These are example of what most of us would refer to as misplaced loyalty. For loyalty to be honorable and to have moral content there must clearly be a hierarchy of loyalties, with an honorable value at the top. In the Navy, there is the commonly taught hierarchy “ship, shipmate, self,” which serves us well in most circumstances. In officer training programs, that three-level hierarchy is extended to six levels, in what is referred to by Paul Roush as the ‘constitutional paradigm.’ His constitutional paradigm begins with loyalty to the U.S. constitution, then to the mission, then to one’s service, and then to ship, shipmate, self. This hierarchy is reflected in the SEAL Ethos, which states that “My loyalty to country and team is beyond reproach,” clearly placing the country and one’s unit above self and When someone teammates. Roush also provides guidance on how to honorably disobey or not comply with a wants you to do legal order that may violate a personal (or religious) principle that one may hold dearer than the US constitution. Though we expect this rarely to occur, there have been the right thing, occasions in the Global War on Terrorism when good people have faced this most difficult dilemma of conflicting loyalties. A duty or loyalty to a “higher law” was taught they appeal to and demonstrated by Socrates, Plato, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, as well as our own revolutionary Founding Fathers. All of these provided fairly consistent guidance your integrity. on how to honorably act when, in one’s own mind, loyalty to a higher law overrides loyalty to the culture and the laws of the land that have nurtured us. When they want Loyalty is a complicated topic, but given its importance in the military culture and our own SEAL Ethos, it is worth considering and discussing. Loyalty can you to do the easily be misplaced; for loyalty to be honorable, it must have an honorable object wrong thing, or principle. There is an old adage that has much truth in it: “When someone wants you to do the right thing, they appeal to your integrity. When they want they appeal to you to do the wrong thing, they appeal to your loyalty” — that is, to your loyalty to a person or group — but not to an honorable principle. The loyalty referred your loyalty. to in the SEAL Ethos is to a principle greater than oneself, to “humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans, always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves … to serve with honor on and off the battlefield.”

Bob Schoultz retired from the Navy in 2005 after 30 years in Naval Special Warfare. He is currently the director of the Master of Science in Global Leadership program at the University of San Diego. You can contact him at [email protected].

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