The Red Circle

Have you ever wondered what life as a SEAL is really like? You can find the sensationalized version in movies where the "SEALs" run around with shiny, futuristic weaponry, make things go boom and never have to reload once (Tears of the Sun, anybody? I don't think Bruce Willis and his platoon ever had to jack a new mag in, they just went cyclic with those poor guns).

You can find the real, gritty details of life in the Teams here. Brandon Webb was a former Navy SEAL sniper with service overseas, especially in the Middle East. Later on in his career in the Navy, he went on to become an instructor at the SEAL's elite sniper school. As you'll find out in the book, the SEAL sniper school is no joke. Compared to the other sniper schools around the world, it is one of the toughest, most grueling courses, designed to teach special warfare operators advanced sniping techniques, stalking, etc. in a variety of settings. Brandon Webb was not only a graduate of the course, but he went on to become an instructor later on, and was instrumental in reforming the school to adapt to 21st Century warfare.

His book is nothing short of inspirational. The lessons he has to offer us are invaluable, and throughout, you can learn the value of perseverance and dedication, traits of a true leader, and the importance of keeping your cool under fire.

It is a must read!

BUY IT HERE!

Iceman's Answers: Is special ops for me?

I see this question popping up a lot. I guess, these days, even more often, because of the release of Act of Valor. Everyone wants in on the action, and that's understandable. These guys do some of the most amazing jobs in the world, they get the best training, get use highly advanced equipment, etc. They look awesome, rising from the water with their rifles, or doing HALO or HAHO jumps out the back of C-130s, etc. But, what most don't realize, is that it is a thankless, hard job, that keeps you away from your family for months at a time, and it's extremely dangerous. You don't know that the next operation you go on will be your last, or if you'll ever get to come home to your family.

You have to figure out if you're mentally capable. Physically, the only thing hindering you, will be injuries you've sustained earlier on. Whether they're from sports, or accidents around the house, any injury can hold you back if you go through enough physical activity (a core part of training). Fractures, sprains, weakened joints, muscles, etc, get worsened, easily. Mentally, it's all up to you. Can you handle what your instructors will throw at you? Can you take the torment that comes down on you during the testing phases (e.g. Hell Week during BUD/S)?
You also have to realize this also affects your personal life immensely. You'll be away from your family for extended periods of time, you'll have to drop what you're doing and leave on short notice, all the while, your family (i.e. wife, kids, parents) won't be aware of your whereabouts. You might miss the birth of your kids, or be unable to attend family events, birthdays, etc. That's also something you have to consider.

Check out Military.com and SOFREP. Those are two websites that'll give you a ton of wisdom from ex Special Forces, SEALs, MARSOC, etc. They are invaluable resources!

The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday

I'm sure a lot of you, by now, have heard of, and seen the trailers for, the movie Act of Valor. It's a movie about the infamous secretive special warfare group, the US Navy SEALs, and their (fictionalized) fight against a drug-smuggler and a Chechen terrorist. Get this, the guys playing the SEALs.... are real-life active SEALs! You get an unparalleled and highly accurate insight into the way the SEALs operate. Here's the thing though, a lot of it, is in fact, extremely watered down. That's not a bad thing, I found the movie to be an instant favorite, not to mention one that drove me to tears! Watered down, as in, the movie is highly accurate, but the true way SEALs operate is kept from public view, for obvious reasons

It is an amazing testament to the sacrifice these special warfare operators make, and the fact that they're always at war in the defense of the United States. Truly amazing. I highly recommend this movie, to all of you! Take a box of tissues, or a handkerchief... you'll definitely shed a tear or two!