Understanding Navy SEAL Frogman: Origins and Definition
The term 'Frogman' originated from combat swimmers who were part of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) during World War II. The UDTs continued to exist and evolve through the Korean and Vietnam Wars before becoming what we now recognize as the Navy SEALs. Even after the establishment of the SEALs on January 1, 1962, the term 'Frogman' has been used to describe members of both the UDT and SEAL units.
The Role of a Frogman
Frogman is a generic term that refers to military personnel who operate both on and under the water. The original U.S. military 'frogmen' were part of the UDT, which consisted of highly skilled combat swimmers. They were later renamed to 'SEALs' (Sea, Air, and Land). While the term 'Frogman' is less commonly used today, it still holds a significant place in military history and culture.
Addressing the Question: Verifying a Claimant's Authenticity
Grilling strangers about their military service is generally not recommended, especially when it comes to verifying the authenticity of a Navy SEAL. However, if you are faced with someone claiming to be a Navy SEAL, there are several steps you can take to verify their claims. Here are some important questions and verification methods:
Questions to Ask
What BUD/S Class Were You in? This is a straightforward question that any genuine SEAL will be able to answer. It's highly unlikely that a SEAL would forget their BUD/S class number, as it is a significant milestone in their career.
What Team Did You Serve On? A large number of fake SEALs tend to claim membership in SEAL Team 6, so be suspicious if someone immediately mentions this team. Note that the U.S. Navy does not officially refer to this unit as 'SEAL Team 6' anymore; it is now known as DEVGRU.
Can You Provide a Copy of Your DD-214? The DD-214 is the official military discharge document that lists all relevant military achievements, including awards and qualifications. While this document can be forged, if it is authentic, it serves as a strong point of verification.
Professional Verification
The best method of verifying a claimant's authenticity is to contact Don Shipley, a former SEAL and a specialist in exposing fake SEALs. Don has access to a comprehensive database of every single person who has ever graduated from BUD/S. Although graduation from BUD/S does not automatically make someone a SEAL, every SEAL has gone through BUD/S training as their first step.
Reasons for the Prevalence of Fake SEALs
Many people, both glamorous and misguided, claim to be Navy SEALs for various reasons. Some do it for added attention, while others seek financial or personal benefits by providing elaborate and often false information. Both types need to be addressed and corrected to maintain the integrity of the SEAL community.
Conclusion
Verifying the authenticity of Navy SEALs requires careful scrutiny and may include questions regarding BUD/S class, past team assignments, and access to official documentation. Professional verification through individuals like Don Shipley provides a more reliable and foolproof method. Understanding the true meaning and requirements of being a Navy SEAL can help in identifying the genuine article.