Few Navy SEAL Team Trainee Applicants are aware of the transformation ahead.
* While there are many paths to enlightenment few offer the benefits of the TEAM's Shaolin-Brotherhood-like community commitment to excellence, coupled with the rewards of service and the unimaginable pleasures of family life.
The SEAL TEAM curriculum begins, way before the actual application process, as a thought that gets mulled over through intrapersonal communications between one's self and one's mind;
the outcome of the conversation determines if the thought becomes an intention. The majority realize that it's a noble idea but not for me. Others don't become clear about their intention until they drop out (Ring Da Bell) or, graduate.
During the Basic Underwater Demolition Training (BUDs) one confronts the opportunity, to listen to the mind, and quit, or to acknowledge what's so and continue. In one regard the training is
much easier than putting up with the daily inhuman tortious treatment in a Gulag because one knows a hot shower, rest and food are available within minutes, all from one single choice to quit.
En route towards mastery a Trainee experiences expanded definitions of words and concepts previously thought to be understood, concepts such a doing complete work, making, keeping, and breaking agreements, the effects of withholding, telling the truth, badmouthing, non-verbal abusive communications, and a whole new view of integrity. The definition of the word
responsibility finally sinks in.
SEAL Team Members discover that there are no more off-hours; the 24/7 commitment is as commanding as that of a concert pianist or a religious novitiate.
** It's about discovering that every thought, every communication, has an effect. All Naval Special Operators have entered into a realm where they begin to notice that their personal integrity affects performance, outcomes, missions, and goals—not only for themselves but for all with whom they relate.
*** The spouse of a SEAL team member is also a professional. She inspires and coaches her spouse in support of the integrity of their relationship and of the entire Naval Special Warfare community. As with the profession of law enforcement, a spouse's leadership-communication skills determine whether adultery (with its undesirable mission-related karma) takes place within their spouse's command.
Team Members are committed to excellence. For this they are to be acknowledged profoundly.
* Transformation is different than change. One begins to generate a new, heretofore unimaginable, reality, of relationships and commitment.
** Unlike other primary relationship couples, a SEAL can't afford the risk of leaving his spouse upset after verbally upsetting her that morning, not having cleaned up the interaction; both are aware of the possibilities, the karmic consequences.
*** Among a team/crew operating from integrity a plane crash can simply be a plane crash and definitely not a karmic consequence of someone cheating on his her spouse, of someone withholding (hiding) a perpetration.
Last edited 1/10/22
