How do SEALs choose teams?

Navy SEALs choose their teams through a meticulous and structured process that emphasizes both individual and collective attributes. Here are key insights:

1. Draft Process: In some instances, SEAL teams hold drafts where each team gets turns to pick members. This ensures a balanced distribution of talent across different teams. For example, Rob O'Neill mentioned SEALs undergo a draft system where each team rotates picks to build their squads 1.

2. Cultural Fit and Core Values: SEAL selection goes beyond physical prowess, emphasizing core values like discipline, drive, determination, and mission focus. Mark Divine noted that selecting individuals who share these values is crucial for nurturing a culture of excellence in SEAL teams 2.

3. Character and Intangibles: The selection process also focuses on identifying candidates with strong character, resilience, and mental toughness. The emphasis is on hiring for character and training for skill, allowing SEALs to form high-performing teams based on foundational traits 3 4.

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     1

     SEAL Team Memories

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     2

     Culture of Excellence

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     3

     Diversity in SEAL Teams

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     4

     Hiring Insights

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     5

     Evolving Navy SEAL Selection

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4. Evolving Selection Criteria: The selection process has matured over the years to better assess the right attributes, particularly as the reasons for joining SEALs have evolved. Rich Diviney highlighted that the criteria now include not just physical endurance but also integrity, character, and ethos 5.

In summary, the SEAL team selection process is rigorous, emphasizing a draft mechanism, cultural alignment, character evaluation, and evolving criteria to build elite, cohesive units.