Military Deaths in Training
Deaths in Navy SEAL training are not new. There have been fatalities in SEAL training classes dating back to 1984. In the last couple of years, the death toll has risen dramatically. Since the beginning of 2021, there have been 11 fatalities during Navy SEAL training. This is double the average of fatalities over the past 10 years.
The Navy has summarized the fatality rate as an average of two deaths per thousand students. But that number conceals a great deal of variation in the risk from different training courses. While there is no known way to eliminate this risk entirely, understanding the sources of fatalities can help inform training decisions and improve safety measures.
Dehydration in SEAL Training
Dehydration is a leading cause of deaths in the Navy. In Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) training, dehydration has been identified as the primary cause of death. In SEAL training, however, dehydration is often a symptom rather than a contributing factor. Studies show that SEAL trainees are not always supplied with enough water to replace what they are losing, which means they become dehydrated and experience other serious health problems.
Hypothermia in SEAL Training
Hypothermia is another factor that can contribute to military service risks. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops too low. Navy SEALs often conduct dives in cold water, which is one of the main causes of hypothermia in SEAL training.
Drowning in SEAL Training
Drowning is a risk that can occur during SEAL training. Because SEALs often conduct dives in murky and dangerous waters, it can be hard to spot threats. Furthermore, the cold temperatures of some dives can impair physical and mental performance, making it even harder to avoid drowning.
The Navy has implemented a number of safety measures to reduce the SEAL death rate. These include providing trainees with proper hydration, using modern technology to monitor trainee performance, and improving safety procedures.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that the Navy SEAL death rate is still higher than that of other military branches. However, the Navy has taken measures to reduce the risk and make sure that SEAL trainees are properly prepared to face any challenge.
