The SEALs use the S&W 686 4" revolver and always FMJ bullets. The advantages I understood it to have over the other handguns was that it would not get jammed up when full of sand or silt (particularly when used in saltwater and around beach areas), and if water enters any of the cartridges - causing a FTF, you can simply pull the trigger again - rather than try to rack a slide that may be jammed with debris.
Originally posted by HorseSoldier
I believe you're talking about Duane Dieter? He's been tied in pretty tight with the SEAL community, training-wise, for a long time.
I've heard guys much better than me at combatives sort of stuff say his stuff is good, and equally qualified guys say his stuff is bad, but I suspect that shy of Olympic level hand to hand grudge matches, it's all angels dancing on the head of a pin sort of debate.
I do think the hood and react drill sounds like an absolute meat grinder (mentally and physically).
Duane Dieter's CQD course provides very practical defensive training, as well as effective methods for subduing and restraining enemy combatants. It does not provide any form of impressive or aesthetically pleasing martial arts. As one of the trainees in my class stated, "If you try that in a bar fight, you're not gonna scare anybody. They're gonna say "Look - he's a queer! Get him!."" I am not aware of any Navy-provided martial arts training for SEALs, you would have to do that on your own time.
Originally posted by Cosmoline
Agreed. I suspect a lot of fans of these units would be bored and disappointed to see what they actually do. A successful mission may be one where they confirm something, communicate that fact, and leave. Or go talk to someone and get him to agree to do a certain something. They're absolutely not one man armies nor are they bullet proof. It's only the monumental screw-ups we hear about when they end up getting shot up.
This is correct. Training (BUD/S, Airborne, SQT, etc) prior to reaching a final duty station is excellent and very exciting. Upon reaching a final duty station, however, everything changes. From that point forward, the job consists primarily of administrative/office work, technical training such as HazMat school and airplane loadmaster school, taking inventory, making powerpoint presentations, etc. Most SEALs who deploy see little action and spend most of their time hanging around on base - working out or looking for something to do. Young guys in the SEAL community tend to be very disappointed with the teams, and all the young SEALs I know left the Navy after their first enlistment.
Originally posted by rhoggman
A comment about wars.... Do you think the politicians and contracting firms want to win wars? I spent 1.5 years in Iraq. It might not be an everlasting empire, but when the fences come down and the money stops pouring in an empire will fall. I believe if the majority of the American public knew how the war was being "fought", they would soon think it was all a sham. Politicians and the State Department are ensuring there is no victory. Modern politics combined with modern ROE are carefully crafted rules that prolong the process. The enemies are protected, some to a greater degree than you could ever imagine. It is ridiculous. JMHO
Exactly, rhoggman. Great post! I hope everybody here will watch the following videos:
The Complete Idiots Guide to the New World Order
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRLPG_HplrA
The Obama Deception
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw
The Final Push for World Government
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1bjnkOqT8k
