Women Advance in Navy SEAL Training, Facing Challenges and Breaking Barriers

Two women advanced further in the Navy SEAL training in California than any women before, although they did not complete the course. One was an enlisted sailor, and the other a naval officer. They reached the third week of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, marking a significant step for women since special operations opened to them in 2016.

The officer withdrew before Hell Week, while the sailor was removed for medical reasons. Reaching Hell Week is challenging since nearly half of candidates drop out in the initial phases. Hell Week, a part of the six-month training, tests candidates physically and mentally with tasks like carrying logs, launching boats, enduring cold water, and covering about 200 miles with only four hours of sleep over five days.

“To protect the integrity of NSW Center courses and the privacy of its candidates, we don’t discuss the details of any individual selection or non-selection status or where they are in the training pipeline,” said a spokesperson for Naval Special Warfare Command.

Women have a history of serving in U.S. special operations. Despite restrictions, their roles expanded over time: from intelligence in WWII to combat-aviation roles post-1991. By 2016, they could train as Navy SEALs, Rangers, and Green Berets. Though few women attempt these roles, recent data shows their increasing involvement.

Navy data indicates a high attrition rate in SEAL training, with 68% of candidates not completing the training between 1998 and 2023. The first phase, including Hell Week, sees 66% dropouts. Interestingly, more candidates leave before Hell Week than during.

A sailor graduated as the first woman Special Warfare Combat Crewman, showing possibilities for women in elite maritime roles. The rate of women passing other rigorous military trainings has been low. Seventeen women tried for Marine Raiders without success, but some completed Air Force special operations training.

Fewer than ten women became Green Berets, and under a dozen joined the 75th Ranger Regiment. Each faced extensive tests, regardless of their position. Former Capt. Hailey Gibbons, a 2021 Ranger School graduate, emphasized equal standards for all roles within her unit.

Women in combat roles faced criticism. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth questioned their inclusion, suggesting potential impacts on military standards. He reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards during his confirmation hearing, though providing no evidence of any standards being lowered.

The Pentagon launched a study to assess the effectiveness of women in combat. Retired Gibbons countered claims of lowered standards, affirming that no brigade would compromise standards as it would undermine trust and credibility.