Naval Special Warfare Development Group, otherwise known as 'DEVGRU' or 'SEAL Team 6', is a Counter Terrorism unit administered by US Naval Special Warfare Command. An elite within an elite, the unit is made up of SEALs selected from existing SEAL Teams. DEVGRU is considered a 'Tier One' special mission unit on a par with the Army's Delta Force. SEAL Team Six is under operational command of JSOC.
SEAL Team Six - Organization
DEVGRU / ST6 is organized into 4 line squadrons codenamed Red Squadron, Blue Squadron, Gold Squadron and Silver Squadron.
Each line squadron contains around 50 operators and each squadron is divided into 3 troops. Troops will typically be divided into teams of assaulters and snipers.
Some sources indicate that DEVGRU includes a Gray Squadron, which is a specialist boat squadron dedicated to maritime operations.
There is also a Black Squadron (Reconnaissance and Surveillance squadron) which appears to have a role similar to the army's Intelligence Support Activity.
Black Squadron
A secret cadre inside DEVGRU, Black Squadron are sniper and reconnaissance specialists who carry out advance force operations (AFO). This typically entails clandestine intelligence gathering ahead of a DEVGRU strike operation. Small Black Squadron teams operate out of U.S. embassies in trouble spots around the world, their weapons and other gear being smuggled in through diplomatic pouches.
Black Squadron includes female operators. In some environments, a woman, either alone or paired with a male operator, can offer a softer profile than a lone man or team of men.
According a New York Times article, Black Squadron has more than a hundred members. [2]
SEAL Team Six - History
SEAL Team Six's origin can be traced back to the aftermath of Operation Eagle Claw, the aborted 1980 attempt by US SOF to rescue American hostages from Iran. With the need for dedicated hostage rescue units stronger than ever, SEAL Team 6 was put together and commanded by Richard Marcinko, with the unit coming online in 1981. SEAL Team 6's remit included Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) and ship-boarding operations.
SEAL Team 6 was eventually disbanded and, in 1987, its role, minus non-CT ship boarding which was handed off the newly formed SEAL team 8, was given to the newly formed Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDEVGRU or DEVGRU). Although ostensibly a new organization, DEVGRU was manned by many SEAL Team 6 operators and carried on with the same ethos and standard operating procedures. Although no longer its official name, the 'SEAL Team Six' moniker has stuck to the unit, especially with regards to its portrayal in the media.
SEAL Team Six - Roles
The primary missions of SEAL Team Six are:
- Counter Terrorism
SEAL Team Six specializes in Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) - e.g. hostage rescue and elimination of terrorists on ships, oil platforms etc - but is also capable of broader CT tasks. Since 2001 SEAL Team Six has been focused on operations in and around Afghanistan. The unit is also able to carry out pre-emptive CT operations. - Close Protection
DEVGRU sometimes provide security for VIPs. For instance DEVGRU provided Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai with close protection in the early days of his Presidency. - Special Reconnaissance
DEVGRU operators, especially those trained as snipers, are experts at reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering operations
FAQs
Candidates who pass two months of preparatory training, including a battery of demanding physical and mental screening tests, enter an extremely rigorous six-month Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training program, often said to be the toughest in the U.S. military.
What is SEAL Team 6 motto? ›
The quote by SEAL Team Six, "The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph," encapsulates the mindset and unwavering determination of these elite warriors. In their line of work, they face some of the most challenging and high-stakes conflicts imaginable.
How hard is it to make DEVGRU? ›
Every member at DEVGRU is highly screened and has completed a very in-depth assessment and selection process. Members at NSWDG and prior members of NSWDG who completed a successful tour are considered to be the top performers in the Navy in their assigned rating.
How much does SEAL Team 6 get paid? ›
Seal Team 6 Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|
| Top Earners | $60,500 | $5,041 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,000 | $4,000 |
| Average | $44,116 | $3,676 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 |
At the time, there were two SEAL Teams, SEAL Team ONE and SEAL Team TWO. Marcinko named the unit SEAL Team Six in order to confuse Soviet intelligence as to the number of actual SEAL teams in existence.
Is SEAL Team 7 a thing? ›
SEAL Team 7 was established on March 17, 2002, just six months after 9/11. Eighteen months after its establishment, SEAL Team 7 first deployed to Iraq in August 2003 and stood up Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula to command and control three SEAL task units conducting over 255 combat operations.
What is the most elite seal team? ›
SEAL Team 6, officially known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), and Delta Force, officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), are the most highly trained elite forces in the U.S. military.
Was SEAL Team 6 disbanded? ›
Seal Team 6 was officially disbanded and renamed in 1987, though despite the official name changes, "SEAL Team Six" remains the unit's widely recognized moniker. Today, ST6 is known as the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU, a U.S. Navy component of Joint Special Operations Command.
What is the dropout rate for Devgru? ›
The SEALS in Green Team are not yet members of DEVGRU. They are trying out for membership in the elite, Tier One unit. DEVGRU candidates remain in this intensive program, constantly under the watchful eye of instructors, for at least six months. The typical attrition rate is approximately 50%.
What Seal team was David Goggins on? ›
Goggins deployed to Iraq with SEAL Team Five, and served as a training instructor for other SEALs.
Former Navy SEAL, DEVGRU and Delta operator Kevin Holland stated that in his selection class 120 candidates started, 16 passed and 8 finished OTC.
Do Navy SEALs get free housing? ›
Generally, housing is provided for all active duty service members, whether they're living on or off base. There may be exceptions to this rule, which you can discuss with a recruiter. Otherwise, with the abundance of housing options, most service members will be able to find housing that fits their needs.
Do Navy SEALs pay rent? ›
Does the Navy Pay for Housing? The Navy will help pay for housing with allowances provided to Sailors living off-base. Allowances will vary depending on rank, rate, housing location and dependents.
What is the age limit for Navy SEALs? ›
The Navy SEAL requirements state that all Navy SEAL candidates are between the ages of 18 and 28, though candidates who are 17 can attend the training with signed parental permission. Navy SEAL candidates are also required to be United States citizens.
Was Chris Kyle in SEAL Team 6? ›
He served with SEAL Team THREE as a SEAL Sniper at NAB Coronado from September 2001 until he received an honorable discharge on November 4, 2009.
Is there a SEAL Team 7? ›
SEAL Team Season 7 was officially confirmed in January 2023 and revealed soon that it will be the final episode of the Paramount+ war drama.
What is DEVGRU gold? ›
DEVGRU Gold Squadron. The Gold Squadron, also known as the “Crusaders” or “Knights”, features either a Golden Lion with a trident tail on its own, or the lion with a red Crusader Cross in the background as its insignia. Gold Squadron, like Blue Squadron, is one of the two founding assault forces of DEVGRU.
Is SEAL Team 6 tier one? ›
It's safe to say that SEAL Team 6 has solidified its place as not just a Tier One special operations unit, but as a legendary fighting force. With SEAL Team 6 covered, let's jump into the 24th Special Tactics Squadron.
How realistic is SEAL Team 6? ›
While the actual missions and characters themselves are entirely fictional (it's not like the military would let them use classified information), the way of life that's portrayed is relatable to those who have lived it themselves, as well as their families.
Is SEAL Team 6 the most elite? ›
SEAL Team 6, officially known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), and Delta Force, officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), are the most highly trained elite forces in the US military.
Is there a height requirement to be a Navy SEAL? There is no strict height requirement; candidates must pass the rigorous physical screening tests regardless of their stature.
