All SEALs have their roots in the "frogmen" of World War II, who successfully performed covert amphibious missions against incredible odds.  During the 1960s, frogmen began joining the  ranks of the UDT, which would becom today's Navy SEALs in 1983.

Vietnam was the first arena for Navy SEALs to be showcase their value as a combat unit.  They proved themselves ten-fold, leaving Vietnam as the highest decorated unit and the highest kill-per-person ratio of any U.S. combat unit.  SEALs were so feared by the Viet Cong, they were called "devils with green faces!"

SEALs come from all walks of life, but that does not mean that anyone can be a Navy SEAL.  You have to earn the rite of passage.