NAVAL SEA CADETS SEAL TRAINING
I had the pleasure of running the Sea Cadet program four times, on both active duty and as a retired SEAL. Without question, I can say that the young men I put through the course were a huge cut above average teenagers. While many young men choose to loiter at a mall and get in trouble over their summer vacation, Sea Cadets who choose SEAL Training, endure a mental and physical nightmare that lasts for weeks.
These young bad asses choose to test themselves, to see what they?re made of, and many go on to become SEALs.
I?ve cast them from high speed boats, tethered them from helo?s, spent many hours shooting weapons, and sent them on training missions that tested them to their very core.
My most memorable course was when the cadets ran low on money one year and feeding them was a problem. The solution was a shotgun and buckshot.
Training continued and the cadets and cadre ate eggs and venison for breakfast, spaghetti and venison for lunch, and eggs, spaghetti, and venison for supper. This went on for a week.
Since the war has made it virtually impossible for the Teams to run the program any longer, I invite any SEA Cadet to come here for a course, or any Cadet Leader to contact me and we?ll set something up.
What a great program.
Below is a letter I received from the father of SEAL Sea Cadets after we ran our first course.
Al Scott was one of the toughest men I ever knew. As old as he was, he never missed a single evolution nor lost his always present smile or composure.
He guided many lost young men, who today, have achieved great milestones in their lives, and tremendous success.
Al died in July of 2007.
841 PARKSIDE AVE. BUFFALO. NEW YORK 14216 1-716-856-4473 1-716-832-4501
From: Senior Escort Officer, Special Warfare Sea Cadet Program 93-1
To: Commanding Officer, Seal Team TWO
Subj: Letter of Commendation for BMC SHIPLEY, DONALD W. , LTSN Ref: (a) U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Special Warfare Class 93-1
1. As the Senior Escort Officer assigned to Special Warfare Sea Cadet training, reference (a), during the period 10 - 25 July 1993, it is a distinct pleasure to commend to you BMC DONALD W. SHIPLEY for his outstanding management of this extraordinary program.
2. BMC SHIPLEY established an innovative and challenging curriculum meant to test the mettle of a group of teenagers from diverse backgrounds who volunteered for this tough and often traumatic experience. Shipley obviously spent countless hours formulating the daily and hourly evolutions, arranging for specialist personnel from the various teams and the myriad of other logistic components involved to support such intensive training. That it all fit into the time constraints of the Cadets orders with accomplishment of all goals, is a tribute to the thoroughness of the planning.
3. The expertise and leadership evidenced in the preparation and execution cited reflect the best and the expected of Seal Team members. What makes this effort special is directing it towards teenagers. To establish the rapport necessary to make this group respond to adult, no holds barred, training takes a flexibility not easily mastered on first encounters with teens. SHIPLEY's style of instruction, willingness to explain and demonstrate, and constant encouragement resulted in winning the complete confidence and efforts of the Cadets. He was tough, demanding but always reassuring and encouraging. His troops never questioned or hesitated in following his orders and leadership. They admired and respected him. It was, in fact, a perfect mentor relationship.
4. BMC SHIPLEY has represented the Navy, specifically the Seal Teams, in their finest tradition of excellence to some very impressionable young minds. It is to be noted that many of the Cadets plan to return for the next class and several will try for Seals as a career. SHIPLEY can take great satisfaction in his major contribution to this response.
5. On behalf of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, a resolving WELL DONE!! It is requested that this commendation be made a permanent part of SHIPLEY's record.
A. SCOTT LCDR, USNCC