U.S. soldiers board a Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan.
On August 6, 2011, a U.S. military helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. Thirty U.S. soldiers were killed in the crash, along with seven Afghan soldiers and one civilian interpreter. It was the deadliest day for the United States in the war in Afghanistan since it started in 2001.
Most of the U.S. soldiers who were killed were part of a group called the Navy SEALs. SEALs stands for Sea, Air, and Land. Navy SEALs perform dangerous missions at sea, in the air, and on land. Navy SEALs and the Army Special Forces, such as Green Berets and Army Rangers, are given some of the most dangerous assignments. Often, these missions are top secret. Navy SEALs were among those who carried out the raid in Pakistan in May 2011 that killed terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.
Special forces units are a small part of the U.S. military, but they are becoming more and more important to the war in Afghanistan. As U.S. troops begin to withdraw from Afghanistan, the United States will depend more on its highly skilled special forces teams to continue its mission there.
To become a Navy SEAL is very difficult. Some people believe that it is the toughest military training in the world. During many months of training, soldiers learn how to survive in the harshest conditions on Earth. Only about one-fourth of the men who begin the training are able to finish.
Image credit: U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Donald Watkins/Released
Related Links
- U.S. Navy SEALs (Sea, Air & Land)
Learn about the responsibilities, training, and work environment of Navy SEALs. - U.S. Army Special Forces
Find out about the jobs of U.S. Army Special Forces.
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