Both Navy SEALs and Green Berets are special covert groups they differ in function, but to a large extent are trained in almost the same skills.

Both Navy SEALs and Army Rangers are highly respected but distinctly separate wings of the United States armed services. Army Rangers and Special forces both roll up to the U.S. Army, while on the other hand Marines and Navy SEALs roll up to the U.S. Navy.

US Navy SEALs work under some of the most treacherous working conditions and surroundings in the world. When out on the field they rely on skill and their equipment.

Formally founded in the 1960’s with their origins dating back to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in the early 40’s, the Navy SEALs (an abbreviation of ‘Sea, Air, and Land’) is truly an enigmatic group.

There are many different special operation military units across the world. Different nations have their own set of Special Forces which are trained to perform in very volatile political or battle conditions.

Today, the world has joined hands to battle the forces of terrorism which are threatening our nations. The countries of Europe are no exception. Every nation has offered the alliance of their specific special operation units in an effort to show their commitment to eradicate terrorism from the face of this earth.

The term, ‘Special Operation Units’ is used to refer to highly specialized and extensively trained military operation units who are known to perform highly volatile military operations. These forces are specially trained to participate in unconventional warfare tactics, reconnaissance as well as counter the highly dangerous terrorist activities.

The Navy SEALs were commissioned by President Kennedy. It was his foresight to start a force that could engage in unconventional warfare. Since then there has been no looking back. The Navy SEALs of today are highly proficient and skilled in various tactics of warfare.

The US Navy SEALs has had a veritable past and a rich history of its own. The earliest veterans to man strategic missions were the Operational Swimmers of the Office of Strategic Services or OSS who manned many such missions before the Navy SEALs did.

Operation Red Wing which was a US led expedition to hunt for Al Qaida guerillas and the Taliban was conducted in the rocky region of Kunar. Only the top quality Navy SEALs were involved in this strategic Navy SEALs mission.

In the recent past the US Navy SEALs has been in the news for its operations in Iraq. It all began in the year 2003 when President George Bush ordered the Navy SEALs to invade Iraq. This Navy SEALs operation was called ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’.

It takes a lot to become a Navy SEAL. It involves sheer grit, determination and a Navy SEALs workout session that is called ‘Hell Week’! Any aspiring Navy SEAL needs to go through a thorough physical screening after which a series of rigorous training schedules are conducted.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is one of the most revered awards given to valiant soldiers and pilots in war. This medal is provided to the US Navy SEALs for their brave acts during war with an enemy.

One of the most revered veterans of the Vietnam remains Lt. Thomas R. Norris. He was part of several Vietnam Navy SEALs mission directives. He is known for his immense courage and sheer dedication to his country under some of the most trying circumstances.

Petty Officer Michael Edwin Thornton is known for winning the revered Congressional Medal of Honor and also saving the life of Lt. Thomas Norris during October in the year 1972. Thornton has always been renowned for his fighting spirit, never say die attitude and a relentless passion for his country.