Navy SEALS: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

On March 4, I attended the ASIS International New York City Chapter event with over 150 colleagues at the Yale Club in New York City.

For over 20 years, I have been involved with initiatives of this association, serving as a speaker and author, privileged to also have their board certified protection professional (CPP) designation.

ASIS International is a professional organization for security, law enforcement, and military professionals that issues certifications, standards, guidelines, and educational programs. These initiatives assist schools, colleges, workplaces, government entities, law enforcement, and the public.

The CPP credential provides a board certified demonstrable verification of knowledge, as well as management ability in eight key disciplines; security principles and practices, business principles and practices, investigations, personnel security, physical security, information security, crisis management, and legal aspects.

Although my experiences with ASIS International have always been motivational, the March 4 event was particularly inspirational due to the compelling patriotic keynote of Navy SEAL Britt Slabinski, Rtd.

America’s Navy SEALS

Navy SEALS are a unique breed of elite ethical protectors that conduct the most challenging, often clandestine military operations, especially with maritime environments.

SEALS is an acronym for sea, air, and land special operations.

The SEALS symbol is a trident, a coveted insignia with a golden eagle holding a navy anchor and flintlock-style pistol.

The trident is a sacred symbol proudly worn by Navy SEALS, and solemnly embedded into the wooden coffins of fallen SEALS as an expression of respect, brotherhood, and honor for those who deserve to never be forgotten.

The Ethos of the Navy SEAL includes these inspirational words:

“My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day. My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own. I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.”

Missions of the Navy SEALS

According to the www.navyseals.com website, the Navy SEALS are called upon to perform missions of critical importance to the United States:

• Direct Action: Neutralize, Capture and Kill Enemy Forces-Offensive strikes against an enemy target using tactics like raids, ambushes and assaults.

• Special Reconnaissance: Observe and Report, Covert Intelligence-Surveillance and reconnaissance operations to report on enemy activity or to provide a better understanding of the operational situation. These missions can include tracking of enemy units, monitoring military and civilian activity, and gathering information about beach and water conditions prior to a beach landing.

• Counter Terrorism: Eliminating Threats, Pre-Emptive Strike-Directing action against terrorist groups to prevent terrorist activities.

• Foreign Internal Defense: Training Allies-Training and assisting foreign counterparts to increase their capacity to respond to threats.

Britt K. Slabinski, Command Master Chief (SEAL), USN Ret.

As attendees entered the March 4 event, to hear keynote speaker Britt K. Slabinski, they were surrounded by posters of SEALS who offered the ultimate sacrifice serving America.

This moving tribute was further ignited by the passion, dignity, and eloquence of the speaker who addressed issues of honor, respect, and patriotism.

Slabinski, whose service as a Navy SEAL included over 400 combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism, is also recipient of the Navy Cross-an award for valor in combat, the Navy and Marine Corps Life Saving Medal, five Bronze Stars with Combat Valor distinguishing device, two Combat Action Ribbons, and numerous other commendations.

The immortal words of Thomas Paine, “These are the times that try men's souls,” were used by Slabinski who stated “they apply not only to the American Revolution, but to contemporary challenges throughout the world.”

He also stressed the importance of honoring our flag, stating that it was a sacred symbol with thread representing each of us united together.

The oath he learned as a young eagle scout was also shared by Slabinski, who emphasized “On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country,” was his inspiration during the heroic incident that led to his being recipient of the Navy Cross.

Slabinski also stressed humility stating, “one must always remember that you are never too senior to be wrong or too junior to be right.”

Final Reflections

These are challenging times for democracy, freedom, and liberty and America is destined to be a model to the world of dignity, courage, and patriotism.

When each of us lives by a code of honor, represented by ethical guardians courageously dedicated to protecting America, we will be on the path to reawakening the nation.

More:
America’s Flag, Patriotism: Resuscitating Our Destiny

America’s Veterans: Honoring Our Heroes

America’s Leadership Crisis: Reigniting Our Character

Life Lessons From the United States Military


Note Well:

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As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos:

1. A SEAL delivery vehicle team (SDV) performs a fast-roping exercise from a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to the topside of Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769). SDV teams use "wet" submersible vehicles to conduct 100 percent long-range submerged missions, or to secretly deliver SEALs and other agents onto enemy territory from a submarine or other vessel at sea, Jan. 17, 2005. (Photo Courtesy U.S. Navy by Journalist 3rd Class Davis J. Anderson)

2. Members of the Sea Air Land Team Five (SEAL5), from Golf Platoon, conduct an exercise in a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) or Ridged Boat Inflatable Hull (RBIH). (Courtesy U.S. Navy)

3. Navy Special Warfare Trident insignia worn by qualified U.S. Navy SEALs. (Courtesy U.S. Navy)

4. Rear Admiral Timothy Szymanski, leader of all 2,500 active USN SEALS, Joint Special Operations Command (l), and Britt Slabinski, Command Master Chief, Rtd. (USN SEALS), recipient of the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in combat from the President of the U.S.(r), with Vincent J. Bove at the ASIS International NYC Chapter luncheon.

5. Members of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two (SDVT-2) huddle together inside a flooded Dry Deck Shelter mounted on the back of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hyman G Rickover (SSN 709). Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) provide specially configured nuclear powered submarines with a greater capability of deploying Special Operations Forces (SOF). DDSs can transport, deploy, and recover SOF teams from Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts (CRRCs) or SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs), all while remaining submerged. SDVT-2 is stationed at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., and conducts operations throughout the Atlantic, Southern, and European command areas of responsibility. Chief James Adams present to right in photo, May 7, 1984. (Courtesy U.S. Navy)