View Full Version : SEALs who killed bin Laden are concerned for their safety
Gates: SEALs who killed bin Laden are concerned for their safety
Posted: May 12, 2011 7:24 PM by Emanuella Grinberg (CNN)
Updated: May 12, 2011 8:06 PM
(CNN) -- The Department of Defense is looking into ways to "pump up the security" for the team of Navy SEALs who helped kill Osama bin Laden after the commandos expressed concern for their safety and the safety of their families, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.
Gates made the comment in response to a question at a town hall meeting at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. A Marine asked what measures were being taken to protect "the identities and the lives" of the SEALs involved in the takedown of bin Laden in Pakistan a week ago, as well as other troops deployed in the region, from the threat of retaliation.
"We are very concerned about the security of our families -- of your families and our troops, and also these elite units that are engaged in things like that. And without getting into any details ... I would tell you that when I met with the team last Thursday, they expressed a concern about that, and particularly with respect to their families," Gates told the audience.
"Frankly, a week ago Sunday, in the Situation Room, we all agreed that we would not release any operational details from the effort to take out bin Laden. That all fell apart on Monday, the next day."
Gates' comments offered the first insight into the mindset of the team members since they carried out the risky operation.
SEALs, short for Sea, Air and Land teams, are known as "quiet professionals." They keep a low profile because of the classified nature of their tactical operations.
The team, known as SEAL Team 6, is widely believed to have returned to American soil. But the unit is covered with such a degree of secrecy that the military won't confirm its presence.
The Marine's question underscored sentiment among military and intelligence communities that identification of the team signified an unprecedented breach of confidentiality.
Gates acknowledged the threat of retaliation against Team 6 and troops deployed in the region.
"There is an awareness that the threat of retaliation is increased because of the attacks -- because of the action against bin Laden," he said. "The one thing I would tell you, though, is that I think there has been a consistent and effective effort to protect the identities of those who participated in the raid, and I think that has to continue."
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http://www.kaj18.com/news/gates-seals-who-killed-bin-laden-are-concerned-for-their-safety/
Perhaps a muzzle for VP Biden is the first step?
Doesn't the whole article sound sort of "Oh. yea, we didn't think about that. We'll get right on it. Um, where should we start" ??
Shouldn't this have been at the top of the list of things to worry about? Seems a little..." and water is wet" to me.
Those poll numbers were gettin' a leettle low, 550-security be damned.
Doesn't the whole article sound sort of "Oh. yea, we didn't think about that. We'll get right on it. Um, where should we start" ??
Shouldn't this have been at the top of the list of things to worry about? Seems a little..." and water is wet" to me.
Those poll numbers were gettin' a leettle low, 550-security be damned.
Dusty .... that's exactly what I was thinking.
Barry and his gang will be parading these "guys" around as much as they can. They could care less about the security of them, their families and the military, (SOF personnel in general) just to garner support and "play this card" for 2012.
Because that's ALL they have. They have NOTHING else to show for their time on the throne.
Utah Bob
05-13-2011, 14:25
The only info that should have been released was...
"Osama bin Laden was located in a compound in Pakistan and killed by US Special Operations Forces. His body was positively identified and buried at sea. US personnel suffered no casualties in the operation. One helicopter was lost due to mechanical failure."
Shadow1911
05-13-2011, 14:43
THats the way it should have been, but there is no political advantage in opsec
kawaishi
05-13-2011, 15:34
No ID on the individuals, but the locations of NSW assets aren't a secret. This is a big bullseye on every sailors back at these facilities and a very bad move by the Administration.
The only info that should have been released was...
"Osama bin Laden was located in a compound in Pakistan and killed by US Special Operations Forces. His body was positively identified and buried at sea. US personnel suffered no casualties in the operation. One helicopter was lost due to mechanical failure."
or the UK MOD way; "We do not comment on special forces."
No ID on the individuals, but the locations of NSW assets aren't a secret. This is a big bullseye on every sailors back at these facilities and a very bad move by the Administration.
Good point, but this is also to blame
http://www.popscreen.com/v/5Z1a6/The_Navy_Seal_Who_Killed_Osama_Bin_Laden
They're going to start wearing Disney disguises, evidently:
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/disney-trademarks-seal-team-6_b35689
Idiots. And I am NOT talking about the SEAL Team.
shooter_250
05-13-2011, 18:46
Dusty, I see it that way as well.
Utah, Amen.
God Bless
Lee
The Reaper
05-13-2011, 21:04
The only info that should have been released was...
"Osama bin Laden was located in a compound in Pakistan and killed by US Special Operations Forces. His body was positively identified and buried at sea. US personnel suffered no casualties in the operation. One helicopter was lost due to mechanical failure."
I concur absolutely.
TR
They are all politicians so they don't know how to keep their mouth shut unless there is money involved!!
perdurabo
05-14-2011, 00:45
Are SEALs also called Quiet Professionals or is that a mistake the article made?
SEALs and various other people in IC use the term, as well.
.........Disney has their back.
Disney Trademarks "SEAL Team 6"
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/disney-trademarks-seal-team-6_b35689
"In a perfect example of a big media company looking to capitalize on current events, The Walt Disney Company has trademarked “Seal Team 6,” which also happens to be the name of the elite special forces team that killed Osama Bin Laden."
Don't mess with Disney - they have tons of money and high price lawyers.
Basenshukai
05-14-2011, 05:06
.........Disney has their back.
Disney Trademarks "SEAL Team 6"
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/disney-trademarks-seal-team-6_b35689
"In a perfect example of a big media company looking to capitalize on current events, The Walt Disney Company has trademarked “Seal Team 6,” which also happens to be the name of the elite special forces team that killed Osama Bin Laden."
Don't mess with Disney - they have tons of money and high price lawyers.
Well, I've read that there has been some negotiation for LCDR (ret.) Richard Marcinko's "Rogue Warrior" movie script for some years. Perhaps, this will be the push that will realize that project. Maybe Charlie Sheen will be cast as a SEAL (again)? Winning!!!
They are all politicians so they don't know how to keep their mouth shut unless there is money involved!!
On the other side of that Coin. How many Delta, SEAL and Special Forces Operators. Have released books. Showing in GREAT Detail all of our TTP's. Not taking anything away from these brave warriors. But I would bet one of them leaves the Navy. Then has a book out with in one year. It's very hard for people just to turn that kind of money down.
I remember when simple CQB/breaching TTP's were kept close hold. Now you can order dvd's on how we do it.
blacksmoke
05-14-2011, 07:52
When I was deployed in 07, my MiTT team went on tons of raids, cordons,and netted 0 insurgents. I used to read Stars and Stripes articles about Army SOF or NSW killed/captured ect. X # of insugents here or there. Made me feel like my military service wasn't a total waste. That was all I needed.
Should we start a poll on whether the team will be on display during the next State of the Union address? By then, several books, docu-dramas, and movies will have been released.
Well, I've read that there has been some negotiation for LCDR (ret.) Richard Marcinko's "Rogue Warrior" movie script for some years. Perhaps, this will be the push that will realize that project. Maybe Charlie Sheen will be cast as a SEAL (again)? Winning!!!
Yeah. As Marcinko. Winning a noodle-snorting contest at Bennigans.
I respect the free press and all (per our oath) but I would very much like to see a more agressive response to the people leaking info in terms of criminal prosecution.
I hope, but honestly don't have much faith that they have been smart enough to put out disinformation regarding how the tracked Bin Laden. In other words I hope it was an informant, ISI or anything but what they detailed in the papers about tracking his courier. Sources and methods and all that.
And one of my favorite investigations for us old timers: "ABSCAM" (which is public info/knowledge)
kcphoenix
05-14-2011, 13:23
seriously?? this writer seems to think of ID'ing the operators a "SPORT" now and is publishing known places they go to eat, drink, etc...how can these people [media] sleep at night knowing they are jeapordizing the lives of these men and their families?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/seal-spotting-becomes-local-sport-in-virginia-beach-after-navy-commandos-return-from-bin-laden-raid/2011/05/10/AFhWdI1G_story.html
They're going to start wearing Disney disguises, evidently:
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/disney-trademarks-seal-team-6_b35689
Great war face on the Team Leader in his new disney camo outfit, BUUUUT I'd start a little more seriously on my calisthenics if I were him...
Team Sergeant
05-15-2011, 09:47
I respect the free press and all (per our oath) but I would very much like to see a more agressive response to the people leaking info in terms of criminal prosecution.
I hope, but honestly don't have much faith that they have been smart enough to put out disinformation regarding how the tracked Bin Laden. In other words I hope it was an informant, ISI or anything but what they detailed in the papers about tracking his courier. Sources and methods and all that.
And one of my favorite investigations for us old timers: "ABSCAM" (which is public info/knowledge)
Yeah, let's classify EVERYTHING!
Guess most don't realize that every name of Operation Eagle Claw is public knowledge,has been for decades.
Most countries that SF soldiers have traveled to have our names, pictures DOB's and SSN's.....
It's been 9 years since dalton fury aka thomas greer failed to kill bin laden. (Ever wonder why the SEALS got this mission?)
The only SOF soldier I am aware of that was actually targeted was COL Rowe.
It's not hard to find the Special Forces HQ or the SEAL HQ, and guess what no attacks there either.
Tell you what let's do this instead, let's make the enemy/terrorist/cowards fear us to the point they would never think to attack or target a Special Operations soldier .
Let's make them run and hide and cower in fear.
I don't care if 99.999% of the American public is afraid of the islamic boogymen, we're not.
In the words of Americans with Stones:
BRING IT!
Let's make them run and hide and cower in fear.
I don't care if 99.999% of the American public is afraid of the islamic boogymen, we're not.
In the words of Americans with Stones:
BRING IT!
:D:lifter:cool:
The Reaper
05-15-2011, 10:38
Sounds like a good basis for a national right to carry bill.
TR
Sounds like a good basis for a national right to carry bill.
TR
I like the way you think.
D.
Team Sergeant
05-15-2011, 11:17
Sounds like a good basis for a national right to carry bill.
TR
What allow "SOF Soldiers, Sailors & Marines" the right to defend themselves on American soil? Are you crazy?
To all you civilians reading this, no we are NOT given any special rights to carry weapons inside the United States when "off duty"...... read that twice.
The cops of Mayberry have more right to carry arms than do Special Operations personnel that killed bin laden.........
Edit to add: And yes I believe that all Special Operations "COMBAT" personnel (active and retired) should be given a special permit to carry concealled anywhere in the United States, including commerical aircraft.
What allow "SOF Soldiers, Sailors & Marines" the right to defend themselves on American soil? Are you crazy?
To all you civilians reading this, no we are NOT given any special rights to carry weapons inside the United States when "off duty"...... read that twice.
The cops of Mayberry have more right to carry arms than do Special Operations personnel that killed bin laden.........
Edit to add: And yes I believe that all Special Operations "COMBAT" personnel (active and retired) should be given a special permit to carry concealled anywhere in the United States, including commerical aircraft.
Edit to add: Dido!
In a deleted scene from the movie "Legends of the Fall", Tristin is asked, "When you 'scalped' those men, how did you feel?".
"Good", was the reply.
However the reality of the events of that day, thanks for putting the guy in the ground,....
so to speak.
WD
Dohhunter
05-16-2011, 07:35
Sounds like a good basis for a national right to carry bill.
TR
+America Junior
Edit to add: Dido!
WTF does the Queen of Carthage have to do with this thread? :confused:
Richard :munchin
Team Sergeant
05-16-2011, 16:48
Was wondering about that myself. I was also wondering, and sorry for the sidetrack, do you have to still take all the safety courses required by states to get a CCW? Or is there a waiver for that?
Depends on the state but yes....... here in Arizona any hillbilly cop can carry just about anywhere and teach everyone. I cannot teach CCW cause I'm not a cop or former cop.
To answer your question, SEAL Team Six, Delta Force, Special Forces, etc, once we leave the service we're the only thing different is that we're Vets, no special weapons privileges, even for the guys that hunt terrorists......
This is some of the requirements for my state (Louisiana):
New handgun training requirements. [R.S. 40:1379.3(D)(1)(a),(b),(c),(e),(g)]
1. Completion of any National Rifle Association handguns safety or training course conducted by a National Rifle Association certified instructor within the preceding twelve months.
2. Completion of any Department of Public Safety and Corrections approved firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school within the preceding twelve months.
3. Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and offered for correctional officers, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement within the preceding twelve months (note: training for security guards was removed)
4. Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections within the preceding twelve months.
5. Completion of small arms training within the preceding sixty months while serving with the armed forces of the United States...
-- The Veteran's Clause is satisfied by the following:
(i) For personnel released or retired from active duty, possession of an "Honorable Discharge" or "General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions" as evidenced by a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214).
(ii) For personnel on active duty or serving in one of the National Guard or reserve components of the Armed Forces, possession of certification of completion of basic training with service record evidence of having successfully completed small arms training and qualification.
Paragraph 5 covers most veterans.
Team Sergeant
05-16-2011, 17:06
Thanks, Sheepdog. Yes I see it does vary from state to state.
I did some researching and it appears that Michigan doesn't have that little "armed forces clause." (Gee, we're backwards here? SHOCK!)
Apparently even though hubby was an 18B he has to go through training. Which is just a special form of retarded.
No, not for weapons guys......:D
Utah Bob
05-16-2011, 17:12
No, not for weapons guys......:D
Dammit! Coffee soaked keyboard.:D
Utah Bob
05-16-2011, 17:21
WTF does the Queen of Carthage have to do with this thread? :confused:
Richard :munchin
Yeah, she's not even germane.;)
In my case, 18B was the only MOS I could have possibly passed in Phase II, because it was the only easy one.
Plus, my Uncle was the OIC at the time...
500 Proof
05-17-2011, 00:58
Edit to add: And yes I believe that all Special Operations "COMBAT" personnel (active and retired) should be given a special permit to carry concealled anywhere in the United States, including commerical aircraft.
That would be pretty awesome.