On a recent trip to San Diego, we stayed on Naval Amphibous Base Coronado. I had some time to cycle around the base on a Friday morning to look around. It was kind of fascinating to see that a BUDS class was training in the pool, and many other things around the base. I'm used to visiting the exchanges (shops) on military bases. This one had a section like I've never seen before. It was an usually large and well-stocled section of every type of tactical gear and accessories you could imagine. Especially interesting was the very large section of tactical gloves...the kind with hard plastic conformal knuckle armor. Also lots of elbow and knee armor. Another unique thing there was a good supply of waterproof note pads. Hmmm.
I noticed two things about the young men I saw there. They were in astounding physical condition, and they
looked really intelligent; more so than the average enlisted troop out there. These guys are not all bulked up with over defined muscle, but they were "deep strong" if there is such a thing. They were very lean, big, but not bulky. Damned impressive. Another curious thing was that they were all quite good-looking guys; almost Tom Cruise in Top Gun type of look. Our daughter would have been impressed.
I sat down at the McDonald's on base with a young man who was alone and chatted with him. He was a young fellow from rural Kansas; 20 I think. He had been in the Navy a couple of years, but wanted to make one of the teams that is not SEALS, but special armament and tactics (or something similar) that also train there. Very competitive to get even a chance to be selected. I was extremely impressed how sharp and quietly down to earth the kid was for his age. I thanked him for his service and wished him luck. God bless 'em.
I can't imagine how this movie gets made with real SEALS who are going to remain active. They are always high value, so I can't imagine they can spare any. Must see, though.
I have no problem with them being involved with a film that may attract the special young men it takes to do this. We cannot afford to run short.
