| Unit Name: | Special Warfare Combat Crewmen |
| Type: | Special operations forces |
| Role: | Primary roles
Other roles |
| Size: | ≈755 (active) ≈50 (reserve) |
| Command Structure: | U.S. Special Operations Command U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command |
| Nickname: | "Boat Guys," "Dirty Boat Guys" (DBGs), and "The Boat Teams" |
| Motto: | "On Time, On Target, Never Quit!" |
| Battles: |
The Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCC) are United States Naval Special Warfare Command personnel who operate and maintain small craft for special operations missions, particularly those of U.S. Navy SEALs. Their rating is Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB).
Prospective SWCC sailors go through a special training program at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, where they learn boating and weapons tactics, techniques, and procedures that focus on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces. SWCCs employ their specialized training, equipment, and tactics conducting missions worldwide, both independently and in support of US and foreign special operations forces (SOF).[1]
Special boat teams trace their history to the PT boats of World War II. Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three rescued General Douglas MacArthur (and later the Filipino president Manuel L. Quezon) from the Philippines after the Japanese invasion and then participated in guerrilla actions until American resistance ended with the fall of Corregidor. PT boats subsequently participated in most of the campaigns in the Southwest Pacific by conducting and supporting joint/combined reconnaissance, blockade, sabotage, and raiding missions as well as attacking Japanese shore facilities, shipping, and forces. PT boats were used in the European Theater beginning in April 1944 to help the Office of Strategic Services insert spies and French Resistance personnel and for amphibious landing deception.
The modern special boat operator grew out of efforts during the Vietnam War to develop forces for riverine warfare. In February 1964, Boat Support Unit ONE (BSU-1) was established under Naval Operations Support Group, Pacific to operate the newly reinstated fast patrol boat (PTF) program and to operate high-speed craft for NSW forces. Nicknamed (SWIFT) crews BSU-1 would directly support Naval Special Warfare Operations, initially outfitted primarily by Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) and the newly established SEALs. The schooling was in Coronado, California, and every new sailor that wasn't already a UDT or SEAL was trained extensively in boat/weapons operations, and advanced swimming to work alongside UDT or SEALs. The boat crew members underwent a right of passage nicknamed "Hell Week" by SEALs. A UDT and SEAL platoon was assigned to each of BSU-1's squadrons of Mobile Support Teams (MST 1-3). The squadrons inserted and extracted from their patrol area by PBRs. In late 1964, the first PTFs arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam. In 1965, Boat Support Unit One began training patrol craft fast (SWIFT) crews for Vietnamese coastal patrol and interdiction operations. As the Vietnam mission expanded into the riverine environment, additional craft, tactics, and training evolved for riverine patrol and direct UDT/SEAL support. Boat Support Unit TWO was initially formed in 1965 to run and maintain high-speed boats for the UDT and SEAL teams at Little Creek, VA.
In 1966, River Patrol Force (Task Force 116) operated river patrol boats on counterinsurgency operations in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam in Operation Game Warden. The task force utilized small watercraft far up the Mekong River into Laos and supported the Amphibious Ready Groups operating on South Vietnam's river such as Operation Market Time. These boats would insert UDTs or SEALs by patrol craft while they went ashore to demolish obstacles and enemy bunkers.[2]
In July 1968, Light SEAL Support Craft (LSSC) began replacing PBRs as their primary support craft. Mobile Support Teams (MST 1-3) provided combat craft support for UDT/SEAL operations, as did patrol boat, river (PBR) and patrol craft, fast (PCF) sailors.[3]
On 1 July 1971, Boat Support Units ONE and TWO missions broadened to encompass coastal/riverine patrol and interdiction. Both commands were renamed into Coastal River Squadron ONE and TWO. A wide range of small boat projects were developed and tested with the command's help. The Coastal Patrol and Interdiction Craft, the Landing Craft Swimmer Recovery Vessel, the FLAGSTAFF (PGH-1), one of the Navy's first operational hydrofoils, and the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle, which carried on the now-renamed SEAL Delivery Vehicle diving operations, were among them. After UDT-13 was split in 1975, several of its members joined Coastal River Squadrons and others contributed to the creation of the UCT teams.[4]
In 1978, Coastal River Squadron ONE became Special Boat Squadron ONE. Special boat units, which were still composed primarily of UDT/SEAL personnel or specialized boat crew members, spawned four operational special boat units from the original MSTs: SBU-11, SBU-12, SBU-13, and Special Boat Detatchments. The following year, in 1979, Coastal River Squadron TWO became Special Boat Squadron TWO. This formed three more operational special boat units: SBU-20, SBU-22, and SBU-24.
In 1983, remaining UDT diver teams underwent their final consolidation with the SEAL teams. The establishment of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command took place in 1987, consolidating the Special Boat Units and SEALs into a single command. Additionally, a new special boat unit, SBU-26, was also established during this time.[5]
Naval Special Warfare Group 4 (NSWG-4) was established in October 2002 as a result of changes to the NSW's restructure.Special Boat Teams 12, 20, and 22 all were established merged from various SBU units. NSWG-4 is tasked with organizing, equipping, and training established SWCC crews to assign combatant craft to the restructured Special Boat Teams to support Naval Special Warfare.[6]
See main article: United States invasion of Panama.
The United States Navy contributed extensive special operations assets to War on Drugs and Panama's invasion, codenamed Operation Just Cause. This included SEAL Teams 2 and 4, Naval Special Warfare Unit 8, and Special Boat Unit 26, all falling under Naval Special Warfare Group 2; and the separate Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU).
During Operation Snowcap part of a counter-drug operations in Colombia, a Special Boat Team came under attack in the Antioquia Valley region while conducting reconnaissance operations. The boat team held off a force of roughly 150 Colombian rebel insurgents believed to be part of Colombia's counter-revolutionary movement (FARC). Throughout the three days and nights of fighting, the boat team was repeatedly surrounded and cut off from escape. Short of ammunition and water, the team held on until first light on day three, regrouped and counter-attacked, punching a hole in the insurgents defense line and later linking up with U.S. Navy SEALs and Colombian special forces. Members of the team were cited for their heroism and bravery.[7]
After 9/11, facing the growing rise of terror groups in the Philippines, the Navy dispatched special boat teams to train and advise Armed Forces of the Philippines and conduct maritime operations against piracy, trafficking, and port/waterway security. Some 160 U.S. special operators went on patrol with Filipinos in the jungles of Basilan island, an Abu Sayyaf stronghold. In 2002, a MH-47 Chinook helicopter with 10 American operators crashed during a night operation; none survived.[8] In 2007, SWCC operated Mark V Special Operations Craft and conducted various maritime interdiction, visit-board-search-and-seizure, and reconnaissance operations.[9] Some unconventional tactics and equipment were used, such as canoes with outboard motors, small boats, and jetskis for low-profile collection operations.[10] During the 2017 Siege of Marawi, several SWCC operators helped the Philippines army.[11]
SWCC detachments have participated in nearly every major conflict since then, notably in the Persian Gulf (operations Prime Chance and Earnest Will 1987-88, Operation Snowcap 1987-1995, the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989-1990, the 1990-1991 Gulf War and the ongoing Global War on Terror, and counter-narcotics operations in South and Central America.
SWCCs operate and maintain state-of-the-art, high-performance vessels to support special operations, particularly clandestine insertion and extraction and in shallow water where large ships cannot operate. They can perform Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Maritime Interdiction Operations, direct action raids against enemy shipping and waterborne traffic, Maritime Search and Rescue, Waterside Security, Coastal Patrol, high risk personnel recovery, and force-protection missions. In recent years, SWCC have trained for tactical driving and convoy operations.[12]
Their training and equipment allow them to handle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, particularly gathering data about enemy military installations and coastal shipping as well as providing fire support for ground troops.
SWCC also perform search and rescue for combat and humanitarian assistance, help law enforcement agencies, and train foreign units.[13]
See main article: List of United States Navy enlisted rates.
The special warfare boat operator (SB) rating was established on 1 October 2006, under the same order that created the special warfare operator (SO) rating for SEALs.[14]
| Navy rating | Abbreviation | Pay grade | Special warfare rating | Abbreviation | Rank insignia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCPO | E-9 | Master chief special boat operator | SBCM | |||
| SCPO | E-8 | Senior chief special boat operator | SBCS | |||
| CPO | E-7 | Chief special boat operator | SBC | |||
| PO1 | E-6 | Special boat operator, first class | SB1 | |||
| PO2 | E-5 | Special boat operator, second class | SB2 | |||
| PO3 | E-4 | Special boat operator, third class | SB3 |
Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewmen are enlisted and led by senior NCOs. Senior NCOs can serve as Patrol Officer, Detachment Chief, Boat Captain, Senior Navigator, Senior Communications Operator, or Chief Engineer.[15]
However, there are select SWCC (717X) - Special Warfare Combatant Craft Technician Chief Warrant Officers (CWO) that act as tactical and technical experts in the field of Naval Special Warfare operations as well as established leaders.
Special Boat Teams are commanded by Navy SEAL officers and SWCC Warrant officers. These Officers lead Special Boat Team (SBT) operators and direct personnel in the execution of combatant craft operations in every theater. They may serve as, but are not limited to: Boat Troop Commanders; Detachment Officers-in-charge; Division Officers; Department Heads; Requirements, Resourcing and Acquisition Officers; and Special Program Managers.[16]
Another important development was the recognition of the knowledge, skills, and training of SWCC crewmen as a warfare specialty, represented by the NEC 5352 and later denoted by the award of a military device or service badge.
For a brief period, qualified sailors were awarded no device; boat captain-qualified sailors wore the Small Craft Insignia created for and worn by riverine sections during the Vietnam War. Still earlier than this, the Small Craft pin was worn by those with the 9533 NEC. Many other units within the Navy awarded the Small Craft badge, and there was controversy regarding the original intent associated with its creation. The matter has been somewhat settled as the badge has in the 21st century been awarded only to conventional riverine units under the NECC and SWCC boat captains, who wear it in addition to the SWCC device.[17]
The special warfare combatant-craft crewman insignia is a Navy qualification badge. First proposed in 1996, an initial version was approved for wear in 2001.
On 19 August 2016, the original insignia was replaced with three insignias that indicate qualification level: SWCC Basic, SWCC Senior, and SWCC Master. The SWCC Basic Insignia is a 2.5-by-1.25-inch silver matte metal pin depicting a Mark V Special Operations Craft atop a bow wave in front of a naval enlisted cutlass crossed with a cocked flintlock pistol. The SWCC Senior insignia adds an upright anchor in the background. The SWCC Master insignia adds a banner with three gold stars on the upper portion of the anchor.[18]
To become a special warfare combatant-craft crewman, a service member must apply and be accepted to special programs, complete a special boot camp (called 800 divisions) alongside SEAL (SO) candidates, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) candidates, Diver Candidates and Aviation Air Rescue candidates.
SWCC candidates then go to Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School (NSWPS, also called BUD/S Prep) in Great Lakes Chicago, then to Coronado, California, to attend Basic Underwater Demolition Orientation/or SEAL Orientation (BO).[19] Upon testing out of BO, SWCC candidates attend Basic Crewman Selection (BCS). SWCC candidates go on to Basic Crewman Training (BCT); following this, SWCC candidates will undergo Crewman Qualification Training (CQT) and then go on to specialized individual schools.
Applicants must:
Initial SWCC training consists of:
To proceed to basic crewman training, a trainee must pass this test:
But the Navy says it expects successful candidates to perform more like this:
The two-month Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School (NSW Prep or BUD/s Prep) takes place at Great Lakes, Illinois. NSW Prep has one goal: Improve a SWCC candidates physical readiness for the grueling trials of Basic Crewman Selection (BCS). Students are introduced to the obstacle course, soft sand runs, knot tying, open water swimming, water rescue, drownproofing, and basic navigational skills. Many candidates will quit during the first three weeks. After they pass Pre-BUD/s, candidates will go to BUD/S Orientation at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. Here they will spend the rest of their training and the next three weeks preparing for their pipeline along with SEAL candidates.[24]
Instructors of the SWCC Basic Crewman Selection course train, develop, and assess SWCC candidates in physical conditioning, water competency, teamwork, and mental tenacity. This course starts with a three-week indoctrination. The SWCC basic crewman training last seven weeks. Physical conditioning with running, swimming, and calisthenics grows harder as the weeks progress. Students abilities, mental fortitude and teamwork skills are tested during an arduous 4-day evolution involving little sleep, constant exposure to the elements, underway boat and swimming events, and a test of navigational skills and boat tactics. This test is referred to as the Crucible or "The Tour".[25] SWCC students participate in weekly timed runs, timed obstacle course evolutions, pool, bay and ocean swims, and learn small-boat seamanship. Upon the completion of SWCC Basic Crewman Selection(BCS), students advance to Basic Crewman Training(BCT).
During the 21-week crewman qualification training, instructors train and evaluate SWCC candidates in basic weapons, seamanship, casualty care, and small unit tactics. In the first phase, Basic, candidates learn first aid, small arms, heavy weapons, basic combat skills, engineering, and towing and trailering procedures for SWCC boats. Candidates must pass tests in every subject to move on.
The final, or Advanced, phase includes communications, Tactical Combat Casualty Control (TCCC), navigation and boat handling, mission planning and execution, live fire while underway on the boats. Students are introduced to the NSW mission planning cycle, enabling them to participate in the planning, briefing, execution, and debriefing of an NSW mission. Physical training is geared to prepare the student to meet the requirements of the operational special boat teams. CQT concentrates on teaching maritime navigation, communications, waterborne patrolling techniques, marksmanship and engineering, as well as small unit tactics and close-quarters combat. SWCC also attend Jump school around this time, and after finishing CQT, attend SERE Level C school.
Candidates that have made it through the pipeline are awarded their SWCC pins, designating them as a Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) rating. They are subsequently assigned to a Special Boat Team to begin preparing for their first deployment.
All this training means SWCC sailors are recognized as the U.S. military's premier "small boat" operators. SWCCs are qualified to operate with other units, service branches (particularly those within USSOCOM such as SEALs, Special Forces, MARSOC, AFSOC, and DSF), and armed forces.[26] They operate in poor weather and sea state, can evade capture and fight on land in emergencies, and perform maritime special operations missions such as direct action, recon, ship boarding or vessel board, search and seizure, and sea-to-land support using a broad array of vessels and armaments.
SWCCs receive broad individual and detachment in-house training and attend schools as needed to support Naval Special Warfare Command. Before reporting to a Special Boat Team, SWCCs attend a 12-week language course, where they must learn a language assigned to them according to the needs of their respective teams. SWCC attend Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School to receive tactical boat training.
Every SWCC receives basic medic assistant training for combat lifesaving skills. After reporting to the teams SWCCs may attend schools relative to their respective individual specialities and or mission readiness schools such as desert survival, jungle survival, cold water survival, special operations combat medic training, naval special warfare combat fighting course, fast-rope, air assault, designated marksman school, tactical driving, and many others offered within Naval Special warfare.[27]
SWCC often go to new U.S. Department of Defense schools according to the needs of their respective team and adaptable mission set. SWCCs also receive in-house training with the latest technology, such as advanced radio communications, advanced weapons systems, advanced navigation systems, small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS), outboard, diesel, and waterjet engines.[28]
Combat first aid and lifesaving, emergency response, emergency life support, evaluation, water search and rescue, stabilization, packaging, transport, and MEDEVAC skills are of vital importance to all forces within the special operations community, since they operate far from medical assets and rely on their independent capabilities. SWCC platforms provide a unique opportunity to provide a "next layer" of pre-hospital medical stabilization and MEDEVAC capability between the field and helicopter/air transport. Inbound casualties are a likely scenario, and the nature of their missions places them at a high risk of casualty as well.
Because of this, all SWCCs receive ongoing and repeated in-house training in combat first aid, basic life support, airway management and oxygen administration, trauma care, limited emergency medication administration, and IV therapy – a set of skills roughly analogous to civilian BLS, BTLS, and EMT-B qualification, and thus quite arguably conferring on every SWCC the unofficial distinction of being a combat lifesaver by the general definition. However, the SWCC community generally recognizes these members as "medic assistants" to distinguish them from the lead [para]medic, whose primary function as a professional paramedic is continually reinforced by years of training and experience.
Many NSW medics originally came from the hospital corpsman rating. Thus, while not all hospital corpsmen are combat medics, and not all combat medics are hospital corpsmen, all SWCCs are by the general definition trained combat medics – particularly after repeated workup cycles and ongoing training have refined their skills to a level comparable with conventional combat medics and civilian EMTs.
A more recent development is that designated SWCC medics attend the Special Operations Combat Medic course of instruction, and attend Naval Special Warfare-specific-based courses.
Within the NSW community, the title of SWCC detachment "medic" applies to SB (SWCC) members who have completed Special Operations Combat Medic course and been designated as lead medics for a detachment. This training is equivalent or exceeds civilian EMT-P certification, a civilian qualification which they are indeed eligible to test for immediately after training. They are able to initiate and administer IV fluids and medications independently and perform certain minor surgeries and stitches in the field at their own discretion. They can intubate and administer oxygen and other interventions done by paramedics.
These men are among the rare exceptions to the general rule that "all Navy combat medics are hospital corpsmen". Because of changes leading to the establishment of the SB rating, non-corpsmen SWCCs attend the course,[29] become qualified NSW combat medics, and serve primarily as medics for the rest of their careers within Naval Special Warfare, in addition to performing the various other roles of a SWCC crewman.
All SWCC personnel are trained as military parachutists; some may also attend the U.S. Army Air Assault School.
SWCCs can drop boats from aircraft using specialized equipment. The Maritime Craft Aerial Deployment System (MCADS) drops an 11-meter RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) rigged with four large parachutes from the back of a C-130 or C-17 at about 3,500 feet. About four SWCCs immediately follow the boat out of the plane, land nearby, and have the boat ready to go in about 20 minutes.[30]
A variant of the MEATS insertion method was seen in the movies Act of Valor and Apocalypse Now.[32]
| Insignia | Team | Deployment | HQ | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Boat Team 12 | Worldwide | Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California | |||
| Special Boat Team 20 | Worldwide | ||||
| Special Boat Team 22 | Worldwide | John C. Stennis Space Center, Mississippi |