The most trainees quit SEAL training during the period known as Hell Week: “Hell Week is the seminal event for the Final Phase of SEAL training,” consisting of “six days of no sleep and unrelenting harassment […] long runs, open ocean swims, obstacle courses, rope climbs, endless sessions of calisthenics, and constant paddling” (62). The purpose of this endurance test is “to eliminate the weak” (62). During one cold, dark night, McRaven’s instructors made quitting seem easy, desirable, and for the best. One recruit was on the verge of agreeing, when one of the other men began to sing. While the officers promised a warm fire, food, and a bed for anyone ready to give up, the singer buoyed every trainee to join in with new strength: “With each threat from the instructor, the voices got louder, the class got stronger, and the will to continue on in the face of adversity became unbreakable” (63).

This same will to remain unbroken is also at play in the story McRaven tells about Marine Lieutenant General John Kelly speaking with the families of men killed in the line of duty. Just like the single

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now