Most every year ( If my Son is not deployed) we go to the UDT/SEAL reunion in Little Creek Va. I have meet the likes of Marchinko and Rudy from the "Survivor TV series" and other UDT and SEAL notables CMH guys etc..
It is interesting, Being a Vietnam Vet and old Navy I don't feel all that out of place there.
A few years back I had the honor of meeting a few Pommie SMS Marines and a Ozzie RAN SAS guy at the reunion. (They train with the Teams there and at Damn Neck where my Son works). You are spot on about these fellows. It was interesting to hear the differences in each others services. What really surprised me was that both SMS guys were not back home to England in "3" years.. They said this was common in the RN and Royal Army. Ya know the point I was trying to make but like all proud parents I got flustered is that you all are special, You all have families who love and support you and worry sick about you, You all bleed the same and unfortunitly hurt the same. The SEALs Marines Rangers et al all have a piece of the pie. In this modern world SpecOps has come front and center. SpecOPs is complicated and covers many catagories as I'm sure you know. Some mistakes were certainly made when the Army used SEALs in areas that were not there specialty and people died as a result. But we all live and learn.err well sometimes we do anyway.
I'm going on to other topics now and even though this was a little nasty at times I'm sure that you, like I have had much more heated exchanges in the NCO Club, The Bar or at the Barracks.. Or as we used to say on the boats " a little after battery discourse.. I salute you and if ever in Connecticut drop me a EMail..the 1st to last Beer is on me StaffSarg.. Make mine a single malt.
Semper Fi
and be safe
walt