An investigation into the Navy SEALs training program reveals widespread failures in medical care, oversight, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs, leading to increased risks and preventable deaths among candidates.Â
A recent investigation into the training program for Navy SEALs has revealed significant issues with medical care, oversight, and the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The investigation was prompted by the death of a sailor last year. The report, spanning nearly 200 pages, found that medical oversight and care were poorly organized, integrated, and led, posing significant risks to SEAL candidates. The report suggests that these shortcomings could have played a role in the preventable death of the sailor. Additionally, the investigation delved into the pervasive problem of sailors using banned substances, such as steroids, to pass the SEAL qualification course. The report recommends more rigorous drug testing and improved education to address this issue. The sailor who died, Kyle Mullen, collapsed and succumbed to acute pneumonia shortly after completing the physically demanding Hell Week test. A separate report concluded that his death was not a result of misconduct on his part but occurred in the line of duty.Â
