An investigation by the US Navy published on Thursday revealed major problems with the particularly tough training of its elite unit, the “Navy Seals”.
The investigation, launched following the February 2022 death of Kyle Mullen, a special forces seaman-in-training, uncovered numerous “omissions” that “put many candidates at high risk of serious injury.”
In particular, inadequate supervision by managers, a lack of risk assessment, a medical system that is neither “educated, organised, integrated or trained to ensure effective and continuous medical surveillance and care”, and the use of doping substances by the authorities highlighted recruited.
Kyle Mullen died of pneumonia after enduring a week of bullying known as “Hell Week” in which contestants are pushed to the limits of their physical fitness while being sleep deprived. According to the investigation, other members of his group were hospitalized after training.
Mr Mullen had been treated for breathing problems during the week of intensive care, but this information did not reach the clinic, which carried out his most recent health check, leaving him at barracks to rest.
When he arrived at his quarters, the recruit’s health was declining, leading to young duty officers with no medical training calling in a military doctor to stand guard.
This doctor recommended that he go to the hospital if necessary, adding that all candidates would be examined the next day. Yet Kyle Mullen repeatedly refused to be hospitalized.
The Navy Seals are US Navy special forces that conduct some of the most dangerous US military operations, such as the 2011 raid that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.