THE LEGACY OF WILLIAM GOINES: FIRST BLACK NAVY SEAL
Every branch of the US Defense unit must ensure that the country stays safe and secure. That goes with the Navy SEAL since they are crucial in counter-terrorism, surveillance, and direct action on enemy targets. The US Navy SEAL was established in 1962 by former president JFK; since then, exceptional members of this elite group have shown outstanding service. One of them is William Goines, known to be the first Black Navy SEAL. Unfortunately, he passed away last June 10; he was 88 years of age, leaving a lot of legacy behind. Goines was born in 1936 and spent most of his childhood in Lockland, Ohio, in a segregated community where public pools are even a myth. Let us know more about this brave hero and his childhood memories.
The Childhood of William Goines, an Inspiration
His childhood was challenging. During the integration, he could not even play in the public pool because it was filled with rocks, so no one in his community could use it. However, it seems that something about being in the water drew him to join the Navy after watching the movie The Frogmen. He then enlisted at the age of 19 in 1955. Even though he found his passion, race almost kept him from pursuing his dream. During his time, African Americans were being tracked to be placed in a steward rating, which means being a servant. Luckily, his friend convinced him not to give in and to follow his goal. After 11 months, Goines was included in the first batch to serve on the recently founded Navy SEAL teams. In 1962, he was the only Black man among a total of 80.As a US Navy SEAL, he was one of the first to land in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also served three tours in Vietnam and once led a Vietnamese unit. Goines could communicate in English, Spanish, and French with his wit. He served for 32 years and retired in 1987 as a master chief petty officer. Aside from his rank, Goines earned many commendations, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, and Combat Action Ribbon. After retirement, he stayed committed to the nation and his community by working as a police chief in the Portsmouth, Virginia, school system. After a decade, volunteered to recruit minority groups to join the Navy SEALs. His remains were laid to rest in Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.
A Closer Look into the US Navy SEAL
Joining this elite force is not a walk on the beach; it would help if you were physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to enter these special forces. Some of their training includes a core six-month course, a parachutist course, and a 26-week SEAL Qualification Training program. A recruit must excel in this training to join the organization. These elite forces can operate in various environmental settings such as sea, land, and air. Members of the US Navy SEALs are also ready to adapt to changing weather conditions, such as the freezing Arctic, humid jungles, mountainous regions, and scorching deserts. Today, there are around 2,450 active Navy SEALs operating in secret missions, especially countering terrorism.
How to Become a US Navy SEAL
Joining may vary depending on experience or if you are already in the Navy, but here are some of the steps for new recruits:
- Prepare yourself as soon as possible. Start your physical training once you have decided to become a Navy SEAL. You also need to create a checklist for the following: US citizenship, age, mental fitness, security clearance, physical fitness status, passing the background check, and good eyesight.
- An aspirant Navy SEAL must have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. However, you may need to complete at least one semester of college-level courses if you have a GED.
- Get in touch with a recruiter to validate all of your documents. Inform the recruiter beforehand that you are interested in a SEAL Challenge Contract before enlisting. This request might help you gain a higher sign-on bonus.
- You need a high score on the Computerized Special Operations Resilience Test. This test will determine your mental resilience and maturity through psychological resilience, personality traits, and performance strategies to confirm that you will meet the minimum requirements.
- The US Navy SEAL training will begin at the Recruit Training/Command Great Lakes in Illinois. Once completed, you will be assigned to a Navy job until you pass the PST. There will be a mentor who will train you physically to help you prepare for the PST. The mentor will also be your proctor, so following all their instructions is vital.
- After passing all your exams, you will receive an offer for a Navy SEAL contract, including your boot camp date.
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