Making Sense of Ron DeSantis’ Military Service - SEAL, Vet, and Career

Within the U.S. military, there are several important jobs keeping our fighting forces in order. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is a Veteran who has done his part to help ensure our nation maintains a strong national defense. However, not everyone knows exactly what he did within the American Armed Forces. Here’s a closer look at Ron DeSantis' military service and why there is a bit of confusion.

Was Ron DeSantis a Navy SEAL?

Ron DeSantis’ military service began in 2004 when he joined the Navy after graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School.Earning the rank of Lieutenant, DeSantis’ career took a not-so-surprising direction where he would become a legal advisor for SEAL Team One.During his time with the SEALs, DeSantis was stationed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. He was also deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2007 respectively.Between the time of his return stateside until an honorable discharge in 2010, DeSantis was appointed to be a special assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Middle District of Florida.Therefore, while DeSantis is a Veteran. He was a Sailor, and assisted SEAL Team One. However, he was not a Navy SEAL himself.

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Why There is Confusion About DeSantis and the Navy SEALs

Sometimes, it’s not what you say, but how you say it. That’s part of why so many people think that Ron DeSantis’ military service comes from him being a SEAL.During a debate when the Florida Governor was running for president in the 2024 election, he mentioned that he “was assigned with U.S. Navy SEALs in Iraq” while also saying he “deployed to Iraq alongside U.S. Navy SEALs.”Furthermore, DeSantis also stated in a debate that he “...learned in the military, I was assigned with U.S. Navy SEALs in Iraq, that you focus on the mission above all else, you can’t get distracted.”He has also made statements about his service in 2007, where he “...deployed to Iraq alongside U.S. Navy SEALs in places like Fallujah, Ramadi…”These statements are true; however, it’s easy to see how these words can be misconstrued either by accident or intentionally.This is to take nothing away from the service DeSantis provided his country through his legal expertise on the battlefield.Simply a clarification that while he is a Veteran Sailor, becoming a Navy SEAL is a bit different.Of those who attempt to join the Navy SEALs, only 20% to 25% of them even make it through, which is why this select group is only about 1% of active duty Sailors in the military.Furthermore, the beauty of social media can also, at times, be its biggest flaw.Everyone has a voice but when millions and billions of people can come together to showcase their voice on a public platform, sometimes what is true can get lost.Sadly, misrepresentations were spreading online due to misunderstandings about DeSantis’ role with the Navy SEALs, leading to further confusion.

Ron DeSantis’ Military Service as a JAG (Judge Advocate General)