The Quitter

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article, “Have You Ever Been A Tadpole?“, asking readers who have been to BUD/S to come forward and share with us their SEAL trainee experiences in Coronado.  Particularly, I wanted them to share with all of us, (especially those young men who are planning to give it their best shot at BUD/S) their story on not making it through the SEAL training program.  I have received a few responses already and have been in contact with those individuals to bring their unique stories to all of us.

One of the first guys to reach out has been to BUD/S a couple of times and was unsuccessful in his attempts.  He moved on and had a successful career in the Navy achieving the rank of Chief and attending some great schools as well as completing some other tough military programs.  He did not want to get into the details of his shots at becoming a SEAL, but instead shares his wisdom to those who think they want to be a Navy SEAL with a poem.

I salute you Chief!

“I am one of millions who have tried to become the best
to become a seal team ranger and be seperated from the rest

but I like many others had began to take life bitter
if you haven’t guessed by now this poem was written by a quitter

to make up fancy excuses just won’t take it’s toll
you must reach deep down inside you deep into your soul

grab the truth and face the facts you can’t let life pass you by
take one deep breath and go for it and give it one more try

and if you want the victory cup that waits upon the shelf
it’s not the battle against the others, it’s the battle against yourself

and this time friends i’ll tell you, i’ll make, i’ll admit
because now i know the pain and sorrow of what it means to quit. hoo yah”

By Anonymous