When did Chris Kyle join the Navy SEALs?
Christopher Scott Kyle, better known as Chris Kyle, is widely regarded as one of the most lethal snipers in American military history. He served in the United States Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer and as a member of the naval special warfare command, particularly the SEAL Team 3. In this article, we will explore the chronology of Chris Kyle’s journey to becoming a member of the Navy SEALs.
Early Life and Education
Chris Kyle was born on April 4, 1974, in Odessa, Texas. He grew up in a small town in Texas with his parents and two older brothers. Kyle was athletic and enjoyed playing sports from an early age. After completing high school, Kyle attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in ranch management. After college, he worked as a roughneck in the oil fields in Alaska and later as a security consultant in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
Enlisting in the US Navy
In 1999, Chris Kyle enlisted in the United States Navy after being inspired by the news of the USS Cole attack. He enlisted in San Diego, California, at the age of 25, with the intention of becoming a Navy SEAL.
Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training
Kyle began his journey to becoming a SEAL by undergoing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at the Coronado Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, California. BUD/S training is notoriously physically and mentally demanding, known for its high dropout rate. Kyle successfully completed the training, earning himself the coveted "Gold Team" designation, which symbolized his exceptional performance throughout the program.
SQT Training
After graduating from BUD/S training, Kyle moved on to SQT (SEAL Qualification Training) at Naval Air Station, Coronado. SQT is designed to teach SEALs basic combat skills, such as first aid, demolitions, and combat tactics.
SEAL Team 3
Kyle was selected to join SEAL Team 3, one of the most elite and respected Navy SEAL teams. He arrived at SEAL Team 3 in 2001, where he began to undergo advanced training in marksmanship, close quarters battle, and other specialized skills.
Iraq War Deployments
Chris Kyle spent four tours in Iraq from 2003 to 2009, where he served as a sniper. During his time in Iraq, Kyle earned several awards and decorations, including two Silver Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and 13 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
Leaving the Military
Chris Kyle left the Navy in 2009, after serving for almost a decade. He spent the remainder of his life advocating for veterans and wrote the bestselling book "American Sniper", which became a bestseller and was adapted into a film in 2014.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chris Kyle joined the Navy SEALs in 1999 after enlisting in the United States Navy. He began his journey by undergoing rigorous BUD/S training and later completed SQT training. He was selected to join SEAL Team 3 and spent four tours in Iraq, earning numerous awards and decorations for his exemplary service. Chris Kyle is a testament to the physical and mental toughness required to become a Navy SEAL.
