TRADITION TRANSFORMATION: US Navy SEALs change creed statement to become gender neutral

In efforts to increase inclusivity among all those who serve, the US Navy SEALs have changed their creed statement to become gender-neutral, eliminating terms such as “brotherhood,” according to a report.

“Naval Special Warfare continues to deliberately develop a culture of tactical and ethical excellence that reflects the nation we represent, and that draws upon the talents of the all-volunteer force who meet the standards of qualification as a SEAL or SWCC,” Navy Special Warfare spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Stroup told American Military News, via the New York Post.

Once change addresses the first paragraph of the SEAL ethos.

What once said “A common man with uncommon desire to succeed” now says “Common citizens with uncommon desire to succeed.”

Another alters “I am that man” to “I am that warrior.”

Similarly, “Brotherhood” has been changed to “group of maritime warriors.”

The final line of the statement has been modified from “Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold” to “Brave SEALs.”

The previous versions of the SEAL ethos and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen creed were written before women were legally allowed to serve in the commando groups, according to Stroup.

“The changes do not in any way reflect lowering standards of entry, rather they ensure that all those who meet the requirements to train to become a SEAL or SWCC are represented in the ehos or creed they live out,” he said. “This improves the posture of the NSW force by ensuring we draw from the greatest pool of talent available.”

The Naval Special Warfare Command’s website has been updated to reflect the new gender-neutral version of the SEAL ethos.

This change is just one of the many recent efforts made to include women in the long-standing traditions of the U.S armed forces.

And as women become further integrated into all areas of the workforce, we will continue to see more of these changes being made.