The United States Navy SEALs (SEa Air & Land) is one of the most higly trained unconventional warfare units in the world. In modern time, focus has increased around special operations forces, as with the killing of the Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and and the NATO Operation Ocean Shield at the Horn of Africa, it is tempting for airsoft players to replicate equipment and loadout used by the SEALs and their Special Warfare Unit: DEVGRU.
Such a guide has been made many times in the past and present, but none covers the entire extent of the SEALs. Most guides focus on the assault loadouts used, but not what equipment they could be using when on recon, working low profile, observation and such. The reader must also understand that there is no correct way to portrait a SEAL and his equipment. They customize it until it suits their mission specific needs, and the reader must understand that they therefore cannot get it right and wrong, and that this is just a guide and not a tutorial on how to do it exactly.
The author of this guide has nothing to do with the Navy SEALs or any other American SOF (Special Operations Forces), and has written this guide out of reference photos and alike. The guide is not in any way supported and endorsed by the United States Department of Defense, Navy or any other branch. This guide is made via extensive research, personal experience and knowledge. The reference photos is purely for some references only.
The guide will be inspired by SEAL loadouts and operational requirements of Afghanistan and, to a certain extent, Iraq. Mountain Warfare is an important issue with Afghanistan, and both countries suffer from insurgency, thus leading to the use of Counterinsurgency Warfare Tactics.
Assault Loadout
Top to bottom
Helmet
There exist both reference photos of SEALs using the MICH 2000 and 2002 version, but most seen is the MICH 2001. The author was unable to find reference for the use of the IBH helmet. With a helmet comes accessories, which most notably is velcro for attaching patches and on the back for attaching an infrared beacon, the MS2000 Strobe. From front to back is a mount for attaching night vision goggles. On the left side of the helmet there often is a SureFire helmet light attached.
Headset
Peltor ComTac is a used headset by the SEALs with this loadout, but they also use the Sordin headset. Some Sordin headsets has a microphone attached for use with radio, some do not.
Head
A balaclava with one large hole is sometimes used, but it is up to the individual operator.
Eye Protection
Either Oakley Goggles, which sometimes is attached to the helmet, or shooting glasses by production companies such as Oakley or ESS.
Uniform
The camouflage is often a subject to debate on the uniform, but the SEALs have no restriction. They have access to every camouflage in current or former use by the US Military, also including 3-colored desert, ACU Digital, Multicam and even non-camouflage, one colored equipment. Just make sure the entire team chooses the same camo.
Combat Vest
Regular units often use fragmentation vests with a tactical MOLLE vest over it, however the SEALs, and other SOF units, uses MOLLE vests with fragmentation plates in them instead. The color of the vest should mostly fit the color of the uniform, but it is not an actual requirement. SEALs have been seen using desert uniforms with black vests at the Horn of Africa when hunting pirates. For airsoft use, it is not necessary for a player to get a real Eagle Industries Vest for the price of several hundred dollars, but instead actual airsoft replicas, which looks almost the same, but is not made of the same materials. The setup of the vest is a choice of the individual.
Elbow Protection Pads
Not a requirement, but some like it.
Wrist Watch
Usable for telling the time, and can be used as a compass with more expensive watches. The author can highly recommend Casio, with Casio watches often used by military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wrist GPS
Not a requirement, and not everyone can afford it. Garmin Foretrex 401 is often used.
Gloves
The gloves are something the individual choose, as everyones shooting style is different. Oakley gloves can be used, but most seen is the Dragoon Summer Flyers Gloves, or Nomax Pilot Gloves. SEALs sometimes cut off the fingers of the gloves for increased feel and touch on the weapon systems and equipments.
Belt
Keeps your pants up and used for attaching the thigh pistol holster
Pistol Holster
The most used form of pistol holster is the thigh holster attached to a belt, but some instead have a holster attached to the vest.
Thigh Pad
Not a must-have, but if you need extra space for magazines or pouches, try to get a thigh MOLLE pad.
Knee Pads
For urban assault, knee pads are often a must-have to protect ones knees.
Boots
Boots is a tough point. They are often standard issues, but sometimes soldiers buy their own pairs of another brand because they have better experience with them. There is no right and wrong on boots, it depends on what you like and what feels comfortable.
Recon Loadout
Helmet
None. SOF units often hate helmets – they are bulky, big and uncomfortable. However, they are very happy about them when they come under fire. On some patrols or recon mission, SEALs choose to wear nothing but a cap or a hat, and then pack up the helmet in their backpack. Not using a helmet when on patrol can also seem less aggressive to the local population, when patrolling populated areas in Afghanistan.
Headset
A Peltor or Sordin headset is often uncomfortable for longer periods of time, and they therefore sometimes use either earpieces or the Bowman headset, all of which are avaliable in cheap airsoft replicas.
Head
A balaclava is an individual choice, however civilians feel more comfortable when they can see the face of the operator.
Eye Protection
Individual choice, but ballistic protection sunglasses can both look good, prevent the sun from hurting your eyes and stop a 9mm round from blowing it out.
Uniform
Same as mentioned in the Assault Loadout.
Combat Vest
Same as mentioned in the Assault Loadout.
Elbow Protection Pads
Same as mentioned in the Assault Loadout.
Wrist Watch
Usable for telling the time, and can be used as a compass with more expensive watches. The author can highly recommend Casio, with Casio watches often used by military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wrist GPS
Not a requirement, and not everyone can afford it. Garmin Foretrex 401 is often used.
Gloves
An individual choice. Look at the Assault Loadout for more information.
Belt
Keeps your pants up and used for attaching the thigh pistol holster
Pistol Holster
The most used form of pistol holster is the thigh holster attached to a belt, but some instead have a holster attached to the vest.
Thigh Pad
Not a must-have, but if you need extra space for magazines or pouches, try to get a thigh MOLLE pad.
Knee Pads
For urban assault, knee pads are often a must-have to protect ones knees.
Boots
You guessed it, same as the Assault Loadout.
Low Profile Loadout
Helmet
None. An afghan-style hat can be used for blending in, or just a regular cap.
Headset
A Peltor or Sordin headset is often uncomfortable for longer periods of time, and they therefore sometimes uses either earpieces or the Bowman headset, all of which is avaliable in cheap airsoft replicas.
Head
A beard. The bigger the beard, the more respect from the local population
Eye Protection
Individual choice, but ballistic protection sunglasses can both look good, prevent the sun from hurting your eyes and stop a 9mm round from blowing it out.
Uniform
Same as mentioned in the Assault Loadout, or just a regular afghan outfit as used by the locals. This helps the SEALs blend in and do their work uninterrupted yet still being well-equipped if they come in contact with the enemy.
Combat Vest
Same as mentioned in the Assault Loadout.
Elbow Protection Pads
Same as mentioned in the Assault Loadout.
Wrist Watch
Usable for telling the time, and can be used as a compass with more expensive watches. The author can highly recommend Casio, with Casio watches often used by military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wrist GPS
Not a requirement, and not everyone can afford it. Garmin Foretrex 401 is often used.
Gloves
Up to the individual operator.
Belt
Keeps your pants up and used for attaching the thigh pistol holster
Pistol Holster
The most used form of pistol holster is the thigh holster attached to a belt, but some instead have a holster attached to the vest. However, in low-profile situation, the pistol holster can also be directly attached to the belt.
Thigh Pad
Not a must-have, but if you need extra space for magazines or pouches, try to get a thigh MOLLE pad.
Knee Pads
For urban assault, knee pads are often a must-have to protect ones knees.
Boots
You guessed it, same as the Assault Loadout.
Firearms
The SEALs have access to so many different firearms, it’s of no matter to name all of them. In relation to the airsoft world, several weapons can be named:
- M4A1 (Note the A1 variant. Not the ‘M4′. The main difference is that the A1 fire fully automatic, and the M4 fires in three round bursts).
- Mk18 Mod 0 (Also known as M4CQB or M4CQBR. Features a 10.5″ barrel)
- M249 (5.56 NATO, belt-fed light machinegun)
- M240 (7.62 NATO, belt-fed machinegun
- M14 EBR (Enchanced Battle Rifle)
- M110 (7.62 NATO Designated Marksman Rifle)
- MP5 (9x19mm NATO submachinegun, various variants)
- MP7A1 (A1 variant)
- M870 Shotgun (pump-action, 12 gauge)
- M1014 Shotgun (semi-automatic, 12 gauge)
- Sig Sauer P226 (9x19mm NATO)
- Sig Sauer P228 (9x19mm NATO)
- Sig Sauer P239 (Used by DEVGRU)
- M9 Beretta (9x19mm NATO. Used by most of the US Military)
- Colt 1911 (Good ol’ .45 caliber)
- Glock (in various variations and calibers)
Known accessories:
- AN/PEQ-14 light/laser module
- SureFire flashlights
- Vertical grips
- Suppressors
- Various optics (Aimpoint, EOTech, ACOGs etc.)
- Bipod
- M230
- M320
The use of the weapons are always mission specific. Remember that.
As noted in the beginning, remember that the author cannot name equipment by brand. This is to prevent people from going for the exact thing, instead of using the equipment they like and want to use – just like the SEALs do. It can be argumented the reality-check of this guide, but use it as a guide and NOT a direct tutorial. Use it as a reference when choosing equipment, not as a step-by-step. The author cannot be held responsible for the trustworthiness and realistic aspect of the guide. But in the end, you should have your own unique look. And remember, SEALs customize their gear and make it personal with patches and paint. Everyone wants to stand out from the others.
Good airsofting, and I hoped you enjoyed this little guide!