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This is for the old timers here. I saw a Marines shadow box from his time in Vietnam. He had the seal trident on display with all of his other medals and ribbons. Back in that time could a Marine have earned the trident?
Posted in these groups: 
Special Forces
Stolen Valor
Navy SEALs
Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School (BUD/S)
Special Forces Stolen Valor Navy SEALs Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School (BUD/S)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 25
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Only Sailors and a very select few foreigners have gone through BUDs. Master Chief Don Shipley has answered this a few times on his "Phony SEAL of the Week" videos.
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He may have served in the navy then went marines or vice- versa ask before you jump to conclusions
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LCDR (Join to see)
I would give your scenario a slim to none grade. SEALs are all about team. I had multiple friends that I was stationed with that were offered the same deal I took. All of them, save none, turned their commission down and stayed enlisted because they were not guaranteed to be in the Teams once they were "O"s. Now with that said I think the chances were pretty good but they would not take that chance. Why would a SEAL leave the Navy then join the Marines? There was a period after Vietnam when the Navy was allowing vets to come back in because they could not find employment on the outside, this program was called NAVETS. Not sure the Marines had a similar program. Again if you let the professional look into it they have everyone who ever passed BUDs on one list. Pasing BUDs does not make you a SEAL but you cannot be a SEAL without passing BUDs.
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CPO (Join to see)
LCDR (Join to see) - Sir, hate to tell you this, but service transfers for SEAL's do and can happen all the time. There are several that have crossed over to Army as Doctors and Chaplains, also Pilots, so yes it does happen. There are also to famous SEAL's one was Force then went SEAL and other went SEAL to Raiders so yes it can and does happen. Today passing BUD's does make you a SEAL because it is now third phase SQT, they get their Pin after that. They use to do a 6-12 month Probation on a Team then get the trident, now they do SQT and earn trident and on to a team.
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Suspended Profile
CPO (Join to see) - You are only partially right. Yes, there are service transfers and I know of SEALs who left the Teams to become Navy doctors, Army pilots, etc. However, you do not become a SEAL after third phase of BUD/S. SQT immediately follows BUD/S, but it is not BUD/S and it is certainly not 3rd phase. Passing BUD/S gets you in the door to starting your process to become a SEAL, but it does not mean you have made it.
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I am not a Naval Special Warfare expert, but the Naval Special Warfare insignia was not created until October 1970. Prior to that there was a UDT badge which is similar but not the same.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Warfare_insignia
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Warfare_insignia
Special Warfare insignia - Wikipedia
The Special Warfare insignia, also known as the “SEAL Trident” or its more popular nickname, "The Budweiser," recognizes those members of the United States Navy who have completed the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, completed SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) and have been designated as U.S. Navy SEALs. It is one of the most recognizable breast insignia of the U.S. Navy.
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I had marine AC wings then I went army got questioned about them all the time jumped a whole lot by CSM and 1st sgt till I explained
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No they cannot. They would have to enlist in the Navy, and meet the age limit and minimum physical standards. However, being accepted into SEAL training as part of an enlistment deal would be largely impossible. Thank you for your service.
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CPO (Join to see)
Not back before 2006, they could and it did happen come over from Marines after joining Navy and take Navy Rate then BUD's package. 2006 is when Navy Started the NSW and NSO contracts. 2006 is when SO rate came into Navy Service before that most sailors would do at least two years in fleet, so they had a Rate and usually an E-5 going through BUD's average age back then 25, now 19. They also had to have command approval meaning 4.0 Sailor or 3.0 depending on years back then. Chris Kyle was 28-29 when he graduated.
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No if you have his name and any other information give it to the guys at https://militaryphony.com/ they will investigate.
Protecting the Valor of those who have defended our freedom
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SSgt (Join to see)
He couldn’t have been prior Navy? A seal couldn’t have given it to him as a token of appreciation? It could have been passed down to him?Ridiculous that the first thing suggested is an investigation.
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CPO (Join to see)
SSgt (Join to see) - Well I agree with you, the one problem if given as a token which is highly doubtful, as they cherish the trident and believe it is earned. Now a coin maybe, We have support units and Team guys give them stuff all the time, but never a Trident. I was operations Chief for our (Seabee) JSOTF-A Detachment, and we had guys that worked with them out at VSP's that were given coins and other shit and our guys did same thing, but not Trident.
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That's a broad question, and a shadow bow is very personal.. In such a controversial time is it not impossible that it may be more of a symbolic memorial (friend, possibly family) than a service achievement?? Some may hold on to certain things not necessarily their own for other more personal reasons... Just sayin it's not unbelievable is all...
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Not that I ever heard of, it's no piddling 6 week course. Tho in those days he could have been assigned TDY with them, doing base security, etc.
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SSgt Dan Montague
Thats what i'm trying to find out. 50 years ago it may have been possible if he was attached to a seal unit.
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Suspended Profile
SSgt Dan Montague - Being attached to a SEAL unit does not entitle him to have a Trident. Ask his class number for SEAL training. That is something no SEAL ever forgets. Otherwise, just send me his name and I will let you know if he was ever a SEAL.
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About eight years ago two USCG officers earned their trident. They never transfer to the Navy. The two services have a long history of cooperating in drug interdiction operations and naval patrols. Do not know if more USCG members have entered and completed SEAL training. A acquittance just retired as an O-6 (Captain) from MacDill. He is a USAFA grad who transferred to the Navy for SEAL training.
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I would ask him the story on the Trident itself SSgt Dan Montague. could possibly be very interesting and give you the answer you are looking for.
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SSgt Dan Montague
That is my intent. I just want to do homework first. If he turns out to be a BS'r i want to know what I'm talking about.
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