Two investigations have been launched after a Navy SEAL candidate was seriously injured by another student during a training exercise in Coronado last month.
A Basic Under Water Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) student was sent to the hospital after being “unintentionally” injured by another student during a training exercise on Oct. 12, Naval Special Warfare Center (NSWCEN) Lt. Trevor Davids said in a statement.
The Navy says the trainee is in good condition and recovering.
Both Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and NSWCEN have confirmed to NBC 7 they have launched investigations into the incident.
The Los Angeles Times reported that while answering questions during training, two sailors agreed to slap whichever got a response wrong. After being struck, one candidate fell to the floor and hit his head.
NBC 7 could not independently verify the information.
Lt. Davids said the program is conducted in a professional and dignified training environment and any actions that fall short of their high standard are not tolerated.
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NSWCEN training practices were called into question last year when a Navy sailor died after being pushed underwater as part of basic training in Coronado. The Navy did not pursue criminal charges.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.
The BUD/S training program is a rigorous program in Coronado that trains sailors to become the military branch’s most elite special operators.