Overview:
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell is a true and heroic story where he survives the unthinkable. There are many instances that show bravery, toughness, and brotherhood but the most common topic is the mental resilience of a SEAL. They are trained to behave in a certain manner and they believe in every aspect of that training. It is their mindset that carries them through battle and keeps them willing to fight through any circumstance.
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell is a true and heroic story where he survives the unthinkable. There are many instances that show bravery, toughness, and brotherhood but the most common topic is the mental resilience of a SEAL. They are trained to behave in a certain manner and they believe in every aspect of that training. It is their mindset that carries them through battle and keeps them willing to fight through any circumstance.
Dillon Pilkerton
Mr. Pace
DC English IV
Outside Reading Novel Essay #1
26 October 2020
The Mindset of a SEAL
The makeup of a Navy SEAL is unlike any ordinary human on the planet. They have acquired unbelievable skill, bravery, and determination that goes unmatched. On top of these attributes, and most importantly, SEALs must possess a specific and unbreakable mindset. A mindset that will fight for victory at all costs. A humble belief that there is nobody better or more skilled in any manner. A thought process that moves quickly without interfering emotions. And a loyalty to both their country and fellow SEALs that is deep-rooted and indestructible. Marcus Luttrell, author and main character of the novel Lone Survivor, encompasses the perfect SEAL mindset. Marcus Luttrell, along with his brothers in war, believe they are invincible in every form, will stop at nothing to ensure victory, and in the end will refrain from any type of praise aimed in their direction.
Knowing they cannot be broken or beaten allows Navy SEALs to obtain a belief that they are completely indomitable. They are trained to feel invincible, and they are unbreakable in their minds because of it. In the novel Lone Survivor, Luttrell expresses, “It's a SEAL thing, our unspoken invincibility, the silent code of the elite warriors of the U.S. Armed Forces. Big, fast, highly trained guys, armed to the teeth, expert in unarmed combat, so stealthy no one ever hears us coming”(9). As Luttrell states, their invincibility is widely known amongst the SEALs, but it goes unspoken. They are the biggest and the best in their thoughts but they would never act as if that were the case. This belief, although only thought and not acted upon, leads these men through war, disallowing any and all forms of failure.
SEALs do not only think of themselves as unbreakable, but unbeatable as well. They will fight until they have won doing whatever that may require. They would rather die than be defeated. Luttrell makes this clear by stating, “Every Navy Seal is supremely confident, because we’re indoctrinated with a belief in victory at all costs; a conviction that no earthly force can withstand our thunderous assault on the battlefield”(159). Confidence provides them with victory. No battle will be given up because of this belief, and they will do anything to achieve the goal of their mission, even if that means dying in the process. When they do not have a plan for victory, it does not matter. Luttrell remembers when he was in that situation and he says, “ I did not know what to do anymore, except keep trying”(267). Even when there seems to be no path to victory they make a path by never giving up. This drive and determination can win battles and, for Luttrell, save lives. And in his life saving victories where he denied the urge to quit, he will take no recognition or praise because that is the character of a SEAL.
A victory is usually something to celebrate and receive congratulations for, but it is not the markings of a true Navy SEAL. A true SEAL completes their job and does not take in praise, but is allowed self respect because of their work. Luttrell mentions this by detailing that, “In faraway foreign fields, they serve their nation as required, on demand, and mostly without any recognition whatsoever. They would have it no other way, because they understand no other way. Accolades just wash off them, they shy away from the spotlight, but in the end they have one precious reward - when their days of combat are over, they know precisely who they are and what they stand for”(59).These men do not soak in awards and recognition that the so greatly deserve. It is not in their makeup as a SEAL to do so. This though is why in the end they can know within themselves that they are strong and valued for their service to their family and nation.
Not only are Navy SEALs the biggest, strongest, and most skilled of the Armed Forces, but they are the smartest and have the perfect mindsets for their job. They are virtually invincible, they are the hardest working and give in to nothing, and they accept no awards in return for their duties. They thrive on getting the job done successfully, and do not need any form of recognition to fulfill their egos, as most would. They serve their country with all their heart and effort and believe in standing up for themselves and their fellow SEALs as well. They are an elite group, and it is because of their unique mindset and thought processes that they are the most skilled and successful warriors out there.
Mr. Pace
DC English IV
Outside Reading Novel Essay #1
26 October 2020
The Mindset of a SEAL
The makeup of a Navy SEAL is unlike any ordinary human on the planet. They have acquired unbelievable skill, bravery, and determination that goes unmatched. On top of these attributes, and most importantly, SEALs must possess a specific and unbreakable mindset. A mindset that will fight for victory at all costs. A humble belief that there is nobody better or more skilled in any manner. A thought process that moves quickly without interfering emotions. And a loyalty to both their country and fellow SEALs that is deep-rooted and indestructible. Marcus Luttrell, author and main character of the novel Lone Survivor, encompasses the perfect SEAL mindset. Marcus Luttrell, along with his brothers in war, believe they are invincible in every form, will stop at nothing to ensure victory, and in the end will refrain from any type of praise aimed in their direction.
Knowing they cannot be broken or beaten allows Navy SEALs to obtain a belief that they are completely indomitable. They are trained to feel invincible, and they are unbreakable in their minds because of it. In the novel Lone Survivor, Luttrell expresses, “It's a SEAL thing, our unspoken invincibility, the silent code of the elite warriors of the U.S. Armed Forces. Big, fast, highly trained guys, armed to the teeth, expert in unarmed combat, so stealthy no one ever hears us coming”(9). As Luttrell states, their invincibility is widely known amongst the SEALs, but it goes unspoken. They are the biggest and the best in their thoughts but they would never act as if that were the case. This belief, although only thought and not acted upon, leads these men through war, disallowing any and all forms of failure.
SEALs do not only think of themselves as unbreakable, but unbeatable as well. They will fight until they have won doing whatever that may require. They would rather die than be defeated. Luttrell makes this clear by stating, “Every Navy Seal is supremely confident, because we’re indoctrinated with a belief in victory at all costs; a conviction that no earthly force can withstand our thunderous assault on the battlefield”(159). Confidence provides them with victory. No battle will be given up because of this belief, and they will do anything to achieve the goal of their mission, even if that means dying in the process. When they do not have a plan for victory, it does not matter. Luttrell remembers when he was in that situation and he says, “ I did not know what to do anymore, except keep trying”(267). Even when there seems to be no path to victory they make a path by never giving up. This drive and determination can win battles and, for Luttrell, save lives. And in his life saving victories where he denied the urge to quit, he will take no recognition or praise because that is the character of a SEAL.
A victory is usually something to celebrate and receive congratulations for, but it is not the markings of a true Navy SEAL. A true SEAL completes their job and does not take in praise, but is allowed self respect because of their work. Luttrell mentions this by detailing that, “In faraway foreign fields, they serve their nation as required, on demand, and mostly without any recognition whatsoever. They would have it no other way, because they understand no other way. Accolades just wash off them, they shy away from the spotlight, but in the end they have one precious reward - when their days of combat are over, they know precisely who they are and what they stand for”(59).These men do not soak in awards and recognition that the so greatly deserve. It is not in their makeup as a SEAL to do so. This though is why in the end they can know within themselves that they are strong and valued for their service to their family and nation.
Not only are Navy SEALs the biggest, strongest, and most skilled of the Armed Forces, but they are the smartest and have the perfect mindsets for their job. They are virtually invincible, they are the hardest working and give in to nothing, and they accept no awards in return for their duties. They thrive on getting the job done successfully, and do not need any form of recognition to fulfill their egos, as most would. They serve their country with all their heart and effort and believe in standing up for themselves and their fellow SEALs as well. They are an elite group, and it is because of their unique mindset and thought processes that they are the most skilled and successful warriors out there.