The Line A Righteous Thing
Apr 6, 2021
Eddie Gallagher, a former Navy SEAL chief renowned for his combat experience, shares gripping insights on the morality of killing in war. He reflects on the intense brotherhood among SEALs, the allure of combat, and the psychological toll of their high-stakes missions. Gallagher candidly discusses his first kill and his perspective on viewing violent acts as righteously combating evil. As he navigates allegations and public scrutiny, he opens up about the challenges of reintegration into civilian life after years of intense military service.
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Selection Favors Extreme Traits
- The SEAL pipeline selects for extreme traits like tenacity, low empathy, and fierce loyalty rather than just strength or intelligence.
- These traits enable teamwork and survival but create risks when translated to civilian norms or unchecked behavior.
How SEALs Channel Wild Youth
- A tattooed SEAL told Dr. Josh Cotton he'd be in a biker gang if not for the teams, showing how the SEAL path channels risky impulses into service.
- Many SEALs described adventurous, rule-breaking childhoods that fit this channeling pattern.
High ACEs Among Recruits
- SEALs show higher adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores than average, suggesting trauma often precedes entry.
- The teams fill gaps—structure, belonging, and status—that these backgrounds create.