How ‘Six’ Turned a Bunch of Actors Into Believable Navy SEALs
When the military drama Six premiered in 2017, it quickly earned praise for its portrayal of the Navy SEALs, an elite unit of special forces. The show was lauded not only for its action-packed sequences and gripping storylines but also for its incredible realism and authenticity. But what really set Six apart was its ability to turn a group of actors into believable Navy SEALs, something that’s notoriously difficult to achieve in the world of military-themed entertainment.
To create this level of authenticity, the creators of Six went beyond basic training for their actors. They worked closely with real-life Navy SEALs and military advisors to ensure the show captured the physical demands, camaraderie, and psychological toll that these warriors face. The preparation involved rigorous boot camps, specialized training, and a deep dive into the mindset of those who serve in one of the world’s most respected military units.
In this article, we’ll explore how Six transformed its actors into convincing Navy SEALs, looking at the training, techniques, and methods that made the show stand out as one of the most realistic military dramas on television.
The Challenge of Portraying Navy SEALs on Screen
Creating a television show about the Navy SEALs isn’t easy. The Navy SEALs are known for their extreme physical endurance, intense mental discipline, and unparalleled skills in combat situations. To portray these warriors authentically, a show must capture more than just the action. It has to delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of what it means to be a SEAL. Actors must embody the physicality, teamwork, and mental resilience that come with being part of such an elite unit.
While many military-themed TV shows feature action sequences with combat training and weapon handling, few focus on the internal struggles and complex dynamics between soldiers. This is where Six excels, showcasing not only the dangerous missions of the SEAL Team Six members but also their personal lives and the emotional toll of their work.
For the actors of Six, turning in realistic portrayals meant undergoing rigorous preparation to understand the mental and physical endurance required of real-life Navy SEALs. This was key to making the show feel authentic and bringing a high level of believability to the performances.
Real Navy SEALs as Advisors
One of the key elements that set Six apart from other military dramas was its partnership with real-life Navy SEALs. From the very beginning, the show’s producers knew that achieving authenticity would require input from the best of the best. Enter the Navy SEALs themselves.
Navy SEAL Advisors on Set
The producers brought in retired Navy SEALs to serve as military consultants on set, ensuring that every aspect of the show, from tactics to dialogue, was grounded in reality. These SEAL advisors helped the cast understand the nuances of SEAL operations, including missions, combat techniques, and the way SEALs communicate during high-stress situations. Their presence on set allowed the show’s creators to receive feedback on scripts, action scenes, and character development, ensuring accuracy at every stage of production.
Additionally, the advisors provided a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional challenges that SEALs face during deployments, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the strain on relationships, and the personal sacrifices involved. This knowledge helped the show portray not only the physical actions of the SEALs but also the internal struggles that are part of their day-to-day lives.
Incorporating Real-Life SEAL Training Techniques
The advisors on Six didn’t just help with technical aspects—they also helped craft training regimens for the actors. While the actors didn’t undergo the extreme training required to become a Navy SEAL (which lasts several months and involves grueling physical and mental challenges), they did experience a version of it to get them in shape and help them understand what it takes to perform under pressure.
Some of the training included physical fitness regimens such as running, swimming, and strength training. They also participated in tactical training, where they learned how to handle firearms, move as a unit in combat, and practice basic military strategies.
The actors also underwent simulations of realistic combat scenarios, allowing them to practice working as a team in high-stress environments. By doing so, the actors were able to develop the chemistry and camaraderie that is so central to the SEAL team dynamic.
Boot Camp: Getting the Actors Into Shape
To further enhance the realism of the show, the cast of Six went through an intense boot camp designed to prepare them physically and mentally for their roles as Navy SEALs. This training program, developed in collaboration with former SEALs and military experts, was crucial to ensuring that the actors could convincingly portray SEALs in action.
Physical Conditioning
At boot camp, the actors were pushed to their limits with physical training that mirrored the demanding exercises Navy SEALs undergo during their training. The workout routines focused on building strength, endurance, and agility, with an emphasis on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength exercises, and cardiovascular conditioning.
While the actors weren’t required to meet the same physical standards as real Navy SEALs, they were expected to show a level of fitness and physicality that reflected the demands of the job. The boot camp sessions included a combination of running, obstacle courses, swimming, weightlifting, and team-building exercises—all designed to mimic the rigorous training that SEALs undergo.
Combat Training and Tactical Skills
In addition to fitness training, the actors underwent combat simulations to familiarize themselves with military tactics and weaponry. This included live-fire drills, hand-to-hand combat, and tactical movement exercises. The actors also learned how to use firearms and tactical gear, becoming familiar with everything from pistols to assault rifles.
The goal of this training was not only to make the actors physically capable but also to ensure that they could move like SEALs during combat scenes. The team-oriented nature of SEAL operations was a key aspect of this training, as the actors needed to simulate the precise coordination and quick decision-making that occurs in real-life military operations.
Mental Toughness and Resilience
Navy SEALs are known for their mental toughness, a critical aspect of their training that enables them to push through pain, fear, and exhaustion. For the actors of Six, developing this resilience was essential for portraying their characters authentically.
The boot camp wasn’t just about getting in shape; it was also about developing the mental strength required to endure difficult situations. The actors learned to manage stress, push through their physical limitations, and maintain focus in high-pressure situations—skills that are central to the mindset of a Navy SEAL.
Building Authentic Team Dynamics
One of the most important aspects of Six was its portrayal of the camaraderie and team dynamics among the members of SEAL Team Six. A large part of the show’s success in creating believable Navy SEALs lies in the actors’ ability to convey the trust, loyalty, and tension that comes with working in an elite unit.
Teamwork Exercises and Chemistry
To replicate the close-knit nature of a SEAL team, the cast spent significant time together, both on and off the set. They participated in team-building exercises designed to foster trust and cooperation. The actors were encouraged to develop bonds with one another, as this was crucial to creating the sense of unity and shared purpose that defines a real SEAL team.
Additionally, the cast was involved in improvisation exercises, where they had to think quickly and respond to unexpected situations—mirroring the type of quick decision-making that happens during real missions. This helped the actors develop chemistry, allowing them to portray their characters as a cohesive unit in combat.
The End Result: A Believable Portrayal of Navy SEALs
Thanks to the comprehensive training and input from real Navy SEALs, Six succeeded in creating a truly authentic portrayal of these elite warriors. The show’s actors not only looked the part but also embodied the mental and emotional complexities of Navy SEALs. Their performances captured the grit, dedication, and sacrifice that are part of the SEAL way of life.
The combination of military advisors, intensive boot camp training, and a focus on team dynamics helped elevate Six from a typical military drama to one of the most realistic portrayals of Navy SEALs in popular media. Through their preparation, the actors not only honored the real-life heroes they were portraying but also provided audiences with a raw, honest look at the lives of these elite soldiers.
Conclusion: How ‘Six’ Set the Standard for Realistic Military Dramas
Six stands out in the crowded world of military dramas for its commitment to authenticity. From the extensive training of its actors to the invaluable insights provided by real Navy SEALs, the show set a new standard for realistic portrayals of special forces on screen. By diving deep into the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that come with being part of an elite military unit, Six provided a portrayal of Navy SEALs that was not only believable but also deeply human.
In doing so, it not only captivated audiences but also honored the real-life sacrifices of those who serve in special forces, offering a rare glimpse into the dedication, teamwork, and resilience that define the Navy SEALs.
