A Navy SEAL bullfrog is a title given to the SEAL who has the most time in service in a SEAL platoon or task unit. The bullfrog designation started during the Vietnam War when SEAL platoons began adopting animal names for each of the leadership positions in a platoon. The platoon commander was the “monkey” and his assistant was the “gorilla.” The most senior and experienced SEAL in the platoon was designated as the “bullfrog.”
Why is the senior SEAL called the bullfrog?
There are a few theories as to why the most senior SEAL came to be known as the bullfrog:
- Bullfrogs are typically the largest frogs in their environment, symbolic of the most senior SEAL’s status in the platoon.
- A bullfrog has a deep, resonant croak, indicative of the bullfrog’s seasoned experience and knowledge.
- Bullfrogs are ambush predators, waiting patiently to strike their prey. This mirrors the tactical skillset of an experienced SEAL.
So in essence, the bullfrog moniker is meant to convey the senior SEAL’s size, wisdom, and tactical prowess compared to the rest of the platoon.
What are the duties of a bullfrog?
The bullfrog plays an important mentorship and advisory role in a SEAL platoon. While not strictly part of the chain of command, the bullfrog has the following responsibilities:
- Provide tactical guidance and training to junior SEALs based on experience.
- Serve as a sounding board for the platoon commander on operational planning.
- Help maintain standards and morale.
- Dispense wisdom and advice on SEAL ethos and life lessons.
The bullfrog is expected to be a fount of knowledge on all aspects of SEAL operations and to impart those lessons to younger platoon members. Because of the bullfrog’s experience, SEAL officers will often seek their perspective on mission planning and important decisions.
When is the bullfrog title bestowed?
The designation of bullfrog is informally passed down when:
- A SEAL of lower seniority joins the platoon, moving the current bullfrog down in the experience rankings.
- The existing bullfrog leaves a platoon, allowing the next most senior SEAL to assume the mantle.
There is no formal ceremony or process to designate a new bullfrog. It occurs organically based on time in service and rank. The new bullfrog will usually have at least 8 years experience in Naval Special Warfare Units compared to 4-6 years for the average SEAL. The title can change hands multiple times during the lifespan of a platoon.
Do all SEAL platoons have a bullfrog?
Yes, all active duty SEAL platoons will designate a bullfrog as part of their informal leadership structure. The bullfrog position started during Vietnam as SEALs operated in six to sixteen man units and needed an experienced leader in the field. The tradition has carried on with today’s seven to eight man SEAL squads.
Having a technical expert and mentor on hand has proven invaluable for small units who need to quickly adapt and overcome challenges. The fluid nature of special operations requires empowering team members to apply their experience and make decisions. The bullfrog fulfills this role in SEAL platoons.
What are some notable bullfrogs?
Many legendary SEALs served as bullfrogs before moving on to advanced leadership positions. A few examples include:
- Rudy Boesch – One of the very first SEAL bullfrogs; helped develop maritime warfare tactics.
- Dick Couch – Veteran of hundreds of combat operations; prolific author on SEAL training and history.
- Eric Greitens – Went on to become a Navy SEAL officer and governor of Missouri.
- Robert O’Neill – Participated in the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden.
The list of distinguished SEAL bullfrogs includes many top performers who helped progress Naval Special Warfare while also passing on their skills.
Can officers become bullfrogs?
No, only enlisted SEALs can hold the bullfrog title. This is because the bullfrog designation originated as a way for senior enlisted SEALs to provide technical expertise and counsel to junior officers who were platoon commanders.
By tradition and function, the bullfrog must be enlisted. The platoon officer, while holding higher rank, may lack the wealth of experience that a top enlisted SEAL accumulates over years of service. The bullfrog helps fill this knowledge gap between the officer and the junior enlisted SEALs under his command.
How do you address a SEAL bullfrog?
The bullfrog is addressed by rank, not the nickname. So for example, if the bullfrog is an E-6 Petty Officer First Class, platoon mates would address him as “Petty Officer Smith” rather than Bullfrog. The bullfrog title is more of an unofficial position reference rather than a form of address. Amongst themselves, SEALs may refer to the Bullfrog by the nickname, but when speaking directly to them, use their formal rank.
Do other special ops units have bullfrogs?
The bullfrog designation is unique to the SEALs. However, other elite military units have similar roles or titles to recognize experienced enlisted leaders. A few examples include:
- Army Special Forces – Sergeant Major or Troop Sergeant Major
- Air Force Pararescue – Superintendent
- Marine Force Recon – Chief
These senior enlisted advisor positions fulfill a similar mentorship capacity as the SEAL bullfrog within their respective units.
Conclusion
The Navy SEAL bullfrog is the consummate veteran – loaded with tactical expertise and wisdom to help guide less experienced operators. This distinctive title is borne out of pragmatism rather than ego. The rigors of special operations demand leadership that can adapt quickly and make life or death decisions under extreme stress. By formalizing a structure for seasoned SEALs to mentor the next generation, the entire platoon or task unit benefits from having a technical expert in the ranks. The bullfrog’s capabilities and experience are force multipliers for any SEAL platoon engaged in the harshest conditions. Their central role lives up to the legend of the bullfrog – steady, resilient, and ready to strike without warning.