Navy orders outside investigation into SEAL selection course

The United States Navy has ordered an independent investigation of the SEAL selection course following the death this year of a sailor.

Adm. William K. Lescher ordered the investigation in a letter the New York Times obtained. The outlet previously noted that the death of a sailor during the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs course exposed a plethora of serious issues surrounding the selection process, including abuse, drug use, and insufficient medical support.

Kyle Mullen, 24, died in February during the course, the Times reported. Lescher's letter instructs the investigators to examine the course's existing safety measures, its instructors and medical staff, and the drug testing measures in place.

A spokesman for the service branch said "the Navy remains committed to transparency and ensuring the final reports are thorough, accurate, impartial, and that confidence and credibility are maintained throughout the entire process."

An average one in four sailors who enter the selection course complete it, per the outlet.