Navy officers escape disciplinary action after tragic death of SEAL candidate

In December 2023, Vice Admiral Rick Cheeseman halted the boards of inquiry against Capt. Brad Geary and Cmdr. Erik Ramey, both involved in overseeing the Navy SEAL training program during the death of Kyle Mullen. Mullen, a Navy SEAL candidate, died during the intense physical training known as 'Hell Week' in BUD/s Class 352. The investigations had previously aimed to hold four officers accountable for the incidents leading to Mullen's death and to address the problematic culture within the training program, which was criticized in a report highlighted by various media outlets. The Navy originally focused on the oversight of Capt. Geary, who had been apprised of concerning issues within the program that contributed to an unusually high number of recruits being dropped. Navy leadership faced pressure from lawmakers who argued the procedural processes in Geary and Ramey's cases were flawed and prompted concerns regarding conflicts of interest. As a result, they requested postponed evaluations until the next administration took office in January 2025. Geary and Ramey refused to attend nonjudicial punishment masts, as their legal counsel believed the proceedings lacked due-process protections and had predetermined outcomes. Instead, they pursued boards of inquiry, governed by federal rules, which allowed for significant repercussions. Following the investigation into Mullen's death, a letter to the officers indicated that the outcome deemed them not required to show cause for retention, leading to Geary and Ramey preparing to retire from Navy service. This sequence of events has stirred dissatisfaction among lawmakers and members of the Navy, raising questions about accountability and the future of military training culture. The absence of serious disciplinary action, despite the severe consequences of Mullen's death, leaves many questioning the integrity of the investigative and punitive processes within the Navy. The conclusion of inquiries without accountability reflects a setback for some in the mission to reform problematic training practices, making this case emblematic of broader issues facing military recruitment and training procedures.