In a new report mandated by legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General (IG) noted improvements made following Kyle Mullen’s death but admonished the Navy to “reassess” the “medical capabilities” at the Navy SEALs Hell Week training, raising serious questions over whether their medical and communications equipment can “provide the appropriate standard of care” and if their medical staffing requirements “meet clinical demand.”

            “The new policies following Kyle’s death are welcomed, yet they underscore the grave unnecessary risks that SEAL candidates faced before the critical changes were implemented,” said Smith.

            “Significantly, the IG report reinforces the findings of the Navy’s May 2023 command investigation into Kyle’s death, which cited ‘failures across multiple systems that led to a number of candidates being at high risk of serious injury,’ including ‘wholly inadequate’ medical monitoring and care during and after Hell Week,” said Smith.  “The IG report shows that unnecessary health and safety risks existed and notes that some—but not all—of these failures have been addressed in the wake of the Mullen tragedy.”

            Proactive Pneumonia Safety Measure. Acute pneumonia was determined to be the cause of Kyle’s death in February 2022. According to the IG, one new policy implemented by the Navy following Kyle’s death was that they now administer prophylactic antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections including cellulitis and pneumonia. Also, one or two medical personnel are now required to be on-site for all Hell Week evolutions.

            Additionally, the IG reports that “one of the biggest improvements for SEAL candidates” is the Recovery Observation Center (ROC), which it says was established in August 2023 “to provide closer medical oversight of candidates during Hell Week and when Hell Week is complete.”

            “It is clear as day that there were significant medical shortfalls and lapses when Kyle Mullen and others were training during Hell Week in 2022, and the change is good,” Smith said.  “But now, almost three years after Kyle’s death, the IG is still raising significant questions about appropriate standard of care and the Navy’s ability to meet the clinical needs for the brave men who enter this rigorous training program.” 

             The Navy now has 90 days to respond to the proposed recommendations made by the Inspector General following their evaluation.

           Named the “Kyle Mullen Naval Safety Enhancements,” Smith’s measure was passed by the House of Representatives in July 2022 and incorporated as Section 745 of the final National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263). The revised provisions directed the U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive review and report its recommendations for improved medical care and oversight of Navy SEAL training.

            Smith said the IG report and the continued push for further improvements would not be possible without Kyle’s mother Regina—a registered nurse—and her dedication to ensuring that no other parent must endure her pain.

            “Regina’s courageous and relentless advocacy in the face of untold suffering has resulted in direct improvements for those who are training for some of our Nation’s most critical missions,” said Smith.

            “The incredibly tough, brave young men who step up to serve our great Nation deserve the best medical care and attention we can provide,” Smith said. “Regina’s heroic work will no doubt save other young men from injury and even death.”

###