In what engagement were SEAL teams first tested?

The Vietnam War is the correct context in which SEAL teams were first tested. The Navy SEALs, which stands for Sea, Air, and Land teams, were officially established in 1962, and their operational deployment began shortly thereafter in the Vietnam War. During this conflict, SEAL teams were tasked with unconventional warfare, conducting counterinsurgency operations, reconnaissance missions, and direct action raids against enemy forces and infrastructure.

The unique environment of Vietnam provided the perfect backdrop to utilize the SEALs' skills in amphibious operations and guerrilla warfare tactics. Their effectiveness in this challenging terrain not only demonstrated their capabilities but also helped shape the future missions and roles of special operations forces. The experiences gained during the Vietnam War significantly influenced the tactics and strategies used by the SEALs in later conflicts.

In contrast, while the Korean War and World War II had special operations elements, the specific structure and training of SEAL teams were not fully formed or tested until the Vietnam War. The Gulf War occurred later and involved different types of special operations, but it was the Vietnam War that marked the first significant deployment and testing of SEAL teams in combat.