WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The publicity given to recent missions by Special Operations Forces caused an outburst on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
Some are concerned that lives could be put at risk and the mission could be compromised when too much information is made available to the public.
After the successful takedown of Osama bin Laden last year and rescue of western hostages last month, Navy SEALs been have gotten quite a lot of media coverage. It's too much, according to retired Army General James Vaught who told the commander of the Navy SEALs that America's enemies are paying attention.
"You're going to fly in and he's going to shoot down every damn helicopter and kill every one of the SEALs," argued General Vaught.
Admiral Bill McRaven agreed.
"We don't want to get to the point where our sensitive tactics, techniques and procedures are open for everybody to take a look at, so next time we come in on a target we're exposed," McRaven added.
Former Navy SEAL Scott Taylor of Virginia Beach recently told 13News he feels the SEALs are getting too much coverage.
"The fact that we have officials officially recognizing this unit really undermines the goals and well being of these men and their families," Taylor said.
Hampton Roads' residents say they understand the sensitive nature of the business.
"I agree 100%. It should be kept low key with the SEALs," said Bill Schafer. "I mean they do a good job, but you don't want to put it on the front page of the newspapers."
"I kind of do think they are talking a little bit too much about it. But at the same time, people do want to know what's going on, so you've got to find a medium of not talking about it too much but keeping people posted on what's going on," said Darrell Davis.
