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US Navy reprimands seven SEALs for consulting on 'Medal of Honor' video game (update)

US Navy reprimands seven SEALs for consulting on 'Medal of Honor' video game (update)

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Gallery Photo: 'Medal of Honor: Warfighter' single-player gallery
Gallery Photo: 'Medal of Honor: Warfighter' single-player gallery

Seven Navy SEALs have reportedly been disciplined for acting as paid consultants on the EA video game Medal of Honor: Warfighter. According to CBS News, the SEALs are all active members of the notorious Team Six and one of them was part of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. The Navy is said to have suspended half of the SEALs' pay for two months and sent letters of reprimand that would "kill their chances" of future promotion. Four other members that have since left Team Six could also be under investigation.

The SEALs assisted EA with the development of Warfighter to aid authenticity, but are alleged to have used classified material in carrying out this work. CBS says that while breaking the unofficial code that SEALs are "silent warriors who shun the spotlight" was also an issue, the members of Team Six have taken part in a number of similar high-profile public engagements without any problem. For example, SEALs consulted on Act of Valor and two other upcoming Hollywood movies with the blessing of Adm. William McRaven, the commander of the bin Laden raid.

Update: The Department of Defense has confirmed to Polygon that seven Navy Special Warfare personnel have been charged with orders violation, misuse of command gear, dereliction of duty, and disclosure of classified material. We've reproduced the statement below.

A non-judicial punishment hearing was conducted yesterday, Nov. 7 and seven Naval Special Warfare (NSW) personnel faced administrative proceedings. An additional NSW investigation is ongoing to determine if more personnel may be involved.

They are being charged with violation of Article 92: Orders violation, misuse of command gear and violation of Article 92: Dereliction of duty, disclosure of classified material.

Two Senior Chief Special Operators and five Chief Special Operators received the punishment. They received a punitive letter of reprimand and forfeiture of ½ month's pay for two months.