Chris Alvarez, U.S. Navy SEAL, Afghanistan

Chris Alvarez grew up knowing he wanted to serve and that he wanted to serve with the best. After being convinced to join the Marines once he was old enough, a high school teacher who had served in the Marines encouraged him to learn more about the U.S. Navy SEAL's. It didn't take much research for Alvarez to decide that's exactly what he wanted to be.

In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Alvarez takes us through the grueling BUD/s training required to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. He explains what was most challenging for him and what's most important to understand about what the training is designed to accomplish.

He also details his service with SEAl Team 10 in Afghanistan and with U.S. Southern Command in Latin America. And finally, he reflects on heading back to BUD/s training to serve as an instructor.

Hear firsthand stories from America’s military heroes on Veterans Chronicles. From D-Day, Iwo Jima, and Khe Sanh to Baghdad, Fallujah, and Afghanistan, this podcast features exclusive interviews with eyewitnesses to history’s greatest battles. Rare archival recordings and segments like “Heroes of the Air” and “World War II Chronicles” bring their courage to life. Subscribe for gripping tales of bravery and sacrifice.

For more information, visit radioamerica.com/veterans-chronicles/

• No. of episodes: 497
• Latest episode: 2025-07-11
• History

Where can you listen?