You’ve probably heard the names Chris Kyle or David Goggins. They are the giants of the SEAL community, the ones whose books stay on the bestseller lists for years. But if you look closely at the "Boat Crew II" photos from BUD/S Class 231, you'll see another face. That’s Bill Brown.
Honestly, Bill’s story is a weird, wild ride that feels more like a movie than a biography. He wasn't some golden boy who sailed through training. He was the guy the instructors called "Freak Brown." He was the guy who almost didn't make it. And now, he’s the guy suing Big Law firms and swimming across the Hudson River for charity.
Why They Called Him "Freak Brown"
Most people think becoming a SEAL is about being the strongest. It's not. It’s about not quitting when everything is designed to make you fail. Bill Brown learned this the hard way. He actually got dropped from training just two weeks before graduation. Imagine that. You spend months in the surf, freezing, sleep-deprived, and then—poof. The instructors thought he was "too dumb" for the job because of a weapons practical.
But Bill didn't walk away.
He made a deal. He spent a year as a Navy Cop on Diego Garcia, a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. He spent his time training with British Commandos and, according to him, smuggling coconut crabs. When he finally got his chance to come back to BUD/S, the instructors were waiting. They gave him a Nietzsche tattoo and the nickname "Freak Brown" to humble him. It worked. He became a leader in Class 231, serving alongside guys like Goggins and Kyle.
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Life at SEAL Team 8
After graduation, Bill was assigned to SEAL Team 8. He was sitting in a classroom at Little Creek on September 11, 2001. Like everyone else in the military that day, his life flipped upside down in an instant. He wasn't just a trainee anymore; he was a weapon.
His deployments were heavy. He served as a JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller), which basically means he was the guy on the ground calling in air strikes. He watched Tomahawk missiles launch from the USS LaSalle. During the Iraq War, he was on the Personal Security Detail for Barham Salih, the Interim Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. He saw the first time Iraqi women voted. He was also a first responder to suicide bombings.
It wasn't all heroics, though. Bill is candid about the darker, messier parts of service. He’s talked about the "moonshine" they smuggled in Kuwait and the intense parties in the desert. He lost friends, too. Real friends like Danny Dietz and Nathan Hardy. Those losses stay with a person.
The Battle After the Battlefield
When Bill left the Navy after eight years, he didn't just go sit on a beach. He went to Rutgers. Then he went to Law School. He wanted to protect people in a different way, but corporate America turned out to be a different kind of combat zone.
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Basically, Bill found himself at odds with the culture of "Big Law." He worked at McCarter & English as a bankruptcy attorney for six years. Then, things got ugly. He was fired, officially over a LinkedIn post where he criticized "gangsta rap" and violence. Bill didn't take that lying down. He sued the firm, alleging discrimination against his veteran status and military background.
He’s become a loud voice against "woke" culture in the legal world. Whether you agree with his politics or not, you have to admit the guy has grit. He’s currently working with Tim Parlatore—the guy who defended Eddie Gallagher—and he’s still fighting for veteran inclusion as a protected class in New Jersey law.
The NYC SEAL Swim
If you're ever in New York in August and see a bunch of guys swimming across the Hudson, you're looking at Bill's brainchild. He founded the NYC SEAL Swim. It’s a massive fundraiser for the Navy SEAL Foundation.
The event is intense:
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- A multi-mile swim across the Hudson River.
- Stops at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for pushups and pullups.
- A run to the 9/11 Memorial.
It’s his way of keeping the memory of his fallen teammates alive. He’s raised millions of dollars. It’s a reminder that even after the uniform comes off, the mission sort of just changes shape.
What We Can Learn From Bill Brown
Bill Brown isn't a "polished" hero. He’s prickly, outspoken, and has a history of getting into viral arguments with governors (just ask Chris Christie). But his life offers some pretty solid takeaways for the rest of us.
First, the "No Quit" thing is real. Getting dropped two weeks before graduation and coming back from Day 1 is insane. Most people would have just taken the "L" and moved on. Bill didn't.
Second, transition is hard. Even a high-achieving Navy SEAL struggled to fit into a corporate law firm. If you're a veteran feeling out of place, you're not alone. The skills that make you a great operator—directness, tactical thinking, intensity—don't always translate to a HR-friendly office environment.
Finally, find a way to give back. Bill could have just been another lawyer. Instead, he’s jumping into the Hudson every year to make sure Gold Star families are taken care of.
Actionable Insights for Veterans and Supporters:
- Check out the Navy SEAL Foundation: If you want to support guys like Bill and the families of those who didn't come home, this is the gold standard for charities.
- Look into USERRA Rights: If you’re a veteran and feel like your job is penalizing you for your service, know your rights. Bill is currently fighting to make these protections even stronger.
- Join a Veteran Community: Bill started "Veterans for Education" at Rutgers. Finding your "tribe" after the military is the best way to keep your head straight.
- Sign up for the NYC SEAL Swim: You don't have to be a SEAL to support it. You can donate, volunteer, or just show up to cheer.