An elite mercenary force operated and commanded by Balamb Garden.
Overview
The SeeD program is open to all cadets of Balamb Garden, and cadets from other Gardens can apply to transfer, though only the best become SeeD. SeeD Operatives receive the best resources, added privileges and are ranked from D (the lowest) to S (the highest), which also determines their salary payable by the Garden.
SeeD, considered graduates, no longer have to attend classes and use their Student ID (SID) as their Operating ID (OID). However, it is seen as good form to attend some classes to assist in teaching or demonstrations at the direction of the instructor.
Training
SeeD candidates can be nominated by an Instructor for a head-start in the program, or a cadet can volunteer. After an assessment, they are assigned to a homeroom where an instructor will oversee their training and regimen. SeeD candidates are trained in diplomacy, extraction, espionage, intelligence gathering, survival, politics, junctioning, para-magic, meta-science, medicine, leadership, history ethics and of course: martial combat. To assist in this concentrated education path, the classes the cadet used to attend before entering the program (regular classes) are removed from the candidate’s course load.
By the end of the SeeD program, the ideal candidate must:
- Successfully maintain a junction with a Guardian Force
- Understand and employ tactical junctions like Status-J
- Participate in a total of three live exercises
- Serve in at least three missions in some capacity and maintain a grade of Excellent
- Pass the written exam with at least 90%
- Serve in a live-field exercise (could be a mission or otherwise).
The SeeD program generally takes 5-10 years to complete, and not everyone makes the cut by the end of the program. If a cadet does not make SeeD by 18, they are forced to leave Balamb Garden, but SeeD are allowed to stay as long as they like permitted they are on active duty.
Appearances
SeeD uniforms are black, navy blue and gold, but SeeD are not required to wear them outside of official duties and ceremonies. Their emblem is a downward facing gold sword, as opposed to the silver one worn by cadets.
All Garden uniforms are made with a heavy fabric weave that promotes durability while not compromising flexibility. Many areas are reinforced for added protection. The gold pauldrons can be removed as they are largely ceremonial. Despite the design and materials, many SeeD choose to wear their own gear on missions or variations on the official uniform.
If a SeeD uniform is lost or destroyed on a mission, they are entitled to a free replacement from the Garden Quartermaster. However, if the uniform is damaged or destroyed under any other circumstances, the operative is fined the cost of the uniform before being issued a new one.
The SeeD uniform is a symbol of excellence, Garden pride and a reminder of all an operative has achieved. It should be respected just as the operative wearing it should be respected.
Trivia
- Some uninitiated use the term “SeeD” for anything pertaining to Balamb Garden. This is to be discouraged.