Military Water Survival Training

Images of military personnel engaged in various water survival training exercises, including swimming and underwater operations, highlighting teamwork and physical fitness.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receive coaching during swim week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 2, 2024. Following coaching, recruits must demonstrate their proficiency in the water in order to progress to the next phase of recruit training.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division participate in the HHBn swim progression program on 24 Aug., 2022. The program is an eight week course designed to improve a Paratroopers confidence in the water and overall physical fitness.

120802-N-ZS026-087SAN DIEGO (Aug. 2, 2012) An instructor from Naval Special Warfare Training Center, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, briefs Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) students before they participate in interval swim training in San Diego Bay. The swim is part of the basic orientation portion of the BUD/S training pipeline. Navy SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land.

Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group, MacDill AFB, Nellis AFB and Langley AFB conduct pre-Ranger Assessment Preparation Course training, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, October 31-November 4, 2022. The candidates executed a variety of tasks that they'll be expected to perform at Ranger School such as an official Ranger Physical Fitness Test, a Combat Water Survival Test, day and night land navigation, weapons firing, and a 9-mile ruck. The course is designed to equip Ranger School candidates for the physical and mental elements of the U.S. Army Ranger Assessment Course.

Marines participate in advanced water survival training Aug. 4, 2016, at the Area 5 pool on Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Marines are qualifying WSA to increase readiness for their deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Marines are with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th MEU.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion conducts wet silk training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan April 24, 2022. This specialized training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence for deliberate water parachute operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

030115-F-1740G-001. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: Digital

120426-N-GL340-016SAN DIEGO (April 26, 2012) Navy Search and Rescue swimmers train in a pool at Naval Base San Diego. Pacific Partnership is 2012 is the seventh in a series of U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance missions aimed at strengthening regional relationships with host and partner nations, as well as providing natural disaster response training in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receive coaching during swim week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 2, 2024. Following coaching, recruits must demonstrate their proficiency in the water in order to progress to the next phase of recruit training.

A Green Beret with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) observes a diver traveling during a two week long pre-dive course on Jan. 10-19, 2024.Combat Divers go through multiple days of training while problem solving in oxygen deprived environments. They must face discomfort and overcome instinct gain confidence in the water. The pre-dive areas of emphasis include; weight belt training, equipment recovery, dive supervision pre-inspection, and U.S. Navy drown proofing techniques of hand bound, travel, bobbing, mask retrieval, and floating.

DN-ST-87-02332. Base: Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers compete for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, July 30, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. James Williams, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, flips over a life raft during a Swedish swim assessment during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 5, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

A Fort Meade Medical Department Activity Soldier executes combat water survival during the Fort Meade MEDDAC 3rd Quarter Best Leader Competition, Fort Meade, Maryland, July 8. Eight Soldiers competed in a variety of events over the course of 96 hours. The Fort Meade MEDDAC includes a number of U.S. Army health clinics at several other locations in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

RIO DE JANEIRO - A U.S. Navy diver, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU-2) enters water to conduct diving operations during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 19, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces.

U.S. Air Force members from the Special Tactics Training Squadron, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla., enter the pool during pre-scuba training Sept. 21, 2010.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 10, 2012) Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Zach ODell, a search and rescue (SAR) swimmer assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63), practices rescue techniques on Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Brady Allen, a SAR swimmer assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), in the Purdy Gym pool at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. SAR swimmers perform drills and physical training evolutions to maintain their mission readiness.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Daniel Ramech, a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival with Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group, observes a water survival advanced course on Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 14, 2017. MCIWS teaches Marines how to improve their abilities in surviving and saving others in water. 1st MLG is home to multiple military occupations that work together to provide support to each element of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force through logistics beyond the capabilities of the supported units.

PANAMA CITY (April 20, 2012) Panamanian divers prepare to enter the water during a scuba familiarization dive with divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Company 2-1, in Panama City. Company 2-1 is participating in Navy Dive-Southern Partnership Station 2012, a multinational partnership engagement designed to increase interoperability and partner nation capacity through diving operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dillon Buck, Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), observes as Marines use emergency flotation devices made from their uniformsduring water survival trainingat Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024.MARFORPAC MCIWS trained Marines from units around the island, including the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, through basic and intermediate swim qualifications to fulfill their swim qualification requirements during this multiple-hour exercise. Marines must be able to understand and apply flotation techniques to demonstrate their survivability in an aquatic environment. Air Force

NORFOLK (Feb. 28, 2013) Naval aircrewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 strap themselves into a rescue harness during search and rescue training.

SANTA RITA, Guam (Oct. 1, 2018) Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 participate in a closed-circuit rebreather certification course onboard Naval Base Guam. EODMU-5 conducts counter improvised explosive device operations, renders safe explosive hazards, and disarms underwater explosives. EODMU-5 is assigned to Commander, Task Force 75, the primary expeditionary task force responsible for the planning and execution of coastal riverine operations, explosive ordnance disposal, diving engineering and construction, and underwater construction in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marine Corps mountain warfare instructors with Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC), Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, observe Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, swimming across the West Walker River during Mountain Exercise (MTX) 1-23 at MCMWTC, Bridgeport, California, Sept. 21, 2022. MTX is a month-long exercise designed to prepare units to survive and operate effectively in austere, mountainous terrain.

110607-N-XD935-191BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (June 7, 2011) Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Arnold, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, snorkels on the surface to monitor multinational divers below conducting diving operations. MDSU-2 is participating in Navy Diver-Southern Partnership Station, a multinational partnership engagement designed to increase interoperability and partner nation capacity through diving operations.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force rescue swimmers with Air Rescue Squadron 71, Fleet Air Wing 31, conduct search and rescue training during the JMSDF New Years flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, January 5, 2023. The JMSDF New Years flight is typically held at the beginning of January, and this years flight showcased the US-2s capabilities, as well as Fleet Air Wing 31s ability to swiftly and successfully conduct search and rescue missions. This is the first time in 9 years the event has been held at Iwakuni.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASH. - Green Berets with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) preform flutter kicks on the edge of a pool while being sprayed and doused with buckets of water during the Maritime Assessment Course at Keeler Pool on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Jan. 27. The Maritime Assessment Course is a prerequisite course that physically and mentally challenges the Green Berets and provides them with the skills needed for the rigors of the Combat Diver Qualification Course.

030315-M-5455N-001. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 2 MAW

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Diego Morado attempts to restrain his opponent after being sprayed with OC during Ships Reaction Force training aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) while underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Nov. 1, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations along NATO allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier, Sgt. Issac M. Narita, a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer, with Detachment 1, Golf Company, 3rd Battalion,126th Aviation Regiment, receives instructions on how to breathe with a regulator during the Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), Kaneohe, Hawaii, June 10, 2021. Soldiers prepare themselves for Helicopter Over-Water Survival Training (HOST).

061002-N-9708H-015. Complete Scene Caption: U.S. Navy Utilitiesman 1ST Class Paul Sarniak, from Underwater Construction Team 1, swims in the water during a dive at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on Oct. 2, 2006. He assisted in the delivery of the replica ship DISCOVERY to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA FORT ROSALIE (A385). He assisted in the delivery of the replica ship DISCOVERY to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship RFA FORT ROSALIE (A385). DISCOVERY is being transported to the United Kingdom where it will be the center-piece of a major tour promoting the 400th anniversary of the settlement in Jamestown, Va. A"fly-boat"of the British East India Company, DISCOVERY was the smallest of three ships that took part in the voyage from London to the new colony of Virginia, leading to the founding of Jamestown in 1607. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication SPECIALIST SEAMAN Zach Hernandez) (Released) Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Oscar Parmenter, a platoon commander with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, conducts a 500-meter swim during the 3d Reconnaissance Battalion Screening Team Hawaii Roadshow, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 23, 2023. The physical screening test evaluated, assessed and selected Marines potentially capable of earning the reconnaissance military occupational specialty.

060823-N-5484G-016. Base: Ns San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conducts waterborne infiltration practice on Bellows Air Force Base at Waimanalo, Hawaii, on Aug. 24, 2022. Scenario-specific training increases the readiness capabilities and builds unit cohesion with the Soldiers across the Indo-Pacific.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct basic swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 8, 2022. Basic swim qualification consists of a 25 meter swim, tower jump into the water, four minute tread, 25 meter pack swim, and an under water gear shed.

030115-F-1740G-004. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: Digital

Search and Rescue Operations - Helicopter - 26-HK-261-95. Hurricane Katrina

On the last day of March, the Bronco Battalion reported to the Boise State University pool for their annual water training exercises. The exercise required cadets to tread water, swim while keeping the muzzle of a rifle above the water line and jumping off the high dive board.The cadets of the Boise State ROTC Program, the Bronco Battalion, crossed the midway point through the semester in March. Their last field training exercise in the foothills overlooking the City of Boise took place in March. They travelled to Utahs National Guard Camp Williams for the actual application of their cumulative knowledge of tactics for the semester. Their focus on fitness training has been in preparation for the Army Combat Fitness Test in April. The Spring 2022 Semester is rapidly coming to an end April 29 with graduating cadets scheduled for commissioning on May 6 and graduation on May 7.

Swedish Marine Private First Class Ellinor Beyronsdotter, a combat swim boat diver, with 2d Swedish Marine Battalion, gives a period of instruction on procedures for an abandoned ship drill to U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force, prior to a Swedish swim assessment on Berga Naval Base, Sweden, September 5, 2022 during exercise Archipelago Endeavor. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Timothy Fowler)

A Military Working Dog from the 820th Base Defense Group, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, conducts water confidence training at Wild Adventures Theme Park, Georgia, Sept. 6, 2022. The 820 BDG and 23 SFS K9 units instructed the military working dogs on water conditioning, aquatic patrol, deep water retrieval, water obstacles, bite work while in water and amphibious Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

U.S. Army Spc. Brady Wix, a member of the 16th Military Police Brigades Best Squad, participates in a combat water survival test during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads physical, technical, and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

A Djiboutian coast guard rescue diver performs a simulated water rescue during the combined joint interoperability exercise Bull Shark near Arta Range, Djibouti, Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise consisted of both simulated land and water personnel recovery operations. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Johns)

A U.S. Marine participating in the 3d Reconnaissance Battalion Screening Team Hawaii Roadshow conducts a rifle retrieval drill, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 23, 2023. The physical screening test evaluated, assessed and selected Marines potentially capable of earning the reconnaissance military occupational specialty.

Marine students head into the ocean at Onslow Beach on Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of open water rescue drills during a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival Course March 8, 2013. More than 20 students are attending the three-week MCIWS course. The course creates instructors who can train Marines to react and survive life-threatening situations in the water.

Navy personnel perform High Risk Water Training in preparation for selection for special operations career fields. Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician, Search and Rescue Medical Technician or Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman training held October, 27, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston.

060406-F-3961R-117. Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Reserve Citizen Airmen with the 514th Air Mobility Wing participate in a water survival training course at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla. on June 9, 2022. Airmen with the 514 AMW took advantage of a training block organized in Key West to complete various training requirements in a condensed timeframe. Training opportunities included M9 Barreta qualifications, water survival qualification, a SERE refresher course, tactical combat casualty care, and other required training.

A mark 6 moored mine floats in the wake of a Korean ship after being deployed during exercise Team Spirit '86. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '86 Country: Unknown

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receive coaching during swim week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 2, 2024. Following coaching, recruits must demonstrate their proficiency in the water in order to progress to the next phase of recruit training.

220914-N-NX635-1004 PACIFIC OCEAN. (Sept. 14, 2022) a Sailor uses a welding rod to clear a flight deck nozzle of the counter measure wash down system on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in a water obstacle course during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 19, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

031002-M-6515T-041. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Navy personnel perform High Risk Water Training in preparation for selection for special operations career fields. Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician, Search and Rescue Medical Technician or Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman training held October, 27, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston.

A U.S. Marine with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, swims across the West Walker River during Mountain Exercise (MTX) 1-23 at MCMWTC, Bridgeport, California, Sept. 21, 2022. MTX is a month-long exercise designed to prepare units to survive and operate effectively in austere, mountainous terrain.

An Airman dips his body in water to clean off dirt and grass during Air Force Pararescuemen Indoctrination "Hell Week" Course, Sept. 6, 2011, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. During "Hell Week" Airmen simulate a real-world mission which could involve air, ground and water survival. Airmen must complete 62 weeks of training in addition to military basic training to become an Air Force Pararescueman.

U.S. Army Soldiers compete for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, July 30, 2022.

France, Brittany, Coetquidan, Guer on 2021-03-24. Report on the training of the Inter-Arms Military School in Saint-Cyr Coetquidan in Morbihan. The EMIA recruits its students from among active non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned soldiers selected by competition. The cadets follow a two-year training course. At the end of the first year, they are appointed to the rank of second lieutenant, then lieutenant at the end of the second year. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. France, Bretagne, Coetquidan, Guer le 2021-03-24. Reportage sur la formation de l' Ecole militaire interarmes à Saint-Cyr Coetquidan dans le Morbihan. L'EMIA recrute ses eleves parmi les sous-officiers d'active et les militaires du rang selectionnes par concours. Les eleves-officiers suivent une formation de deux ans. A l'issue de la première annee, ils sont nommés au grade de sous-lieutenant, puis de lieutenant a la fin de la seconde annee. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

Cpl. Ashley Kearns from the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, climbs a rope during the obstacle course event at the Texas Military Departments Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, Texas. The three-day competition challenges service members in several events that are designed to test their technical knowledge, tactical skills and physical fitness. The Army winners of this event will move on to represent Texas at the National Guards Region V Best Warrior Competition.

MAYPORT, Fla. (June 16, 2014) Friends and family members of Sailors wave as the guided-missile frigate to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. Samuel B. Roberts will conduct theater security operations, provide deterrence, promote peace and security, and preserve freedom of the seas. The ship will also provide humanitarian and disaster response as necessary.

Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, maneuver through an obstacle during the endurance course on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 2022. Marines maneuvered through obstacles as a team during the three-mile course to enhance teamwork and build unit camaraderie.

Battle of Tarawa: Japanese Prisoners. November 1943. (Marine Corps)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Detachment Training Command, Dam Neck, dive into the ocean during a Single Marine Program (SMP) Polar Plunge event at Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck, Virginia, Jan. 27, 2023. The SMP event highlighted cold-water therapy and its health benefits by having Marines dive into the ocean at 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The SMP is responsible for identifying concerns, developing initiatives, and providing recommendations through advocacy, recreational activities, special events and community involvement.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Daniel Best, first sergeant of Headquarters Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Marine Support Battalion, grapples Cpl. Braxton Kime, a system administrator with G-6, during a unit physical fitness event Sept. 29, 2022, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. The Marines worked on their hand-to-hand combat capabilities to strengthen camaraderie and build confidence. Best, 36, is from Liberty, Texas. Kime, 21, is from McKinney, Texas.

Members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) sit on the edge of the pool before taking part in water polo practice at Camp Shorebak on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, April 7, 2010. U.S. Marines and the ANA are creating the first water polo team in Helmand province to improve morale, bridge cultural gaps and support the International Security Assistance Force.

Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Company A, 2-127 Infantry Regiment test their skills during a Combat Water Survival and Swift Water Rescue training event September 10, on the Fox River in Oshkosh, Wis. The event familiarized Soldiers with operating combat rubber raiding rafts and tactical swimming techniques. Brig. Gen. Matthew J. Strub, Wisconsins deputy adjutant general for Army, stated that this event, made possible through the support of community partners, is about overcoming adversity and forming a stronger bond as a unit. (Wisconsin National Guard Photo by Staff Sergeant Alice Ripberger)

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 2nd Marines, 3d Marine Division navigates an endurance course during a squad competition at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, May 26, 2022. The week-long competition was held to test squads from across the Marine Corps in their mastery of warfighting skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (March 05, 2017) Electrician's Mate Fireman Desiree Mason and Damage Controlman Fireman Edgar Rotundo practice pipe-patching drills during a Damage Control Training Team exercise on the flight deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during MultiSail 17. The bilateral training exercise improves interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese forces. This exercise benefits from realistic, shared training enhancing our ability to work together to confront any contingency.

A U.S. Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from the catwalk during a swim call aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 25, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 5, 2012) Students at the Search and Rescue Swimmer School at Naval Base San Diego conduct water entry exercises. The students are participating in a four-week course where instructors teach various rescue techniques and swimming exercises.

Candidates compete in an early morning obstacle course during the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment & Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on March 15, 2023. The Special Warfare Training Wing prepares candidates physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

In celebration of the 61st Anniversary of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Soldiers participated in the annual water jump during Reunion Week at Paris Landing State Park, Tn. on Sept. 24, 2022.

110614-N-WL435-435UMM QASR, Iraq (June 14, 2011) Staff Sgt. Jake Cochran, a diver assigned to the 7th Engineer Dive Team, swims back to his dive station after recovering rigging equipment from a beached pier. Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1, U.S. Army, and Iraqi divers are working to raise and remove a sunken pier at the port of Umm Qasr, Iraq. CTG 56.1 supports maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, slide down an inflatable obstacle course during a barracks bash event hosted by the Single Marine Program on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. The mission of the SMP is to contribute to the improvement of total force readiness, job performance, and retention by supporting the enhancement of quality of life for all single Marines, including unaccompanied Marines.

U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Tuft, a Master Diver with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division prepares an Enhanced Diver Propulsion Device for a dive at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, April 29, 2022. The EDPD is an advanced combat diving system used by Reconnaissance Marines and Navy Divers that increases the range and speed of the operator during amphibious operations.

Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment conduct Combat Water Survival Training May 22, 2022 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. This training allows for a simulated environment, meant to assist Soldiers in developing survival skills to help prepare for situations such as helicopter crashes near large masses of water. Its good to have these experiences with one another, said 1st Lt. Jonathan Mercado. Being able to conduct this training successfully is going to identify who may need additional support and ensure success for follow on missions.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 4, 2022) Sailors and their families onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) participate in the annual Independence Day celebration. The festivities included musical performances, food, various activities and a fireworks exhibition. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Orlando Perez, a combat photographer, pauses during the 16th annual Swamp Romp, sponsored by Combat Logistics Battalion 3, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Feb. 20. The Swamp Romp is a five-mile, obstacle-laden course that includes mud, water, sand and flat ground.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Aaron M. Hidalgo, a recruit with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, slides down an obstacle during the confidence course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 20, 2022. The confidence course is made up of different obstacles used to instill confidence in recruits. Hidalgo was recruited out of Recruiting Station San Diego, California.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Combat Water Survival Test for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads' physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

U.S. Navy Capt. Douglas Graber, commanding officer of USS New Orleans (LPD 18), jumps into the ocean during a swim call aboard New Orleans in the South China Sea, Sept. 25, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Water pours on a trainee as he attempts to shore up a hole to fix the leak in the USS BUTTERCUP, ship mock-up providing a realistic damage control training environment. The trainee is a member of the Marine detachment from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) and is training at the Naval Technical Training Center. Base: Naval TECH Tc, Treasure Island State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220726-N-FB730-1183 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 26, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group swim in the Mediterranean Sea during a swim call, July 26, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Sept. 14, 2022) Sailors and staff on board Naval Station Great Lakes participate in MWR's annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at Seabee Park. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Sept. 16, 2022) Personnel assigned to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay attend MWRs End of Summer Beach Party at Marathi Beach on Sept. 16, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units take part in a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, WI.

A scout swimmer from the Malawian Maritime Force approaches the beach from after swimming to shore during a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Monkey Bay, Malawi, June 22, 2022. JCETS enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 01, 2022) Military service members and personnel from Commander, Task Group 67.4, Hellenic Naval Base in Souda, the Hellenic Air Forces 115th Combat Wing, NATO Maritime Interdiction Training Center, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bays Fire & Emergency Services, and NSA Souda Bays Ward Room participated in NSA Souda Bays 19th Annual Eco-Challenge on Oct. 1. Eco-Challenge is a five-event, outdoor sports competition held across the Akrotiri Peninsula that is designed to build camaraderie and strengthen the U.S. relationship with NATO and Hellenic military partners. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit jump off the side of the USS Essex during a swim call. The Marines and sailors of the 15th MEU and Essex Amphibious Ready Group jumped 30-feet into the water and swam to their respective check point.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Daniel Best, first sergeant of Headquarters Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Marine Support Battalion, grapples Cpl. Braxton Kime, a system administrator with G-6, during a unit physical fitness event Sept. 29, 2022, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. The Marines worked on their hand-to-hand combat capabilities to strengthen camaraderie and build confidence. Best, 36, is from Liberty, Texas. Kime, 21, is from McKinney, Texas.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, conducted a simulated response training exercise at Onslow Beach on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2022. Each year the Beach Detachment conducts a training exercise to familiarize first responders, and other individuals, with the expectations of response in case of an emergency.

Aviators practice floating as they take part in the Naval Aviation Water Survival Training Program. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

Airmen with the 96th Medical Group Airmen raise a wash tent during a decontamination exercise April 6 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The chemical/biological exercise was part of required home station training for Airmen medics. Approximately 20 medics completed the three-day training course.

A Navy journalist, right, talks to a family that is visiting with several Soviet sailors touring Sea World. Three ships of the Soviet Pacific Fleet are in San Diego for a five-day goodwill visit. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, Col. John Pogorek, is sprayed by his family after landing his fini-flight at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire June 2, 2022. Pogorek flew more than 6,675 flying hours with the U.S. Air Force and New Hampshire Air National Guard.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct physical training with Republic of Korea and Philippine reconnaissance Marines during KAMANDAG 6, at Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2022. The U.S., Republic of Korea, and Philippine reconnaissance Marines conducted PT together every morning to boost morale and strengthen relationships. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

221013-N-FB203-0044 MANAMA, Bahrain (October 13, 2022) Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain personnel race handmade cardboard boats as part of the annual Carboard Boat Regatta. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.

DF-ST-85-03432. Base: Tinker Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-01400. Base: USS Raleigh (LPD 1)

U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, wade through freezing water during Mountain Training Exercise 1-23 at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, Sept. 24, 2022. During MTX, the Marines learned various skills to become more proficient in combat and survival in an austere mountain environment.

U.S. Air Force members from the Special Tactics Training Squadron, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla., assist each other before entering the pool during pre-scuba training Sept. 21, 2010.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 13, 2012) Chief Logistics Specialist Shane Neuhaus patches a busted pipe during damage control training on the forecastle of the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56). Simpson is homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., is conducting theater security cooperation and maritime security operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of responsibility.

110608-N-KB666-147BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (June 9, 2011) Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Arnold, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, helps Constable Guaeline Brouet, from the St. Lucia Coast Guard, into the water during diving operations in Bridgetown, Barbados. MDSU-2 is participating in Navy Diver-Southern Partnership Station, a multinational partnership engagement designed to increase interoperability and partner nation capability through diving operations.

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