Water Survival Training

Recruits and soldiers participating in water survival training and swim qualifications in diverse aquatic environments, showcasing physical challenges.

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on October, 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on October, 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

A U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific(MARFORPAC), Marine swims with his pack during water survival training at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024.MARFORPAC Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival (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. A 250 meter swim, shedding gear, and treading water using different techniques are a few components of the trials the Marines completed. Air Force

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, 24, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston.

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on October, 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

Staff Sgt. Nathan Woods with 97th Troop Command, emerges for a breath during the swimming portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge , conducted at Camp Williams, Utah Oct. 16, 2022 This years competition offers an opportunity for competitors to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman-of-the-Year, Noncommissioned Officer-of-the-Year and Senior NCO-of-the-Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

Second phase instructors keep a close eye on Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) in the combat training tank. The (BUD/S) are learning to exchange scuba gear while submerged. Base: Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Specialist Ricky Cagle from Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), lands into a pool wearing a Improved Outer Tactical vest (IOTV) and a M4 Dummy in hand during a water training on Fort Campbell, Ky., July 21, 2022. The training went over how to get off an IOTV when submerged underwater.

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. Army Reserve Pfc. Jordan Watson, assigned to the 332nd Medical Brigade, swims with his weapon during the U.S. Army Reserve Best Squad competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focus events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

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

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct basic swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island, S.C., Apr. 5, 2023. Basic swim qualification consists of a 25 meter swim, tower jump into the water, four minute tread, 25 meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed.

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

Cpt. Christopher Carroll, a human resources officer with the 160th Military Police Battalion uses his rucksack, as a flotation device during water survival training here in Camp Shelby, Mississippi as part of Titan Warrior. Titan Warrior is a two-week long training exercise that involves units from the 290th Military Police Brigade training on job-specific tasks and basic soldiering skills.

Students From SEAL BUD/S Class Participate in Night Gear Exchange

A U.S. Marine Corps recruit with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, performs a survival stroke during swim week at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 13, 2023. Recruits are required to pass all swim events in the water survival course in order to graduate as a basically trained Marine.

Corp. James Jones, human resources specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, participates in the 1st TSC survival swimming training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, July 21, 2022. The 1st TSC holds regular training events in order to ensure mission readiness throughout the unit.

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct basic swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island, S.C., Apr. 5, 2023. Basic swim qualification consists of a 25 meter swim, tower jump into the water, four minute tread, 25 meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed.

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.

110613-N-OT964-118 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (June 13, 2011) Chief Navy Diver Aaron Knight, right, assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1, and Pakistani divers conduct a familiarization dive during a weeklong diving and salvage exchange. The divers conducted scuba operations, anti-terrorism force-protection training dives, underwater search techniques and diving fundamentals during the exchange. CTG 56.1 provides maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Green Berets with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conduct power legs 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.

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on October, 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Patrick Mulkearns, a communications officer with Marine Air Control Squadron 4, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a rescue on Sgt. Bryantruc Nguyen, a network administrator with Marine Air Control Squadron 4, 1st MAW, during the Water Survival Advanced course on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. WSA is the highest swim qualification that Marines can obtain before becoming Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival. Throughout the course, students endured aquatic conditioning, endurance swimming, and underwater rescue training.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Aug. 03, 2022)- Sailors participate in a search and rescue evaluation at the Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain aquatics center August 3, 2022. Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dante Hunter, an engineer equipment electrical systems technician with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, swims during a Martial Arts Instructor course at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 26, 2022. The Marines participated in the 15-day MAI course to become instructors and gain the ability to train and advance Marines in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

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.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Division participate in 100-meter swim during a squad competition on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 23, 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)

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.

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.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing participate in water survival training at a local YMCA near Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 14, 2022. The class is a three year renewal course to keep pilots and aircrew updated on surviving in the event of a crash over water.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Atticus Martinez, a combat videographer with Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, films a U.S. Navy diver and a Saudi Armed Forces diver during exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 24, 2022. Native Fury 22 is a biennial exercise focused on the demonstration of the rapid offload and integration of a Maritime Prepositioned Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of regional security, crisis response, and contingency operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), Marines perform an emergency flotation technique utilizing their uniforms during water survival training at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024. MARFORPAC Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival (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. The water survival training is designed to reduce fear, raise self-confidence, and develop Marines with the ability to survive in water. Air Force

U.S. Marines participating in the Water Survival Advanced course perform rescues on simulated distressed victims during the WSA course on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. WSA is the highest swim qualification that Marines can obtain before becoming Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival. Throughout the course, students endured aquatic conditioning, endurance swimming, and underwater rescue training.

U.S. Marines Cpl. Chase Drayer, (left), a combat graphic specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, performs an American Red Cross rescue on Cpl. Ricky Tipton, (center), while Marine Corps Water Survival instructor Cpl. Lance Kell, (right), supervises during an advanced water survival course at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, August 30, 2022. The advanced water survival course is the highest swim qualification Marines can earn before they are eligible to become a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival. During the course, Marines endured 50 training-hours of endurance swims, life-saving techniques, physical and mental conditioning, and confidence drills.

Sgt. Grant Martinez, Marine Special Operations Command District, performs a rescue on Sgt. Jeremiah Reilly, Marine Corps Instructor Trainer of Water Survival, during testing for the MCIWS course at Marine Corps Base Camp Johnson, N.C., March 12, 2013. Martinez, from Sunnyville, Calif., is one of more than 20 students attending the three-week MCIWS course. The course creates instructors who can train Marines to react and survive life-threatening situations in the water.

220615-N-ZW825-0681 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 15, 2022) NROTC New Student Indoctrination (NSI) Cycle 1 midshipman candidates complete their second class swim qualification with successful inflation of their coveralls at Recruit Training Command (RTC), June 15. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors.

110511-N-YX920-059MANAMA, Bahrain (May 11, 2011) A Sailor assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1 conducts a Mark 16 Module 1 closed circuit mixed-gas underwater breathing apparatus (UBA) training dive. CTG 56.1 supports maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

1st Lt. Molly Murphy from Tripler Army Medical Center, treads water with her M4 during the Combat Water Survival Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- ROTC cadets and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in a Special Warfare Orientation Course (SWOC) exercise at the Academy, June 9, 2022. The course trains cadets in water and land fitness, mission planning, and tactical combat casualty care. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (August 3, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Robert Crouch, assigned to Afloat Training Group (ATG), Norfolk, observes as Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Nicolas Ramirez puts a simulated injured person in the water on stretcher during a search and rescue evaluation at the Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain aquatics center August 3, 2022. NAVSTA Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on November, 01, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston, Tx. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific(MARFORPAC), Marines conduct rescue procedures during water survival training at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024.MARFORPAC Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival (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. The course is designed to train Marines in water survival through intense aquatic training events such as victim rescues, distance swims, and underwater endurance exercises. Air Force

220706-N-XG173-1126 WAHIAWA, Hawaii (July 6, 2022) - Multinational Special Operations Forces conduct dive training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group and Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit lift a tire in the water during a Water Survival Advanced course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 13, 2022. WSA is the highest swim qualification Marines and sailors can obtain before moving onto the next echelon of becoming a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Bouma, the 173rd Fighter Wing commander, wades out of the water following his circuit through several water survival training scenarios prepared by 173rd FW Aircrew Flight Equipment at Cultus Lake in Central Oregon, July 16, 2022. Every three years AFE at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., prepares required water-survival training, which takes nearly a year of planning, ensuring the pilots remain current.

Reservists with the 507th Air Refueling Wing and the 513th Air Control Group perform water survival training June 4, 2022, at Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City. Training is required every three years for aircrew, and is designed to train members on how to survive an emergency water scenario long enough to be rescued.

130313-N-PB383-256 SAN DIEGO (March 13, 2013) Students at the Search and Rescue Swimmer School at Naval Base San Diego wait in line before rescuing a simulated helicopter crash survivor. The students are participating in a four-week course where instructors teach various rescue techniques and swimming exercises.

Senior Airman Alec Ramirez, 72nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, absorbs the bites of MWD Ccarman during an aquatic training event at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Sept. 8, 2022. MWDs are trained to perform their duties in a variety of conditions and situations.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers, with the 125 Engineer Multi-Role Bridge Company (MRBC), 122 Engineer Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, conduct zodiac self-recovery and man overboard drills during their annual training held at Clarks Hill training site in McCormick County, South Carolina, July 19, 2022. Soldiers trained on their abilities to recover the zodiac back into an operational position in the event the boat was flipped or rolled over. Soldiers also trained on their ability to recover personnel who have fallen overboard, or who may need rescuing from high waters during a storm. Knowing how to operate the boat safely when people are in the water around them is crucial in real life situations.

Lt. Col. Dylan W. Malcomb administers the oath of enlistment to Staff Sgt. Dustin C. Fry at the Anderson Fieldhouse pool on May 2, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Fry is a 15F instructor with Company C, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment.

221030-N-XN177-2525 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Sailors assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) participate in a swim call Oct. 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine with III Marine Expeditionary Force, jumps into the water from a platform during a helocasting masters course conducted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 7, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard to reach areas via bodies of water.

jsc2017e1117804 (08-23-2017) --- During water survival training in 2017 at NASA Johnson Space Centers Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston, NASA astronaut candidate Jonny Kim (left) works alongside divers.

DN-ST-87-05030. Base: Key West State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier practices leaning backwards with his emergency breathing device during shallow water egress training at Hunter Army Airfield, GA, July 13, 2022. Aircrew members must practice using emergency breathing devices while keeping their composure and learning techniques to quickly escape emergency situations.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Yiannis Rizos, a field artillery officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conducts a 300-meter swim evaluation during a certification exercise, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 26, 2024. This portion of the exercise validated the Marines amphibious abilities and endurance in preparation for conflict. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force or Joint Task Force Commander a liaison capability and ability to plan, coordinate, employ, multi-domain fires and effects across the competition continuum in support of joint and multi-national forces. Rizos is a native of Massachusetts. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a 300-meter swim evaluation during a certification exercise, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 26, 2024. This portion of the exercise validated the Marines amphibious abilities and endurance in preparation for conflict. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force or Joint Task Force Commander a liaison capability and ability to plan, coordinate, employ, multi-domain fires and effects across the competition continuum in support of joint and multi-national forces. Marine Corps

A Green Beret with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducts weight belt laps 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.

U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technicians with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare and assess equipment prior to conducting joint combat diver training during Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22) at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, September 6, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Paratroopers participate in a Combat Water Survival Assessment on the second day of the Small Unit Range Tactics (SURT) course on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 16, 2022. This assessment tests a soldiers ability to safely function in a water environment before continuing on to Ranger School.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific(MARFORPAC), Marines prepare to swim with their packs during water survival training at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024.MARFORPAC Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival (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. A 250 meter swim, shedding gear, and treading water using different techniques are a few components of the trials the Marines completed. Air Force

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Aug. 03, 2022)- Sailors work together to lift a simulated injured person from the water during a search and rescue evaluation at the Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain aquatics center August 3, 2022. Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

061031-N-5758H-260. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ATLANTIC FLEET NAVAL SURFACE FOR

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct wet silk training in the Vicenza swimming pool, Italy, April 12, 2023. In this training, the Paratroopers swim underwater. This exercise is part of deliberate water airborne operation familiarization training before an upcoming jump at Lake Garda, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jossue Lopez Garcia, data systems administrator with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, escapes from a submerged, simulated aircraft, during Underwater Egress Training (HUET) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 6, 2022. UET is a course providing service members with the skills and confidence to successfully and safely escape from aircraft submerged in water.

DN-ST-89-08903. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A member of the Croatian Zapovjedništvo Specialjalnih Snaga (ZSS) emerges from the water during an over the beach (OTB) exercise alongside members of U.S. Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Europe (NSWTU-E) in Split, Croatia, April 14, 2022. For the Croatian ZSS, Joint Combined Exchange Training, or JCET with partner nations is not uncommon. The ZSS were founded in 2000 as the Special Operations Battalion and since then, its operators have participated in multiple operations, including stints in Afghanistan as part of NATOs International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Staff Sgt. Keith Estes from Medical Department Activity, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, steps off the diving board during the Combat Water Survival Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

DM-SN-85-10498. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 5, 2023) Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Giancarlo Vargasfigueroa, left, and Airman William Vignali, both assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), simulate a surface Search and Rescue (SAR) with medical evacuation litter during an open water training exercise, April 5, 2023. Essex is dry docked in San Diego conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish many key systems aboard.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), perform flutter kicks during a physical training exercise at the Courthouse Bay pool on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17, 2014. Marines and Sailors take part in the physical training to strengthen their swimming abilities before attending the naval dive school at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla.

STAFF Sergeant Raymond Cantu demonstrates to Panamanian Defense Force soldiers, the technique of floating with a life vest, during airborne training conducted by the 2/187th Airborne and 193rd Infantry Brigade. Base: Fort Clayton Country: Panama (PAN)

Maj. Mark Heusinkueld, 310th Fighter Squadron gets pulled into the pool by members of the 56th Operations Support Squadron on Luke Air Force Base Arizona, Sept. 22, 2009. Maj. Rogerson is going thru his water survival refresher course.

A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, dives underwater to perform a self-rescue drill during a swim qualification course aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2015. The purpose of the course was to maintain proficiency, and enhance the Marines skills in water survival techniques.

221013-N-FB203-0157 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.

Spc. Erin Fessler, assigned to Medical Readiness Battalion from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, treads water during the combat water survival portion of testing for their brigade level best leader competition Feb. 27, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, TX. Soldiers are competing in the best leader competition for an opportunity to be selected for a spot on a team consisting of a junior officer, two noncommissioned officers, and three junior enlisted Soldiers, who will compete at the Medical Readiness Command, West: Best Leader Competition in April 2024. Army

110921-N-JB593-287APRA HARBOR, Guam (Sept. 21, 2011) Seaman Anthony Cordafreeland, assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), holds a medical evacuation litter in place while Operations Specialist Seaman Justin Brother secures a Sailor portraying a victim during a search and rescue training exercise. Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

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.

U.S. service members with the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) complete a swimming obstacle course assessment during a French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) pre-assessment at 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment, Djibouti, April 19, 2022. Since 2015, the French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) have invited U.S. service members with CJTF-HOA and Camp Lemonnier to participate in the course. During the FDCC, participants are evaluated on mountain confidence, knot tying, night obstacle courses, aquatic obstacle courses, and battle maneuver tactics as well as physical challenges.

ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 16, 2012) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) jump off aircraft elevator three during a swim call. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Special warfare candidates perform swim tactics and team building exercises during the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment & Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on March 14, 2023. Trainees in every course in the pipeline are provided hostic support to prepare each candidate physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 5, 2023) Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Giancarlo Vargasfigueroa, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), uses hand signals during an open water surface Search and Rescue (SAR) training exercise, April 5, 2023. Essex is dry docked in San Diego conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish many key systems aboard.

U.S. Army Spc. William Weirough, a medic with 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, participates in a combat water survival test as part of the best medic competition assessment and selection, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 13, 2024. U.S. Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) hosted a best medic competition assessment and selection from Feb. 13-14, at Caserma Del Din and Caserma Ederle in order to select the best medics to represent 173rd Airborne Brigade in the FY24 Army Best Medic Competition. The 24-hour selection program measures a range of critical skills, including trauma care, emergency medicine, and physical fitness. Through rigorous and competitive scenarios, the selection program serves to elevate and showcase the proficiency of medics, fostering a culture of excellence within military medical teams. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Switon, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, uprights a life raft during a Swedish swim assessment with guidance from Swedish swim instructor Private First Class Ragno Arvid 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew OBrien, an 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialist, performs swimming drills during a pre-assessment to prepare them for the French Desert Commando Course (FDCC), Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 7, 2022. Since 2015, the French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) have invited U.S. service members with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa to participate in the course. During the FDCC, the members are evaluated on mountain confidence, knot tying, night obstacle courses, aquatic obstacle courses, and battle maneuver tactics as well as presented with physical challenges.

220725-N-ZW825-0548 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 25, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) Cycle 3 midshipman candidates perform the coverall inflation portion of their third-class swimming qualification at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 25. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and en

DF-ST-85-12271. Base: Frankfurt Country: West Germany (FRG)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct wet silk training in the Vicenza swimming pool, Italy, April 12, 2023. In this training, the Paratroopers swim underwater. This exercise is part of deliberate water airborne operation familiarization training before an upcoming jump at Lake Garda, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

220706-N-XG173-1117 WAHIAWA, Hawaii (July 6, 2022) - A Republic of Korea SEAL enters the water during dive training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, swim under a parachute in the Vicenza swimming pool, Italy, April 12, 2023. This exercise is part of deliberate water airborne operation familiarization training before an upcoming jump at Lake Garda, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

220908-N-EH998-1099 PORT OF AQABA, Jordan (Sept. 8, 2022) Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) participate in a swim call in the Port of Aqaba, Jordan, Sept. 8. Nitze is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

061031-N-6439C-097. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ATLANTIC FLEET NAVAL SURFACE FOR

A U.S. Army officer candidate from Bravo Company, 3rd Battailon, 11th Infantry Regiment falls from a diving board into a swimming pool during the combat water survival portion of Officer Candidate School March 14, 2008, at Fort Benning, Ga.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Underwater Egress Training (UET) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 6, 2022. UET is a course providing service members with the skills and confidence to successfully and safely escape from aircraft submerged in water.

U.S. Marines execute pre-dive checks during a dive sustainment training on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 7, 2024. The training is designed to enhance the Marines proficiency and capabilities for specialized insert and extract operations. The Marines are with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division Marine Corps

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Travis Fleming, Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), conducts a safety briefing prior to the start of the basic swim qualificationat Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024.MARFORPAC MCIWS trained Marines from bases around the island through basic and intermediate swim qualifications to fulfill their swim qualification requirements during this multiple-hour exercise. A 250 meter swim, shedding gear, and treading water using different techniques are a few components of the trials the Marines completed. Air Force

of 3