Military Scuba Diving Requires Specialized Training

Soldiers with military scuba diving training are not diving to see coral and fish. There are certain very specialized tasks and missions that require expert military divers. In the U.S., military divers deployed on assault missions are called combat swimmers. Combat swimmers include Army Ranger swimmers, Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal units, Marine Recon swimmers. and Navy SEALs. The term "frogman" was formerly used to describe military scuba diving personnel, due to their resemblance to a frog. However, that term is falling out of use.

Military scuba diving training is much longer and harder than civilian dive training. Civilians might spend one or two evenings in a swimming pool for about an hour, including some classroom training. Military divers must train for at least several weeks under extremely grueling and complicated conditions. Military divers must possess a high level of physical fitness prior to beginning the training, and it will be sorely tested during the process. Military scuba diving training is often so tough that many of the entrants cannot complete the course.

Certified military scuba diving soldiers must perform a variety of difficult and dangerous tasks. These might include inspecting the undersides of ships or submarines for damage or sabotage. Military divers might be required to locate and clear mines and other traps from a harbor or port. The more elite divers can travel undetected by submarine, and eject underwater to stealthily reach the shore. Each type of military scuba diving carries its own risks and hazards.

The U.S. Navy SEALs are an elite military scuba diving force. SEAL is the acronym for Seal, Air, and Land. However, the popular connotation of SEALs is that of underwater specialists. A SEAL applicant must complete a Basic Underwater Demolition school. This is a six-month long course designed to toughen recruits as well as weed out the less qualified. Another specialized program called SEAL Qualification Training must be completed as well. These military scuba diving operatives also have extra training such as paratrooper and sniper.

Other countries have formed their own elite military scuba diving forces. Canada's trains Clearance Divers and Combat Divers. The Fromandskorpset of Denmark and the Froskemanskorpset of Norway include elite divers, and incorporate the frogman name into the unit designation. Both France and Germany train commando frogmen forces. The UK employs Naval Clearance Divers and Royal Engineers Specialist Divers. Any country with armed forces is likely to utilize military scuba diving forces.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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