thedrifter
02-01-08, 04:32 AM
CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan-- Fourteen Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division participated in a Pre-Dive Training Course Jan. 14-25 on Camp Schwab for the chance to attend a 35-day course at the Marine Corps Combatant Dive School.
The course prepares Marines mentally and physically for the rigors and challenges they will face if selected for MCCDS at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla., according to Staff Sgt. Andrew P. Painter, the course’s head dive instructor with the battalion.
To be considered for the school, the Marines must pass every phase of the Pre-Dive Training Course and must stand out above their peers, Painter said.
The Marines go through classroom instruction and a rigorous physical training program during the two-week course, according to Painter. Some of the physical training routines include beach runs and water aerobics before conducting open water finning.
While finning, the Marines wear load bearing vests, carry M-16A2 service rifles strapped across their backs, and must navigate, using an underwater compass, to a waypoint about a kilometer away without looking above the water.
In addition to finning, the aspiring divers attend fundamentals of dive medicine, dive tables and basic dive principles classes. The Marines also learn drown proofing, a technique used to float above water by filling their lungs with air; breath holds, which involves taking a single breath and holding it under water without the assistance of an underwater breathing apparatus; and problem solving such as untangling their scuba gear under stress.
The Marines, many of whom have been reconnaissance men for years, said the training was strenuous but well worth the challenges, according to Cpl. Michael A. Bodrog, the second highest rated student in the course.
“The training is intense,” said Bodrog. “But this is the type of stuff that we need to do to get sent to dive school. You’ve got to try and be the top guy if you want to go.”
Once Marines complete the predive training, they are qualified to attend MCCDS, but typically only two or three Marines at a time are able to attend because of the battalion’s operational commitments.
“Based on physical readiness and academic preparedness, 11 Marines have been approved to attend the dive school,” said Capt. Zach Martin, a platoon commander with the battalion. “But the number of available seats has yet to be determined.”
Once the nominated Marines successfully complete the dive school, they are certified combat divers. Once certified, the Marines will be trained to conduct amphibious assault missions such as scuba diving incursion and sabotage.
The course prepares Marines mentally and physically for the rigors and challenges they will face if selected for MCCDS at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla., according to Staff Sgt. Andrew P. Painter, the course’s head dive instructor with the battalion.
To be considered for the school, the Marines must pass every phase of the Pre-Dive Training Course and must stand out above their peers, Painter said.
The Marines go through classroom instruction and a rigorous physical training program during the two-week course, according to Painter. Some of the physical training routines include beach runs and water aerobics before conducting open water finning.
While finning, the Marines wear load bearing vests, carry M-16A2 service rifles strapped across their backs, and must navigate, using an underwater compass, to a waypoint about a kilometer away without looking above the water.
In addition to finning, the aspiring divers attend fundamentals of dive medicine, dive tables and basic dive principles classes. The Marines also learn drown proofing, a technique used to float above water by filling their lungs with air; breath holds, which involves taking a single breath and holding it under water without the assistance of an underwater breathing apparatus; and problem solving such as untangling their scuba gear under stress.
The Marines, many of whom have been reconnaissance men for years, said the training was strenuous but well worth the challenges, according to Cpl. Michael A. Bodrog, the second highest rated student in the course.
“The training is intense,” said Bodrog. “But this is the type of stuff that we need to do to get sent to dive school. You’ve got to try and be the top guy if you want to go.”
Once Marines complete the predive training, they are qualified to attend MCCDS, but typically only two or three Marines at a time are able to attend because of the battalion’s operational commitments.
“Based on physical readiness and academic preparedness, 11 Marines have been approved to attend the dive school,” said Capt. Zach Martin, a platoon commander with the battalion. “But the number of available seats has yet to be determined.”
Once the nominated Marines successfully complete the dive school, they are certified combat divers. Once certified, the Marines will be trained to conduct amphibious assault missions such as scuba diving incursion and sabotage.