Photo By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Recruits of Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, wait for a Marine Corps...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO - The commandant of the Marine Corps has expressed the need to return to its amphibious nature and in the Corps learning water survival techniques begins early in recruit training.
Recruits of Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, received a combat water survival class and tested them on various techniques aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Feb. 11.
The basic swim techniques Marines learn as recruits prepare them for an aquatic environment and can potentially save lives, explained Sgt. Laurent H. Lecointre, Marine Corps instructor of water survival, water survival section, Instructional Training Company, Support Battalion.
Although the techniques learned, such as treading water and using camouflage utilities to stay afloat, are considered basic techniques, the techniques proved to be very challenging for some recruits.
After failing 25-meter swim evaluation, Recruit Alex M. Wargolet, Platoon 3245, Co. L, 3rd RTBn., got choked up while contemplating the possibility of not passing the course.
“I think I’ll pass, but I’m not sure. I’m nervous, I don’t want to get dropped and not see my mom on family day,” said Wargolet.
Despite the high number of recruits who fail the initial 25-meter swim evaluation Lecointre explained no recruit has failed the test in the six months he’s been an instructor aboard MCRD San Diego.
“Most of them just need to be more comfortable in the water. We teach them simple techniques and make sure they follow through with them,” said Lecointre. “We also make sure they stay relaxed in the water.”
For some recruits, a strong source of motivation was all the confidence they needed to be sure of passing the water skills test in recruit training.
“I have a six-month-old son to go home to. I’m not spending more time here than I have to,” said Recruit Logan L. David, Plt. 3245, Co. L, 3rd RTBn. “It was the first time I’ve swam with boots and cammies (camouflage utilities). I just panicked with the extra weight. I’m confident I can do it.”
Recruit after recruit went through the various tests, which included taking of multiple gear items in water and executing proper techniques while diving. Although some recruits struggled more than others, it did not appear any recruits failed.
Any recruit who thinks this is the end of swim qualifications is mistaken. Marines in the Fleet Marine Force are required to be tested every two to three years depending on their level of swim proficiency. Recruits and Marines are classified as either beginner, intermediate or advance swimmers.
“As Marines we primarily deploy from the water. It’s essential for them to have these skills to be combat effective,” said Lecointre.
| Date Taken: | 02.22.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2013 14:52 |
| Story ID: | 102398 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 97 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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