Drown Proofing Saves Lives.

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland | 170818-A-RW053-132 Soldiers from the 371st Sustainment Brigade, 411th Transportation Detachment and ASG-Kuwait in the process of taking off their pants in the water to be used to float during Drown Proofing Training in the Arabian Gulf on August 17, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland)  

KUWAIT

08.17.2017

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland 

371st Sustainment Brigade

ARABIAN GULF – While at sea the words “abandon ship” can create fear and panic. This is why reactive training and safety drills are key elements to the training of Soldiers from the 371st Sustainment Brigade, 411th Transportation Detachment as well as Soldiers from Area Support Group (ASG) – Kuwait. Troops from the 411th Trans. Det. and ASG-Kuwait conducted Drown Proofing practice on U.S. Army Vessel (USAV) Major General Charles P. Gross (LSV-5) August 17, 2017.
Drown Proofing is an annual requirement for Army watercraft operations. While holding their nose and collar Soldiers leap into the water from a height of 15 to 18 feet; crossing their legs to streamline their bodies before breaking the surface. After entry they react for potential oil fires by pushing surface water from their face.
“Once you are in the water it could be for an extended amount of time and this class teaches energy conservation, surviving and getting someone to rescue you,” said Sergeant First Class James Brogan, a 411th Trans. Det. Sergeant aboard the LSV-5.
The rescue floats are deployed so Soldiers can climb aboard and feel confident these rafts can help them survive. The training also teaches Soldiers to use parts of the uniform to stay afloat while waiting for rescue.
“I learned it was a lot harder then what you see on TV. I really enjoyed the jump because it was so exciting, using the uniform to stay afloat was tough but I would do it again to get better,” said Private First Class Alexander Provenzano a medic with ASG-Kuwait.
Each Soldier was required to perform each task which also included floating and learning how to conserve energy in the water without a floatation device.
“We want them to be more comfortable and proficient if something was to happen,” said Brogan. “I want them to just react with these skills, know what to do and get over their fears.”

• Date Taken: 08.17.2017
• Date Posted: 08.23.2017 02:52
• Story ID: 245683
• Location: KW
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