Photo By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar | Military policemen with Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Splash… “Next two, ready? Jump!”
Approximately 50 military policemen with Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, were freefalling into the Las Pulgas pool here, Feb. 7, in order to qualify for their basic level of combat water survival training.
The Marine Corps Combat Water Survival Training Program divides Marines into three stages – basic, intermediate and advanced swimmers. The basic and intermediate stages are completed in one day of training. For the advanced level, Marines must go through a week-long water survival course – consisting of various swims, runs, exercises, rescues and techniques.
At the basic qualification level, Marines had to strip off their gear in less than 10 seconds while in the water. Then they jumped off of a raised platform called ‘the tower’ into the water. After the tower, Marines must utilize their gear to tread water for four minutes, without touching the edge of the pool. Before they could be certified for basic level, Marines swam with their pack for 25 meters.
“It’s good training,” said Lance Cpl. Luis Contreras, military policeman, MP Company, CLR-17, 1st MLG. “Every step is based on real-life scenarios. Not only that it helps us improve our under-water skills, it also helps some Marines to overcome their fears, whether it’s the fear of heights or water.”
For those who couldn’t swim or are afraid of water, instructors worked with them individually in shallow water to teach them simple swim strokes and water survival techniques prior to qualifying.
The training might seem dangerous and difficult for some people, but it’s very safe and well-thought through, explained Contreras, 22, from Garden Grove, Calif. Instructors surrounded the pool with safety equipment and prepared for any incident that might occur.
“It’s like there’s always someone standing there and watching over you,” Contreras said. “It puts you at ease a little while you’re trying to qualify, knowing they’ll be there if anything happens.”
Once they pass the basic level of combat water survival, they were certified for the next two years. Some continued on and became certified as intermediate or advanced swimmers, which last for three years.
“As a member of an amphibious force, every Marine needs to know all the basic water survival techniques,” said Contreras. “That way, they’ll know exactly what to do to stay stealth while protecting themselves and their equipment when their skills are needed.”
Contreras was conquering his fear of heights and the program took him one step closer to accomplishing that goal.
He added, “If it can help me, I believe this training can help anyone.”
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.21.2012 11:46 |
| Story ID: | 84108 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 171 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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