CAMP BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan -- The Marine Corps implemented a new qualification system for the combat water survival training that went into effect for all Marines Nov. 10. The new system focuses on safety and effectiveness while reforming qualification requirements.
“Marines are inherently amphibious by nature and are expected to operate in aquatic environments,” said Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, in Marine Corps Order 1500.52D, in reference to the new swim qualifications.
The old swim program was created and based on the needs of the battlefield in the 1940’s during World War II, according to Staff Sgt. Nicholas Reyes, the maintenance management chief for Communication Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival.
“The needs of combat have changed, along with the gear as well. The program now has all the gear we use in combat. The fundamentals will remain the same, but the tasks the Marines execute will be more realistic to today’s combat,” he added.
The new system includes changes to the course as well as the qualification levels.
“The new Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program benefits today’s Marines because it is going to show them what to do if they fall into water with all of their gear on,” said Reyes. “It will also teach them how to strip their gear while in water and how to use their gear in order to save themselves as well as a fellow Marine.”
The new program consists of three qualification levels: Water Survival Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. All Marines are required to be qualified to at least the Water Survival Basic level.
“The Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program employs water survival skills of increasing levels of ability designed to reduce fear, raise self-confidence and develop Marines with the ability to survive in water,” Amos said.
The billets of Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival and Marine Corps Instructor Trainer of Water Survival will still be in place, but instructors must be trained on the new system.
The new training will be available to Marines as instructors are certified to teach the new curriculum.
Marines who have a current swim qualification do not need to qualify through the new program until their current qualification expires, according to Reyes.
For more information, refer to Marine Corps Order 1500.52D.