PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- This morning approximately 50 Marine Corps Reservists traveled to Picatinny Arsenal to qualify under the changes made to the Marine Corps' basic water survival program.
The changes were implemented in April 2011 for the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program and adjusted the qualification process to provide the Marine Corps an updated, safer and expeditionary force-relevant water survival program.
"One day this training may save your life, or the life of your buddy," said Sgt. David Wright, a Marine Corps Swim Qualification Instructor.
In the past, Marine Corps swim qualifications have been sorted into class four, three, two or one, with four being the minimum requirement for enlisted Marines. Now a Marine is considered a beginning, intermediate, or advanced-level swimmer.
At the basic qualification level, the Marines are required to shed their gear, while in the water, in less than 10 seconds. Next, the Marines abandon ship by jumping off a raised platform called "the tower" into the water. Because there is no tower at Frog Falls the Marines simulated the same action from the side of the pool.
After the abandon ship, the Marines must tread water for four minutes, where they stay afloat using only their gear and without using the edge of the pool. Finally, the Marines must conduct a 25-meter pack swim, where they transport their packs from one side of the pool to the other. This qualification keeps Marines certified for two years.
"When wet the uniform the Marines are wearing to include their boots can add roughly seven or eight pounds," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stalin Somarriba.
While the first detachment underwent its training the second stood by and watched their peers.
Both the beginner and intermediate courses can be done in one day said Somarriba.
The advanced water survival course is a week of rigorous swims, runs, exercises, rescues and techniques. The Marines are taught rescues and escapes from both combat and everyday situations.
Marine reservists who participated in the water survival training today were from Detachment 2, Communications Company, Headquarters and Supply Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group and Detachment 3, Motor Transport Maintenance Company, 4th Maintenance Battalion out of Allentown, Pa.
Picatinny's Frog Falls Aquatic Park was ranked the number one public swimming pool in New Jersey in 2011 and has also been featured in World Water Park Magazine.
Frog Falls is a membership only facility open to Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard Military Personnel and their dependents; Picatinny Civilian Employees and their dependents, Contractors working on Picatinny as well as members of our partner communities residing in Rockaway Township, Rockaway Borough, Jefferson, Wharton, Denville, Dover, Roxbury, Mine Hill, West Milford, Sparta and Boonton.
Through the Army's "Always a Soldier Program," Military Veterans as well as Morris County First Responders and their dependents are also authorized membership.
Related Links:
New recruits get Army 'baptism' through rugged, water survival training
Social Sharing