2007-11-30 09:36:15 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
No.
I did have to go to a Drown Proofing class in the desert at Ft. Irwin. The people who didn't know how to swim didn't take the course.
Didn't make sense to me at the time, nor does it now.
I guess it all depends on your MOS. I was on Tanks, so we didn't go near water or pools (except on our free time)
2007-11-30 09:53:32 · answer #1 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, and they probably won't attempt to teach you unless they have alot of time on their hands. And with the current wars going on, that won't have alot of time on their hands. Why would you need to know how to swim in the desert anyway?
Edit: Old Scout, You probably dealt with an earlier Army that had different requirements than the current military does. I assure you that I was in the military until 2004 (I was in for four years) and I still don't know how to swim. Only once was their ever a PT sessions that even touched on the subject, mainly to teach how to use your trousers as a flotation device. Those who couldn't swim didn't have to have to go in the deep end and weren't taught how to swim. I assure you though, you don't have to swim to join the army unless your particular MOS requires it.
and why did I get two thumbs down for giving an accurate answer?
2007-11-30 09:44:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yes... you have to swim 50 meters with an 80 pound rucksack...go and take some swim lessons to get yourself familiar with the water...doggypaddle is ok just as long as you can go the length of the pool.
2007-11-30 09:48:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is both a yes and no kind of question. it depends mostly on what you want to do and your MOS.
when i was in, it wasnt really a requirement, meaning that they will teach you, but if u want to go to any specialty schools like ranger school, airborne school, etc then its a very good idea to learn before you go in.
also, some units require you to be able to pass a swim test with full "battle rattle". that means boots, rucksack, weapon, web gear etc.
2007-11-30 09:58:40 · answer #4 · answered by Mouse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that is only a requirement in the Marine Corps and the Navy.
2007-11-30 10:26:52 · answer #5 · answered by Pugsley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you will have to learn to swim. When I was in the Army we had to prove we could swim once a year. We had to swim in our uniform with boots, web equipment, a rubber rifle
and a canteen full of water. It also involved jumping off a three meter high diving board blindfolded, with all the equipment on and the rifle.
Then we had to demonstrate that we knew how to improvise a floatation device out of our trousers. It's a lot of fun.
If you can't swim, they will teach you to swim. I find it difficult in this day and age to comprehend the existence of people who can't swim.
2007-11-30 09:48:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
No, but every so often you may conduct training in which you will be required to try.
2007-11-30 09:42:36 · answer #7 · answered by DOOM 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know, but it is in the Navy and Marines.
2007-11-30 09:39:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, But they will teach you if you want to learn. And you should learn.
2007-11-30 09:39:10 · answer #9 · answered by Dave G 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You don't need to know, you're headed for a desert.
2007-11-30 09:53:37 · answer #10 · answered by 2nd AD/ 4th ID 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋