Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Cordero | Sgt. Wayne B. Shover, a satellite communications technician with Maintenance Platoon,...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Jeffery Cordero
III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA - "Get in the water!" was the yell that sent swimmers diving into the pool, July 21, to start yet another afternoon of conditioning swims during the second week of the Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival course which started, July 14, and ends today.
There were 28 Marines from units all over Okinawa who participated in the course taught by a III Marine Expeditionary Force mobile training team.
Participants were selected for their exceptional swimming abilities, according to Staff Sgt. Nicholas A. Hewitt, directing instructor trainer for the course.
"The Marines whom participated in the course are among the top 10 percent of Marine Corps swimmers," Hewitt said.
The course will provide Okinawa with about 28 new MCIWS instructors, according to Sgt. Richard R. Stuckenschneider, chief instructor for the course. Previously there had been a shortage of instructors here on Okinawa which made getting swim qualified more difficult for the Marines.
The three week long course included conditioning swims, lap swimming, water aerobics - a combination of conditioning exercises and lap swimming, and rescue swims with and without combat gear.
"Swimmers swim approximately 35 miles in three weeks and perform a variety of aquatic rescues as well as conduct American Red Cross life guarding skills," Hewitt said.
Throughout the course the students are also tested in all of the previous swim qualification levels to ensure that they are able to instruct Marines during swim qualifications up to water survival qualification.
In order for Marines to be selected to take part in the course they must be swim qualified up to water survival qualification, be a corporal, or a waived as lance corporal, have at least one year in their enlistment and pass a prescreening.
"The course is truly demanding," said Hewitt. "Marines must be prepared to swim like fish if they hope to make it through the course."
"It's more challenging than I expected," said Sgt. Anthony J. Jackson, a student and a maintenance admin clerk with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36.
Although the course challenges Marines to their highest potential, they were always motivated and willing to push forward. With each exercise the students would dive into the water before told to do so and would execute each and every technique with maximum effort.
"When you are in there, everyone is swimming with you, and when no one stops, it makes you not want to stop," said Lance Cpl. Griffin C. Alford, a student and a ground support equipment mechanic with MALS-36.
Once the students are MCIWS qualified they will be able to conduct swim qualifications, and they look forward to being able to help their units and train Marines.
"I'll just be happy to train more Marines," Jackson said. "I enjoy that."
Course graduates also receive certificates for American Red Cross Life guarding, First Aid, and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation for the Professional Rescuer.
| Date Taken: | 07.21.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2008 04:23 |
| Story ID: | 22001 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 144 |
| Downloads: | 71 |
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