Combat Water Survival Training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lonnie Wiram
  • 181st Intelligence Wing/PA
HULMAN FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD, Ind. --  Approximately 20 Airmen assigned to the 181st Intelligence Wing, 113th Air Support Operations Squadron, conducted combat water survival training at the Sports and Recreation Center located on the campus of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Feb. 6, 2016.

The training consisted of a blind push off a high diving board, falling in water wearing full equipment, a 25-meter swim with weapon, treading water for extended periods, and learning techniques for using the uniform as a flotation device.

The blind push simulated an unexpected water entry during a night combat patrol. Jumping in water with full equipment trained Airmen on how to ditch their gear so they can return to the surface.  The 25-meter swim taught members how to swim but keep their weapon as dry as possible, and finally, members treaded water to learn different techniques and build endurance.

"This is a yearly event for the ASOS," said Lt. Col. Chris Snider, 113th ASOS commander.

"There is another part of this for our guys who do parachute ops," said Snider.  "They will be in water with a parachute on top of them and they will have to swim out from under the parachute."

The ASOS trains to remain ready, reliable and relevant. This training optimizes what it means to be Racer Ready!