There are several reasons to consider joining the Army’s underwater army. These reasons range from Da Vinci's underwater army to the most demanding course for combat divers in the Army. You can even learn with dolphins Here are five great reasons to join the Army's underwater army. It is the ultimate way to become an combat diver.
Da Vinci's underwater army
Leonardo da Vinci designed the diving suit. This invention could have saved the Republic of Venice from the Ottoman navy at turn of 16th-century. The Mediterranean Coast was at that time in turmoil, embroiled in a series international border disputes and even a full-scale conflict.
Leonardo da Vinci (Renaissance artist) was fascinated with the underwater realm. He dreamed of a diving army to defend against enemy ships. They would be equipped with diving gear to make holes in enemy ships' hulls. Although this plan did not materialize, it may have been the inspiration for the creation of the first scuba equipment.
Special Forces combat diving school for the Florida Keys
If you are interested in joining the military and want to learn how to conduct covert missions underwater, you can enroll in a Special Forces combat diving school in the Florida Keys. This course will teach you how to use heavy closed-circuit diving equipment. These equipments produce no bubbles, which makes them perfect for covert missions. Students will be trained in how to use a'mixed gaz' system like a Draeger LAR–V. This recycles the'mixed chemicals' that a diver exhales and returns them into the cylinder. The course will teach students about diving physics as well as physiology. Students will learn how to treat injuries sustained underwater by divers.
One of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Underwater Operations schools, or SFUWO in the U.S. Army’s Southeast Command, is located around the Florida Keys. Since the 1960s, this facility has been in Keys operation. Combat diving training teaches students how to navigate the ocean floor. This is crucial because a contractor once found Civil War munitions in the area. The SFUWO divers were then partnered with the NOAA Blue Star program, which aims to protect the marine environment from harmful materials.
Toughest course for combat divers in the Army
Combat diver qualification courses focus on tactical aspects of combat dive. The Mark 25 Draeger Oxygen Rebreather is a closed-circuit underwater breathing device that emits no bubbles. This allows operators to safely swim unnoticed. This course teaches combat divers how navigate the oceans as well as various insertion and removal strategies. This course is usually the most challenging course for combat divers.
Falkenstine had completed the Combat Diver Qualification Course for seven weeks. He was invited back to do the Supervisor Course. This course prepares them to manage combat dive operations. Although combat diving requires a high degree of physical fitness, it is also a mental challenge. Falkenstine admits that the training can be very challenging but she is proud to be part of this elite group. She describes the camaraderie among combat divers as unmatched.
Dolphin training
It is not a novel idea to create an underwater army using dolphins. The Soviet Union used dolphins to train their sailors. It also uses seals as part of its training program. The Ukrainian navy resumed its training program after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Dolphins can swim faster than humans, and they have superior diving and swimming skills. They are excellent patrol animals and can dive without getting decompression sickness. However, the use of dolphins as weapons has ethical concerns. Animal rights activists long demanded the end of this program.
Dive in the Gulf of Mexico: Dangers
Oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico, contaminating the water with brown liquid oil and volatile, explosive gases. These chemicals are hazardous to marine life, as well as those involved in the cleanup. Avoid any oily areas if you are diving in the Gulf of Mexico.
Commercial divers are outfitted with sophisticated breathing equipment but the environment in the ocean is still challenging. The water temperature is low, the currents and visibility are often poor. Divers must also be alert for mud, sand and sharks. They are also exposed to hyperbaric tension, which can prove fatal.