You should consider joining the Army's submerged army. These reasons can range from Da Vinci’s underwater army to the most challenging course available for combat divers in Army. Even dolphins can be trained! Here are five reasons to join the Army's submerged army. It's the ultimate way to become a combat diver.
Da Vinci's underwater army
Leonardo da Vinci invented the diving suit, a device which could have helped the Republic of Venice defeat the Ottoman navy at the turn of the 16th century. At the time, the Mediterranean Coast was in turmoil as it was embroiled in a series of international border disputes, including a full-scale war.
Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance artist who was fascinated with the underwater world. He envisaged a diving army that would repel the invasion of enemy ships. They would be equipped with diving gear to make holes in enemy ships' hulls. Although this plan never materialized, the underwater army he devised may have inspired the invention of the first scuba equipment.
Special Forces combat diving school for the Florida Keys
If you are interested to join the military and learn how to carry out covert operations underwater, you can sign up for a Special Forces combat dive school in Florida Keys. The course will teach you how use heavy, closed-circuit divers equipment. These equipments are very discreet and ideal for covert missions because they don't create bubbles. The training will teach students how to use a'mixed-gas' system such as a Draeger LARV which recycles the'mixed gases that a diver exhales into the cylinder. Students will also be taught about diving physics, and physiology. They will also learn how the to treat any injuries suffered by divers while submerged.
The water around the Florida Keys is home to one of the U.S. Army's only Special Forces Underwater Operations school, or SFUWO, in the U.S. Army's Southeast Command. 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. SFUWO divers were then joined by the NOAA Blue Star program which seeks to protect the marine environment against harmful materials.
Army combat divers face the toughest challenge
The combat diver qualification course focuses on tactical aspects of combat diving. The Mark 25 Draeger Oxygen Rebreather closed-circuit underwater breath apparatus is taught. Combat divers are also taught how to navigate the oceans, perform various extraction and insertion strategies. This course is usually the most challenging course for combat divers.
After completing the seven-week Combat Diver Qualification Course, Falkenstine was invited back to complete the supervisor course, which prepares them to oversee combat dive operations. Combat diving requires physical strength, but also mental challenges. Falkenstine states that although the training is very difficult, it is an honor to be part of such an elite club. She describes the camaraderie among combat divers as unmatched.
Training with dolphins
The idea of creating an underwater army of dolphins is not new. The Soviet Union has used dolphins in training its sailors. It also uses seals or other marine mammals in part of its training program. Although the Soviet Union collapsed the program, the Ukrainian navy revived the training program several years ago.
Dolphins are faster than human beings and can dive better than humans. They are great patrol animals as they can dive with no decompression sickness. There are ethical concerns about using dolphins as weapons. Animal rights activists have long called for the end of this program.
The dangers of diving in Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico was contaminated by oil leaking into it, leaving behind brown liquid and volatile, flammable gasses. These chemicals are dangerous to marine life and the people who work on the frontlines of cleanup. Avoid oily areas when diving in the Gulf of Mexico.
Even though commercial divers have sophisticated breathing equipment, it is still very challenging in the water environment. The water is very cold, the currents are turbulent, and visibility can often be poor. Divers should be on the lookout for mud, sand, sharks, and stinging plants. They are also exposed to hyperbaric tension, which can prove fatal.