United States military divers

United States Military Divers

U.S. Navy diver conducting underwater operations.

United States military divers are personnel trained to conduct underwater operations in support of military missions. These divers are part of various branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Navy, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force. Each branch has its own specialized diving units and training programs.

History

The history of military diving in the United States dates back to the early 20th century. The U.S. Navy established its first diving school in 1915, which laid the foundation for modern military diving techniques. Over the years, advancements in technology and training have significantly enhanced the capabilities of military divers.

Types of Military Divers

Navy Divers

United States Navy divers are involved in a wide range of operations, including salvage, repair, and demolition. They are trained at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida. Navy divers can be part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, SEALs, or other specialized units.

Army Divers

United States Army divers are primarily responsible for underwater construction and engineering tasks. They are trained at the Army Engineer Dive School, which is also located at the NDSTC. Army divers support both military and civil works projects.

Marine Corps Divers

The United States Marine Corps has a small number of divers who are trained to support amphibious operations. These divers are often part of reconnaissance units and are skilled in underwater demolition and reconnaissance.

Air Force Divers

United States Air Force divers are part of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and are trained to conduct search and rescue operations, as well as underwater demolition.

Training and Qualification

Military divers undergo rigorous training to qualify for their roles. The training includes physical conditioning, diving theory, underwater navigation, and specialized skills such as underwater welding or demolition. Each branch has its own qualification standards and courses.

Equipment

Military divers use a variety of equipment, including scuba gear, surface-supplied diving systems, and specialized tools for underwater tasks. The choice of equipment depends on the mission requirements and environmental conditions.

Operations

Military divers are deployed in various operations, including combat missions, search and rescue, salvage operations, and humanitarian assistance. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of military operations in maritime environments.

Related Pages

• United States Navy SEALs
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center

References

• "U.S. Navy Diving Manual," Naval Sea Systems Command.
• "The History of U.S. Army Diving," U.S. Army Engineer School.
• "Air Force Special Operations Command," United States Air Force.