Cadets Conduct “Operation Finding Dory”

October 18, 2016

This week for lab the Fightin’ Tigers performed “Operation Finding Dory”. This lab was tasked so we could fulfill the Cadet Command’s Combat Water Survival Training (CWST) and Diagnostic Swim Test which is a commissioning requirement. The purpose of this lab is to teach and train each Cadet the necessary lessons to surviving in the water while equipped with U.S. Army issued equipment. This lab consisted of 5 separate training sections. The first part was a 10-minute swim in the lap pool. For this section, Cadets had full ACUs on, with the exception of our blouse and boots. The next portion was 5-minutes of treading water in the same exact equipment as the previous portion. Both of these sections were meant to help enhance our ability to remain afloat in water while wearing our uniform. The next three sections consisted of more tactical training, the first one being a 3-meter drop from the diving board. For this portion, Cadets were blind-folded and had to hold a rubber duck M16 out in front of them as they were pushed off the diving board. After you dropped, you were required to keep the weapon out of the water as you proceeded to swim over to the nearest ladder. The 4^th part of this lab was the equipment ditch. Equipped with a rubber duck M16, FLC vest (Fighting Load Carrier), and full ACUs, Cadets were instructed to jump in the water and remove the FLC before reaching the surface. This portion was particularly difficult for lighter because they are not very heavy, so they don’t have much time under water to remove my equipment before  reemerging out of the water. The final section of the training was a 15-meter swim while wearing full ACU’s, a FLC, and a M16. Many Cadets found it useful to crawl through the water using their free arm, while some Cadets proceeded to turn backwards and allow their legs to do most of the work for them. Once Cadets completed all 5 sections, they had passed the CWST.

Personally, I found this lab very useful because I had no prior experience swimming through water with so much equipment. It helped me develop a sense of when to use which particular strokes in order to stay afloat, while keeping my body under control and well rested. The most important part of labs like this are building camaraderie among Cadets and teaching military instruction. This lab was very successful in both aspects and I’m sure every Cadet benefited from it.

-CDT Heitkamp