Students in the Army ROTC program had to complete five different tasks in combat water survival training.
HOUGHTON -- It was sink or swim for students in the Army ROTC program at Michigan Tech.
The cadets completed five different tests for their combat water survival training, including one where they were blindfolded with a gun and jumped off a five-meter high diving platform. One by one the cadets kept their cool as they accomplished each task aimed at teaching them how to survive a hostile water situation.
"I demonstrated everything just to show that the leadership can do it and they're not going to get hurt,” said Cadet Battalion Commander Alexander Phillips. “Right now I’m just overseeing to make sure everyone meets the standards."
The annual training is required to test both swimming ability and confidence level. This year about 60 cadets participated. For first year recruits, the exercise was an exciting opportunity to get their feet wet.
"The jump from the high dive was a rush,” said PFC Reid Barber. “I'd never done it blindfolded before. Overall it went well."
"It’s been really good,” said MS1 Danielle Terry. “I was having nightmares about this last night, but once I got here, it wasn't bad. It's not hard and it's actually pretty fun. I'd go do it again."
From water to land, the training continues later this month. The cadets will participate in a field exercise in which they practice working on the battlefield with an embedded reporter.
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