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MARQUETTE -- It's a standardized test for ROTC cadets, complete with bubbles, but not the kind you fill in with a number two pencil...the ones in the water.

Over 40 Northern Michigan University cadets jumped in early Wednesday morning to complete a required part of their training:  their combat water survival test.

"We do it to prepare for the worst and hope for the best," said Captain Benjamin Hormann.  "There would be situations where some of these students might have to cross a river with their vehicle.  If they're going in a convoy, enters the water, they'll have to escape that vehicle and drop their equipment and help save the soldiers around them."

The test consists of four trials:  treading water for five minutes, a 25-meter swim with guns and equipment, a high jump, and improvised flotation.

"It's very nervous at first, but after you do it, it's very smooth," said Cadet Brett Dehanas.

The goal of the test is to instill confidence in cadets.

"They're going to become officers, and a lot of the soldiers are looking up to their lieutenant or their platoon leader, which these students will become after they graduate and get their commission from Northern Michigan University," Hormann said.

The exam is pass-fail, and cadets have to retake it each semester to stay fresh.  But not all students start as skilled swimmers.  Junior Jake Pfiester failed the test several times in the past. Wednesday, for the first time, he passed.

"I'm proud of what I did," said Pfiester.  "I mean, this is a big step for me, not passing for two-and-a-half years.  It's a big relief."

Those cadets who didn't pass Wednesday's exam are required to take swimming classes that are paid in full by the Army.  They're allowed to take the exam as many times as they want until they pass.