There are many reasons you should consider joining an Army's underwater arm. These include Da Vinci’s underwater army, to the most challenging course for combat divers within the Army. You can even train with dolphins Here are five reasons you should join the Army’s underwater army. This is the best way to become combat diver.
Da Vinci's underwater army
Leonardo da Vinci invents the diving suit. This device could have helped the Republic of Venice defeat Ottoman Navy at the turn of 16th century. The Mediterranean Coast was in turmoil at the time. It was embroiled with a series of international border disputes that included a full-scale civil war.
Leonardo da Vinci, Renaissance artist, was fascinated about the underwater world. He envisioned a diving army to repel invasions of enemy ships. They would have diving suits that they could use to cut through enemy ships' shells. Although the plan was never realized, his underwater army may have inspired the invention the first scuba gear.
Special Forces Combat Diver School in Florida Keys
A Special Forces combat school in Florida Keys is available to anyone who is interested in joining military service and learning how to perform covert missions underwater. During this course, you will learn how to use heavy, closed-circuit dive 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. During the course, students will also learn about diving physics and physiology. They will also learn how the to treat any injuries suffered by divers while submerged.
One of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Underwater Operations schools is located in the water surrounding the Florida Keys. The facility has been in operation in the Keys since the 1960s. Combat diving training also teaches students how the seafloor can be navigated. This training is important as a contractor once excavated munitions from the Civil War 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 in combat diving. The Mark 25 Draeger Oxygen Rebreather (closed-circuit underwater breathing system) is taught. It emits no air bubbles and allows divers to go unnoticed. Combat divers learn how to navigate oceans and implement various insertion- and extraction strategies. This course is the most difficult one 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 high levels of physical fitness. However, it can also present a mental challenge. Falkenstine acknowledges the challenges of combat diving, but feels honored to be part in such an elite group. She said she is astonished at the camaraderie between combat divers.
Training with dolphins
A dolphin-powered underwater army isn't a new concept. The Soviet Union has used dolphins to train its sailors. It also trains its sailors with seals and other marine mammals. Though the program was discontinued after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian navy resumed its training program a few years ago.
Dolphins are quicker than humans and have better swimming and diving skills. They are great patrol animals as they can dive with no decompression sickness. The ethical issues surrounding the use of dolphins for weapons are still present. Animal rights activists long demanded the end of this program.
Dive in the Gulf of Mexico: Dangers
Oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico has contaminated the water, leaving behind brown liquid oil and volatile, flammable gases. These chemicals can be harmful to marine life as well as those who are involved in clean-up. Avoid areas that could contain oil if you dive in the Gulf of Mexico.
Even though commercial divers have sophisticated breathing equipment, it is still very challenging in the water environment. The water temperature is low, the currents and visibility are often poor. Divers also must watch for mud and sand, as well as sharks and stinging flora. Additionally, they may be exposed to high baric pressure which can lead to death.