There are several reasons to consider joining the Army’s underwater army. These include Da Vinci’s underwater army, to the most challenging course for combat divers within the Army. Even dolphins can be trained! These are five reasons why you should consider joining the Army's underwater army. This is the best way for combat divers to get certified.
Da Vinci's submerged army
Leonardo da Vinci invented the diving suit, a device which could have helped the Republic of Venice defeat the Ottoman navy at the turn of the 16th century. The Mediterranean Coast was at that time in turmoil, embroiled in a series international border disputes and even a full-scale conflict.
Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance artist, was fascinated by the underwater world. He dreamed of a diving army to defend against enemy ships. To cut through the hulls of enemy ships, soldiers would be outfitted with diving suits. 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. The course teaches you how to use closed-circuit, heavy dive equipment. These equipments don't produce bubbles which makes them ideal for covert missions. Students will be trained in how to use a'mixed gaz' system like a Draeger LAR–V. This recycles the'mixed chemicals' that a diver exhales and returns them into the cylinder. Students will also learn diving physics and physiological principles during the course. They will also learn how to treat a diver's injuries if they occur while underwater.
One of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Underwater Operations schools is located in the water surrounding the Florida Keys. Since the 1960s the Keys has had the facility in place. 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.
Toughest course for combat divers in the Army
The combat diver qualification course focuses on tactical aspects of combat diving. The Mark 25 Draeger Oxygen Rebreather is a closed-circuit underwater breathing device that emits no bubbles. This allows operators to safely swim unnoticed. Combat divers learn how to navigate oceans and implement various insertion- and extraction strategies. This course is usually the most challenging course for combat divers.
Falkenstine, who had successfully completed the Combat Diver Qualification Course (seven-weeks), was invited back for the Supervisor Course. This will prepare them to lead combat dive operations. Although combat diving requires a high degree of physical fitness, it is also a mental challenge. Falkenstine states that although the training is very difficult, it is an honor to be part of such an elite club. She describes the camaraderie among combat divers as unmatched.
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. The Ukrainian navy resumed its training program after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Dolphins are faster than human beings and can dive better than humans. They are excellent patrol animals and can dive without getting decompression sickness. The ethical issues surrounding the use of dolphins for weapons are still present. Animal rights activists have long called for the end of this program.
The dangers of diving in Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico was contaminated by oil leaking into it, leaving behind brown liquid and volatile, flammable gasses. These chemicals can be harmful to marine life as well as those who are involved in clean-up. Avoid any oily areas if you are diving in the Gulf of Mexico.
Despite being equipped with sophisticated equipment for breathing, commercial divers still find it difficult to navigate the waters. The water is cold, the currents are torturous, and visibility is often poor. Divers should be on the lookout for mud, sand, sharks, and stinging plants. Hyperbaric pressure can also be dangerous for divers.