There are several reasons to consider joining the Army’s underwater army. These reasons include Da Vinci’s underwater army to the most rigorous course for combat divers of the Army. You can even train with dolphins Here are five reasons why you should join the Army's underwater army. It's the ultimate way to become a combat diver.
Da Vinci's underwater 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 in chaos at the time and was involved in several international border disputes.
Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance artist who was fascinated with the underwater world. He envisioned a diving army to repel invasions of enemy ships. The soldiers would be equipped in diving suits to cut into enemy ships' hulls. Although this plan never materialized, the underwater army he devised may have inspired the invention of the first scuba equipment.
Special Forces Combat Diver School in Florida Keys
If you are interested in joining the military and want to learn how to conduct covert missions underwater, you can enroll in a Special Forces combat diving school in the Florida Keys. This course will teach you how to use heavy closed-circuit diving equipment. These equipments do not produce bubbles, making them very clandestine and perfect for covert missions. During the training, students will be taught how to use a'mixed gas' system, such as a Draeger LAR-V, which recycles the'mixed gases' that a diver exhales back into the cylinder. Students will also learn about diving mechanics and physiology during the course. 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. Since the 1960s, this facility has been in Keys operation. Combat diving training teaches students how to navigate the ocean floor. 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.
The Army's toughest course for combat divers
The combat diver qualification course focuses on tactical aspects of combat diving. The Mark 25 Draeger Oxygen Rebreather underwater breathing apparatus is also taught in the course. It emits no harmful bubbles, so operators can swim unassisted. Combat divers are also taught how to navigate the oceans, perform various extraction and insertion strategies. This is the most difficult course for combat divers.
Falkenstine successfully completed the seven-week Combat Diver Qualification Course and was then invited to return to the supervisor course. This allows them to supervise combat dive operations. Combat diving requires high levels of physical fitness. However, it can also present a mental challenge. Falkenstine says the training is extremely challenging, but she feels honored to be a member of such an elite community. She believes the camaraderie among combat divers is unmatched.
Training with dolphins
Developing an underwater army with dolphins is not a new idea. The Soviet Union has used dolphins in training its sailors. It also uses seals, and other marine mammals in its training program. 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 faster than humans and have better swim and diving abilities. They can dive without decompression sickness and make excellent patrol animals. The ethical issues surrounding the use of dolphins for weapons are still present. Animal rights activists have long called to end this program.
There are dangers to diving in the Gulf of Mexico
Oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico has left behind oily liquids and volatile, flammable substances. These chemicals are hazardous to marine life, as well as those involved in the cleanup. Avoid areas that could contain oil if you dive in the Gulf of Mexico.
Despite commercial divers being equipped with advanced breathing equipment, the underwater environment can still be extremely difficult. The water can be very cold, currents can make visibility difficult, and visibility can sometimes be dim. Divers also must watch for mud and sand, as well as sharks and stinging flora. In addition, they are exposed to hyperbaric pressure, which can be fatal.