Okinawa Trains Marines to become Scout Swimmers

Marines prepare to head out on rubber reconnaissance crafts, also known as Zodiacs on Kin Red

Swimming more than 2,000 meters, running three miles, then immediately repeating the process may sound like training for a triathlon to some.

However, for seven Marines who participated in the III Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operations Training Group’s Scout Swimmers Course May 7-23, the intense training regimen was just another day at the beach, specifically the beaches near Camp Hansen.

The training helped prepare them for the challenges involved in establishing a safe landing zone for an amphibious raid force.

The 13-day course focuses on training the Marines to conduct stealthy insertions into landing zones, conduct reconnaissance and then signal an amphibious raid force for safe entry, said Cpl. Joshua D. Oakes, an amphibious raid instructor with SOTG.

During the course, the Marines trained to identify obstacles in the surf zone such as powerful currents, hidden obstructions or man-made objects in the water, all of which could prove disastrous for an amphibious raid force.

“If the surf zone is impassable or there are obstacles, a raid force coming in on line could lead to broached boats and injured Marines,” Oakes said.

In the first week of the course the Marines conducted rigorous training session’s everyday to ensure they could meet the physical demands of being a scout swimmer and pass the course curriculum, according to Oakes.

The second week included tests such as swimming more than 2,000 meters carrying a combat load against the current in less than an hour.

“This course definitely separates the men from the boys,” said Lance Cpl. Manuel Marquez, a participant and warehouse clerk with SOTG. “This is one of the hardest thing’s I’ve done in the Marine Corps.”

Because water can have an adverse effect on equipment, part of the course focused on water proofing items, including maps, weapons and ammunition.

“If you get to the fight and your gear isn’t useful, then you’re useless,” Marquez said. “You become a sitting duck in water basically.”

As a final test in the course, the Marines conducted a clandestine insertion at night on Kin Blue, during which they swam approximately 500 meters to shore. Then they moved onto the beach, established a safe landing zone and signaled a mock raid force to invade.

“If we don’t move covertly, the element of surprise is blown,” said Lance Cpl. James Calhoon, a participant and aviation information systems specialist with SOTG. “That could prove disastrous.”