Underwater demolition team

Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) is a term used to refer to a specialized unit of the military that is trained to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, demolition, and salvage in underwater conditions. These teams are often part of a country's navy or special forces.

History

The concept of UDTs originated during World War II, when the United States Navy recognized the need for covert reconnaissance of beach landing areas and coastal defenses. As a result, the Amphibious Scout and Raider School was established in 1942 at Fort Pierce, Florida. The Scouts and Raiders were formed in September of that year, just nine months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Training

Training for UDTs is rigorous and physically demanding. It includes scuba diving, parachuting, and combat swimming, as well as learning to use explosives and other demolition equipment. The training also involves learning to operate various types of boats and watercraft.

Operations

UDTs are often deployed for missions that include reconnaissance of potential landing beaches, demolition of obstacles and mines, and salvage operations. They may also be involved in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.

Legacy

The UDTs of the United States Navy were the precursor to the modern-day Navy SEALs, and their training and operations laid the groundwork for the methods and techniques used by the SEALs today.

See also

• Navy SEALs
• Special forces
• Scuba diving
• Parachuting