United States military divers

United States military divers are specialized members of the United States Armed Forces who are trained in underwater diving and combat. They perform a variety of roles including reconnaissance, demolition, salvage, and combat.

History

The history of United States military divers dates back to the American Civil War, when the Union Navy employed divers to clear obstructions and perform salvage operations. The use of divers in the military expanded during World War I and World War II, with the development of new diving technologies and techniques.

Training

Training for United States military divers is rigorous and demanding. It includes physical conditioning, underwater navigation, demolition training, and combat training. The United States Navy operates the Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida, which is the primary training facility for all U.S. military divers.

Roles and Responsibilities

United States military divers perform a wide range of tasks, including:

• Reconnaissance: Divers are often used to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance in underwater environments.
• Demolition: Divers are trained to use explosives to destroy enemy structures and vessels.
• Salvage: Divers may be called upon to recover sunken ships, aircraft, or other equipment.
• Combat: In times of war, divers may engage in direct combat with enemy forces.

Equipment

United States military divers use a variety of equipment, including scuba gear, rebreathers, underwater navigation equipment, and underwater demolition equipment. They may also use specialized equipment for specific missions, such as underwater cameras for reconnaissance or explosive ordnance disposal equipment for demolition tasks.

See Also

• United States Navy SEALs
• United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance
• United States Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School