Is Combat Water Survival Training a graduation requirement for ROTC/commissioning?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 13:35:39 -0400

I am taking swimming lessons but may be weeks away from being a strong swimmer and actually be able to swim for 10 mins or tread water for 5 mins. With the test next week and my fellow ARMY ROTC cadets telling me you will be fine, I was wondering if I could get any insight from those who have gone before me.
Thank you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2017 1:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 13:49:52 -0400

It is my understanding that one must pass this course in order attend LDAC and commission. Contact your Cadre to get further guidance.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2017 2:38 PM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 14:38:39 -0400

You have to pass CWST, once contracted, in order to commission and attend Advanced Camp. If you're in ACUs, look up videos on how to turn them into flotations devices; but your hardest obstacle is the confidence of going off of the high dive.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2017 9:54 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 21:54:23 -0400

I just got told recently by my cadre that passing the CWST is no longer a requirement for the mission set '18. However, you should have the capability to pass it. They change the commissioning requirements every year. I was in the same boat as you and took swimming classes. My school lets you do the CWST events you can. So I have been diving off the board and treading water, I just couldn't pass the rifle swim. Also a tip for the water tread part, the only requirement is to just keep your face above the water. So if you cannot tread you can technically float on your back. Good luck!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2017 7:35 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:35:47 -0400

I contacted Cadet Command about this a year ago. I was told that CWST is a comissioning requirement if your PMS says it is, it's program specific. Your PMS can grant a waiver if you are unable to pass. At my program, the PMS declared CWST to be a requirement, therefore he would not grant waivers.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 5:00 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 17:00:52 -0500

I couldn’t swim to save my life before ROTC. I took swimming lessons last semester and past CWST with ease.