Posted on Aug 21, 2021
What if I’m not a very strong swimmer for RASP/SF?
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I’m not a strong swimmer. Is swimming a requirement for RASP graduation?
Special Operations
Special Forces
Ranger
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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Yes it is, but the swim test is pretty easy. If you can't pass it, you can't pass Ranger School, most of the physical requirements for RASP mirror the requirements for Ranger School down to the five mile run. Since you're expected to pass Ranger School once you're in Regiment start learning to swim in boots now.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SFC (Join to see) - Imagine swimming a 13 ton vehicle that had maybe 4" of freeboard and would swamp in a heartbeat. Too fast or too steep of an entry, the driver not smooth on the throttle (speeding up and slowing down made the M113 rock in the water, which leads to water coming in, then swamping), wake off a boat, too windy, the list goes on. We were still swimming them when I first enlisted, it was one of the scariest things I did in the service. I would rather deal with misfired caps on a demolition charge.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SFC (Join to see) - And it doesn't help that a Rubber Ducky weights about 3 times what an M16A1 weights.
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SFC (Join to see)
CPT Lawrence Cable that just sounds horrible and like the sketchiest Army shit ever
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SFC (Join to see) when it came my turn to drive, about all I could think about was could I get through the hatch wearing a life jacket. We rode with the squad compartment hatch open, which would have let you swamp quicker, but not kill the whole squad. There were solid reasons why they quit.
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Yes. We did a swim test outside in January. It was in Georgia but had thin layer of ice. Got knocked in backwards reciting the Ranger creed blindfolded had to keep weapon above water swam the length of the pool. Have to be able to function in water so practice..Rangers lead the way
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I don't know if it is, but I suggest you hit the pool as part of your training plan. When I had pool PT I watched a couple of rangers go through some water drills.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
Combat Water Survival Test, 15 Meter Swim with full uniform, boots, LBE with full canteens and an M16. They use a rubber version that is far heavier. Can't touch the sides. My first time through, you had to keep the rifle above water, the other times that wasn't a requirement. Then blindfolded off the 3 meter board, come up and swim to the edge without dropping the rifle. Then last was the gear drop. You stepped off the edge of the pool backwards, went under and shed your LBE and Rifle, then tread water until the Instructor was satisfied you had control. I was diving a lot back in those days, the gear drop about kicked my ass after the instructor had me redo it three times. I'm pretty sure I passed on round one.
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