JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
According to the Army Water Survival Training Manual, many Soldiers lose their lives each year through their inability to manage themselves in water, which can be due to lack of confidence and expertise.
To expand upon water-based training, more than 75 Soldiers from the 688th and 689th Rapid Port Opening Elements here, completed annual water survival training at Anderson Field House.
Hosted by the 74th Engineer Dive Detachment, this training is one of the many joint events that maintain the RPOEs' readiness.
As part of their mission, RPOEs also conduct Sea Port of Debarkation Missions anywhere in the world, and upload and discharge vessels as part of the nation's global response force.
"Water survival training is imperative to address safety concerns that arise during SPOD operations," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Adams, assigned to the 688th RPOE. "While working on a pier, around vessels, walking on a land bridge, or heading out to discharge a vessel, there is a risk of falling into the water."
According to Adams, cargo specialists latch-load and unshackle equipment while inside the vessel, and in the unlikely event of a leak inside of vessel while working, water survival training could potentially save lives.
During water survival training, Spc. Matthew Lewis, 74th Engineer Dive Detachment second-class diver, focused on building Soldiers' confidence in the water as they learned basic water skills in their combat uniforms.
"I learned the backstroke," said Spc. Shanette Clater, assigned to the 689th RPOE, with a smile. "It's important to teach Soldiers the fundamentals of swimming so they are comfortable around water."
Other training events were the "stride entry" where Soldiers walked off a diving stand, arms extended, into 12 feet of water, proper procedures for treading water and the "hanging float," concentrated on conservation of energy.
The "hanging float" entailed a two-minute test where Soldiers were required tie their legs together and create a flotation device using their trousers. According to the water survival manual, this event allowed Soldiers to achieve a state of calmness and control under their own power without showing signs of undue fear, stress, panic or fatigue.
With all the combination of these training lessons, together the 74th Engineer Dive Detachment and 688th and 689th RPOEs can ensure Fort Eustis Soldiers are better prepared to handle water, if their missions require.