MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT/EASTERN RECRUITING REGION PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. ? -- Marines hoping to be the next Marine Combat Instructors of Water Survival began the grueling six-week course at the outdoor pool July 29.
The class was made up primarily of drill instructors. Upon successful completion of the course, Marines will be certified to teach swim qualification in the Fleet Marine Force.
The course begins with three weeks of conditioning. These are the hardest days of the course, according to Staff Sgt. Damien Demalteris, Marine Combat Instructor Trainer of Water Survival, Depot Water Survival Section.
"The biggest misconception is that because you're in running shape, you're in shape for the pool. This is a whole different animal," said Demalteris. "We use muscles most people never knew about."
After the three weeks of conditioning, the actual course begins. The first week of the course includes a pre-screening test, which consists of all the elements learned during the previous weeks. It is a pass or fail exam, with those who don't make the grade getting sent home.
"We give all swimmers every opportunity to pass the pre-screening," said Demalteris. "If they don't make it, they pack their sea bags and go back to work."
The MCIWS course is a necessity according to Demalteris.
"The majority of Marines in the fleet have out-of-date swim qualification. When officers call and ask why everyone is past due on certification, the answer is usually related to lack of qualified instructors," said Demalteris.
"Swim qual is essential. Imagine if a Navy vessel went down with an infantry battalion aboard. Those Marines better know how to swim, regardless of what they're wearing," said Demalteris. "I can only save so many people."
In addition to long hours in the water, the Marines in the MCIWS course spend time in the classroom as well. Academics are an essential part of the course, as knowledge of lifesaving procedures can be the difference between life and death, said Demalteris.
"I am very strict when grading the written test because it is important for a rescue swimmer to know exactly what to do in any situation," said Demalteris.
The drill instructors who earn their MCIWS certification will spend their time on quota at the pool training recruits. Staying current on certification can also facilitate teaching environments in the fleet.
"If the drill instructors keep their certification current, once they go back to the fleet they can teach some courses and put a dent in the percentage of untrained Marines," said Demalteris.