11.07.2015 Views

The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
  • No tags were found...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Combat Swimmer OperationsWith the current-day <strong>SEAL</strong> teamshaving had their origin in the Scouts andRaiders, Naval Combat Demolition Units, andUnderwater Demolition Teams of World WarII, it is not surprising that combat swimmeroperations are still an important part of theNaval Special Warfare mission. <strong>The</strong>seoperations may last as little as one or two hoursin some situations, and as long as eight to 10hours in others. You may be swimming on thesurface or swimming underwater compasscourses with the Dräeger LAR V or MK 16closed-circuit underwater breathingapparatuses. <strong>The</strong>se operations are often carriedout in very cold water; thus, hypothermia is aconstant concern. In many instances, you willbe towing something in the water (usuallysomething with a very rapid rate ofcombustion), thereby increasing the effort needed to accomplish the mission. Somemissions involve exiting the water and climbing up the side of a ship using a caving ladderor other climbing apparatus. <strong>The</strong>se are difficult maneuvers under any circumstances, butmuch more so when your hands are numb from cold exposure and you are climbing withweapons, ammunition, and explosives. Regular exposure to cold water immersion willhelp to develop physiological adaptations so that you will fare better when subjectedto cold water on a mission. In addition, both upper body and leg strength are important forshipboarding techniques. Grip strength, in particular, is critical for maintaining a firmhold on the rope or ladder. Caving ladder or rope climbs are very important to developthe muscle groups that will be used for shipboarding; you should do these climbs with gearwhenever possible.Swimming with fins is an activity basic to all <strong>SEAL</strong> combat swimmer missions andshould be done on a regular basis in team physical training evolutions. Swimming withoutfins, while a very good activity for promoting cardiovascular fitness, is not typicallyrequired for <strong>SEAL</strong> missions. It is important to mention that encouraging speed on combatswimmer operations is fine for surface swims, but should not be done on underwater swimsbecause of the reduction in the LAR V operating range and increased risk of central nervoussystem oxygen toxicity.High exercise rates under waterincrease the diver's chance ofhaving an oxygen convulsion.24 <strong>SEAL</strong> Mission-Related <strong>Physical</strong> Activities

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!