Son of a bitch...a decent question.bobdub wrote:What is the proper swim technique to learn for Ranger training?
I have learned the combat swim stroke, with and without fins, and find it more difficult than the side stroke (with scissor kick). I have been practicing swimming 1000 meters, with and without fins.
I have also found it is impossible to swim with full gear/boots on in my gym's pool, as it is against the rules. Should I even consider practicing this outside of military facilities? I also heard that flotation devices are allowed to be stored inside the rucksack to make it a flotation device, when swimming with gear. I don't want to teach our enemies anything so I would understand if this post was deleted.
I just have no idea if I would drown with full combat gear on.
Thank you for your assistance.
As someone who's basically negatively buoyant, this was my worry in RIP. I prefer the side stroke (unless this is verboten, Affirm or one of our newer Rangers help me out here). It's energy efficient, has a glide period and when you reach and pull with your lead arm you can propel your head up. You look pretty sweet with your arm holding your weapon out of the water.
1. DO NOT SWIM IN FULL EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE OF A POOL.
2. DO NOT SWIM ANYWHERE WITHOUT AN OBSERVER/LIFEGUARD OR SWIM BUDDY.
3. IF YOU SWIM OPEN WATER HAVE A CHASE BOAT OR DRAG FLOATATION BEHIND YOU PAM ANDERSON STYLE (in addition to a buddy or chase boat).
If you need to train for the swim test ask for one of the swim bricks from the pool staff. Swim up to 500m with the brick posted on your arm sticking out of the water (switch arms and sides every 50m). If you can do that you can pass the swim test with boots and equipment on.