Allowed
 

You are allowed to use Snorkel Lips if you have them.

I'm not in the SFQC so I comment carefully here, someone more in the know can confirm or deny.

I was advised by a number of different sources that on the list of "shit you need to have squared away", swimming and specifically the Combat Swim Stroke is WAAAYYY down the list and arguable not on it at all.

Sure, be able to swim 100m with gear on for the SFAS swim test, but anything after this is probably time spent on the wrong priority...? (not that I'm one to comment in this area...:cool: )

My understanding is that with the SFAS swim test 100m of doggy paddle would still pass; it is a safety check not a swimming proficiency test.
i.e. if you fall in water on a night movement during Selection, can you DX your Ruck and swim to safety with out panicking and drowning?).
This is why that have / had the 2 wks? swim school for those who DXed the swim test...

Better information welcome...

Scimitar

Based on what I've read around here you need to be a strong swimmer. The 100 meters is a minimum, and I definitely don't want to get by with the minimum. I am well away from SF, even SFAS. I'm signing in Oct. and I want to be prepared when I get where I am going. I already feel like I'm behind the eight-ball.

Don't worry about it - it'll go away when you sign out and they give you that blue ID card. ;)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

I'm sorry but I don't understand. Sign out...blue ID card?

Retire. :lifter

Richard's $.02 :munchin

Haha, gotcha! Well I guess I can start getting acclimated to the feeling then. Again thank you for the insight.

Again, I could be wrong, but I think the only swimming you will be doing during the whole SFQC is that 100m test. Yes most teams, if not all, have swimming as a required infil technique (i.e. CSS), but my understanding is that there really is no need to learn the Combat Swim Stroke until you hit a team.

Honestly I'm pretty sure that LTC Martin would have mentioned it in his book "Get Selected for Special Forces" if it was important.

What he does say is important is
1) PT Prep incl Rucking
2) Mental / Emotional Prep
3) A bit of Land Nav Prep
4) And the 100m swim test

Doesn't mention anything more then this swim prep wise. If you have those 4 bases covered sure knock yourself out and learn the CSS, but shit what do I know. Just some thoughts from a Non-QP and what he's been told by QPs. Again there are far more qualified then I to give advice in this area.


Scimitar

Well, he left for the course on 5/15. No word yet.
Hope he didn't drown.:munchin

looks like . . .
 

5/15/2004. Now a Ranger schooled infantry PL in the Guard if I read his profile correctly.:eek:

Understood. Will keep working on my swimming, but the Ruck/Run/Landnav will take the front seat.