How Hard is the SPECIAL FORCES SCUBA School?

The Special Operations Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC), also known as Dive School or SCUBA School, is one of the hardest and most respected schools in the global Special Operations community.
If you are trying to prepare for the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course then you must do PT with your local Dive Team.
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[@maxrobbins2023]

So this guy is a green beret, ranger, and went to dive school? Hot damn.

[@wuotanaz1106]

Ranger school and dive school are required to become a green beret.

[@illRalph]

Wuotanaz not true

[@gonzowrenn6036]

Wuotanaz definitely not true. Ranger school is a leadership school.

[@jackmehoff915]

@@wuotanaz1106 nope

[@jackmehoff915]

@@wuotanaz1106 Ranger school isnt even required to be a Ranger

[@elguapo5490]

I was in Airborne school with someone who had a dive badge. I knew by reputation already that diving school is one of the toughest in the Army. He wasn’t in SF, he was a support guy for SF. I asked him how tough was the diving school. He shrugged his shoulders, had a slight grin on his face, and said “we had fun everyday.” He thought it over and corrected himself. “Well, I had fun” he said. I think he was a bit of an anomaly. It did not seem difficult for him. He must have been part fish.

[@vanivermo]

El Guapo hes a knuckle dragger and loves the challenge 😂 awesome man

[@feenix6152]

@Remember Eagle Flight hey, Im trying to become a PJ and I know at some point in the pipeline I will have to go to CDQC, what would you recommend for someone like me to do in order to prepare themselves, because I feel like even though I would have to pass indoc to become a PJ, It wouldn't prepare me for CDQC though I know pre-dove / pre-scuba is there for that, what other things should I do to prepare, because all I have been doing as of recent is doing water con activities such as drown proofing and swimming around 1,500 yards every time I go to my local pool which I go to usually 2 times a week. Any suggestions? would be much appreciated, thank you!

[@hammerlane3871]

yeah if somebody is going to claim they went through SWUFO and didnt think about quitting, they're full of shit. he probably went through the armys regular dive school

[@blackopssurgicalsniper6189]

@Remember Eagle Flight Spot on. I was a cert. SCUBA diver since I was 13. Hundreds of dives with many Deco dives. I was offered the Army dive school in Hawaii and we were issued a "Hard-hat" patch. Definitely not the modern Combat Diver badge, not sure that training was available back in the Vietnam days.

[@jtstevenson81]

@@feenix6152 Please come back and let us know how your progress towards becoming a PJ went. I believe that PJ is the toughest training and most difficult qualification to obtain in the entire military. 9 out of 10 guys fail. A 90% failure rate. Insane.

[@jaco5187]

I'm Navy. I went to Afghanistan with a SEAL team doing Intel support. Most SEALs have mad respect for Army guys who complete this course.

[@hammerlane3871]

we have respect for anybody in special ops, we understand the shit they had to endure to get where they are. only way to lose that respect is to not show the same motivation or sacrifice on a mission that we do. men like kyle carpenter, dakota Meyers, ryan pitts, all stared death in the face and said 'these are my brothers, the ones I love the most, I'm not letting you die today, I'll willingly go in their place'

[@BenaldinhoOG]

NSW TEAM 2 honestly cringe reading this hollywood script of a comment. How did you write that and actually think it sounded badass. You sound 10

[@garbanzobeans7984]

NSW TEAM 2 it’s unfortunate you’ve brought this atrocious act of stolen valor upon yourself. Perhaps you can write the wrong by outing yourself.

[@crumplygrub3212]

@@hammerlane3871 if your in the Navy Seal, don’t you do this, and like, 20 other things? Ik you guys have 6 or 7 months of training right? I’m 15 so don’t be too tragic if I’m gettin it wrong but I’ve watched some videos and BUDS, look hard as hell. This 8 week course looks like a walk in the park for you giys

[@dv6781]

@@crumplygrub3212 it’s literally the same thing as 2nd phase in buds. In the video he even said they had Seal instructors. Underwater knot tying, bobbing with hands and feet tied, 50 meter underwaters, and the infamous pool comp test. Those and many other things mentioned are all apart of Buds. The only difference is they’re doing it all at an Army base in Florida instead of the Naval Amphibious base in Coronado.

[@zeppkfw]

6:13 I love how he mentions that he's thankful that you don't get harassed when you eat food.

[@noodles5438]

He went ranger school and hated their cafeteria service.

[@davidb8373]

Getting harassed during meals pretty much happened during my childhood. Combat diver seems pretty easy by comparison

[@nadnavlis240]

You can't keep the food down anyway. The more you eat, the more you puke. I learned my lesson early. Dinnertime was the only time I ate more than a couple of bites, and that's only when we weren't doing a night dive too.

[@tommyh3113]

Even bad asses need their cookies

[@hp4788]

Tommy H and milk, don’t forget the milk 🥛💪🏽

[@sirdeakia]

HE NEEDED SOME MILK

[@crumplygrub3212]

@@hp4788 tea, tea, tea. I need tea, it is the best thing in the world and it goes with literally anything

[@matthewemery4205]

to all the guys who tried but failed much respect for even trying out matt from canada

[@alejandropreciado1814]

Andrew you’re funny.

[@Pedro-ho2xj]

@Andrew he just said he respected them, chill

[@gotzmadskittlez3406]

@Andrew Let me guess. You think you're one of these "winners"

[@z1ll4jr53]

@@gotzmadskittlez3406 And who are you?

[@gotzmadskittlez3406]

@@z1ll4jr53 Seeing as you can't even see the comment I replied to, and thus the context of my reply, I'm not about to go defending myself to someone who's just trying to be angry.

[@kohnbonn9744]

I attended pre scuba at Ft. Bragg. Hands down one of the hardest schools in the Army. I thought I was good in the water until I got in the pool at Pope AFB. By the end of first week I was afraid to even get in the shower at home. Hahaha the smell of chlorine to this day brings back horrible memories.

[@eightosaurusspelunk1598]

Kohn Bonn Agreed. This course proved to be beyond my ability

[@kohnbonn9744]

Eightosaurus Spelunk yea bud it takes a very peticular kind of soldier to complete this course. I went to airborne after basic and got to my company and went pretty much straight to RSLC. After graduating RSLC my PSG asked if I wanted to go to pre scuba. I had no idea what I was getting myself into haha.

[@blackbeard0074]

Kohn Bonn yeah anything envolving water competency and underwater diving is going to be hard af, i would say BUDS and Army scuba school is probably the hardest thing u can do because not everyone is waterborn

[@bighands69]

I would suggest that people before they attend such course to be involved in water rescue, rescue diving and or life saving. All of the above can put you into your discomfort zone and push you.

[@ericn8742]

bighands69 good thing im doing lifeguarding then haha

[@theherooflfr9869]

What many do not know is, that at the end to qualify, every single one of them has to befriend a shark

[@joshhaddock6772]

TheHero ofLfr bruh what 😂

[@noodles5438]

You’re wrong, you must have got it confused, they have to befriend a dolphin, only the navy gets to befriend sharks.

[@O5FS]

yeah in the army you have to befriend a ostrich

[@____________838]

Wait, befriend!? I had to bed one!!!

[@nes.torfernandez]

Sharks don’t do nothing. I’m not a navy and I dove with 10-20 of them daily as part of my job

[@sfdanceron1]

Great respect for those bringing the fight from the depths of the sea.

[@namkul]

Wow. You have ranger, special forces tab and combat diver qualified. 💪🏼

[@The85F0X]

namkul most guys on an ODA multiple specialties.

[@namkul]

The85F0X thats the epitome of a badass

[@coreywilliams1454]

Pretty much every SF guy has a ranger tab and most either have MFF or Combat Diver.....

[@bighands69]

Not all army special forces are rangers. Many members of special forces served in the 75th.

[@coreywilliams1454]

You have no idea what you are talking about. Usually withing six months of getting to an ODA they will go to Ranger school if not already tabbed. Being Ranger tabbed isn't the same as being a ranger.

[@Marine_Ret]

Night diving is the ultimate haunted house - not for the weak

[@HWG-wm8ld]

Big time. Can’t see but a foot in front of you, if that, the sounds of the natural ocean and when placing mines on hulls, that still freaks me out in a good way.

[@TurtleBayMentor]

This was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I graduated from CDQC in 1984 (Class 4-84) even though I already had my SF tab and later earned my Ranger tab, SF Scuba School was the hardest 8 weeks of my life and I was super proud to wear the 'bubble badge!' Bobbing and Crossovers gave me nightmares for months afterward. Thanks for posting this video - it brings back lots of memories!

[@damilolaowolabi6716]

Mad respect man. It takes guts to have this kind of goal then fulfill it

[@UnderSprayedWhiteSkies]

When did the Army change its Combat Diver badge to the current one (it now has a pair of fish (sharks?), crossed daggers behind, and different looking dive mask)? Why did the Army change it? IMO the original badge looked better, simpler, more recognizable.

[@samuellp1146]

@Michael M you said you got your SF tab before Ranger school? I thought Ranger school came before like after airborne school. What made you decide to get SF CDQC ? With all those creds were you law enforcement (they love you guys 😉)? Hats off to you man, thanks for serving.

[@TurtleBayMentor]

@@samuellp1146 Thanks for your comment, Sam. I wanted to be a Green Beret since I was a teenager. Special Forces sent me to Scuba school. The SF Scuba teams were always the baddest among all the badasses at Fort Bragg. That's why I wanted to go. Later on, I became an officer, commissioned in the infantry, and the Army wants all of its infantry officers to earn their Ranger tab. So there I went. When I got out of the Army as a Captain, I went into business for myself. As for LEO, I respect those guys, but I could never put up with the crap they have to tolerate on a daily basis. I'm quite certain I'd get myself into trouble pretty quickly by beating the crap out of the first criminal who back-talked me. So yeah, that's not for me. Plus, once I started making real money as a business owner, it's really hard to take a huge pay cut and work for somebody else. But I do remember the recruiting pitches from the FBI, DEA, etc. Several of my friends went in that direction.

[@samuellp1146]

@@TurtleBayMentor great story Michael again thanks for serving and sharing🤝.

[@theunknowncitizen7743]

Probably the coolest badge in the army.

[@carldavis9999]

I'm proud of my Jump Wings but to my way of thinking the "coolest" badge (and most dangerous to get) is the CIB. I earned mine with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in RVN.

[@carldavis9999]

My younger brother Gary was a medic with our 3rd battalion in 1970-'71. The CMB is equally as esteemed. Airborne!

[@kendavis7680]

Any unit's "Doc" is a very important person. How about the one from "Hacksaw Ridge?" Nothing short of absolutely incredible.

[@GODWITHUS0712]

@@carldavis9999 CIB is good but this special forces combat driver course looks insane.

[@carldavis9999]

@@GODWITHUS0712 - As is the Ranger Tab and HALO badge etc. However one cannot compare any of these training badges (IMO) to an actual combat badge such as the CIB or CMB (Medic) . My mom met my step-dad MSG Harry L. Denny in Key West back in the 1970's when he was one of the head diving instructors of that school. He was also one of the first HALO jumpers with over 800 jumps. Additionally he served three tours in Vietnam with 5th SFG. - Airborne!

[@HotaruZoku]

"Life is a Special Operation." ….deeper than I expected.

[@dc-py9dz]

I was stationed in Key West in 1974/1975 (regular army). The instructors at the SF school provided dive training for the local GI's in order to get PADI certified. They were a great bunch of guys and provided this training as a service to military personnel. They were tough SOB's but were very patient with us non-SF students and they provided top notch training. I have a lot of respect for them. I still remember my dive instructor's name (along with my DI in basic training). Some things you never forget.

[@notundermywatch3163]

This course really says quite a bit about the men who graduate from it.

[@DeathGroup]

Amen

[@DeathGroup]

The dude I met in 5th group most badass person I’ve ever met

[@sethpermenter7671]

Dude you're one on the most badass men alive like damn and thank you for your service.

[@neonknight-1522]

@@ryanmcneila1957 Your insecurities can be seen from miles away.

[@narcotics-eb3om]

@@ryanmcneila1957 oh shut up civilian, i bet you can't go 2 seconds to special forces training without acting like an idiot

[@spungmike]

I love how just the cook is tabbed to the max also..

[@baki9191]

I can't even fathom the level of confidence someone would need to have to even start this school. Jesus christ that looks hard.

[@logicsfinest3471]

All I’ll say is this. My utmost respect to those men who went through special forces training and served as operators. I never served but my grandfather fought in WW2, my dad fought in Korea and my brother was Marine Force Recon. My hats off to anyone who served in our military. This civilian respects you.

[@haiguizeify]

I just love hearing you talk honestly

[@h3thegoat341]

Edward Bensley lowkey no homo

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Kinda creepy, Edward. But I am glad you like the videos. Have a good one.

[@h3thegoat341]

Life is a Special Operation he responded! Woah

[@carldavis9999]

My step father. MSG (Ret) Harry Denny was one of the head instructors @ the Key West SF Dive School back in the 1970's. He also did three tours of duty with 5TH SFG in Vietnam. Airborne!

[@papaparsnip2285]

Ranger, Special Forces, Combat Diver, Airborne?! Dude WTF, you're badass.

[@jimmylee6547]

I'll stick to trading and being a financial adviser. Thanks for all you do. I mean that.

[@mikethewise2000]

The CDQC is optional buddy.

[@zimar8509]

Are u a broker?

[@jimmylee6547]

Yes - but not quite. I'm beyond being a "traditional" broker. I do not partake in the sector anymore, I focus more on macro settings.

[@IDvfy]

teach me to trade?

[@TurfDoe]

Aeternak Why would he do that?

[@VikingPreparedness]

Good explanation. DOL

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

VikingPreparedness god bless you pastor joe fox

[@xjustinplaguex8603]

@@hondaridgelineenduser5934 x2

[@victorvasquez2788]

Thank You for service, I have the up most Respect for our Men/Women in U.S. Military. Great info.

[@bearman000ify]

You have earned my utmost respect! Thank you for your service, and sacrifices, in protection of this great country!

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Attended the earlier version of this course in 1977 while assigned to 7th SFGA. I personally think the two weeks of pre-scuba were the most physically challenging. You are correct in your summaries - morning PT, breakfast, pool time, lunch, class room and then open water swims. Our open water swims began with long distance surface swims and we progressed to underwater navigation swims. Just a couple of points from my time - the only time we were allowed to be out of arms reach of our dive buddy was during chow and time off. In all other cases, regardless of the event we had to be within arms reach. Naturally, there was a bit of give when we ran to the toilet. Our surface and sub-surface swims we were graded on time and on sub-surface accuracy. Once off the boat, we took a compass heading, dove and didn't break surface again until we hit the beach. At that point our time was recorded and distance from the target measured. For both these swims, we were tethered to our swim buddy. Whomever was designated the "navigator" was the one graded. The other was along for the ride. We trained on two rebreathers - the CCR-1000 and Dredgers. Understand in 1977 both rigs were new technology so the learning curve was steep. I thought the CCR-1000 too complicated as you had to constantly monitor a wrist mounted monitoring system with a series of lights that would tell you your CO2 level, etc. It was a huge pain and several guys during pool training blacked out. Fortunately, when it came to the open water swim we used the Dredgers. Chow for us was at a nearby Navy facility. We rode the bus wearing swim trucks and camo tops and covers. It was the designated uniform for students. Our final PT run was 10-miles and the route took us through downtown Key West. The date/time for this run was well known by locals so it was no surprise to see citizens along the street cheering us on. I'll say Key West has it share of colorful characters and I think everyone of them was out putting on a show as we ran by. I thought I was in great shape when I started but it was a butt kicker but boy could I run like a deer after I graduated. Do they still have the class boards displayed in the barracks?

[@internetpeople1064]

Except the physical fitness portion, harassment, and timed events, many of these skills learned and demonstrated are also part of dive leadership in the civillain side. As a deep technical diver I've had to do many of these same events mentioned, with exception of environment(military), as a divemaster, and instructor trainee, and deep technical divemaster. Still much respect to the guys that complete this course.

[@bryanstanley25]

Respect to anyone who completes this course

[@williamlydon2554]

It never occurred to me SF do similar dive training as SEALs. I'm enjoying learning the ins and outs of Army SF training regiments you've been talking about on your channel.

[@cgsai2008]

Great video as always! Solid salute to your achievement during the course!

[@blazetaylor6989]

Lol when I was training with ODA at Ft. Hood one of the guys said, "Once you get through Selection and Q-Course, and you're showing up to your unit for the first time, if you really want to give the SGM a hard on tell them you want Dive School." Then everyone chuckled darkly lol.

[@YeahImChristian]

I want to be a navy FMF corpsman and you don't know how much I respect people like you! I COULD NEVER BE AS GOOD AS YOU GUYS! Ya'll give me the drive to excersice and stay in shape so after high school I'll be able to make it!

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Chrsitian, don't put your self down. SOF isn't for everyone. Good luck as a corpsman. Being a medic is a great job.

[@YeahImChristian]

Life is a Special Operation Thanks man!

[@patrickmcshane7658]

non SOF qualified are among our bravest heroes ever to serve, Doc.

[@lrsd3drrd448]

Christian Berrien First you need to get that self negativity thing taken care of, and elevate the self motivation. You can do it brother. And when you accomplish your goal your team is going to call you Doc. Imagine how that is going to make you feel. (It's a Great feeling)

[@ev65302]

FMF Corpsman.... Marines will definitely take care of you. Corpsman are very well respected in the Corps. Nobody and I mean nobody fucks with DOC! A few years back I was in the hospital and the guys that were working on me were good. I asked if any were ever a Corpsman. I had one answer up that yes he was a Corpsman. He was Straight Navy Doc, I wouldn’t let the others touch. I trust Doc no matter what. Semper Fi.

[@leopoldoastudillo7189]

You guys are the real superheroes...RESPECT!

[@kaneolivera9445]

I went through some of this in Norway... the commercial diving school has very similar selection process 50 meters one breath and 8 km in the open seas and so on were the requirements to advance further... much respect to you bro...nice vid

[@Slarti]

Very interesting, I went through the British boarding school system(for 10 years) which strangely enough had a similarly rigorous and intense schedule. If you got a punishment you got over it, however if the cook screwed up the whole day was ruined. I can imagine the one man comp involving finding out that the main regulator does not work and having to find the octopus - it's fascinating seeing how people panic when something goes wrong underwater. Respect for you getting through all of this.

[@patrickmcbrien9303]

Add in being narced at depth ppl go crazy

[@willepete0088]

Gotta be street smart and think on your toes when working in water environments. I've been a Rescue Diver for 6 years. When I get out of college I'm considering SF and definitely perusing CDQC.

[@evilldead6824]

Really interesting to hear what u guys go through first hand. Much respect and thanks for ur service.

[@rickysmith4403]

Glad for this video I’m fixing to try to go into the navy as a diver and seal tryouts. So all this helps me so thank you.

[@robertnewell4054]

“.... LUNG CRUSHING....” ‘Nuff said

[@militarygunny3931]

Thanks so much for the advice! This is my last video before shipping out to Fort Jackson as a 92 Yankee. June 4th. I love you man

[@Motherofchicken]

Good luck

[@1Larriva]

I went to Jackson back in the day. Don’t stress yourself out it’s easy, just make friends and have fun with it.

[@robnice]

Enjoy the experience, you will make friends and remember this time for LIFE. Come out of your shell and be in learning mode at all times. HOOAH

[@AndreS-xq5nk]

Heh, POG.

[@mgway4661]

No 12B's in Batt..

[@bengesell]

Best days of my life. At 6:10 in this video explains why I remember eating So well. I was there in 2003. Thanks for putting this up so I can relive those days.👍🏼

[@semperfidelis6235]

Cool, Calm, and Collective..... Wow dude, so much training. Very intense not only for this training but as a Jump Master, the acceptance to get the GB.... thank you for your service. Semper Fidelis!

[@lukasethan6429]

Wow. I’m former Army, 11B. Much respect. Worked with 5th Group in Iraq. Class act all of SF.

[@eightosaurusspelunk1598]

Respect, friend. I didn't make the cut for CDQC. You have to be truly good in the water to make it. Again... respect

[@johnrodriguez3870]

Special Operations Forces Personnel ( Special Forces, Rangers, MARSOC Raider CSOs, Special Warfare Airmen and SEALs, etc. and et.al., who undergo and successfully complete The Combatant Diver Course, id est, SCUBA School, deserve to wear The Badge on their Uniforms, and, deserve My Respect for having undergone a program of instruction that no Civilian POS nor even a Military Forces POG can merely skate on through. DIVER DOWN SUPERINTENSIFIED!!🇺🇸🦅🗽⚔️🔫

[@jameyhenderson7271]

I am a disabled Vet. My last 2yrs was a flight medic with D Co 160th SOAR in the Republic of Panama. I am also a PADI divemaster. The water is no joke. One of my PAs at Fort Bragg was a diver. He went either before or after the Panama invasion in the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis. I think that's correct. I've been out a while. He didn't talk about it much other than how brutal it was. His dive buddy had a heart attack on a night swim if i remember correctly. But diving is fun. So are water jumps. But combat diving is very dangerous. Although i don't have that badge but my PA and SEALS I've worked with would say how difficult it is. As well as the SF guys i worked with and went on missions with. So all divers, regardless of branch, have my upmost respect. They deserve it. No question about it. I was not tough enough.

[@johnf8784]

My Class Captain at Law Enforcement Academy in Key West was a Combat Diver Trainer at Sigsbee. I finished the course in the best shape of my life. Be safe Dave and Thanks.

[@crumplygrub3212]

You graduated from Subba School? I got a question. Do you do long swims with freestyle swimming, or the combat side stroke?

[@CandC68]

Impressive how much this training/facility has evolved since I went through in '67. Excellent.

[@kendavis7680]

Hey! Someone from when I went. And yes, they were just learning how to train us properly, back then. I graduated on approximately 15-20 July 1967. Were we in the same class? (I hope you spot this. Perhaps we can reconnect.) My name is Ken, if that helps, and my swim buddy was a 2nd Lt named Jon. It was a tough course, but from the description, it is even tougher today. There was not even a DCQC badge at that time. Oh, and they did not even have a budget to fly us down. We drove from Bragg to Flemming Key, 4 men to a POV. BTW-The first cycle class in '67 was early, something like Jan-March. The 2nd cycle was cancelled. And my class was the 3rd cycle, finishing just after 15 July. I will try to keep track, to see if you reply CandC68.

[@CandC68]

@@kendavis7680 Heya Ken. I'm clueless as to actual dates I was there in '67. I had gone thru the SFOC then had to wait for TS clearance which ended up taking 9 months. Had a choice of schools (UWO, or Halo). As I had gone thru a civilian scuba course in California, while doing terribly in college there, and loved it, UWO seemed natural. After UWO I took a night course in French and had to cut it short to go to Pre-mission course b4 going to Vietnam. "Somewhere" I have some photos I took while at scuba school. Hard to believe the new facility is the same place. Probably aren't even any scorpions to play with. If we were in the same class you would remember one of our LTs who lived in the Fla panhandle had gone home briefly and on return saw a large rattlesnake on the road side. So he of course pulled over and killed it. And brought the unmarked body back. His first mission was to prop it up in the dirt trail we used to go to town. Scared a few of us drunks pretty good. Next mission was they broke into the stand up locker of one of our instructors and put it on the top shelf facing whoever opened the door. Amazing I don't recall we suffered more than normal for that. Later we did a dissection of the snake. I have it's fangs in a tin "somewhere." B-)

[@kendavis7680]

@@CandC68 I just spotted your reply. BTW-What is your name? I am Ken Davis. I think that the only memorable incident from my class happened on a night compass swim to shore (perhaps 1 or 2 miles?). The slowest swim team didn't compensate enough (Kentucky windage/not precise) for their swim speed and the tide flowing past Flemming Key. When they hit shore, towing the required surface light, they were looking down the working end of the guard's locked & loaded M-16s on the Nike Base. In Nam, by any chance did you meet/know Sammy Coutts? He was there for most of '68, on the Mike Force. He took an 11mo extension for re-enlistment, & deployed to Nam. Then, after 11mo there, he came home, decided he had enough, & called it quits. He died in Jackson WY about 5yrs ago. Lookin' for your reply, -kn

[@CandC68]

@@kendavis7680 I know I wasn't in that class, lol. Didn't meet Sammy, and sorry to hear that he passed. Also amazed that so many of us are still alive. In Nam the only other scuba-type was our Sgt Major in B-42, Chau Doc. We had water taxis collide and sink in front of our boat dock. He and I were only divers, so Can Tho sent two rigs for us to dive for bodies. The Vietnamese had a diver down, breathing directly from an air hose. I didn't know that. There had been a cable attached to one of the boats, and I followed it down. Strong current, and pitch black below 6 feet. The Sgt Major stopped descending when the lights went out. Maybe 20-30 feet down I got to the boat and was sort of surprised when a hand grabbed me. The Vietnamese diver. No bodies, but it was interesting. I'm Auburn. Big dumb 1st Lt, that liked to work with explosives. After Tet, I went to C&C (what everyone now just calls SOG).

[@kendavis7680]

Great story... I never got to use my training while still in the military, only as a springboard to civilian certification. I got chewed out there for swimming too fast underwater. lol I sort of don't blame your guy for backing off in swift water with the lights out. I've never been in that situation. Kudos to you, for pressing on. I bet you lost a couple years when the hand grabbed you. BTW-Did you know that in today's groups, they don't have an occasional diver on a team? They have entire SFCDQC teams. One of those guys said he would give me a tour of the dive team's locker. Not yet, though...

[@ECVCrabmeat]

Thank you for your service. That was a well put together video. Thank you for sharing.

[@KingofMGS]

I’m just glad they fed y’all so well during those weeks.

[@EchoSigma6]

I always thought special underwater operations was the domain of the Navy and Marines. Learned something new today.

[@jonroberts9112]

My son heads to Key West in 6 weeks.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Tell him to have fun. Work on his flutter kick / finning muscles before he gets there. Good luck.

[@swimming1531]

Saying that it is tough would be an understatement. They've added a time feature to the one man competency test so it's even harder. Class currently there lost 11 people from that test alone. Class began with 37 and is now down to 16. Good luck!

[@carldavis9999]

" Class began with 37 and is now down to 16." -- And these are all SF personnel. That's a lot different than saying that many failed in Jump School.

[@crossfitbilly]

Did he pass?

[@brettappleby9311]

Jon Roberts how did your son do if you don’t mind explaining? I’m just curious as I’m soon following

[@domteneglia9121]

Y'all make me proud, thanks HEROES, appreciate you

[@cameroncastleman6496]

Shout out to my hometown.. born and raised. After Ranger School I would love to test myself with this course

[@JaimeKing1989]

Holy shit what haven't you done yet. An great inspiration

[@lost6672]

Agent J what?

[@paylater6266]

Went through Air Force Combat Dive school in 2015. Hands down one of the best time of my life besides HALO School.

[@DeeRok35]

I'll be honest. You have helped me so much with all your videos. I stumbled across you when i became interested in TACP for the Air Force and after watching your videos and working I feel once I enlist and possibly get into the TACP school I will succeed and become that which i am training for. Thank you for all of your help and your service. Godspeed to you sir.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

Thanks Daniel. Strong name. Good luck with TACP...keep us posted.

[@bighands69]

Air Forces has Air Commandos.

[@TheBobsteg]

My high school econ teacher is on a dive team within sf and his stories about the various courses, especially this one, make the class so much fun. His drown proofing was unreal

[@Leviathan117]

Please do one for Military Free Fall school or Pathfinder school. I really love your videos.

[@LifeisaSpecialOperation]

MFF is on my list. But a few months away.

[@mediaghost964]

Nothing but respect

[@nathanielwhite8769]

Excellent video on an often overlooked aspect of maritime special forces selection and training courses!👍

[@jenniferdana6175]

He's extremely knowledgeable and disciplined. The training is a lot of endurance, strength and conditioning. It's a challenge. It takes time. I definitely need to check out about the training.

[@scooter183]

As a Australian sapper I went through a similar course the clearance divers do land warfare centre 7 times in my career and jungle warfare centre in Tully , SAS savival and tactics course and other heart warming courses dreamped up by sadistic crazy bastards, and I was only a combat firefighter

[@ramairgto72]

I did 12-B OSUT / SAPPER at FLW, was friends with a RANGER with a CD pin, wanted to "expand" into CDQC but didn't know all that much about it. Learned to swim at the YMCA young, grew up on the Great Lakes, grew up with pools at friends / family. He said "I learned to swim in HS, and I made it." he was teaching me some of the "core" requirements at FLW's pool, only thing I was "stressed" about was the PT he talked about, I was a already a long distance runner with great lungs, This was early 2001, later events changed my plans and the world, never got to go, but I got retired 00-06... the more ..painful way . Lost opportunity, I wanted "Deep Water" because it's a bit scary to me, and I like that shit!

[@alanmullen3916]

This is an awesome and no bs video. Well done! I am a CDQC, CDS and CDMT graduate

[@firstnamelastname3558]

Total respect to those going through this program.

[@jra5624]

I once made a PB&J without tearing the bread.

[@johndrake6288]

you mix the peanut butter with a little extra peanut oil so it spreads.

[@1500Chevy]

Hasn’t been everyone

[@shrapmagnet]

1993 graduate- "chicks dig abs".

[@paulthe2mikolajdupontsrens586]

Damn that’s some crazy stuff man. I give my full respect and thanks for the mens and women who does this job.

[@kendavis7680]

Log In Christopher, I enjoyed your video, and the info within. I went through the training in 1967, one of the "Old Timers," as the current guys call those of us from so very ago. I did not realize that they are still using the (now upgraded, I am sure) old Frogman school on Fleming Key, FL. Like you, I graduated at the top of my class on 20 July 1967. My ODA designation was combat engineer, or simply Team Demolition Specialist, as we were known at that time. A small piece of info that some may find of interest. One of my training NCOs (he had switched over to the Army from the "Dark Side"...Navy Frogman), was Sgt. Campbell. He was one of the 6 Frogmen who swam into the Tokyo Bay ahead of the battleship USS Missouri, on which Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender. They had the Frogmen in the water to be sure that no mines had been missed by the mine sweepers that had come in first. They did not want anything bad to happen at the end of hostilities. BTW-although I would like to claim that I went through training as tough as you did, I do not think that is so. I am very careful about stolen valor, and never try to claim anything that I did not earn. Perhaps I did not earn accolades for completing a course as difficult as you described...perhaps I did. I believe that keeping up with you would have been a challenge, and I would have been honored to have you as my swim buddy. I did have a 1st Lt, since he and I were the two fastest in our class in non equipped surface swims (not even fins). When we got to the open water, equipped ocean swims, we were the fastest and most accurate swim team on day and night training. We were very well trained and conditioned (I was 23 at the time), including the fact that our class voted to do the PT before breakfast, before the heat of the day had begun. That may have set the precedent for all of the following classes. You did not mention the free ascent to the surface from the deep diving bell in the pool (was it 200 feet down?). Is that still part of the training? From your video, I would say that the training today is a lot more comprehensive, and complete. Still, I was very competent, and very much at ease working, swimming, and using all equipment under water. I enjoyed it all immensely. Ken Davis SSgt, 3rd SFG(A)

[@matthewwest7906]

If i ever join the military i want to do this it may be hard as hell but I'm willing to work my ass off to pass

[@confidential5743]

The food and sleep you get is so important, you can swim, run, and workout all you want, but if you don’t get proper fuel and rest, you will fail this course

[@larrydixon4553]

Thank you so much for your service. Very tough training. I appreciate your videos. They are very eye-opening.

[@63maddog]

This is great. All completely out of my league by a universe...I'm only advanced open water, lol. I'm busted up now, but your vids are really great and get me undersea again. Thank you.

[@vincenttoderovich7522]

Can you please do some Canadian military training, like some stuff about Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) or something like that.

[@adrianherrera4455]

Do a video regarding pathfinder, special forces sniper course, and sapper leadership course please......

[@pughgang519]

Adrian Herrera and free fall

[@adrianherrera4455]

is it really a gentlemen's course like they say???or is it as miserable as air assault?

[@omarrp14]

I rarely hear anything about pathfinder

[@jaytheman3]

Pathfinder is not bad as long as you ask questions when you don’t know what they are talking about.

[@z0phi3l]

@@adrianherrera4455 other than the weather in Ft Campbell in July, Air Assault was easy, even the rick march at the end If I recall correctly Pathfinder is more of a mental than physical school I wish I had the chance to attend

[@HammerofThor00]

Its nice to see the branches diversify their terrain more, makes them so much more effective and competitive.

[@Vladpryde]

Excellent video! Thank you very much for your service!

[@ImmaReeelBadMan]

Thank you for those insights. I have a basic question: what is the role of SpecOps combat divers in combat? What circumstances or missions would employ the services of a combat diver, over that of other military units?

[@1anre]

To work with Marine Recon, SEALs in amphibious landing missions.

[@meister4ever1]

I lost it with "...even if you're a civilian taking selfies with the fishies" lmao

[@uwcb1]

Yeah, that felt like a shot at me outta nowhere-I spent a decade teaching diving in the Caribbean. I’m way too old to do the physical aspects, but would love to see how I hold up to the underwater harassment, ditch &don, navigation, etc.

[@meister4ever1]

@@uwcb1 man, I live in fucking Argentina and my dream since 8yo was yo become a navy seal. I can't try because I'm not an us citizen lol. It hurts me so much but yeah, it is what it is.

[@MBdrummer3288]

You sir, are a beast. And I thank you for your service.

[@grandchamp7783]

I was station at Ft Bragg back in the day!! An SF guy was down at Pope AFB and myself and 4 of my buddies in my Scout platoon were pick for a detail to jump different elbow and knee pads that the Army was considering add to our equipment!! It was only us 5 and the SF guy and he had a Scuba bubble!! Man,we were in awe of him!! On top of that he was like the coolest and most down to earth guy we'd ever met!! All 6 of us had the plane to ourselves!!! He jumpmastered as we tailgate jumped,landed,came picked us up from the DZ and we went back up!! 3 jumps a day for 2 weeks!! It was the coolest detail!! He didn't even look like he was in the military. He had a head full of hair!!lol

[@godsmacked1000]

Really hard. There. I saved you 11 minutes

[@brotherjew1]

Thanks bro

[@MrSlitskirts]

Great subject and clip, as it's not "Rambo's" that get through this kind of training and selection, and it's not like the movies, etc.

[@kevz2474]

man you must be a beast dude...just one of these schools require the best of us

[@GODWITHUS0712]

US ARMY THIS WE'LL DEFEND

[@alantran9709]

Can a Marine or Sailor attend if their combatant diving course is full?

[@gypsytheif]

This is inspiring just to push my self more, train harder and be more disciplined in my life as a civilian. It's amazing what people are capable of.

[@sharkbites9977]

These guys are hard-core! I appreciate them. Coming from being airborne myself. Those guys are tough!!!

[@guydavid8656]

That training is basically the same as BUD/S ....Great location at Key Weird- West 😂 Beats San Diego any day { better 🐟} Been there done that . Closed circuit , mainly draegers beat scuba any day - in some ways as long as the correct position is taken 😂 All in all a good video. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@tavorairsoft309]

Looking to be a green beret some day, love these videos for their great advise, would love to talk to this guy or another special forces soldier.

[@James-zq7md]

Tavor Airsoft Stop playing airsoft. You will develop so many bad habits that will be hard to untrain. Start yesterday. Don't wait. When I went through MARSOC I had memorized all weapon systems that I field strip down without looking. Swim as much as you can. Do lots of exercises that condition your body. Don't go in as a body builder. Stop drinking and smoking. Eat decent and give yourself one day to eat garbage. If you access learn to shoot. Learn to climb ropes and hike/hump with ridiculous weight. Learn all gouge before you go. Articles, history, gear names, etc. This is a mix for basic and dive school.

[@tavorairsoft309]

Thank you so much. your awesome.

[@tavorairsoft309]

I play airsoft vary little, do I still need to Quit

[@James-zq7md]

Tavor Airsoft No. Have fun. If you are a junkie then tone it down. The reason I said quit is because people who play so much have no consequence for dieing or shooting their own teammates. Also they map out an area in their minds and then shoot first in likely hiding areas without verifying if someone is there and who they are. When we do raids sometimes we build mockup buildings and practice over and over and over did I say over? Yes we memorize the floor plan and likely hiding spots but we have to also have discipline to not shoot noncombatants. Remember those good hiding places for shooters are also hiding places for them too. The way I trained my Marines is that we used paintballs. They wore PT gear and goggles. No heavy clothing. So there was definitely a penalty for getting shot or shooting someone else.

[@James-zq7md]

Trevor how old are you?

[@budzabit8882]

Holy shit man, congratulations, this is not something many people can say about themselves in their lifetime. I plan on joining the special forces unit in Canada, but I am not necessarily the aquatic type. Huge props to you, doing what you guys do take balls of steel

[@PhilToran]

what a flawless video. great job man. DOL

[@SammyPsk]

Ive been diving for my whole life, currently i am a certified cave diver and a medic.. I really want to join the combat diver EOD in slovakia, but i dont know if i am fit enough

[@tool3142]

Did you decide to go for it?

[@nimasuskon6849]

1 man comp. "I wont give away too many details about this but I will say *literally every detail*"

[@docphelps552]

I completed "SCUBA School" as it was called back then as well as UWO Course, in Oct 1978 -- 30 Green berets went through Pre Scuba at Bragg. !3 of went down to Key West, 10 graduated . This is one hard school!

[@crossfitbilly]

Pre scuba is scuba olympics!

[@jayprivacy1900]

I'm glad there are people that want to do this.

[@mr.m1garand254]

When you were going through these advanced schools what would you tell yourself, that made you keep going?

[@mr.m1garand254]

@Patrick Flatley that's really cool actually lol