What is a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer?
A Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, also known as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (ARS), is a highly trained and elite member of the United States Navy’s aviation community. Their primary responsibility is to execute recovery operations in the water, providing critical assistance to pilots and aircrew who have been forced to eject from their aircraft or have ditched in the water. These brave individuals are trained to navigate the most challenging environments, including rough seas, strong currents, and extreme weather conditions, to reach and recover personnel in distress.
Requirements to Become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer
To become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, you must meet specific requirements and undergo rigorous training. Here are the key qualifications:
- Age: You must be between 17 and 28 years old (with some exceptions for older candidates with prior military service).
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Physical Screening Test (PST): You must pass a PST, which includes a 500-yard swim, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
- Body Fat Percentage: You must meet the Navy’s body fat percentage requirements (22% for males and 33% for females).
- Medical Screening: You must pass a medical screening to ensure you are fit for duty.
- Background Check: You must undergo a thorough background check.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you can start the process of becoming a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, you must meet the basic requirements outlined above. Ensure you meet the age, citizenship, education, and physical requirements.
🚨 Note: Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee selection into the Navy Air Rescue Swimmer program. You must also pass a rigorous selection process and training pipeline.
Step 2: Take the ASVAB Test
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is a standardized test that measures your aptitude in various subjects. You must take the ASVAB test and achieve a minimum score of 60 in the General Science (GS) and Mechanical Comprehension (MC) sections.
Step 3: Enlist in the Navy
Once you have met the basic requirements and taken the ASVAB test, you can enlist in the Navy. You will need to visit a Navy recruiter and complete the enlistment process.
Step 4: Attend Basic Training
After enlisting, you will attend Basic Training, also known as Boot Camp. Basic Training is an 8-week program that teaches you the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the Navy.
Step 5: Attend Aviation Rescue Swimmer School
After completing Basic Training, you will attend Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, also known as “A” School. This 6-week course teaches you the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to become an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.
Step 6: Attend Advanced Training
After completing “A” School, you will attend advanced training, which includes:
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training: This training teaches you how to survive in hostile environments and evade capture.
- Parachuting Training: This training teaches you how to parachute safely and effectively.
- Helicopter Rope Suspension Training (HRST): This training teaches you how to use a helicopter to conduct rescue operations.
Step 7: Maintain Your Certification
Once you have completed your training, you must maintain your certification by completing regular training exercises and evaluations.
Table: Navy Air Rescue Swimmer Training Pipeline
| Step | Training | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Training | 8 weeks |
| 2 | Aviation Rescue Swimmer School | 6 weeks |
| 3 | Advanced Training | 12 weeks |
| 4 | Helicopter Rope Suspension Training (HRST) | 4 weeks |
| 5 | Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training | 2 weeks |
In conclusion, becoming a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. You must meet the basic requirements, complete a rigorous training pipeline, and maintain your certification to succeed in this elite and challenging career.
What is the average salary of a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer?
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The average salary of a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer is around $60,000 per year, depending on rank and experience.
How long does it take to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer?
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The training pipeline to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer can take up to 1 year to complete, depending on the individual’s performance and the needs of the Navy.
What is the most challenging part of being a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer?
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The most challenging part of being a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer is the physical and mental demands of the job, including the need to work in challenging environments and make quick decisions in high-stress situations.
