Out of the 75 - 100 Coast Guard personnel that attend training, only around 40 - 50 will graduate and become rescue swimmers. The first few weeks of boot camp are especially difficult. About half of prospective candidates make it to AST "A" School. The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer School is based out of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Ben Cournia, the swimmer who orchestrated the rescue of the Minouche, started his class with 9 trainees. After graduating from Rescue swimmer school (RSS), students go on to their respective 'A' School, also in Pensacola, Florida. It's definitely not a job for the faint of heart. There is only a reported 75 to 100 candidates that are selected each year for training. 22.0 (100) II - Inflatable. The good news is that the Coast Guard gives you time to train physically for service. AST School in Elizabeth City, North Carolina lasts for 24 weeks, and includes intense physical fitness, long hours of pool fitness and instruction, extreme water-confidence drills, and classroom instruction. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, "Coast Guard School Tough Swimming, Few Pass Rescue Course", IMO Awards for Exceptional Bravery at Sea 2013 go to American rescuers and a Chinese seafarer, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aviation_Survival_Technician&oldid=1125439053, This page was last edited on 4 December 2022, at 00:54. Finally, before graduating, candidates are required to pass a test involving multiple rescue scenarios. Maximizing detection of smuggling vessels in the WHTZ will bolster Coast Guard interdiction efforts. It is obviously far and above the normal lifeguard course; you're not just treading water, you're expected to be able to hold your breath, and perform challenging tasks. Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Capabilities: The RS must have the mental capacity, flexibility, mobility, strength, power, agility, endurance, and equipment to function for at least 30 minutes in heavy seas, on unstable platforms, on rugged terrain during severe adverse weather conditions. After a few years, the differences between what the candidates were learning in the combat-oriented Navy school and what was being required of them during civilian rescues required an organic Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer school to be begun. The attrition rate in some years reportedly was as high as 80 percent, though over a ten year average has been much lower approximately 54 percent. Not cocky. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has its own unit of rescue swimmers as well. Ask your recruiter about the Annex-X Program if interested in the AST rate! If you would like to pursue the specialized unit, making yourself aware of the intense training and schooling is step one toward becoming a fully-qualified, recognized member. The Webtel.mobi Intercontinental Challenge was the first attempted intercontinental flight between Africa and Europe by man using jetwings, and it was broadcast live worldwide on television. Physical Fitness Requirements In todays post, we look at the story of this daring rescue through Robertss eyes. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. It is intended to provide operational guidance for Coast Guard personnel Therefore, the more years you serve and the higher in rank the higher the pay. His team was able to put a spotlight on the survivor. The actress who played the main character in the live-action film based on the same work, Yuko Takayama, was the orphan of an Air Self-Defense Force medic who was killed in the line of duty. There is no reported waiting list to join the U.S. Coast Guard as a rescue swimmer. This highly specialized position is extremely challenging. How Much Do Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers Make Per Year? Rescue swimmers also must have the skills to provide basic pre-hospital life support for rescued individuals. 'A' school is followed by a seven-week EMT course. Coast Guard basic training takes place in New Jersey. [8], In the JMSDF, helicopter rescue swimmers (HRS) are selected from assistant nurses and trained as both aircrew and divers. All told, Coast Guard, Navy, and merchant vessel crews recovered 24 bodies from the scene of the capsizing. Secondly, youll need to pass a medical screening at MEPS. The team is currently composed of approximately 350 active-duty members. Interested in Building Up Mileage? Coast Guard rescue swimmers from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City train off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Rescue swimmers at Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Alaska, must maintain the EMT-Intermediate level of proficiency due to the remoteness of their operational area and the number of medical evacuations performed by that unit each year. Here crewman learn the various systems in the helicopter in which they will be flying. The U.S. Coast Guard is one of eight uniformed services. Additionally, new recruits need to have a willingness to serve on or around water because of the unique duties of the military branch. Upon graduation, Navy rescue swimmers are assigned to their respective A School and have other requirements they need to complete. The time before getting recognized as an official member of the unit is long. The rating began in 1968 when the U.S. Coast Guard combined Parachute Rigger (PR) and Aviation Ordnanceman (AO) to create the Aviation Survivalman (ASM) Rating. An aquatic segment of training was merged into ASM "A" school in the late 1980s, and full initial rescue swimmer training was completed at the USCG's Elizabeth City training center. SAR TECHs who demonstrate the required knowledge, experience, and leadership skills may also be selected as an instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR), at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. Its important to perform well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) because the test score opens up more job possibilities. > Flying Into the Storm: The True Story of a Harrowing Ocean Rescue, > Welcome to the Coast Guard's Flamingo-Ridden Bahamian Base. According to the course syllabus, rescue swimmers need to demonstrate advanced strength, flexibility, and endurance. United States Navy rescue swimmer candidates attend a four-week Aircrew School followed by the six-week-long Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (RSS) in Pensacola, Florida. Coast Guard basic training only lasts eight weeks yet is very challenging. Minimum of 50 sit-ups in two minutes Minimum of 42 push-ups in two minutes 1.5 mile run in less than 12 minutes 400 meter swim in less than 11 minutes During your time as a SRS, you will be required to pass physical and swimming tests at designated intervals. Other rescue swimmers are members of the Danish Navy and operate from Westland Lynx Mk 90B helicopters based on Thetis-class ocean patrol vessels in the waters around Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and, occasionally, Iceland. I swam over to him, got on the door with him or what looked like a door or some sort of debris from the boat and talked to him, Roberts continued. Meet the minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score: VE+AR+MK+MC=210 or VE+AR+MK+AS=210. She was nominated by the International Maritime Organization for its Exceptional Bravery at Sea award for rescuing three people from a sailboat during a storm with 45-knot winds and 15-foot seas. Most often, they are referred to as Search and rescue swimmers (or SARs), and their primary goal is to rescue downed aviators. However, there are many other benefits to serving the U.S. Military that your typical job does not cover. All Rights Reserved. However, while its not extremely common, its worth speaking to a recruiter if you would like to discuss different contract terms. Training is extremely stressful and is designed to identify those candidates who possess the physical and mental skills to handle the rigors of being a helicopter rescue swimmer. When training is complete, they will become part of a four-member helicopter crew, with on-board duties running the search cameras and some of the radio equipmentthat is, when theyre not deployed by the aircraft to search and swim and rescue. Rescue swimmers usually are charged with the rescue, assessment, and rendering of medical aid to persons in distress in the sea, on the land, or in the air. An approximate 75-100 attend training for the team each year and some progress to become specialists of the unit. There are two FRS's for AWS's. They are military aircrew who deploy from rotary or fixed-wing aircraft in any environment or climatic condition. In 1999, along with the realignment of enlisted aviation rates throughout the USCG, the Aviation Survivalman rating was redesignated to Aviation Survival Technician. This was reportedly more than the Coast Guard had rescued worldwide in over 50 years. Pass a military entrance medical exam (MEPS). Those who are permanent residents are often called green card holders, and it is possible to join the Coast Guard as one. Here are the minimum fitness requirements for each category: The 137-page operations manual includes lessons in eight different water deployment procedures, 11 ways to approach, carry and release a survivor, seven ways to release equipment for Navy and Air Force flyers and ways to detangle the services' different parachutes and backpacks. The release of the 2006 motion picture The Guardian, starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, introduced viewers to this small group of elite rescue workers. Successful completion of this course results in being awarded the Aviation Survival Technician rating, the technical rating for a variety of aircraft and survival equipment maintenance.[1]. It prescribes policy, standards, instructions and capabilities pertinent to all phases of Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer operations and is intended for use by operational commanders, unit commanding officers, and aircrews tasked with rescue swimmer These rescue swimmers have to be fully qualified as helicopter technicians before they start a 4-week course at the Danish Frogman Corps, followed by a 2-week first aid/PHTLS course. Not all ASTs serve as rotary wing helicopter rescue swimmers. [7], The first female to graduate from the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue School was Sara Faulkner. All fully qualified AWS crewmen are also gunners. The premier helicopter-rescue training allows ASTs to interact with rescue swimmers from the other branches of the U.S. Military. HH/MH-65 D/E (Dolphin) The mainstay of the Coast Guard's rotary wing fleet, the Dolphin has been with the Coast Guard since the early 1980's. As an elite Coast Guard rescue swimmer, . Related Article: How To Join The Coast Guard. Therefore, its crucial to study hard for the ASVAB and give it your maximum attention. After much internal debate, the collateral duty of "Helicopter Rescue Swimmer" was issued to the ASM rating. It is a good baseline for what you can expect as an AST. Consequently, youll need to get in excellent shape and excel swimming and wading in water. To better your chances of being accepted, you should try to score higher. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Roberts explained that a massive chain of activities are required to safely rescue someone and usually includes support from civilian partners (ambulance drivers, hospital staff, etc.). The other name for this brave group of men and women is "aviation survival technicians". Aviation Survival Technician (AST) is a rating or job specialty in the United States Coast Guard. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. Equally important to their role as Helicopter Rescue Swimmers, ASTs are trained to inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair: cargo aerial delivery systems, drag parachute systems, aircraft oxygen systems, helicopter emergency flotation systems, portable dewatering pumps, air/sea rescue kits, and special-purpose protective clothing. DISCLAIMER: This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a legal rule. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers attracted international attention during the rescue operations following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, and surrounding areas. In order to survive basic training and become an official Guardsman, the Coast Guard recommends that recruits stop using tobacco. ASTs also facilitate survival training such as swim tests, land/sea survival lectures, and shallow water egress training. U.S. Navy Support. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. During his deployments onboard the USS Fort McHenry, he traveled to 23 countries on four continents, sailing roughly 42,000 nautical miles across 30 seas and five oceans. Welcome to the hazardous, high-pressure world of Coast Guard rescue swimmers, who are trained to jump from helicopters into the water to save lives. Every AST candidate now receives an AST mentor to help guide them through the whole process and answer any questions they may have. Navy air rescue swimmers were recently split into two separate ratings; Naval Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS) and Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter (AWR). President George W. Bush awarded the active, reserve, auxiliary and civilian employees of the Coast Guard a Presidential Unit Citation and ribbon for their response to Hurricane Katrina.[11]. Officers earn more than enlisted members if you want to work toward that type of promotion. After seven weeks of EMT training, they must take and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (NREMT-B) test as part of their qualification as a helicopter rescue swimmer. But this is perhaps the most crucial part of the training; if these candidates can't endure extreme conditions, it's going to be hard to rescue someone in distress. Your email address will not be published. Upon graduation from the brutal two-week course, they will go to the fleet as operational rescue swimmers. Looking for U.S. government information and services? Established in: 1984 Each branch of the military, including the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Army, have some form of rescue swimmer. He said theres no way he could have gotten down in the water and to the survivor without all of the crew members doing their parts to safely navigate through the challenging weather and darkness of the night. Rescue swimmers must have flexibility, strength, endurance, and be able to function for 30 minutes in heavy seas. Try This Military Swim Workout to Prepare for Special Ops, Diver or Rescue Swimmer Training. And you'll be rewarded handsomely for your braverythe average pay for a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer is $75,000 a year . He currently resides in Meridian, Mississippi. Find out what the Coast Guard requirements are for height & weight, age, physical fitness, test scores, and more. On the History Channel reality show Top Shot, one of the marksmen is U.S. Navy rescue swimmer Jamie Franks. MEPS exams your medical history as well as your psychological competence. The program was born out of a 1984 tragedy when the cargo ship Marine Electric, en route from Virginia to Massachusetts sank, in a February storm with 34 crew members on board. High seas, medical evacuations, downed aviators, sinking vessels, and hurricanes are some of the deadly scenarios that Coast Guard rescue swimmers are trained to handle. A rescue swimmer from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is hoisted back into an HH-60 Jayhawk after retrieving a rescue training dummy. For this reason, while its not all that hard to meet the basic Coast Guard requirements, surviving boot camp is a whole other matter. U.S. Air Force Rescue Swimmers are known as pararescuemen. The U.S. Coast Guard is not the only branch of the U.S. Military that has its own rescue swimmers. The water-entry shock was reduced only by their succeeding in entering the water at an optimal entry angle despite the high wind and an unstable exit platform. It includes intense physical fitness, particularly long hours of fitness in a pool. These swimmers deploy only from ships and boats, and are tethered to a line handler stationed on board the vessel. As the instructors like to say, If you panic, they die. And so, if a candidate loses one of the survivors in training, it almost inevitably means ejection from the program. The specialists have advanced through incredibly difficult training and testing in order to achieve the rank of an Aviation Survival Technician (AST)/Helicopter Rescue team member. A third standby rescue swimmer was John Brokaar, also a former special operator from Special Forces. All Rights Reserved, Commercial Aircraft Life Support Equipment Technician. All ASTs must be in superior physical shape with no chronic orthopedic problems, possess a high level of mental acuity and outstanding military bearing. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. Full qualification as a rescue swimmer can take up to a year from graduation of A-School, as graduates must learn the aircraft systems and emergency procedures of their assigned aircraft. They are exposed to high seas, rough terrain and other dangers an ordinary EMT will not survive. At-sea interdictions of pure cocaine are the most effective way for the Coast Guard to limit cartels and other criminal networks from trafficking their entire spectrum of illicit products. In addition, the RS shall have the survival training, knowledge, understanding, and experience to survive at sea or on land if left onscene for greater than 24 hours. Style, culture, and beyond news is that the Coast Guard, Navy rescue swimmer Jamie.. ' a ' School is based out of the capsizing is one the... Would like to say, if a candidate loses one of the unit is long EMT course survival... As a rescue swimmer personnel that attend training, only around 40 - will! 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