Intro
Discover the elite world of Navy Air Rescue Swimmers. Learn the 7 crucial steps to become a highly skilled rescue expert, from meeting basic requirements to advanced training. Uncover the secrets to saving lives at sea, including physical conditioning, swim qualifications, and helicopter rescue techniques.
Becoming a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, also known as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (ARS), is an incredibly challenging and rewarding career path. As a member of the United States Navy's aviation community, ARS personnel are responsible for executing the critical mission of rescuing personnel in distress, both in combat and non-combat environments. If you're interested in pursuing this esteemed career, here are seven ways to increase your chances of becoming a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer.
Meet the Basic Requirements
Before embarking on the journey to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, you must meet the basic requirements set by the United States Navy. These requirements include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 34
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing a physical fitness test
Additionally, you must also meet the specific requirements for the Aviation Rescue Swimmer rating, which includes:
- Having a minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
- Having a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30
- Being able to pass a swimming assessment
Step 1: Enlist in the Navy
The first step to becoming a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer is to enlist in the United States Navy. You can do this by visiting a Navy recruiter or by applying online through the Navy's website. Once you've enlisted, you'll attend Basic Training, also known as Boot Camp, where you'll learn the fundamentals of being a sailor.
Attend Aviation Rescue Swimmer School
After completing Basic Training, you'll attend Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, also known as ARS School. This school is located in Pensacola, Florida, and is where you'll learn the skills necessary to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer. The course is approximately 4 weeks long and covers topics such as:
- Swimming and diving techniques
- Rescue procedures
- Emergency medical procedures
- Helicopter operations
Step 2: Complete the Physical Screening Test
During ARS School, you'll be required to complete the Physical Screening Test (PST). This test is designed to assess your physical abilities and ensure that you have the necessary skills to perform the duties of an Aviation Rescue Swimmer. The test consists of:
- 500-yard swim in 12 minutes or less
- 50-yard swim in 3 minutes or less
- 10 minutes of treading water
- 2 minutes of floating
Gain Experience and Build Your Skills
Once you've completed ARS School and passed the PST, you'll be assigned to a squadron where you'll gain experience and build your skills as a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer. You'll work alongside experienced ARS personnel and participate in training exercises and real-world rescue missions.
Step 3: Attend Advanced Training
As you gain experience and build your skills, you'll have the opportunity to attend advanced training courses, such as the Aviation Rescue Swimmer Advanced Course. This course provides advanced training in topics such as:
- Helicopter rescue techniques
- Emergency medical procedures
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training
Stay Physically Fit and Maintain Your Certification
As a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, you'll be required to maintain a high level of physical fitness and stay certified in your skills. You'll participate in regular physical fitness tests and training exercises to ensure that you're always ready to respond to emergency situations.
Step 4: Consider Specializing in a Specific Area
As you gain experience and build your skills, you may have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area, such as helicopter rescue or emergency medical procedures. This can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential.
Network and Build Relationships
Building relationships and networking with other ARS personnel and Navy leaders can help you advance your career and stay informed about new opportunities and developments in the field.
Step 5: Stay Adaptable and Flexible
As a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, you'll be required to deploy to various locations around the world, often on short notice. You'll need to be adaptable and flexible, and willing to work in a variety of environments and conditions.
Lead and Mentor Others
As you gain experience and build your skills, you'll have the opportunity to lead and mentor other ARS personnel. This can help you develop your leadership skills and advance your career.
Step 6: Consider Commissioning as an Officer
If you're interested in advancing your career and increasing your earning potential, you may want to consider commissioning as an officer. This can provide you with new opportunities and challenges, and help you advance your career.
Stay Committed and Focused
Finally, it's essential to stay committed and focused on your goals. Becoming a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. By staying committed and focused, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Step 7: Continuously Learn and Improve
As a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, you'll need to continuously learn and improve your skills to stay effective in your role. This can involve attending training courses, reading industry publications, and seeking out new challenges and opportunities.
Navy Air Rescue Swimmer Image Gallery
What is the role of a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer?
+A Navy Air Rescue Swimmer is responsible for executing the critical mission of rescuing personnel in distress, both in combat and non-combat environments.
What are the requirements to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer?
+To become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, you must meet the basic requirements set by the United States Navy, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 34, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and scoring well on the ASVAB test.
How long does it take to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer?
+The training to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer typically takes around 4-6 months, including Basic Training and ARS School.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on how to become a Navy Air Rescue Swimmer. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to comment below.