JF
Jamie Fisher
  • Political Science
  • Class of 2018
  • Lexington, SC

Madison Fisher of Lexington takes Combat Water Survival Test at Clemson University

2015 Feb 10

Madison Fisher of Lexington joined other Clemson University ROTC cadets to test their stamina and personal courage in the Combat Water Survival Test in the Fike Recreation Center pool.

The Jan. 27 test evaluated each cadet's stamina in water and their ability to complete three stations while wearing a uniform. Passing the events helps ensure they have the fundamental water survival skills necessary to lead soldiers in a hostile environment where there's water.

Fisher is majoring in Political Science at Clemson.

During the test, Fisher and the other cadets first had to swim laps for 10 minutes without touching the pool sides or bottom. After a five-minute break, they treaded water for five minutes without touching the pool sides or bottom.

Next came three events with full gear on.

In the "equipment ditch," the cadets wore tactical vests and held M-16 rifles while stepping backward into the water. The cadets had to submerge completely and remove the vests and weapons before resurfacing.

Then the cadets had to swim 15 meters carrying the M-16s without touching the pool sides or bottom.

Last was the five-meter drop, widely considered the most nerve-wracking event. Cadets were blindfolded and guided off a five-meter diving board carrying M-16s. To pass, they had to hold onto the weapons upon hitting the water, take off the blindfolds and return to the side of the pool with the weapons still in hand.

Completing each of the tasks is a matter of handling anxiety without panicking.

The Clemson ROTC program was established as an integral part of the academic curriculum in 1893. It offers a general military subject curriculum, producing officers for a wide variety of assignments.

See more images on the Clemson news Flickr site.