USMC Swim Qualification?

Question

What happens if you can't swim?

Answer 1

they will teach you to swim in boot camp i know a few people who were bottom dwellers when they signed up (they sank) but they got up to speed after boot camp

Answer 2

In boot camp, they will put aside any recruites who cannot swim and will give you a crash course.  But they call it CWS Qual nowadays!

A CWS-4 (4th Class), you are required to requal every year.  A CWS-3 (3rd Class), every 2 years.  CWS-2, every 3 years.  CWS-1, every 4 years.  The CWS-1 (1st Class) is hard to get.  It took me on my personal time to achieve this, I was a 2nd Class for a couple years after basic.  But that was because I wanted to pass teh Indoc at that time!  But don't worry, they'll make you a swimmer.

NOTE:  CWS means Combat Water Survival.  And the person above is right about being recycled, but be advised that you are only recycled once, if still not compete, they'll end up sending you back home.  As for any other training you couldn't keep up with.

Answer 3

Go for Q baby! Right before you get out they will send you to the base pool at 29 Palms to tan all dayas a life guard!!!!

Answer 4

Don't worry. You will be taught to swim at least up to an S-3.

Depending on your MOS you must qualify higher or lose it.

Answer 5

You learn, the Instructors usually get you to s4 (yes, s3 is preferred, but...), but, if not, Recruits unable to pass their swimming qualifications will be dropped out of their original platoon and cycled into a different platoon so they have another chance to pass the qualifications. You learn.