Opportunities as a Military Diver

What does a career as a military diver look like? I'm interested in understanding the qualifications needed and the types of operations military divers typically engage in. Is this a viable option for someone fresh out of high school?

A career as a military diver can be demanding yet fulfilling. With the military, you get the opportunity to explore different environments, engage in various types of operations, and undergo exceptional training.

Every branch of military service in the U.S. (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force) has roles for divers. However, Navy divers and combat divers are the most well-known. The military divers engage in several types of tasks ranging from salvage and recovery operations, demolition, underwater construction, to search and rescue missions. They can even work on submarines and other specialized equipment for underwater exploration.

To get into this career, you need to be physically and mentally fit with excellent swimming skills. After high school, you typically have to pass through boot camp and then get accepted into diving school. The training in diving school can be intense and challenging as it involves both physical training and academic studies.

In terms of a diving school, the Navy, for example, has the Second Class Dive School, which lasts about 70 days. Some of the topics covered in the program include physics, physiology, diving medicine, history of diving, and underwater work techniques. Upon completion of the program, you will be a Second Class Diver and can go on to complete other specialized training.

Remember, the military isn’t just about doing your duty; it also provides a wide range of benefits, including healthcare, housing, salary, and retirement benefits. It also pays for further education so you could even get a college degree while serving.

It's a viable post-high-school path, but you have to be ready for the physical demands and the intensive training. It can be a rewarding career if you enjoy the sea, don't mind the risks, and are prepared for a challenging and exciting workplace.