Diving into Military Diver Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges

I'm interested in becoming a military diver. Can anyone share what the job is really like? What kind of training do you need, and what are the potential career opportunities after serving as a diver?

Military diving is a challenging but rewarding profession. As a military diver, your tasks could range from underwater reconnaissance, salvage, or demolition, to ship maintenance and repair.

To start, basic training in the military branch you choose (such as the Navy, Coast Guard, or Army) is required. Specific to becoming a diver, you'll need to pass a challenging physical fitness exam, usually including rigorous swimming and diving qualifications. You'll then attend a military diving school which generally involves both classroom and practical, hands-on training. Expect to learn about diving medicine, physics, and nuclear/biological/chemical defense, among others.

After completing the diving school, divers are typically assigned to a ship or team where they engage in a variety of activities, including salvage operations, reconnaissance, survey missions, and demolition tasks. The job can be physically demanding and calls for physical fitness, mental toughness, and great teamwork skills.

Once you've served as a military diver, you're likely to find a wide set of career opportunities in the civilian world. You might apply your specialized skills in areas like underwater welding, commercial or scientific diving, or even pursue a career in law enforcement, as a public safety diver or a marine patrol officer. In the private sector, divers often find work in the oil and industry or construction, where they can support offshore drilling operations, inspections, and repairs.

Keep in mind, serving as a military diver can be challenging and dangerous at times. However, the experiences gained and skills learned in the military are highly regarded and can set the stage for a rewarding career after service.