Exploring military scuba diving jobs

I'm really interested in scuba diving, and I heard there are roles in the military that involve this. Can someone provide details on what these jobs are and how to qualify for them?

Sure, there are several roles in the U.S. military which involve scuba diving. The divisions that are most prominently related to scuba diving are the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Army. Within these divisions, you'll find positions such as Navy Diver, Marine Corps MOS 0321 Reconnaissance Marine, and Army MOS 12D Diver.

Navy Divers perform a variety of diving salvage operations and special diving duties worldwide. Duties could include submarine rescue, salvage and repair, or serving as a Navy SEAL which would include dive missions. The main qualification path includes passing the Navy's Physical Screening Test and completing the seven-week Diver Preparation Course, after basic training.

Marine Corps Reconnaissance Marines, on the other hand, conduct amphibious reconnaissance, surveillance, and raids on the coastlines of countries throughout the globe. One of the path to becoming a Reconnaissance Marine is to enlist as one directly, but you must meet the prerequisites and pass the Basic Reconnaissance Course.

Army Divers work on a variety of missions, such as reconnaissance, demolition, salvage, repair, and more. Possible roles include Diver (MOS 12D), Engineer Diver, or Special Forces Combat Diver. To become an Army diver, you have to complete the Engineer Diver Phase I course, and then pass a screening to attend the Engineer Diver Phase II course.

Keep in mind that all these positions require excellent physical condition and competence in swimming. It's also beneficial to complete a civilian scuba certification course prior to enlistment. This will give you a solid foundation in diving principles and techniques, which can prove helpful when you attend military dive training.

Lastly, remember that each branch of the military has its own unique training and qualifications, so you'll want to deeply research each role to ensure that it aligns with your personal and professional goals.