Hi all! I'm thinking of enlisting in the military, but I'm not a strong swimmer. Can you tell me which branch requires the least swimming? Just trying to figure out where I'd best fit given my skills.
You're in luck because not all branches of the military have stringent swimming requirements! The Army and the Air Force have the least emphasis on swimming skills. For the Army, unless you're aiming for a role that specifically involves water-based operations - like a diver or Special Forces - you generally aren't required to swim during basic training or afterward.
In the Air Force, swimming isn't a key part of basic training. It used to be a requirement but was phased out, and now you would only face swimming if you were pursuing a role such as Pararescue or Combat Control where water survival skills are important.
That being said, it's generally a good idea to be comfortable in water and perhaps even improve your swimming skills before enlisting. You never know when you might find them useful. For example, Army Soldiers must pass a Combat Water Survival Test as part of their Combat Basic Training. It's not too intensive—it involves doing things like removing gear while submerged and swimming 25 meters while carrying a rifle.
But if you're not into swimming, and don't see yourself improving anytime soon, you're probably best suited for Army or Air Force!
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