Special Warfare Combatant Crewman (SWCC)

The course is divided into units of instruction that will prepare the student to function as a basic crewmember on his first sea duty tour at a Special Boat Unit. This training provides the foundation for the SWCC Individual Skills and Tactics Training program conducted at the SBUs.

I. Physical Fitness

Detailed instruction in proper physical training, nutrition, injury prevention, and acclimatization is presented by a graduate from the U. S. Army's Master Fitness Trainer Course. The training is designed to develop a high level of stamina and endurance to prepare the student for the demands of the maritime combat environment.

II. Swimmer Skills

Intensive training in survival swimming and lifesaving is conducted by qualified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards. The training is designed to develop the student's confidence in his ability to survive in the ocean, and, if necessary, assist a crewmate under adverse conditions.

III. First Aid Skills

Comprehensive training is presented by qualified American Red Cross Emergency Response Instructors in recognizing medical emergencies in a combat environment, and caring for life threatening injuries.

IV. Maritime Navigation Skills

Extensive training in piloting, dead reckoning, electronic navigation and Rules of the Road prepares the student in all aspects of voyage planning and execution of long range maritime operations.

V. Basic Seamanship Skills

Classroom instruction and practical work in basic boat handling and knot tying, prepares the student to operate a Special Warfare Combatant Craft, under supervision, in restricted waters and open ocean. These high performance craft are designed to operate at speeds of up to 40 knots in rough sea conditions.

VI. Engineering Skills

Classroom instruction and practical work prepares the student to operate and monitor thefollowing engineering systems: propulsion (internal combustion engines, jetdrives, and outdrives ), fuel sea water cooling, bilge pumping, steering, electrical, hydraulics, and damage control.

VII. Communications Skills

A radio telephone operator is the critical link between the combat element and the outside world; how well he performs this function will, in many cases, determine the success of the mission. This unit prepares the student for planning and establishing viable communications during a NSW mission.

VIII. Warfare Skills

Care and maintenance of combat gear and basic tactical employment of Special Warfare Combatant Craft is covered in this unit.

IX. Weapons Skills

This unit covers specifications, proper handling, disassembly, cleaning, assembly, and operation of small arms ranging from .357 Magnum revolvers to .50 Caliber machine guns.

X. Special Operations

The missions and organization of the Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Command, Special Boat Squadrons and Units are covered in this unit. The student receives an overview of the NSW Mission Planning Cycle, enabling him to participate in the planning, briefing, execution, and debriefing in support of NSW missions.