We often imagine the Philippine Army as soldiers patrolling rugged mountains or navigating dense jungles. However, there’s a specialized group within this esteemed institution that operates in an entirely different element: the water. Known as the Combat Divers, these are elite soldiers trained to perform complex operations above and below the surface. Their role is as challenging as it is fascinating, combining physical endurance, mental toughness, and specialized skills.
The Role of Combat Divers
Combat Divers are Philippine Army experts in underwater operations. They are soldiers assigned to special missions such as:
- Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Collecting intelligence in coastal or riverine environments, often unnoticed by adversaries.
- Counter-Terrorism Operations: Neutralizing threats in maritime areas, such as ports security and countering underwater sabotage.
- Search and Rescue Missions: Assisting in disaster response, including underwater recovery and saving lives during flooding or maritime accidents.
- Amphibious Assaults: Supporting land troops during beach landings or river crossings.
The Philippine’s geography of more than 7,600 islands and extensive coastal areas makes this capability critical. Combat Divers are needed for ensuring maritime security in a nation so deeply connected to the sea.
Training to Become a Combat Diver Philippine Army
Not everyone can become a Combat Diver. Candidates undergo rigorous selection and training designed to test their physical and mental limits. Here’s an overview of their journey:
Initial Screening
First, applicants must pass physical fitness tests, psychological tests, and swimming proficiency tests. Only those with exceptional endurance and determination can proceed.
Diver Training Course
Once selected, candidates go through intense training. This includes learning techniques like:
- Open water diving with SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus).
- Navigation under water with compasses and maps.
- Combat swimming, which focuses on stealth and endurance.
Advanced Skills Development
Combat Divers also train in specialized skills like:
- Using rebreathers for stealth operations.
- Conducting underwater demolitions to neutralize obstacles.
- Engaging in close-quarters combat in and out of water.
Training takes place in harsh environments to simulate real-world challenges, including rough seas and murky waters. This intense course guarantees only the best soldiers can become a Combat Diver.
Challenges of the Job
Life as a Combat Diver Philippine Army is as demanding as the training itself. Operating underwater requires acute situational awareness, as visibility, temperature, and pressure conditions can quickly change. Missions often involve long hours alone, testing mental resilience. Despite these challenges, the soldiers’ unwavering commitment to protecting the Philippines’ sovereignty and aiding its citizens keeps them motivated.
Importance to National Security
From illegal fishing and smuggling to territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines faces several maritime security threats. Combat Divers play a crucial role in protecting the nation’s waters, often working with other armed forces and civilian agencies. Their expertise in underwater operations helps them respond to threats effectively in this critical domain.
