Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/10/2009

Question
I am 19 yrs old and know i want to join the military. I was recently scuba certified and wanted a job relating to scuba. I went to a navy recruiter and they told me even if i scored well on the asvab they have no openings for divers. They did say to join and later on apply for diver. Is that possible? So I'm wondering if I have a better shot at being pararescue, combat control, or something of that nature in the air force? Or should I go into army and try for army diver? Or stick with the navy? Also which is more important: having a job you like or being in a branch that takes care of you more?

Answer
Justin,
I'm sure your recruiter is right, there's not a lot of Navy divers and they tend to enjoy their job so much they stay in the Navy for many, many years.  So I'm not surprised that there's no openings right now.  If you go into the Navy anyway, with the hopes of becoming a diver later on, it may never happen.  You're right to consider other related options.  Not many people realize the other Services have divers.  The Army actually has more watercraft than the Navy because they have tons of small boats required for river crossings, etc.  The Navy has the big stuff (ships).  The Army has both scuba divers, who work just below the surface of the water, and deep sea divers, who work for long periods of time in deep water.  The Coast guard also has divers, who attend the Navy's training school in Panama City, Florida.  The Coast Guard has a dropout rate of about 15% compared to the Navy's 33%.  This is because of less stringent classroom training, bookwork, etc.  The Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center  in Panama City trains all military divers with the exception of Navy Special Warfare (SEALS) and Special Forces.

The Marine Corps also has divers in their highly trained reconnaissance units (Marine Corps Combatant divers).
Marine recon units hold a two-week pre-qualification course prior to attending the seven-week course in Panama City.  Pre-qualification is to introduce the students to what happens to their bodies while they are underwater, something you've already learned.  Since you're already certified, you may be able to skip it.  Air Force combat controllers and air rescuemen also go to the same class.

Think you're in good shape?  Here are the physical requirements you'll have to meet to be a diver, in any Service.
•   Push-ups -- 42 push-ups in 2 minutes
•   Rest -- 2 minutes
•   Sit-ups -- 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes
•   Rest -- 2 minutes
•   Pull-Ups -- 6 pull-ups, no time limit. Palms facing away from the body
•   Rest -- 10 minutes
•   Run -- 1.5 miles 12:45 time limit
If you're in that kind of shape I envy you.

As for your last question… remember, military diving is done for a purpose, not just for fun.  You will be expected to work while underwater, doing things like welding, cleaning the bottoms of watercraft, inspecting bridges, cleaning up debris, etc.  Doing a job you enjoy is priceless.  Nothing is worse than trudging to a job everyday knowing you're going to hate your job.  It can make you miserable for many years.  All the Services are known for taking excellent care of their people.  If somebody told you otherwise, it's probably from a person who will be disgruntled in anything.
Talk to different recruiters and let them know you're "shopping" for a diving job.  Don't commit until you've heard from them all and then make your decision.
Good luck, and let me know what you decide.
Colonel H