Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman (SWCC)

ShadowSpear
30 January, 2009 11:14:00

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Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman ( or SWCC, pronounced "swick"). Special Operations is characterized by the use of small units with unique ability to conduct military actions that are beyond the capability of conventional military forces. SWCC units are superbly trained in all environments, and are the master’s of maritime Special Operations. SWCC units are required to utilize a combination of specialized training, equipment, and tactics in completion of Special Operation missions worldwide.

A tactical force with strategic impact, NSW mission areas include unconventional warfare, direct action, combating terrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, information warfare, security assistance, counter-drug operations, personnel recovery and hydrographic reconnaissance. Although NSW personnel comprise less than one percent of U.S. Navy personnel, they offer big dividends on a small investment. SWCC units' proven ability to operate across the spectrum of conflict and in operations other than war in a controlled manner, and their ability to provide real time intelligence and eyes on target, offer decision makers immediate and virtually unlimited options in the face of rapidly changing crises around the world.

SWCC History

Although the history of littoral warfare dates back over 900 years, Special Boat Units trace their origins to the "Brown Water" naval force employed during the Vietnam conflict. Literally starting from scratch in 1965, by the end of their seven years of active involvement this force had grown into three specialized task forces totaling over 700 craft and 38,000 men.

On 30 January 1967 the Naval Inshore Operations Training Center was commissioned in Mare Island, California, and charged with the mission of providing instruction and functional training for the prospective crewmen of Task Forces 116 (River Patrol) and 117 (River Assault). Training for the prospective crews of Task Force 115 (Coastal Surveillance) was conducted at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, California. In the 11-week River Assault Craft training program, sailors were exposed to the special features of joint operations, counter-insurgency, SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape), and all aspects of riverine warfare. One unit in particular, however, was commissioned during this period to modify, test, evaluate and operate combatant craft in support of Navy SEALs in Vietnam: Boat Support Unit One. Home ported at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, BSU- 1 was a component of the Naval Operations Support Group commanded by Captain Phil H Bucklew, USN, a pioneer of Naval Special Warfare and the namesake of our training center.

After the Vietnam conflict the three task forces were reorganized into stateside Riverine/Coastal Divisions and Squadrons in order to retain the expertise of these highly trained and combat-proven operators in support of Naval Special Warfare missions.

In May, 1983, the Naval Special Warfare community went through the first major organizational evolution since the establishment of SEAL Teams One and Two in 1962. Underwater Demolition Team unit designations were retired, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams were commissioned, and the last Boat Support Unit was redesignated as a Special Boat Unit. The redesignation of BSUs was a clear recognition of the expanding active role the "Brown Water" operators were taking in Special Operations.

Today, SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) Teams, and Special Boat Units comprise the elite combat units of Naval Special Warfare, a service component of the United States Special Operations Command. These units are organized, trained, and equipped to conduct a variety of missions to include unconventional warfare, direct action, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, counter terrorism missions, and support psychological and civil affairs operations in maritime and riverine environments. Their highly trained specialists are deployed worldwide in support of National Command Authority objectives, conducting operations with other conventional and unconventional forces.

SWCC Basic Crewman Training (SWCC School) - Naval Amphibious Base - Naval Special Warfare Command

SWCC Basic Crewman Training trains, develops, and assesses SWCC candidates in physical conditioning, water competency, teamwork, and mental tenacity. This phase starts with a three-week indoctrination. The SWCC Basic is eight weeks long. Physical conditioning with running, swimming, and calisthenics grows harder and harder as the weeks progress.

Students mental fortitude and teamwork skills are tested during an arduous 72 hour long evolution involving constant exposure to the elements, underway boat and swimming events, coupled with testing previously taught navigational skills and boat tactics, under stressful and sleep deprived conditions. Physically, you will participate in weekly timed runs, timed obstacle courses, swim in the pool, bay and ocean, and learn small boat seamanship. Upon the completion of SWCC Basic you will graduate and move on the Combat Qualification Training.

Enlisted Physical Screening Test (PST)

-500-yard swim using breast and/or sidestroke in under 13 minutes

10-minute rest

- Perform a minimum of 42 push-ups in 2 minutes

2-minute rest

- Perform a minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes

2-minute rest

- Perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups (no time limit)

10-minute rest

- Run 1 ½ miles wearing running shoes in under 12 minutes and 30 seconds
 

Requirements

- US Citizen.

- Uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/200 in each eye. Both eyes must be correctable to 20/20.

- 30 years old or less. You may request an age waiver which are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

- ASVAB Scores - AR+WK=104, MC=50 (For ASVAB 5, 6, and 7; use WK score)(For ASVAB 8, 9, and 10; use VE score).

- Must be a male.

Links

http://www.seal.navy.mil/swcc