Swimming Requirements in the Military: Which Branch Requires It?

Hello everyone, I am in my junior year of high school. I love swimming and have been part of my school's team since freshman year. I was doing some research and stumbled across the fact that one of the military branches requires swimming skills. Can anyone specify which branch this is? I'd really appreciate it.

Hi there! From the information you've given, it seems like you're doing great work to combine your interest in swimming with your future career in the military—a really smart strategy.

In answer to your question, each branch of the military has its own physical fitness requirements, and the requirements can vary by job within each branch. However, the branch most known for its swimming requirement is the U.S. Navy. Their basic training, known as Navy Boot Camp, includes swim qualification. Sailors are tested on their swimming abilities and must pass the the test to graduate from training.

In addition to the Navy, the US Coast Guard also assesses swimming ability during its basic training. Coast Guardsmen are generally expected to be proficient swimmers due to the maritime nature of their work.

The other branches—Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force—do not place a huge emphasis on swimming in their general basic training, though roles within these branches (like the Army's Special Forces or the Marine's Reconnaissance units) may require much higher levels of aquatic proficiency.

Again, requirements can vary greatly depending on the specific job, and having advanced swimming skills can be highly valuable in many areas of the military. Your swimming background could really set you apart in certain roles! Best of luck with your future career.