Where do I start?
1st and fore most, be in amazing shape. SWCC Training is 6 months long and is broken down into 2 phases, BCT and CQT. BCT is almost all physical. There is some basic instruction in BCT, but the instructors are trying to get rid of the weaklings in this phase. Lots of running in deep sand, swimming, and tons of pushups and sit-ups. I know some of the instructors in the BCT phase and they love breaking students. They will beat you (what we call PT) all day long if the schedule permits... and sometimes it does.
CQT is advanced training. Here we find out if you're smart enough to do the job. SWCCs learn engineering, combat medicine, weapons & tactics, navigation (both land and sea), advanced radio and satellite communications, and a whole bunch of other stuff that doesn’t belong in a post here. The instructors in CQT expect you to perform well in all of these tasks while under incredible physical and mental stress. They will give you tasks that seem impossible, just to see how you do. But remember, others who have gone before you were able to complete these tasks, so you have no excuse for failure!
In the end, once you finish CQT you will receive the coveted SWCC warfare pin. The last time I checked, only about 30% to 40% of the SWCC students who started training actually survive long enough to get to the end of CQT. And remember, training never ends. You will always be training. If and when you get to your SBT you may be sent to Army Airborne School and Military Free Fall Parachute School. Some go to Ranger School, some go to the Special Operations Medic Course or EMT School. There is so much you have to learn that by the end of your career you might not have gone to every school we have available. I know there were still a few schools I wish I had gone to.
Anyway, hope this helps.
Later,
Mouse....
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