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Yes, the Army has divers. Unlike the combat diver additional skill identifier held by soldiers in the Special Forces, engineers have military occupational specialty (MOS) OOB divers. A part of career management field 51, MOS OOB is a low-density MOS. The rank structure for this MOS ranges from private to master sergeant. However, since there is a constant need for new divers in the field, specialists and below may qualify for reclassification into MOS OOB.
Department of the Army Pamphlet 61121, Military Occupation Classification and Structure, and Army Regulation 61175, Management of Army Divers, list the requirements for diver application. The training required to become a diver is very demanding but also very rewarding. Phase One is a nine-day course taught at Fort Leonard Wood (see Engineer Update, page 48). Phase Two is a 26-week course taught by a multiservice instruction team at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Florida.
Capabilities
Dive teams are a critical asset to commanders. Both Force XXI and Army After Next units will have to cross rivers and overcome the problems that involve rivers in areas of operation. Engineer divers can conduct waterway reconnaissance, which will save time for bridging units and prevent damage to their limited assets. Divers can provide nearshore and farshore topographic and hydrographic reports, measure and plot river depths...