Marines Fight to Earn Title as Water Survival Instructors

The Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival Course is among the most physically demanding courses in the Corps. The attrition rate can range from 20 to 50 percent, but students who endure earn the title of MCIWS.

Fewer than 600 Marines in the Corps hold the title of Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival. The three-week MCIWS course creates instructors who can train Marines to react and survive life-threatening situations in the water.

For a photo walkthrough of the course visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariness...

For a mini-documentary explaining the course's rigorous training, visit:
   • Marines Swim to Survive  

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Production: Cpl. Daniel Wetzel
Photography: Staff Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Cpl. Daniel Wetzel
Video: Staff Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Pfc. John Tucker