Training for the U.S. submarine force, like life on a submarine, is rigorous. Submariners must deal with a variety of situations calmly and quickly, and must be in control at all times. Even minor slips like knocking over pots and pans can cause serious problems on a sub, where complete silence is sometimes necessary.
In addition, submariners will be put under enormous pressure ? literally and figuratively. Submariners must be in good physical and mental shape to cope with the environment.
Escape training: In the event of an accident, submariners need to know how to exit the submarine. For many, this includes special training in a huge silo filled with water that is meant to simulate the submarine environment. Potential submariners must enter at the bottom and swim to the top.
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Wet training: In this training, submarine recruits are placed in a room filled with pipes. Instructors can spring a leak in any pipe, and the recruits must learn to stop the high-pressure leaks as the room fills with water.
Fire training: Fire is one of a submarine?s greatest dangers, far more than flooding, because it eats up precious oxygen. Submariners must learn to deal with fire, using special breathing gear, fighting the fire and rescuing fellow sailors, often in darkness and smoke. Special training rooms recreate the chaos of a submarine fire.
Nuclear training: Any Officer or Sailor who will work with a sub?s reactor must undergo intensive training. Trainees attend special schools and spend time working at Navy-operated reactors on shore. The certification process can take a year or more. Because of the Navy?s emphasis on safety, submariners also undergo radiation and accident training.
