5-15. The term "scout swimmers" refers to a pair of surface swimmers assigned a reconnaissance or security mission in advance of the boat or other swimmers. Scout swimmers secure the beach-landing site and reconnoiter it to ensure that it can accommodate the entire team. They must also reconnoiter a suitable assembly area, cache sites, and a position from which to signal the remainder of the team into the beach- landing site. The team must maintain strict noise and light discipline throughout the operation.
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QUIPMENT5-16. Normally, scout swimmers launch from a small boat outside the surf zone. Their equipment includes a life vest, swim fins, dive tool, MK 13 day or night flare, and coral shoes or booties.
Life Vest
5-17. Each scout swimmer wears his life vest under all equipment except his wet suit. It has no quick release, because he must wear it throughout his mission.
Serviceability
• Check the oral inflation tube. • Inflate the vest and check it for leaks. • Check the CO2 inflation mechanism.
Preventive Maintenance
• Wash in fresh water after use.
• Clean and lubricate the CO2 mechanism. • Replace the C02 cartridge if used. • Partially inflate the vest.
• Store vest in a cool, dry area. Swim Fins
Serviceability
5-19. Check fins for proper fit and broken straps. Check for any rips or tears.
Preventive Maintenance
5-20. Wash the fins with fresh water after each use. Store in a cool dry place. Dive Tool
5-21. Swimmers keep this tool or knife with them at all times in case they become entangled while swimming.
Serviceability
• Check for rust or corrosion. • Sharp edges.
• Cracked or broken blade.
Preventive Maintenance
• Wash with fresh water. • Sharpen.
• Lubricate.
• Store dive tool out of the sheath to dry. MK13 Day or Night Flare
5-22. This is an emergency signal device.
Serviceability
• Use flare only if seals are intact. • Check pull-ring lanyard.
Preventive Maintenance
• Wash in fresh water.
• Store according to standing operating procedures. Coral Shoes or Booties
5-23. The swimmer wears these under his fins. They protect his feet from coral, rocks, or other sharp-edged or poisonous underwater objects.
Serviceability
• Check for rips or holes. • Check for proper fit.
• Check to ensure the zippers work.
Preventive Maintenance
• Wash in fresh water.
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AUNCHP
OINT5-24. Scout swimmers normally move from the debarkation to launch points in inflatable boats with motors. The scout swimmers enter the water at the launch point. The launch point should be at least 400 meters off the beach, out of the range of small arms.
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ECONNAISSANCE5-25. Once the team reaches the launch point, the team leader sends out a scout swim team to reconnoiter the beach-landing site. Before leaving the main body, the swimmers receive last-minute instructions or adjustments to the original plan. The scout swimmers' may either leave their rucksacks with the main body or take them along. The swimmers use a dive compass, or they guide on prominent terrain features or lights on the beach. To allow all-round observation, they swim facing each other, which lets each swimmer observe the area behind the other one.
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PPROACH5-26. As the scout swimmers reach the surf zone, or when they get close to the beach-landing site, they start using the breaststroke to observe the beach. They approach with stealth and caution, keeping a low profile. One of them looks to the rear periodically so he can warn of large waves, which could injure or separate them from their equipment and each other. When they reach shallow water and determine that the situation is safe, they remove their fins.
1. If they can see the wood line easily from the waterline, one scout swimmer remains in the water just inside the waterline and covers the other Soldier’s movement across the beach. Once the first scout moves to the edge of the wood line, he covers his partner's movement to the same position.
2. If the topography prohibits easy observation of the wood line from the waterline, the swimmers move by successive bounds.
3. Once both scouts move inland, they use a modified box pattern to reconnoiter and secure the beach. They choose a suitable assembly and cache site that provides the entire team cover and concealment.
4. One scout positions himself at the edge of the wood line. He provides security for the remainder of the team and guides them to the assembly area. The other scout positions himself where he can signal the main body. When he makes visual contact, with the remainder of the team, he moves to the waterline.
5. When the remainder of the team reaches the beach-landing site, the scout at the waterline directs them to the other scout, who guides them to the assembly area. After the last team member passes him, the scout at the waterline disguises any tracks left in the sand and rejoins the team.
6. If possible, the team locates the cache site away from the assembly area. If the enemy discovers and follows the tracks or trails from the beach to the assembly area, they could easily determine the number of personnel involved in the operation by counting swim gear.