<p>How much swimming is there at USMA? Is it REQUIRED to be a good swimmer (or to swim in general)? thanks.</p>
<p>Cadets must pass two swim classes to graduate. The first is given Plebe year and is simply a timed swim and is not difficult. The 2nd class is given Cow year and is ‘combat’ swimming.</p>
<p>Must have changed the last couple of years–Our cadet (c/o 2009) had “Plebe Drowning” her first year with no swimming requirement the third year. “Plebe Drowning” was pretty intense (a lot more than a timed swim lol.)</p>
<p>Cow combat swimming is the same thing as plebe drowning except the year it’s taken.</p>
<p>Good to know, thanks soccernerd!</p>
<p>Thanks soccernerd, for your post. I had really not phrased my earlier swim post well at all. </p>
<p>Basically the swim test in CBT is just to see if you can swim and properly place you in the correct swim class. If you cannot pass the very fundamental test in CBT then you go into a basic learn to swim class in Plebe year usually called Rock swimming; like swim like a rock. All ‘Rock’ swimmers need to be ID’d before they get out to Lake Frederick.</p>
<p>The majority of cadets pass the swim test and take Plebe Swimming/Drowning which is a lot of survival swimming, and the ability to jump in fully clothed, with a rifle and get across the pool with smoke flares, waves, etc., etc., etc… really cool. Some really advanced swimmers will take a slightly different course, at least they used to. I think it is actually about the same survival course just compressed and given over a shorter period of time.</p>