How to Become a Member of the Underwater and Incursor Command

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-02 02:12

Joining the ComSubIn (Command Underwater and Incursors) requires great physical and mental strength, which will allow you to make quick decisions during the tough operations that you will carry out with your team. It is a demanding and highly paid profession once you have entered permanent service; if you choose to do so, it must still be for a vocation rather than for gain. If you think you qualify, read on.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Enlist in the Navy

Step 1. Begin your journey in the Navy

The Underwater and Incursors Command is divided into two sections: the GOI (Incursori Operational Group) and the GOS (Underwater Operational Group). In order to access both Corps, it is necessary to be part of the Navy as a Marshal, Sergeant, Troop or Officer.

• Those who have Italian citizenship and an age between 17 and 38 years old can enroll in the Navy (keep in mind, however, that to be able to access the ComSubIn you must not exceed 27 years). A good physical constitution is one of the basic requirements: the minimum height of men must be 1.65 m, that of women 1.61 m.
• As regards the qualification, the candidate must have a high school diploma or obtain it in the school year of reference of the competition announcement.

• Another fundamental requirement concerns myopia, which must not exceed 3/10.

  

• If you wish to enlist you must always lead a healthy life and have not received any criminal convictions, nor have criminal proceedings pending for non-culpable crimes

  

• Remember that in addition to being physically healthy, you also need to be mentally and psychologically strong. These are all fundamental characteristics that will be taken into consideration during the various stages of hiring.

Step 2. Keep fit

There is no word that can adequately describe the training load you will have to face, especially to enter the GOI. Tiring, exhausting, designed to push you over the edge, torture … just to give you an idea. Start exercising well before applying. At this link you will find a preparation program to be able to face the ComSubIn tests with greater serenity.

• It is advisable, although not mandatory, to improve your swimming skills right away as well as start taking some diving lessons. During the training you will take special courses, but if you start preparing in advance you will have an advantage.

  

Step 3. Submit your enrollment application

After verifying that you meet all the requirements, submit your application. Visit the Navy website and select the item that interests you most - and for which you have every requirement - so as to become part of the Corps.

Part 2 of 4: Submit your Application to ComSubIn

Step 1. Choose whether to join the GOS or the GOI

As already said, the ComSubIn is divided into two bodies; the Incursori Operational Group - part of the Italian Special Forces and able to implement attack techniques on naval units at sea - and the Underwater Operational Group - a specialized force of the Navy composed of divers and divers that deals with the reclamation of any ordnance found at sea, submarine and submarine rescue as well as defense. Enrollment applications and related courses have some differences.

Whether for the GOS or the GOI, once you have submitted the application you will first have to undergo blood tests and a cardiological examination. Then you will have to face the neurological examination (electroencephalogram): before this test try to spend a night of absolute rest. Finally, you will be examined by an ENT, a dentist and an ophthalmologist. Therefore avoid exposing yourself to excessively noisy environments, always take care of your dental hygiene and try not to strain your eyes

Step 2. Submit your application to enter the GOI

For the role of Incursors, soldiers who, at the start date of the training course, have not exceeded twenty-seven years of age and who are permanently serving in the roles of Marshal, Sergeant, Troop or personnel can submit an application to their Command. in the three-year short term for the courses specified in the Marina Order Sheet (document that is published between the months of September and December of each year on which the various requirements to be able to apply are specified).

Step 3. Submit your application to join the GOS

The military who can apply are officers, non-commissioned officers and troop personnel. To access the Underwater Departments of the Navy it is necessary to go to the diving qualification courses (addressed to officers) or to the ordinary divers (non-commissioned officers and troops).

• You will have to forward the application, through the Command where you work, to the General Staff Office of the Maristat (Navy General Staff) - 2nd Department for Officers and 3rd Department for NCOs and Troops - and for information to ComSubIn. Obviously the first step is to undergo a medical examination that will determine if you are suitable for the role.

• In order to participate in the course you will have to pass gymnastic tests which consist of:

  • Run 3 kilometers in 15 minutes
  • Perform 8 pull-ups on the bar holding it with the palms of the hands forward
  • Do 20 push-ups
  • Swimming and rowing test

• If you don't usually engage in any sporting activity, following the program below will allow you to prepare yourself for the course in just eight weeks.

  

• Race.

  

  • First and second week: 3 km in 18 minutes
  • Week three and four: 6km in 34 minutes
  • Fifth and sixth week: 9 km in 47 minutes
  • Seventh and eighth week: 12 km in 60 minutes

• Push ups.

  

  • Week 1 and Week 2: 3 sets in 10 repetitions
  • Week three and four: 3 sets in 12 repetitions
  • Fifth and sixth weeks: 3 sets in 16 repetitions
  • Seventh and eighth weeks: 3 sets in 20 repetitions

• Abdominal muscles.

  

  • Week 1 and Week 2: 3 sets in 20 repetitions
  • Week three and four: 3 sets in 25 repetitions
  • Fifth and sixth weeks: 3 sets in 30 repetitions
  • Seventh and eighth weeks: 3 sets in 30 repetitions

• Pull ups.

  

  • Week 1 and Week 2: 3 sets in 3 repetitions
  • Week three and four: 3 sets in 4 repetitions
  • Fifth and sixth weeks: 3 sets in 6 repetitions
  • Seventh and eighth weeks: 3 sets in 8 repetitions

• In addition, you can supplement this training with swimming sessions (possibly dolphin, or freestyle).

  

• A further step that separates you from admission to the course consists in diving tests. All candidates who will have to attend the diving courses, after the centralization phase, are subjected to aquatic tests in the tank. Potential students will have to:

  • Empty the mask while diving: the student must flood the mask (while diving) and then proceed with emptying by raising the face towards the surface, pressing the upper part of the mask with the fingers and exhaling with the nose
  • Stay in apnea for at least 60 seconds

  • Breathe from a self-contained breathing apparatus without wearing the mask.

    

  Part 3 of 4: Begin the Training

  Step 1. Prepare to take the course to become an Incursor

  The training useful for joining the GOI lasts one year, starting from the month of May, and is divided into a centralization period, three training phases and a few final tests:

  • During the centralization phase, the aspiring student will have to undergo the necessary medical examinations at the ComSubIn infirmary and face the first obstacles of the course: physical and aquatic tests. Once these tests have been passed, the actual training can begin.

    

  • The first phase of the training, lasting 12 weeks, consists of a progressive physical preparation that includes running, bodyweight gymnastics, swimming, land combat and teaching of topography.

    

  • The second phase lasts 13 weeks and is dedicated to surface and underwater swimming with the use of the oxygen self-contained breathing apparatus. From the very first sessions held in the operational tank, the students learn to swim in pairs while diving. The ability to carry out operational swimming enables the student to carry out naval attack missions, a capability that distinguishes the Navy Raiders from the operators of other special forces.

    

  • The activities of the third phase, lasting 12 weeks, are focused on surface navigation, landing, land taking and infiltration in the various types of coast, in addition, training is given in the use of explosives, weapons and the execution of reconnaissance and attacks on ground targets.

    

  • The intense preparation culminates in the fourth and final phase, which lasts 15 weeks and sees students face realistic final exercises as well as end-of-course exams.

    

  

  Step 2. Take courses to enter the GOS

  The courses for Sub or Ordinary Divers have different durations, depending on the qualification, and end with the awarding of the diver and diver license; from that moment you will be enabled to operate within the Underwater Departments.

  • The OSSALC (Operator of the Safety Service Authorized to Work in Hull) is a two-month course that can be accessed by all members of the Armed Forces, at the end of which a patent is obtained for the use of the self-contained breathing apparatus by 15 meters deep.

  • The Scuba Divers course lasts five months and is open to Graduates and Volunteers in short term of the Navy and members of the Port Authorities, as well as to members of other Armed Forces. It allows to obtain a patent for the use of air, oxygen and mixture self-contained breathing apparatus (respectively at 60, 12 and 54 meters).

    

  • The Ordinary Divers course lasts eleven months and is open to non-commissioned officers and troops in permanent service of the Navy. It allows the use of self-contained breathing apparatus, diving equipment (light or classic) and can precede several specialized courses for the use of hyperbaric equipment, underwater vehicles, rigid diving suits for deep diving and for the underwater bomb disposal license.

  • The Sub Habilitation course is a course intended for Navy officers, enriched with specific notions for the role.

    

  Part 4 of 4: Attending Postgraduate Courses or Specialty Courses

  Step 1. Once you become an Incursore, you can choose to attend an advanced course

  Here are the ones currently available:

  • Skydiving course with free fall technique (TCL): it takes place at the Parachuting Training Center (CAPAR) of Pisa for a period of 5-6 weeks, during which you will have to perform controlled opening jumps from a height of 4000 meters.
  • Advanced parachuting course: useful for learning the techniques needed in case of high altitude jumps (7,000-11,000 meters) with oxygen at low altitude (HALO, High Altitude Low Opening) or with high altitude opening and navigation under sail (HAHO, High Altitude High Opening). This course generally lasts one month.

  • Military mountaineering course and qualification as a military mountaineering instructor.

    

  Step 2. You can also choose from one of the following specialty courses:

  • Selected marksman course at Italian and foreign firearms schools (USA).
  • FAC course (Forward Air Controller, advanced air controller), for qualification for FAC missions - ground management of air attacks and the designation of targets to pilots - held at the Air Force School of Aerocooperation. The course lasts 5 weeks and is reserved for individuals with the necessary level of knowledge of the English language.
  • Military rescuer course. At the national level, the Incursors destined for this sector obtain the qualification of "military rescuer" after a three-week course which guarantees, among other things, a sort of legal capacity to operate in the field of first aid (albeit with major limitations).

  • EOD Course (Explosive Ordnance Remediation Operator) and IEDD Course (Improvised Explosive Ordnance Remediation Operator), to be attended at the EOD Training Center of the Army Engineers School.

    

  Advice

  • If you are a teenager and want to join ComSubIn, start training now. Don't wait any longer, and most importantly, don't give up.
  • Do sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and run at least 20 minutes a day.
  • Get used to swimming for at least 250m in succession, and gradually it goes up to 500m.
  • For every position you want to reach, it is very important to have a diploma. Some roles also require a degree.
  • The Raiders (GOI) are part of the Armed Forces, and as such they must be prepared to face situations of great risk.
  • If you have already enlisted in the Navy, you are halfway to your goal.