OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit took part in the Shallow Water Egress Training program Nov. 17, 2015 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan.

The SWET program is a one-day course that teaches Marines how to survive if a helicopter were to crash in water. SWET is just one example of unique training conducted by the 31st MEU Marines. This type of training allows MEU Marines to be prepared for real-life situations.

The Marines began their day in the classroom where they learned about the techniques and equipment they would use during the course. The students later participated in the practical application segment of the course known as the SWET chair. 

“In the SWET chair, the students learn the basic procedures to orient themselves to their exit,” said Kurt Reese, site manager of the underwater egress training. “In the event that they do end up in a crash, they will know what to do.” 

The students sit in a simulated aircraft chair, and the instructors simulate a crash for the students.

“We’ll flip them upside down, they’ll utilize physical references that they learned in the classroom to locate their exit and then safely egress from the chair,” said Reese, from Saint Louis, Missouri.

The Marines were enthusiastic about the training, understanding that it could one day save their life. 

“On the MEU we’ll be in lots of water and airborne vehicles and if any of them happen to have an accident and end up in the water, this’ll be good training to prepare us for real life application,” said Lance Cpl. Brett R. Smith from O’Fallon, Missouri, a field radio operator with the communication section, command element, 31st MEU. 

The instructors were also enthusiastic about the importance of the SWET program. 

“It feels really good to know that maybe I’m not out there helping with the battle, I’m not slugging a rifle around, but I’m helping someone that does,” said Nicholas Christenson, a UET instructor from Fort Sill, Oklahoma. “In the event that they get into a crash they can get out, and they have all the things they need to survive if it were to happen.”