How Hard is Submarine School?
The United States Navy’s Submarine School, also known as "Sub School," is a grueling and challenging program that prepares sailors for the unique demands of serving on a submarine. The school is designed to test a student’s physical and mental limits, pushing them to their breaking point to ensure they are prepared for the harsh conditions and high-stakes environment of a submarine.
Physical Demands
The physical demands of Submarine School are significant. Students are required to pass a series of physical fitness tests, including:
- 300-yard swim: Students must swim 300 yards without stopping, demonstrating their endurance and ability to work in a confined space.
- Pull-ups: Students must perform a minimum of 10 pull-ups, showcasing their upper body strength and endurance.
- Sit-ups: Students must complete 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes, demonstrating their core strength and endurance.
- Push-ups: Students must perform 50 push-ups in 2 minutes, highlighting their upper body strength and endurance.
These physical fitness tests are designed to assess a student’s ability to perform in a confined and stressful environment, where every ounce of strength and endurance counts.
Mental Demands
In addition to the physical demands, Submarine School also tests a student’s mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure. Students are required to:
- Complete a series of written exams: Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of submarine operations, navigation, and emergency procedures.
- Participate in simulated emergencies: Students must think quickly and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations, simulating real-world emergencies and crises.
- Endure sleep deprivation: Students are often required to go without sleep for extended periods, testing their mental focus and ability to perform under fatigue.
Training Regimen
The training regimen at Submarine School is intense and demanding. Students typically attend classes for 8-10 hours a day, 5 days a week, with some weekends and holidays worked as well. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Submarine operations: Students learn about the inner workings of a submarine, including propulsion, steering, and navigation.
- Electronics and machinery: Students learn about the various systems and equipment on a submarine, including communication, radar, and sonar.
- Emergency procedures: Students learn about emergency procedures, including firefighting, damage control, and abandon ship drills.
- Leadership and teamwork: Students learn about leadership and teamwork, including communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Table: Submarine School Curriculum
| Topic | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Submarine Operations | 4 weeks | Learn about the inner workings of a submarine, including propulsion, steering, and navigation. |
| Electronics and Machinery | 4 weeks | Learn about the various systems and equipment on a submarine, including communication, radar, and sonar. |
| Emergency Procedures | 2 weeks | Learn about emergency procedures, including firefighting, damage control, and abandon ship drills. |
| Leadership and Teamwork | 2 weeks | Learn about leadership and teamwork, including communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. |
Conclusion
Submarine School is an extremely challenging and demanding program that pushes students to their physical and mental limits. The training regimen is intense, and the curriculum is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics related to submarine operations, electronics, and emergency procedures. Students who attend Submarine School must be prepared to work hard, think critically, and perform under pressure. For those who succeed, the rewards are immense, as they earn the prestigious title of "submariner" and begin their journey as part of the elite community of submarine sailors.
