Can a Marine get a divers badge without attending a military dive course?

SGT Kenneth Brockman — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:53:19 -0400

A couple of guys I work with say they have a "dive bell" badge. They say they got it after completing civilian diver training. As a former member of the Army, diving was a SOCOM job that you had a specific MOS for (at the time was 00B) and needed to attend special training and qualification. Are these guys pulling my leg or is there a different reason the marines do this?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 20 at 2024 8:36 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:36:12 -0400

Only diver MOS in the Army is 12D, the SOCOM dive course would be an Additional Skill Identifier. The Navy Diver rate is ND Navy Diver. Marine Combatant Diver is taught by the Navy and is mostly for Recon members. The Marine Corp is not my side of the fence, but I haven't heard of anyone that was giving the Rating or MOS because of civilian experience.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2024 10:15 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:15:01 -0400

They are most likely pulling your leg. I know several individuals that are certified divers, parachutist and even pilots through civilian training and not one of them wears the military badge for that training. Just because you have completed the training on the civilian side it does not always translate to a military qualification. The reverse is also true - military qualifications do not automatically transfer to civilian qualifications.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 20 at 2024 1:39 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:39:41 -0400

I highly doubt it. I know dozens of Marines with Civilian scuba qualifications (myself included) and none of us are wearing Dive devices on our uniforms.

The only Marines I know with a bubble(dive badge) on their uniform attended the Navy Dive School.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 20 at 2024 3:47 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:47:00 -0400

Marines do strange things with Dive Badges or Scuba Bubbles. In 1985 when I was in jump school, I was billeted with two US Marines, a Corporal and a Sergeant going through Basic Airborne School. At lunch one day an Army PFC walked up to me and asked "Corporal, what is that round badge those Marines are wearing?" I quietly said to the PFC that he should approach the Marine Corporal, go to parade rest, and ask him," because I was sure the Corporal would love to tell him how he got it. The PFC did as I suggested, and very professionally asked the Marine what the little round badge was. Without missing a beat, with a totally straight face both the Marines said: "This is the US Marine Corps Astronaut Badge. We are both door gunners on the Space Shuttle. Good Day PFC."
The PFC took it as gospel and went to tell his buddies. I nearly spewed my Coke across the room.

Response by SGT Kenneth Munson made Jun 21 at 2024 12:08 PM

SGT Kenneth Munson — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:08:30 -0400

It sounds like your buddies might be referring to something related to civilian diving certifications. In the military, diving roles often have specialized training and qualifications, like you mentioned from your Army experience. Civilian certifications, on the other hand, can vary widely and sometimes come with badges or certifications that might seem similar to military ones, but they serve different purposes.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jun 25 at 2024 7:25 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:25:48 -0400

I know I’m showing my age, but back in 1967 I had to drive APC, 2 1/2 ton trk, 5 ton trk. then I got my badge, what can I say it’s the army and a long time ago.