 Soldiers of the Vermont National Guard aren't usually known for their swimming abilities. But soldiers from Cutthroat Troop, first of the 172nd Cavalry, showed how adaptable they are. The unit took the Combat Water Survival Test, which consists of three stations. The first station is entering the pool and removing equipment before swimming to the edge. The second is a blindfolded drop, and the last stage is swimming the length of the pool, which was 25 meters without dropping equipment. Commander of Cutthroat Troop, first of the 172nd Cavalry, Captain Stephen Gagnier, says how the soldiers' confidence is boosted by training like this. It gives soldiers the confidence to negotiate a water obstacle should we meet it. And since we do a lot of patrolling through swamps and other water features, during those infiltration-exfiltration routes, it gives them the confidence to know that should the water level change, they can remove themselves safely. Captain Gagnier wasn't the only person who thought this training helped the unit. Specialist Jason Longway says this training shows the soldiers what they are capable of. They call us ground pounders sometimes for a reason, you know, we're used to being on dry land. A couple guys were uncomfortable, you could tell on the faces as they were swimming, but that's why we do it, so you actually know that you're able to do something like that. Reporting from Northfield, Vermont, with your 172nd Public Affairs Detachment, I'm Army Sergeant Nathan Rivard.