Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan -- “By Land, By Sea” is one of the many mottos embellished in Marine Corps traditions and that’s what the Aquatics Maximum Power Intense Training, or AMP-IT, is demonstrating at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
AMP-IT is an effort to increase readiness in an aquatic atmosphere. The course involves water survival, proper swimming techniques and aquatic exercises designed to increase readiness.
It also focuses on strength and endurance to enhance Marines’ capabilities during swim qualifications and fitness tests as well.
“It’s the water version of a High Intensity Tactical Training program,” said Master Sgt. Creighton Scott, AMP-IT instructor. “All of the training will benefit a Marine’s Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test.”
It is a Marine’s responsibility to go above and beyond in these categories and that’s what this program is intended to do.
“They love the fact that we incorporate dynamic exercises into their workout,” said Chief Warrant Officer Enrique Laguna, AMP-IT instructor. “The water can definitely challenge everybody, and Marines say it feels good to do more than ‘go out and run three miles.’”
The program has grown significantly since arriving at MCAS Iwakuni, training approximately 400 Marines per week comprised of different units across the air station.
As Marines participate in the program, Scott said he can see an increase in performance and strength throughout the class.
“We measure the success of the program off the number of participants as well as the progression of each individual Marine,” said Scott. “I’ve seen Marines who have started with the aqua belt and as they’ve become more comfortable, they started towing loads and treading water for significant amounts of time. I’ve also seen Marines lose a significant amount of weight through the program as well.”
AMP-IT also encourages service members who are E-5 and above to sign up as instructors to forge amphibious, combat-ready Marines.
“The more instructors we have the more we can support Marines and the program,” said Scott. “It’s great. I get to help Marines out and make them better swimmers. It even helps me to stay on top of my performance.”
Instructors encourage Marines to participate in the classes so they can better prepare themselves for the future.
“AMP-IT is a great program, you don’t have to be a perfect swimmer,” said Scott. “The program has actually helped me improve my swim stroke a lot. Don’t be intimidated.”
For more information contact Aquatics at 253-4966.
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