Clemson ROTC cadets take a leap of faith

Clemson University Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets were tested on their stamina and personal courage with the Combat Water Survival Test in the Fike Recreation Center pool.

During the test, cadets first must swim laps for 10 minutes without touching the pool sides or bottom. After a five-minute break, they must tread water for five minutes without touching the pool sides or bottom.

Next come the three events with full gear on.

In the "equipment ditch," cadets must wear a tactical vest and hold an M-16 rifle while stepping backward into the water. The cadet must submerge completely and remove the vest and weapon before resurfacing.

Then the cadets must swim 15 meters carrying the M-16s without touching the pool sides or bottom.

Last is the five-meter drop, widely considered the most nerve-wracking event. Cadets are blindfolded and guided off a five-meter diving board carrying M-16s. To pass, they must hold onto the weapons upon hitting the water, take off the blindfolds and return to the side of the pool with the weapons still in hand.

Follow Bart Boatwright on Twitter, @bartboat.