text: Chapter 7
  7-40. AWST leaders select a location on the deep end of the pool where the water is a minimum of nine feet
  deep. Soldiers wear ACUs with boots, IOTV, and M16 or M4 training aid slung over their back. A safety
  line may be attached to the Soldier and controlled by the AWST leader or assistant instructor. A shepherd’s
  crook will also be available. If at any time the Soldier shows signs of undue fear, stress, panic, or fatigue, the
  AWST leader or assistant instructor will use the safety line or crook to pull the Soldier from the water.
  TASK 1: EQUIPMENT REMOVAL
  7-41. Soldiers will practice equipment removal while on the deck prior to entering the water using the
  following steps:
  * The Soldier moves to starting point at the deep end of the pool. The Soldier moves to the entry
  line with his or her back facing the water and slings the weapon over the left shoulder, grasping
  the sling close to the sling clamp with the right hand at the chest and the weapon butt plate with
  the left hand. The Soldier pulls the weapon tight to the back.
  * The Soldier stands with heels on the edge of the pool deck and back toward the water. He or she
  then performs a rear water entry bending forward slightly at the waist, transferring body weight to
  the heels, and falling rearward into the water while maintaining control of the slung weapon. He
  or she then breaks the water with the rear of the thighs and buttocks.
  * After performing the rear entry, the Soldier submerges to the bottom of the pool while exhaling
  through the nose and mouth. Upon reaching the bottom of the pool, the Soldier removes his or her
  weapon from its slung position and places it on the bottom of the pool.
  * The Soldier then removes the IOTV and places it on the bottom of the pool. The Soldier surfaces
  and continues to swim any stroke to the side of the pool and exit. If the Soldier shows signs of
  panic, the assistant instructor pulls the Soldier to the side of the pool using the safety line or
  shepherd’s crook.
  TASK 2: COLLAR TOW
  7-42. The collar tow is used to help swimmers who are tired, but not struggling. For this task, one Soldier
  acts as rescuer while a partner acts as victim. The Soldiers then reverse roles using the following steps:
  * AWST leaders select a location on the deep end of the pool where the water is a minimum of nine
  feet deep. The Soldiers perform this task wearing ACU, boots, IOTV, and M16 or M4 training aid
  slung over the back. Soldiers are paired with a partner. Prior to entering the water, Soldiers practice
  a dry run of the event including the stroke mechanics for the sidestroke while on the pool deck.
  * The rescuer slings weapon over the left shoulder, grasping the sling close to the sling clamp with
  the right hand at the chest and the weapon butt plate with the left hand. The Soldier pulls the
  weapon tight to the back. The rescuer stands with toes on the edge of the pool deck while facing
  toward the water. The rescuer performs stride entry by stepping off the pool deck into the water
  with trunk leaning forward, head up, legs spread in a stride position (one forward, the other back),
  and weapon slung across the back. Immediately upon entry, the rescuer moves legs together. This
  technique keeps the head above water and allows the rescuer to maintain visibility. The rescuer
  will stabilize buoyancy, roll onto left side, and breaststroke toward the victim.
  * The rescuer grabs the tired swimmer’s collar at the back of the neck and pulls him or her to a
  horizontal position on his or her back. The rescuer maintains hold of the victim’s collar, keeping
  his or her arm fully extended. The rescuer uses a modified sidestroke while towing, swimming on
  the side that feels most natural, using a sidearm pull and scissor kick. The Soldier should aim to
  master the stroke on both sides.
  * Following the sidestroke sequence, rescuers exit the pool in the deep end by placing their rifle on
  the deck while maintaining contact with the victim on the side of the pool. This is best
  accomplished by securing one or both arms of the tired swimmer against the pool deck while
  exiting the pool. Once on the pool deck, the rescuer squats and grasps the tired swimmer’s IOTV
  and rotates him or her so their back is against the side of the pool. The rescuer simultaneously
  stands up from the squat position and lays the tired swimmer onto the pool deck.