10/05/2026
Did you know that in 1956, a U.S. Army documentary highlighted the demanding training required to become an Army diver? Army Divers' School, Episode 365 of The Big Picture television series, takes viewers inside the Army Transportation Corps Diver School at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
The film follows soldiers with no previous diving experience as they endure a rigorous 17-week course, progressing from training tanks to real-world underwater salvage operations in the muddy waters of the James River. Along the way, they learn valuable skills including underwater repair, welding, carpentry, demolition, and salvage techniques.
The footage offers a fascinating look at military diving in the 1950s and the foundations of many underwater operations that continue today.
🎥 We'll be sharing more about this remarkable piece of diving history soon, including some connections to the evolution of military and commercial diving.
Stay tuned!