The Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (pronounced “Swick”) operate as an elite and specialized maritime component within Naval Special Warfare. They are the highly trained boat operators who provide mobility, firepower, and tactical support for clandestine missions in complex environments.
Defining the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC)
The official designation for a SWCC operator is Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB). These personnel are experts in operating and maintaining high-performance combatant craft for clandestine special operations. Their lineage traces back to the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons of World War II and the “Brown Water Navy” units of the Vietnam War.
The establishment of the dedicated SB rating in 2006 formally recognized the community’s unique skill set and importance to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) missions. While they often work in close support of Navy SEAL teams, SWCC operators possess an independent mission set focused on maritime mobility and surface interdiction. They are often referred to as “The Boat Guys” for their mastery of surface craft and maritime tactics.
Core SWCC Missions and Operational Roles
SWCC operators are responsible for projecting and sustaining special operations forces from the sea to the shore and across inland waterways. Their most recognized function is the covert insertion and extraction of NSW assets, utilizing high-speed maneuvers to deliver teams to hostile areas and rapidly remove them upon mission completion. This capability is particularly focused on littoral regions and shallow-water areas where larger naval vessels cannot operate.
SWCC teams conduct Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), including Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) missions against suspect vessels. They provide Direct Action (DA) fire support, employing heavy weapons mounted directly onto their craft. Their roles also encompass coastal and riverine patrol, security, and special reconnaissance.
The Fleet: Specialized Combatant Craft
The operational effectiveness of SWCC is defined by the specialized high-speed craft they pilot and maintain across diverse maritime theaters. The Naval Special Warfare Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (NSW RHIB) is a versatile workhorse, designed for speed and stability in open ocean and coastal environments. It is often deployed from larger naval vessels or via the Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (MCADS), which allows for parachute drops from transport aircraft.
For operations in shallow waterways, the Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) is employed, featuring a 33-foot hull designed for speed and tight turns. The SOC-R is heavily armed, utilizing multiple weapon mounts for a 360-degree field of fire, including M2 .50 caliber and M240 7.62mm machine guns. Newer vessels like the Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) and Combatant Craft Assault (CCA) offer enhanced speed, range, and payload capacity.
The Path to Becoming SWCC: Selection and Training
The journey to earning the SWCC pin is a multi-phased training pipeline designed to test and develop mental and physical resilience. Candidates must first meet a set of demanding physical standards to begin the process. The training structure is progressive, building foundational skills before transitioning to advanced tactical specialization.
Physical Requirements
Prospective candidates must meet or exceed minimum scores on the Physical Screening Test (PST) to be considered for the program. The PST includes a 500-yard swim, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a 1.5-mile run, all timed to measure baseline physical conditioning. Competitive candidates often aim for elevated scores, such as completing the 1.5-mile run in under 10 minutes and 30 seconds.
Basic Crewman Selection (BCS)
Basic Crewman Selection is an approximately seven-week initial phase focused on water competency, navigation, and rigorous physical conditioning. This phase includes a demanding 72-hour crucible known as “The Tour,” which serves as the SWCC community’s equivalent to Hell Week. The Tour is designed to assess a candidate’s mental fortitude, teamwork skills, and ability to perform under extreme sleep deprivation and physical stress.
Basic Crewman Training (BCT)
Following selection, the seven-week Basic Crewman Training (BCT) phase establishes foundational maritime and combat skills. Students learn small unit tactics, weapons handling, basic boat operation, and navigation techniques. This phase emphasizes seamanship and practical application in a simulated operational environment.
SWCC Qualification Training (SQT)
The final phase is the comprehensive SWCC Qualification Training (SQT), lasting approximately 21 weeks. This phase focuses on advanced boat operations and tactical mission planning. Training covers high-speed tactical boat driving, advanced communications, and the employment of crew-served weapons systems. Successful completion culminates in the awarding of the Special Warfare Boat Operator pin.
Deployment and Integration within Naval Special Warfare
Qualified SWCC operators are assigned to one of the Special Boat Teams (SBTs), which form the operational core of the community. These teams are structured to support global missions, with units like SBT-22 specializing in riverine operations and utilizing the SOC-R in inland environments. SWCC teams are deployed worldwide and serve as a force multiplier for the entire Special Operations Forces (SOF) community.
Their operational role is often one of support, providing the rapid mobility required for other NSW assets, such as SEALs, to conduct their missions. SWCC detachments are also trained for independent operations.
Career Longevity and Life After SWCC
The Enlisted Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) rating allows for a dedicated career path within the Naval Special Warfare community, offering opportunities for long-term service. Operators can advance through the enlisted ranks, moving into leadership roles such as Chief Petty Officers who lead boat detachments, or even becoming Warrant Officers. This progression allows experienced operators to take on greater responsibility in training, mission planning, and command.
The specialized nature of the SWCC role results in the acquisition of highly marketable skills that translate well into post-military careers. Expertise in high-risk tactical planning, advanced mechanical and electrical maintenance, and operating in dynamic security environments are valuable assets. Many transition into civilian sectors such as maritime security, government contracting, and various technical fields.