Getting in the Water
Ever since the inaugural Dagger Dive in 2011, the Special Forces Underwater Operations School (SFUWO) has generously allowed Task Force Dagger (TFD) to use its facilities for poolside dive training. The key is to fit our time in between the school’s regularly scheduled training exercises.
For many of the participants—especially those who trained here during their military careers—coming back with their spouse and children can feel a little surreal. What was once an intense, high-stakes environment becomes something softer, more personal. It’s not uncommon to see teenagers stand a little taller when they realize their dad trained here—really trained here. You can see the pride settle in.
Once everyone is sized and kitted up with gear, the next two days are all about getting comfortable: on deck and in the water. As they ease in, each participant is paired with a dive buddy, and they begin practicing (what we affectionately call) the “stupid human tricks.” These drills help build confidence in the equipment—and in themselves – before hitting the open water.
Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. Some struggle at first with the natural anxiety of breathing underwater, equalizing pressure in their ears, or managing a leaky mask. The mind loves to whisper doubts: You can’t do this. You’re going to mess this up. Just get out. I've been there myself.
I’ve found that the more tightly someone holds onto control in everyday life, the harder this process can be. But for those who lean into the discomfort, there's often a little self-discovery waiting on the other side.
Each family is assigned a dive instructor and assistants, and each team works through their checklist at their own pace. I love the energy of these early days. Everyone is still settling in, feeling out the rhythm of the week. The SOF community is small, and many of the families already know each other—or quickly connect. What’s beautiful is seeing these warriors in a different light: not just as operators, but as dads, husbands, and family men. (Happy Father's Day by the way!)
Early on, I used to think my husband was uniquely wired to be the group’s “mother hen,” keeping everyone moving and looking out for the stragglers. But after a few years of Dagger Dive under my belt, I realized—it's not just him. It's nearly all of them. That instinct to serve, to protect, to lead? It doesn't get turned off when they come home.
And honestly, after all this time, it still humbles me. I’m grateful every year to witness it again—this quiet strength, this shared commitment, and this community that refuses to let anyone fall behind.
These first days in the water set the tone for the whole week—challenging, connecting, and full of small wins that add up to something powerful. It’s more than just dive training; it’s about rediscovery, support, and showing up for each other in new ways.
If you’ve enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at Dagger Dive, I invite you to follow along. I’ll be sharing more moments from the week—stories, images, and the quiet in-betweens that speak volumes.
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss the next post.
There’s so much more to come!
Leave a comment
4 Comments
Jun 16, 2025, 3:13:39 PM
Laura Schroeder - Haha! They aren't that bad. LOL!
Jun 16, 2025, 3:13:13 PM
Laura Schroeder - The week is going entirely too fast!
Jun 16, 2025, 8:25:17 AM
Laura - “Stupid human trucks” ha! It sounds terrifying and thrilling at the same time!
Jun 16, 2025, 7:07:52 AM
Michelle Lynn Schmidt - Love all the pictures and updates. You are simply the best!