I think you mean tie each pant leg closed at the ankle, then throw them over your head holding the waist open, down into the water
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Did you ‘learn’ that in SERE School?
I remember that technique/advice from my Navy days and think (not sure) they passed that on to us in Boot Camp (1956). Something about shirts also being able to be used.
Guess ANYTHING you could ‘trap’ water in and help you ‘float’ was good....
Also, the ‘bell bottoms’ were for some sort of ‘safety’ function, not just keeping ones shoes shined or the deck clean. <: <:
The idea between the 13 button and bell bottom AND string tie in back was to allow you to remove the now wet and heavy wool without having to remove your shoes.
Remember this only isn’t for USN use, if you find yourself in a canoe or fishing boat and go over the side, your pants can be used to help keep you afloat...
Actually, in the DWEST part of SERE/DWEST.
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape / Deep Water Environmental Survival Training.
Fun stuff - when you're twenty-something... wouldn't be so much now - but some things you just don't forget.