I don’t know which branch of service this was. If this was the Army he was “HIGHLY ENCOURAGED” to learn to swim. Every Army base pool has/had free adult beginner swim lessons. This was my experience back in the late 80’s early 90’s.
If this was the Navy or Marines I think they had to actually learn to swim to pass boot camp, but that’s anecdotal. Perhaps our Navy or Marine brothers can comment.
If this was the air force, they sent the young man to counseling over his PTSD from jumping in a pool.
Yes Navy and Marines had to learn to swim to pass boot camp.
At least they did in 79/80
I don’t recall any black guys failing.