I always wanted to do Seal training, had to settle for USMC. (never really talked to the Navy)
what is the purpose of exchanging gear? seems silly to me, cant think of a situation of ever needing to do so. I understand taking gear off and having mask knocked off regulator pulled out, etc. but exchanging gear? I have a BP/w with a weight belt, my wife has an integrated BC. mine is adjusted to fit me and is not easily adjusted. I guess I will just borrow a BC similar to hers for this but the training value is lost on me.
As others have stated, it is a task loading and problem solving task for the divemaster candidates. I avoid calling it a skill.
The candidates are basically presented a problem. Given a short period of time to develope a plan. Then they must execute it.
For me, the hardest part of the task was dealing with the laughter.