Words of Encouragement from a few Mom's

[Quilter]

Mom #1

My son spent 3 weeks in H class and as it turns out it was a very positive thing.  Many of those who spend time in H end up at the top of their new class.  My son was never a big athlete, and if he had been better physically prepared for OCS he would not have incurred the injury that sent him to H (my POV anyway).  While there, they spend time in physical training, learning their "knowledge" and all of the other things they need to be successful when they class up.  It is of course a big shock and disappointment when it happens, but it gives them an opportunity to overcome adversity, recover and persevere.

After he classed up, my son had various leadership rolls in the regiment and ended up as H-COM (Candidate Lieutenant Commander, H company) during Candio phase (last three weeks of OCS).

The Facebook groups are a great resource for knowing what's coming up and being prepared for whatever might happen.  I "hoped for the best, prepared for the worst" and when he called to say he was going to H, I was able to use the few minutes to tell him it wasn't the end of the world, remind him of all he had already accomplished, and let him know we were still proud of him and knew he would make it through.

I'm sure your son will come through this phase just as well, and you too will survive.  No news is good news, be ready for anything, and enjoy every achievement on this road......

 

Mom #2

  From what I heard of RLP, it is so incredibly nitpicky, (like the loose ends of your shoelaces must measure exactly the same length,) besides your son also being sick at the time.  A lot of them get sick at OCS because of the stress, and close living quarters, and lack of sleep.

Let me encourage you and your son, that when my son was there, the ones who came in from Holding Class would often become the leaders in the new class that they were joining, because they had three weeks more experience at OCS, and they shined the second time through!    Part of the agony of RLP for them is they really don't know what to expect, even though they've heard horror stories form the upperclassmen.  Now that he knows what to expect, I'm sure your son will do fine the next time, besides not being sick anymore will help!   I think the H class still trains and works out daily with another DI, and they study their regulations, and prepare for RLP again. 

So much of OCS is just psychological survival, so write lots of encouraging letters to your son and tell him he must not quit.  After he passes RLP, things get better for them; he just has to stick it out.  He has to show them that he really is committed to becoming a Naval Officer no matter what.  My son thought he'd made a big mistake too, but he stuck it out, and said it does get better after the first 4 weeks, so tell your son to hang in there.  It will all be worth it!

 Mom #3

Write Write Write your LO's as often as you can!!

Address for H-Class

 

OC (Your LO's name goes here) (Use "OC" Format for all 12 weeks!)

Officer Candidate School

H-Class

Officer Training Command Newport

1356 Meyerkord Ave.

Newport, RI 02841

 

Send your LO's in H-Class LOT'S of letters while in H-Class.  I downloaded pictures of friends and family and Copied them on plain white paper. They were Blk and White and they looked great! Some family members held signs saying "You've got this" "Kick Butt" "Stay Strong"!! Send words of encouragment, sport updates, 10 day forecast, and simple things you did througout the day :)