SWCC class that begins July 13,2009

[swcc]

Hi all,

My son is in Coronado and will start SWCC training on July 13, 2009. He has been helping out with the current class and can't wait to start his own training. Anyone else out there with sailors starting this SWCC class? Would love to chat with you as they go through training together. Any advice from more experienced navy moms of SWCC graduates?? Thanks!

[marthab]

Yes, they need civie clothes, when Cal got there 13 arrived at one time. his group had to go by bus or taxi and buy some right away. He has his laptop but went to another building (MWR) and purchased aircards for internet access. They "older" guys seems good at helping the new ones learn the ropes and fit in. They do a lot of PST ( as a group, but not in a class with an instructor) and learn information from a book every day for a number of hours. They take turns on watch and they do cleaning, and other things that need doing around the place. The rooms have microwaves and refrig so they can buy and stock their own food- with that amount of exercise the 3 meals at the galley is not enough calories. Some of them surf and they seem to eat out a lot and go to a lot of movies too. His group PIR'd on 3/20. some started class in April and some are starting next week.t the chief petty officers and the instructors can tell him that when the next class starts up. They have been learning some things all this time- putting engines into the boats, and a lot of other things.

[marthab]

My son has been waiting for the same thing since early April. He was put back on med hold for his eyes ( he had surgery so he does not need glasses now, as everyone in special forces does). He isn't able to do all the PST to prepare, so he dropped on request!!!! It was upsetting for all of us, he too was helping out, doing and learning a lot that excited him.. He was informed if he was told to leave for medical or physical reasons he could never return. By dropping on request he can reapply in a year. After that day he heard from the other instructors that he was certain graduate but he could not go back and undo the DOR. He hopes to get a contract for EOD, another part of special forces. He will know later this week. I am happy he and a SWCC friend drove a couple hours north to spend the long weekend with my cousin and her family. I didn't want him staying in the dormitory ( for students waiting to transfer to another school) alone over the long weekend . He has made good friends, and learned to surf and enjoyed most of it... he is tired of waiting to class up. I think he will feel better once he is moved and actuallly in school instead off waiting.

[Lori]

Hi Martha,

Thanks for the note. How is your son doing? That is a hard decision to dor from swcc. It must have been very difficult for him to do that. I'm always for looking ahead and not back. There must be something better for him out there in the Navy. Good luck to you all.
Lori

[marthab]

Lori,

He had a hard time, it wa s upsetting for him. I was proud he was able to think this through, ask for good advice and make an adult decision. but this way he will NOT get dropped and he will be able to return. In a year he can put in his papers to move back to SWCC, of course perhaps he will love the new job and decide to stay put. He will choose a new job tomorrow after he is off med hold. He has looked into what is available, and one of the choices has training school in our own city.( but it isn't his first choice, he will choose another type of special forces if he can) He was sick last week, apparently caught it while still in the SWCC building, but is much better now.

[Lori]

Hi Martha,

I'm so glad your son has the option to go back to swcc if that's what he wants. If he really wants special forces I'm sure he'll find a way to make that happen. I hope he's feeling better. Best of luck to your family! Let me know what happens.

Lori

[marthab]

HI, Lori,

He still wants to return to SWCC. He is managing ok in his new school, getting adjusted. THere are a few others from SWCC who are also there for the same school or other schools. He( and other sailors from the fleet) is annoyed w/ the instructors- they seem "out to get" the sailors who came from various parts of the fleet instead of straight from boot camp. He has a lot of company, as you know many of the SWCC class will be dropped before the end of it. HE knows a few who are on the way to the same place where he is, and some are already there with him. Is your son still doing fine?

[Cindy]

Hi Lori

Have you heard from your son since he left? My son starts boot camp Nov 2. and then off to Coronado.
How long is SWCC training ? Sorry for all the questions....I'm just anxious about it as I'm sure you were and most other moms.

Cindy

[Lori]

Hi Cindy,

What an adventure, huh? I really do like the Navy although I had reservations at first. My son has embraced the Navy life and is doing well despite some setbacks along the way (ear problems and two surgeries at Great Lakes). They really do take good care of the sailors, especially in Great Lakes. The leaders were much more strict than parents and their safety is a priority. Once your son learns the routine and gets over the initial shock of basic training, he'll fall right into it. I'm not really sure how long the entire SWCC training is. My son just completed swcc Hell Week (YAY!!) after going through two weeks of "Indoc". During Indoc it was so tough that they went from 40 guys to 20. Then during Hell Week they went down to 16 who finished out the week. Very tough indeed. I haven't talked to my son yet on the phone (only text msgs) so don't know all the details. Your son will be fine and will be able to contact you at certain times during boot camp. I see a lot of boot camp groups on NavyForMoms that may be helpful to you. Let me know how it goes!!
Lori

[Peg]

Lori -

My son is in the same class.

Peg

[Lori]

Hi Peg,

It's been quite a week. Our boys have really taken a beating and then some. It's nice to know another mom who's going through the same thing. You must be incredibly proud of your son.

Lori