Wow, my sailor said that his RSS class is down to 9!  HOLY SMOKES!!!  To think, they still have 3 weeks left, come on 1114, you can do it!

Hey ladies, I posted a discussion a while ago asking about how long A school is.  Can someone help me out?  I would really appreciate it  :)

Oh mom2four you're mak'in me nervous. How many did they start out with? Tell your son to hang in there!

 

Hi CallieJean.......sometimes the discussions get overlooked.... sorry about that :o) The path to a rescue swimmer was just recently talked about by a bunch of us. Go to pages 4 and 5 on the bottom of this page cuz it's all detailed there. Read and see if it makes sense and let us know if you have any other questions cuz it's pretty confusing. Welcome!

Mama B- I will echo what the other moms are saying... encourage your son to make sure that this is what he wants to do and then if it is, push for it!  It's hard, really hard... love your boy and it will all be ok.  His class started with almost 30- I think...

CallieJean, I'm sure you've figured this out ...... but there are 3 others on here that are in the same ship/division. You guys are very lucky to be together. I've been on here a little over 2 years and this is the only time I've seen this many together. Just talked to my son and two years ago TODAY he left for Boot Camp....

CallieJean - There are a number of school houses they will attend in Pcola. First they will attend NACCS, "Aircrew" school, then RSS "rescue swimmer school", then "A" School. there are usually holds inbetween each. Generally speaking your Sailor will probably be in Pcola for atleast 6 months. That has been most of our experience, could be a bit longer or shorter. The "A" School is just a part of the schoolhouse pipeline. Just remember that the Navy is on their own timeline, can't really count on dates and times.

mom2four this is EVERYTHING my son has ever wanted (we own 2 copies of "The Guardian") LOL ! He would watch Spec Ops training on Discover Channel and say with a hugh smile on his face "Man I can't wait for that!!"  I guess I just get uneasy thinking he may not see his dream for filled. My husband used to go to the pool with him prior to leaving and wrestle under water with him. (amongst other training) so hopefully he'll do fine. 

CALLIEJEAN- your post can be found under Discussion Forum right above this Comment Wall.

Mama, sounds like he'll be great!  Enjoy the ride... ;)

thank you for all the responses and the prayers and positive vibes. it is greatly appreciated...

 

so we tried swimmer's ear, tylenol, and some other remedies before he left for class yesterday... he made it through the day... he says if his pain was at a 10 last night, it's probably a 6 now. so it's still painful but definitely not as much! he's just going to grit his teeth and push through until after grad next thursday. so long as he doesn't start getting a fever or anything like that i'm fine. i am oh so very worrisome as it is and this just makes me an absolute nervous wreck! they have their level III PT test today and he said this is the last vigorous PT besides the run before graduation on thursday. this is good news! :) thank you again everyone, i will keep you posted

Sarahbear - Vinegar in with the swimmers ear kills the germs too. I sent my Sailor 3 bottles and he said he never used them, that bugar (he used to get swimmers ear every summer). He dealt with pneumonia instead. I will say that the Navy takes really good care of their Sailors (when they are not beating them! LOL). Strength to your Sailor!! Rescue Swimmers are a tough bunch! We are pulling for him!

Hi Beth!!! 

sarah -  I remember my son taking some advil at one point also because of some headaches.. that is why I suggested it..  He did not get in any trouble for taking it or perhaps he took it on the sly...  but whatever... Im sure that man of yours will shine.. he obviously is greatly determined to make it to that end mark in just a few more days!  God bless him!

Mamab - my sons class started with 39 and he was one of 9 to graduate..  But it sounds to me like your son is a lot like mine - we also watched the Guardian about a zillion times and he loves Making The Cut...  hahaha - Im sure your boy will do fine!!! 

Mom2 also...  I just cant wait to hear all the whooo whoops here this week and next week! 

Kyles.... hows our sailor doing???

Callie....  OH Im so sorry for missing your post up top.. Im so bad about not checking those!  uggggggg... Ill do better too.  Like TX said.. we have actually been discussing Pipelines and school times a lot here since we have so many New ladies and a man somewhere I think...  haha   ANYWAY...   Also the thing with his A-school is whether he is assigned to Romeo or Sierra.  Sierra is a bout a month and a half long (6 weeks if I rememeber my boys) but Romeo is much longer (several months) cause it is more technical oriented.  They dont usually find out which one they are assigned too until they actually pass and graduate RSS....  so the answer to that is anywhere from 6 weeks to 16 weeks for A-school....  but thats only A-school.

 

woo hooo he's still feeling like poo but passed everything today. he got first in the run today - 4 miles in 26 minutes flat!

sara... see I just knew he'd do great...  hoooyaaa for him!  Good man!! 

I just found out my boy best friend R in 1113  passed all today.. so next week they grad!  Im guessing sara they are in the same class!  I can remember..  anyhooo ... I say hoooooooooooooyaaaaaaaaaaaa....

sarahbear, awwwwww, that's great news!

All I can say is .... whoop whoop for all us mommas and gfs and our wonderful amazing Sailors... no matter where they are in this arduous pipeline... they rock.. and in fact .... those who chose a different way also rock!!!  Shine on Shine on !!!

Thank you to all you are catching us newbies up to speed; well, as best as possible being new.  My SR is right in the middle of RTC BUT is so looking forward to his next level of training.  He is ultimately gearing up for this division.  I appreciate you all be so friendly and inviting.  I am learning new things all the time.

Congratulations to all of you who have had your loved ones moving along in the program.  I realize that each step of the way is challenging but oh so rewarding for our guys.

Could some one tell us which school / location goes with Sierra and Romeo? Thank you!

OnboardMom, you're welcome - paying it forward....I know you'll do the same. :o) Both Sierra and Romeo are in Pensacola.

But are they locations or names of schools with other names for their location?

Could someone tell me the difference between the groups SARS and Aviation Rescue Swimmers?  Thanks.  Sorry for all the questions BUT inquiring minds would like to know.....  :)

Hmmmm, not sure I'm understanding the question about locations/names of schools with other names for their location...... :o) **** All of the schools for aircrew rates are on the base in Pensacola.

I see you're not a member of this group I'm going to direct you to....only because it's full of info specific to Pensacola.
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/sailorsinpensicolaflforaschool

I thought I was on this group....

Sierra and Romeo are in Pensacola at the same base?  I just am confused geographically how they fit into the big picture?  I noticed there are groups on this N4Ms; one is Aviation Rescue Swimmer and another one is USN Search and Rescue Swimmers but people also refer to SARS, SERE, RSS, etc. So I am trying to get all these straight in my head.

OnboardMom, I don't believe you've joined the Sailors in Pensacola for A School.....you see, I was nosey and went and looked at the groups on your page that you're a member of and it doesn't show. This group explains Pensacola very well. There are several "sections" of the base; however, with respect to geographically speaking, yes, Sierra and Romeo are on the same base. Those two names are names of --- let's say -- different classes so it's just a matter of which building they're in on.... that base.

Oh my......let's see....Search and Rescue group is a group started a while back. It is the same as Rescue Swimmer. To make matters simple, just ignore it cuz it is a duplicate of this group.

As far as SERE, RSS.....let me find something for you that describes all this so stay tuned....

http://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/air-rescue.html

Look at this page......has some great videos and descriptions of the rate. Toward the bottom of the page you will see the different schools. RSS is Rescue Swimmer School. SERE is Search Evade Resist and Escape. SARS is Search and Rescue School....but you will see this is the same as RSS...clear as mud?

And, if you'll go to the bottom of THIS page, enter 7 for the Page Number. go this this page 7 and you'll see a post by me and by Lydia that refers to these acronyms and the order they occur and for approximately how long each school is. And I notice on the Navy website I referred you to in the link below, that it refers to this rate as Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)....so don't let it confuse you... Oh my goodness, I'm pooped for the night.....talk to you guys later!

Texas Mom of 2 -

Just joined Sailors in Pensacola.... sorry was on wrong group page.  Removed USN - Search and Rescue group.  SARS - why do they have 2 names SARS/Aviation Rescue Swimmers?  The mud is clearing up a little but still somewhat fuzzy.  Will follow up with other websites you are recommending.

YEA Texas.... great job on explaining and that is the perfect link for onboard and all new Rescue Swimmer moms to check out!  It lays it out to perfection...  All I can add to the questions is that Sea Air Rescue are made of up Wet and Dry..  My son said that wet are those who rescue from helo and dry are those on board the ships who go in on rafts etc...  He was not real clear with me cause these guys hate explaining stuff ! hahaha....  so that was a very general description... 

Hey Texas... didnt there use to be a great description up above by Christi or someone that explained the difference between Romeo and Sierra and the different types of helos that each one might be attached tooo???  I cant find it.. like its gone???  It was sooo helpful .... Well, Onboard if you go to that like it will really make sense to you...

Lydia, thank you thank you (she takes a bow), lol! And, yes, there was a link that was very descriptive..........explained the differences between Sierra/Romeo. A while back I looked for it and "poof" it was gone. I forgot and then when this came up, I went back and looked and thought "okay where did she go?"

Remember "Kari"......she wrote a letter to my son while in boot camp and I know she did with some others also...your's? Anyway, she's gone. She was a "friend" of mine but everything is gone. Which means she deleted herself. and when this happens, all postings ever made by her also disappear. She is on FaceBook so I know she's okay. I think most likely she removed due to OPSEC and her son.

Texas.. Ohhh and yes I rememeber Kari..  Im sorry she is gone!  But glad she is okay!  Well, at least I know I was not out of my mind!  hahaha  Tell her we miss her when you see her on FB

Thank you for all your help. I did read up on your pipeline information. Right now we are just struggling to get the SRs healthy again to PIR. Seems like they are in primary school again and they have coughs, fevers, brinchitis, pneumonia, and now one has some condition so bad they ambulanced him off base to a hospital near Chicago. They all are petri dishes for germ incubation.....

onboardMOM - yup all so very familiar...  sick sick sick!  And shin splints...  my son had them so bad he thought he die but now...  he is almost through this grueling painful pipeline and on his way to his squadron!  To him it seems like years ago that he was in BC !  hahahah  Instead it was just this time last year that he was arriving there.  His best buddy graduates RSS this week upcoming..  He was sick as a dawg in BC too but they just kept pushing and pushing!  GREAT kids these kids are!  Funny - when my son had his photo in uniform taken... he had a fever of 103.  You would never have known it to look at the picture.. its beautiful. 

onboardMom, yes, it's called "Ricky Crud." Not sure why it's called that but you're correct, it's a petri dish putting all those bodies together in such close quarters. My son was also sick, can't recall anyone not being sick. Now, I thought when he got to Pensacola, it would be better. ANd, it was. Until a new wave of "booters" would arrive.....they would bring Ricky Crud with them. And just about the time my son would get over a cold, yet another wave of booters would arrive ..... it was an endless cycle. I would send him vitamins. When he got to San Diego, after a year, is when I saw him finally NOT have a cold or some sinus issues. Shin splints is another issue.....bad bad bad.

Lydia, does your son have orders for his squadron?

Texas....  hiya honey girl!!!   No mame not yet... He said they should give them to them about half way through FRS so since he starts that tomorrow.. he figures by late Sept early Oct he should know something!  Fingers crossed he get SEAL attachment.. thats what he really really wants.. but God knows - Momma just prays hahaha!

Sorry everyone......what is FRS? Thank you!

onboard... that link that Texas put here talks about it too... so be sure and go check that link...   Fleet Replacement Squadron I think... hahaha....   This is the last (usually unless they do SERE last) leg of their training..  That is where they actually learn how to be a Rescue Swimmer... they are not tested like in Candidate schools  they learn the "trade" if you will of being a Rescue Swimmer...  They learn everything from jumping in various scenarios of ocean or land to learning every moving part of a helocopter and how to fly it....  Sort of like OJT I think is the best way to describe it...   Texas do you have anything to add to this?????

I did some research on N4M/Forums and I believe I finally found the discussion you were trying to lead me to which was previously written by Kari.

The Road....

• Posted by Nikky on April 29, 2009 at 10:32am in USN Search and Rescue Swimmer Moms

 

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/usnsearchandrescueswimmermoms/foru...

Thank you so much for your patience.  I will read up on the information presented in this discussion. 

Lydia-

Thanks for posting in discussion forum.  I am sure it will help all of us.  I have copied the information.  It is a lot to absorb for us newbies but I know it will be a HUGE reference for us as we travel this journey.  No need to lose your mind.....  We newbies can help out on occasion.....  :)  Thank you for your help and all you do!

onboardMOM - be sure and copy the one up top here cause there were a few things that we wrong on the other one...  HUGS 

 

Thanks.... Already done!  You guys are GREAT !!!

OKAY - CALLING ALL MOMS or otherwise...  I need prayer for my boys best friend..  he failed the final today... Now I can not go into detail here but just know that this kid has been through it and really wants this and God has been great to him for he has gotten more chances than most.....  HE HAS TO PASS TOMORROW ... he just has too!!  Please please please anyone reading this post please pray for my buddy - Just say Lydias adopted (hahaha) son R  God knows who he is cause I pray for him like all the time!!!... he is like my own son.. known him since he and B were little kids......  so class 1113 my R to pass tomorrow!  Peace, calm, Breathe  Thank you all !!!!!!!!!!!!!

What part does he need to pass?

 

The final exam for Rescue Swimmer school!  This will make him or break him... thanks onboardMOM - you see what is ahead!  =0(

I will put all my "Blue Candles" together for you to set a fire path into his prayers for tonight.....  Tell him it is just like any other practice drill and picture him doing the drill over and over again in his head.  Stand in front of the mirror and talk himself through this.  He CAN DO IT AND TELL HIM WE BELIEVE IN HIM AND HE CAN BELIEVE IN HIMSELF......

 

onboardMOM - thank you so much my sister!!!  I belive!!!!  let us know what you hear from your boy too!!!

Thank you everyone for thinking about R. He needs all the prayers he can get. This has been the worst class so far. And I thought boot camp was bad.  No WAY. This has been so much more of a roller coaster ride. Worse than not talking to him for weeks at a time. Worse than not having him around for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years! I wish I could make all his pain go away, but he chose this route in his life. He CAN do this! If not, I guess God has other plans for him. But, lets get through tomorrow, first!

Jan - you hang in there... I know B and R are talking right now... R will pass this... you have faith .. and yes  God knows all!  He has the ultimate plan but seems to me that this is the plan - I could be wrong.. but.....!!!   Ill be up most of the night praying sister.... so we shall see!  love you so much Jan!  my dearest sister of so many years!

Okay troops.  Let's "MUSTER UP".  You two have to have a vision.... this vision is to see your sailor standing up on that podium getting his certificate of completion!  He needs the two of you to be focused on his SUCCESS!  Success has its price or else anyone would be successful. B & R's success are teamwork in believing in each other and you two do the same.  He will be able to do this with a CLEAR & FOCUSED MIND.  There are no failures here.  If you have "NO Expectations, there will be NO Demands, and therefore, No Disappointments......"  The stakes are high but the GAINS ARE EVEN HIGHER.  Pull the emotions together in a positive force and you ALL WILL PREVAIL!  Keep the faith and the force will be with you all.

 

My heart goes out for R tonight, you can bet the Lord hears the prayers of the faithful..........Matt.21:22 "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

May want to consider Fasting through breakfast tomorrow, to let the Lord know just how much this means to R.