sweetpea - woooooooow already! That is sooo great. Well, when you get all your travel plans etc.. let us know.. cause I sure would like to try to get to my Bs which wont be for a couple months.. so you can share your experiences with us... B graduated but will get his wings in July August.. thats the one I want to go too but he said that it will be last minute... (whats new right hahah)
KKr and johunton - thank you that is sweet but noo.. there are tons of experienced "Old Planks" (thats what JessicaB said of women on here for many years hahah) here that help out all the time... Sweetpea, Calimom and sooo many others.. Im honored to be here to help in anyway I can.. my boy is finished with the pipeline and it has been a crazy road.. so I just want to help in anyway I can. And if I miss speak at anytime.. please let me know..
Yes Calimom is sooo right.. Im still in touch with about 6 of our PIR ladies (and their hubbys) originally met on our PIR site here on N4M and now all these years later still together!!
Lydia...thanks for the challenge! I have now made arrangements to go to the graduation. I was struggling with leaving my 12 year on vacation with my 20 & 23 year old to figure out how to get to the airport and back to Maryland with out myself or my husband. Well I made an executive decision to bring my 12 year old with us to Great Lakes and leave the rest in Florida to figure it all back. They certainly are old enough--I just have never put them in that position. So GLAD I am now going. Without your challenge..I probably would have missed it--and not been happy about it. THANKS.
johunton.. hahahaha yipppppie... Im so proud of you and happy... cause Ill tell to you what... you will never be the same after that PIR and just wait till you see the eyes on that 12 year old...... be sure to go to your groups Meet N Greet the night before .. and like sweetpea said... bring your tissues... and camera with a wrist strap (as I dropped mine under the bleachers and bawled my eyes out till a young boy slithered under and got it for me) and being your screaming voice too... each Ship Div... SCREAMS when their Div marches in and the 800s are the last... we won the screaming contest for sure..!!! Oh trust me you will never forget it nor will your Sailor... you will laugh, cry, shout, cry and cry some more and when you are all done crying you will cry... Im crying right now just remembering it... Greatest two days of my life! My son as most RSS are Grad and Go so we had only the PIR day with him to goof off after PIR then we met him at the airport the next morning at 1am... hung out for 12 hours till he flew off at 1 pm to Pcola... another fab day in my life... my daughter and I went and we hung out at the airport and laughed till I nearly peeed my britches with those guys they were all sooo funny and so shocked to be out in public.. anyway.. hey just know we are here for you for any advice... OH take him his cell phone but make sure the battery is in it... yup did that... uggg the cell phone in the box... did not know the battery had been taken out... scrambled the day before PIR to get him a new one... well, look just ask if you need any advice we are all FULL of it... but I proud of you and soo happy I promise you you will NOT be disappointed.... it is a day you will NEVER forget
johunton, Lydia is right you will be so glad you were there for PIR and it will mean so much to your sailor, my son was so happy to see us I thought he would cry. And you should go to the N4M event too, that is where I met Lydia and her daughter and several other wonderful Mom's that have supported me since my son left for bootcamp, 2 yrs ago. I am not sure what I would have done without those wonderful ladies. My son is also in SD getting ready to start the last school of the RSS pipeline. Best wishes to you and your sailor, so happy you are going.
Thanks Roxanne, just waiting! My son's class is the last class for this squadron before it stands down. Any excuse for me to make another trip to SD LOL!
Thanks Lydia and Roxanne for all your kind words and encouragement. What is N4M event?
Roxanne...it's been 2 years since your son has started and isn't finished RSS? I thought it was only 18 months? Is the delay because of all the waiting to class up? Geez this is going to be a LOOOOOONGer road than I thought. :)
johunton, Did you say you live in MD? Me too, Eastern Shore. My son started out SWCC and DORed (drop on request) very difficult school both physical and mental. First part of SWCC is the same as Seal school. He was fortunate to get a new contract as RSS. What a blessing it has been too. He had stress fractures both legs (after SWCC) and was on medical hold for a few months. 18 months would be the least amount of time I would plan of 2 yrs at least. After Air Crew and RSS they will get either Romeo ( which my son got) or Sierra (different helicopters and different jobs, Romeo is 18 weeks and there are RSS in the class and dry guys. He finished Romeo in March - went to SD and did SERE training and will start FRAC in a few weeks. Lots of hold time in between the schools, he has always used this time to get back in shape (that boy love to work out). Romeo FRAC school is 11 months. If you haven't already made your flight arrangements, we flew into Milwaukee, WI- It was so easy to get to Great Lakes. We flew Southwest. Check it out.
Thanks for all the information! Thanks for the flight info too....but we already booked (we are on vacation that week and had to make additional arrangements)
So how does your son like RSS? Once he got to Pensacola, do you hear from him more? While on hold between schools - can he take leave?
johunton, My son loves what he is doing now, I think it was meant to be. Once they get to Pensacola you will be able to talk to him more. Not sure about taking leave because everything is last minute, they usually tell them about a week before they start school, so it would be difficult to make plans. The whole base goes on stand down during Christmas so they can take leave at that time, My son came home for the last two Christmas's for 2 weeks. I looked at the calendar leave would be approximately evening of Dec 14th to Jan 2, my son always went back on January 1st they have to be back the 2nd. This is just a guess, based on the last 2 yrs. He flew out of Mobile one year and Panama City the last year. Again Southwest flies into Panama City. Their is a regional airport in Pensacola, I think U.S. Air flies in their. When does your son graduate?
For those with sons or daughters already in with a contract, does the PST count for much? I know there are minimum scores that have to be met before you qualify, but beyond that, do better scores count for anything? Would it mean you go to Boot Camp sooner, for example?
Be careful with what contract signed. if you drop what your original contract you lose bonus sign up $$$$ and college loan payments!!!!!not a good deal! My Son was SWcc and DOR lost sign up bonus, and college loan payments NOT right!
What a great picture at the top of this site today for Father's Day. K posted a wonderful message for his dad today. Proud to be a Navy parent and this group of RSS guys ( and gals) are top notch, aren't they ladies?!!
That wasmy impressiin also, but my son was told that higher scores make a difference when the position is essentially "over manned." This is important forr those in Boot Camp already (without a contract) because it becomes competitiveand onky those with the best scores are offered the opportunity to go to RSS. He was told that there are limited openings at RSS and each class is filled with those from the Fleet first, and those with contracts, so that is why it is so important to qualify and earn a contract before joining (before signing anything).
JackFlash - there are minumum requirements for your son to get his contract ... also PST in BC must be passed. They get three chances.. third one counts.. his There are some kids who dont quite make it that third time and they are held back from PIR but.. the RDCs really works with them to get them to where they meet the critera and pass. So, yes... PT PT PT PT and then more PT... swim swim swim... flutter kicks, endurance, running... mental... then once out of BC the real fun begins. the criteria is much higher. so where they get to Pcola and go on hold... hold is a good thing.. alot of kids loss weight and muscle during BC so hold time is time to kick butt and pump it up. They will have to test in to NACCS and test out... then test in to RSS then test out each time they have to beast their previous time and meet the new criterias... YES the higher scores the better chance of getting a contract in an over manned rate. Personally, he needs to get that contract.. otherwise they CAN put him anywhere they want him ... higher scores wont get him into boot camp sooner but will matter to whether they give him the RSS contract... My son took his ASVAB and PSTs... his recuriter took him to Tampa.. they offered him the RSS contract and he signed it... but like Sweetpea said... just make sure he gets a specific contract no one that is "open ended" Once he gets a contract he will be assigned his BC date... it can be anywhere from 4 months to a year later.
johun - are you here on your PIR N4M site?? if so, yall should all already be taking about travel, Meet n Greet... usually one mom will take the iniative to find out how many want to attend and notify the Ramada Inn which is where it is held the night before PIR.. now there will be many moms and dads there that have never even heard of N4M but Ramada puts it out there. SOOOO, Ramada Inn the night before.. they have a lovely buffet, drinks and so much fun!!!! We all got together according to Division.. the 800s all sat at one table etc.. BUT we ALL socialized and meet some of the moms and dads that we were on our N4M PIR sites with... fun to put a face with a name.... so please be sure to go.. even if you are not staying at the Ramada you are still allowed to go...
Someone asked about phases and leave etc... once they are just new from BC to Pcola... leave time is nearly nill unless they happen to be there at Christmas where the base goes on stand down. Liberty yes... but that depends on how fast they phase up (See path of the rescue swimmer up above.) HOPE all this helps....
In terms of the contract-- beyond making sure that he is given the opportunity to test/train for Rescue Swimmer, is there anything else that the contract includes that we need to make sure is a part of it? The Recruiter is actually going to come over to our house to meet --and hopefully put my poor wife's mind at ease.
well Jack - If he makes the score on ASVAB and his PT requirements... all yall can do is hope his recruiter stears him correctly. Now, back 3 years ago when my boy got his contract they also included a sign on bonus.. I have heard that they have diminised those tho so I can not tell you that for a fact. that is a question to ask.. also the GI bill is still in effect as long as they make it through BC and pay into it for one year. I told my son... if they do not give you the RSS contract then walk away. There was nothing else that he wanted that was open. He wanted a contract is Spec Ops and or Forces.. RSS / SWCCK/Buds etc... Soo, I hate to say it but you can not always trust 100% the recruiters... now my son got lucky... he had two who were straight up and worked hard to get him his contract. If he gets that contract but fails requirements in BC (not likely) they can change his contract... so he has to be top of his game. If he passes BC and fails NACCS (not likely) they can put him whre ever they want him... if he fails RSS (80% attrition rate) they can put him where ever they want.. So this is a really hard tough pipeline... All Spec Ops and Forces attrition rate is huge. So, what Im saying is.. make sure that he understands that even just getting the contract does not mean he will make it all the way through sooo make sure he has a back up plan (willing to be placed in the Fleet where ever and work toward another open rate). I dont mean to be negative, but I have seen more kids fail than pass during RSS... BC is first then NACCS then RSS then A school... so Id have that hooooyaaaaa you can do this talk with him but also the back up... I wish I could help you more.. but really it depends on when his recruiter takes him for his actual contract... I think I be aware and pin point this to the recruiter.. sometimes they get these kids to that point and they offer them something else... now that is up to your boy to decide.. but ask the recruiter about it. I know where your wife is at... most all of us here know where she is at... we have been here and dont this... Has he taken his ASVAB? the higher they score the better opportunities also...
PS Jack - at first when B was discussing contracts... they TRIED to give him an open ended one in the hopes that RSS would open and then they would put him is the RSS contract... he asked to talk to his recruiter who was waiting outside... his recruiter came in and B left with the RSS contract.... I understand that RSS is overmanned... but still they have to have those numbers... so the higher the ASVAB (there are books and study guides you can buy on line) and the better the PT.... the higher his chances... please let us know !!! we are here for yall!!!!!!!!! hoping and praying for guidence for your boy!!!!!
You covered it well. And reading through it made me ever prouder of k for being where he is on the pipeline now.All the waiting or classing up and waiting more. Do i still understand the whole process or the terms etc. NO! But he is so happy and we wait word for the next graduation or commissioning. We will be in San Diego in August!!!
Thanks again-- Yes, he has already taken the ASVAB and tested well. He qualified for all ratings. The Facebook link you pointed me to is very helpful. I've been reading several postings of those in, or entering the training pipeline and several of them have posted their PST scores, which is a helpful benchmark for us to understand how he stacks up at this early stage. The info shared here is invaluable. I'm not a big Facebook-er, but it is very helpful to gain these insights. Thanks again Lydia-- and all the Moms, for all you do!
oh--btw. He was told (and this seems confirmed by the Facebook page) that there is essentially a "draft" process to get into the program, since it is over-manned. Once you take the PST, your scores go into the funnel and only the top scoring Recruit candidates are selected. --So along with your ASVAB scores, the PST scores are vitally important.
One glitch that we have had to deal with is with Sallie Mae. He is on a contract where the Navy paid off his school bill ( instead of the bonus after graduating from RSS) and we still get calls from SM saying he didn't make payment. Just have all your paperwork very clear up front and double check.
Jack Flash, make sure your Son has a Plan A and plan B. Maturity, drive, and mental toughness. This is not a cake walk and has a high rate of attrition. Hold on it's one heck of a ride!!!!!
Jackflash- has your son gone through MEPS yet/has he met the spec war trainer/scout? I'm currently in my training right for AIRRS and on medical hold at MEPS..so once that clears hopefully I can PST!
To all the other moms, question: my recruiter(s) have told me just to pick a job when I go back to MEPS with a far out leave date and then when I pass my PST they'll just "switch" my contract. Everyone I have talked to already in the Navy has said NOT to do that, but when I ask why...they don't exactly know, they just say not to. Then when I ask the recruiters about it they say it's no problem to switch contracts and it would help them out if I just chose a job until I switched to rescue swimming and there aren't any penalties in going that route, sooo I'm not really sure what to do...advice?
teamnavy-- He's been to MEP's now and has cleared to test on Monday for his first PST. I'm not the expert here, but based on advice we've repeatedly been told, "switching" contracts is difficult. --Seems confusing, I know-- because they also warn about becoming "job-locked" where you have only one desire in mind. It's hard to reconcile the idea of focusing on the one job (rating) you want most, with the need to have a Plan B (back-up) plan, in case you wash out. I can tell you that if it was me, I'd spend my energy on the job I want and go after it (and only it) with all I've got. This is the advice I give my son... If he was to fall in love with a beautiful young woman, he'd pursue her with his whole heart and all his strength-- body, mind and spirit. That's how he's approaching this, not with the idea that if he doesn't make the cut, he could always date her cousin or someone else. Having said this, in the Navy-- when you sign up you are committed for a specific length of time, so it is very prudent to have something else in mind in the event that you can't qualify for the rating you want, for one reason or another. It's important to remember that the one you are marrying is the Navy, not the rating (particular job)... so you better really be in love with that... not just something "about" that. Sorry to put it in such terms.... it;s a guy thing.
@sweetpea --You nailed it. I know he is physically fit, it's the mental toughness and maturity factor that concern me most. Call it what you will, in reality he's very young (just turned 18) and while I don't want to discount his capability to adapt, he really has no clue about military discipline, and neither has he ever had to face any sort of significant adversity in his life, apart from what he has encountered in competitive sports perhaps. In other words, I don't think you'd find a picture of him, if you were to Google- "Attention to Detail" lol-- but maybe those are the sorts of things that Boot Camp instills. Mental toughness? I don't know how they train for that... it's something you have to discover about yourself... something you have to find within, steeped in desire, developed in need. Time to step away--- I'm waxing poetic.
The switching the contract(or chosing one that "might" be switched for RSS later" is what I was saying they told my son... his recuriter said no... and B walked out with RSS... that is what I told my son... dont leave with out the RSS contract... anything otherwise... walk away... Like I said and Sweetpea have a plan A and B... or back away.. if it smells like a fish It probably is a fish... My son scored quite fair on ASVAB not the greatest but very good... but HIS PSTs were over the top.. that is why his recruiter went to bat... his recruiters wife (yes wife) was a SEAL trainer... and B gave her a run for her money... so yes both sets of scores are important but also... just depends on timing and the recruiter and what is happening at MEPs on that day...
teamnavy.... that is what Im referring to... my son said no way... RSS or nothing... with some deliberation they gave him what he wanted.. otherwise you are still open ended and the are not obligated to switch you... that is a red flag for me...
HOWEVER... Jack what Sweetpea and I mean is.... if he wants to be in the Navy as Spec Ops... he will have to keep that plan B in mind... set his mind to win but also we willing to go Undesignated if for some reason he does not make the RSS pipeline... and that is NOT a bad thing... I know lots of moms whose kids are on a different path and very happy and fulfilled.. that is what we mean by the Plan B... so yes Jack exactly what we are saying... once you sign that contract... you are married to the Navy... She owns you for X amount of years.. sooooooo be willing to be happy no matter what... or walk away.
Jack hahaha i just read your Poetic post.. Hey I think I can safely say that ALL our Sailors in here... have "changed" alot since signing their contracts... and even those who did not make this pipeline.. they are still amazing young men and women who have changed for the best... and are vital to the Navy.. I dont know of one who is unhappy be they Rescue Swimmer or other.... but having your eyes wide open is important... thus and hence Plan A..... Plan B
Maturity is huge, attention to detail they'll get it in bootcamp! Bootcamp is an eye opening experience. Your Son needs to know this is NOT A CAKE WAlK!
JackFlash - My son just recently graduated from RSS. Based on his high school history, I would not have predicted that he could have gotten this far. However, Rescue Swimmer is something he has wanted since he decided to enlist the summer after his junior year in high school and trained in his hometown with a young man who is now on the path to being a Seal. Attention to detail and mental toughness I only saw in him as a high school wrestler - not academics, not his personal or social life. He kind of wandered through high school. He has surprised his dad and I immensely since bootcamp. I believe he has matured and perhaps, just found himself in the Navy. Whatever it is - we like it!
@kkrHoosier-- Thank you so much for that encouragement. I read some of this and wonder--How is he ever going to make it? As a parent you want to help them along, but in this they will truly be going it alone to a greater degree than ever before. We always wish success for them, always hope. Your words mean a lot to me, knowing that some do make it. Some endure and develop and succeed-- just as we would wish for them.
Roxanne, I am so glad he loves it! Good to hear! My son graduates 7/27/12 from BC. I hear alot of moms talking about their kids getting contracts when they get to NACCS, RSS (My son has a contract for RS-that he got approx. 8 weeks prior to getting his BC date) He kept training and testing at MEPS and finally was awarded the contract. Can this be taken away? I hear it is over manned. Confused!?!
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
sweetpea - woooooooow already! That is sooo great. Well, when you get all your travel plans etc.. let us know.. cause I sure would like to try to get to my Bs which wont be for a couple months.. so you can share your experiences with us... B graduated but will get his wings in July August.. thats the one I want to go too but he said that it will be last minute... (whats new right hahah)
KKr and johunton - thank you that is sweet but noo.. there are tons of experienced "Old Planks" (thats what JessicaB said of women on here for many years hahah) here that help out all the time... Sweetpea, Calimom and sooo many others.. Im honored to be here to help in anyway I can.. my boy is finished with the pipeline and it has been a crazy road.. so I just want to help in anyway I can. And if I miss speak at anytime.. please let me know..
Yes Calimom is sooo right.. Im still in touch with about 6 of our PIR ladies (and their hubbys) originally met on our PIR site here on N4M and now all these years later still together!!
Woow so exciting it is getting busy in here....
Jun 14, 2012
johun alumni 7/27/12Ship4Div817
Lydia...thanks for the challenge! I have now made arrangements to go to the graduation. I was struggling with leaving my 12 year on vacation with my 20 & 23 year old to figure out how to get to the airport and back to Maryland with out myself or my husband. Well I made an executive decision to bring my 12 year old with us to Great Lakes and leave the rest in Florida to figure it all back. They certainly are old enough--I just have never put them in that position. So GLAD I am now going. Without your challenge..I probably would have missed it--and not been happy about it. THANKS.
Jun 14, 2012
sweetpea4
johunton, bring tissues! You will be so proud of your Sailor and what a learning experience for the 12 year old !
Jun 15, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
johunton.. hahahaha yipppppie... Im so proud of you and happy... cause Ill tell to you what... you will never be the same after that PIR and just wait till you see the eyes on that 12 year old...... be sure to go to your groups Meet N Greet the night before .. and like sweetpea said... bring your tissues... and camera with a wrist strap (as I dropped mine under the bleachers and bawled my eyes out till a young boy slithered under and got it for me) and being your screaming voice too... each Ship Div... SCREAMS when their Div marches in and the 800s are the last... we won the screaming contest for sure..!!! Oh trust me you will never forget it nor will your Sailor... you will laugh, cry, shout, cry and cry some more and when you are all done crying you will cry... Im crying right now just remembering it... Greatest two days of my life! My son as most RSS are Grad and Go so we had only the PIR day with him to goof off after PIR then we met him at the airport the next morning at 1am... hung out for 12 hours till he flew off at 1 pm to Pcola... another fab day in my life... my daughter and I went and we hung out at the airport and laughed till I nearly peeed my britches with those guys they were all sooo funny and so shocked to be out in public.. anyway.. hey just know we are here for you for any advice... OH take him his cell phone but make sure the battery is in it... yup did that... uggg the cell phone in the box... did not know the battery had been taken out... scrambled the day before PIR to get him a new one... well, look just ask if you need any advice we are all FULL of it... but I proud of you and soo happy I promise you you will NOT be disappointed.... it is a day you will NEVER forget
Jun 15, 2012
roxanne
johunton, Lydia is right you will be so glad you were there for PIR and it will mean so much to your sailor, my son was so happy to see us I thought he would cry. And you should go to the N4M event too, that is where I met Lydia and her daughter and several other wonderful Mom's that have supported me since my son left for bootcamp, 2 yrs ago. I am not sure what I would have done without those wonderful ladies. My son is also in SD getting ready to start the last school of the RSS pipeline. Best wishes to you and your sailor, so happy you are going.
Jun 15, 2012
roxanne
sweetpea, So happy for you and your family, only 2 more flights left!!! Yippie
Jun 15, 2012
roxanne
JackFlash, Welcome-we had a couple of guys on our PIR site, didn't we Lydia?
Jun 15, 2012
sweetpea4
Thanks Roxanne, just waiting! My son's class is the last class for this squadron before it stands down. Any excuse for me to make another trip to SD LOL!
Jun 15, 2012
roxanne
Lydia, You would be a great counselor!
Jun 15, 2012
sweetpea4
This is such a great group of people, I wish we all could meet some day! Share our tears, and laughs! The Navy family is a special family!
Jun 15, 2012
Vitamama
ditto ditto ditto
Jun 15, 2012
sweetpea4
Roxanne, yes she would! Lydia is a very generous Lady!!!
Jun 15, 2012
JackFlash
Thank you Roxanne,
I'm happy to be here. I'm in San Diego, so if there is ever any way I can help out with anything when someone has a sailor here, just shout!
Jun 15, 2012
johun alumni 7/27/12Ship4Div817
Thanks Lydia and Roxanne for all your kind words and encouragement. What is N4M event?
Roxanne...it's been 2 years since your son has started and isn't finished RSS? I thought it was only 18 months? Is the delay because of all the waiting to class up? Geez this is going to be a LOOOOOONGer road than I thought. :)
Jun 15, 2012
johun alumni 7/27/12Ship4Div817
Lydia, where are the meet n greets held? and how do I find out about them?
Jun 15, 2012
roxanne
johunton, Did you say you live in MD? Me too, Eastern Shore. My son started out SWCC and DORed (drop on request) very difficult school both physical and mental. First part of SWCC is the same as Seal school. He was fortunate to get a new contract as RSS. What a blessing it has been too. He had stress fractures both legs (after SWCC) and was on medical hold for a few months. 18 months would be the least amount of time I would plan of 2 yrs at least. After Air Crew and RSS they will get either Romeo ( which my son got) or Sierra (different helicopters and different jobs, Romeo is 18 weeks and there are RSS in the class and dry guys. He finished Romeo in March - went to SD and did SERE training and will start FRAC in a few weeks. Lots of hold time in between the schools, he has always used this time to get back in shape (that boy love to work out). Romeo FRAC school is 11 months. If you haven't already made your flight arrangements, we flew into Milwaukee, WI- It was so easy to get to Great Lakes. We flew Southwest. Check it out.
Jun 16, 2012
roxanne
Jackflash, Thank you so much!
Jun 16, 2012
roxanne
Sweetpea, Yes, I thank the Lord for my Navy family!
Jun 16, 2012
johun alumni 7/27/12Ship4Div817
Roxanne,
Thanks for all the information! Thanks for the flight info too....but we already booked (we are on vacation that week and had to make additional arrangements)
So how does your son like RSS? Once he got to Pensacola, do you hear from him more? While on hold between schools - can he take leave?
Jun 16, 2012
roxanne
johunton, My son loves what he is doing now, I think it was meant to be. Once they get to Pensacola you will be able to talk to him more. Not sure about taking leave because everything is last minute, they usually tell them about a week before they start school, so it would be difficult to make plans. The whole base goes on stand down during Christmas so they can take leave at that time, My son came home for the last two Christmas's for 2 weeks. I looked at the calendar leave would be approximately evening of Dec 14th to Jan 2, my son always went back on January 1st they have to be back the 2nd. This is just a guess, based on the last 2 yrs. He flew out of Mobile one year and Panama City the last year. Again Southwest flies into Panama City. Their is a regional airport in Pensacola, I think U.S. Air flies in their. When does your son graduate?
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
Jun 16, 2012
sweetpea4
Be careful with what contract signed. if you drop what your original contract you lose bonus sign up $$$$ and college loan payments!!!!!not a good deal! My Son was SWcc and DOR lost sign up bonus, and college loan payments NOT right!
Jun 16, 2012
Vitamama
What a great picture at the top of this site today for Father's Day. K posted a wonderful message for his dad today. Proud to be a Navy parent and this group of RSS guys ( and gals) are top notch, aren't they ladies?!!
Jun 16, 2012
roxanne
Sweetpea, Same thing with my son!
Jun 16, 2012
roxanne
Jackflash, Not really sure but I would think it wouldn't get you to bootcamp sooner.
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
JackFlash - there are minumum requirements for your son to get his contract ... also PST in BC must be passed. They get three chances.. third one counts.. his There are some kids who dont quite make it that third time and they are held back from PIR but.. the RDCs really works with them to get them to where they meet the critera and pass. So, yes... PT PT PT PT and then more PT... swim swim swim... flutter kicks, endurance, running... mental... then once out of BC the real fun begins. the criteria is much higher. so where they get to Pcola and go on hold... hold is a good thing.. alot of kids loss weight and muscle during BC so hold time is time to kick butt and pump it up. They will have to test in to NACCS and test out... then test in to RSS then test out each time they have to beast their previous time and meet the new criterias... YES the higher scores the better chance of getting a contract in an over manned rate. Personally, he needs to get that contract.. otherwise they CAN put him anywhere they want him ... higher scores wont get him into boot camp sooner but will matter to whether they give him the RSS contract... My son took his ASVAB and PSTs... his recuriter took him to Tampa.. they offered him the RSS contract and he signed it... but like Sweetpea said... just make sure he gets a specific contract no one that is "open ended" Once he gets a contract he will be assigned his BC date... it can be anywhere from 4 months to a year later.
johun - are you here on your PIR N4M site?? if so, yall should all already be taking about travel, Meet n Greet... usually one mom will take the iniative to find out how many want to attend and notify the Ramada Inn which is where it is held the night before PIR.. now there will be many moms and dads there that have never even heard of N4M but Ramada puts it out there. SOOOO, Ramada Inn the night before.. they have a lovely buffet, drinks and so much fun!!!! We all got together according to Division.. the 800s all sat at one table etc.. BUT we ALL socialized and meet some of the moms and dads that we were on our N4M PIR sites with... fun to put a face with a name.... so please be sure to go.. even if you are not staying at the Ramada you are still allowed to go...
Someone asked about phases and leave etc... once they are just new from BC to Pcola... leave time is nearly nill unless they happen to be there at Christmas where the base goes on stand down. Liberty yes... but that depends on how fast they phase up (See path of the rescue swimmer up above.) HOPE all this helps....
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
OH and yall be sure to read Phases and Liberty... as well as Path... I know most of you who are new already have but just a reminder...
Jun 16, 2012
Vitamama
I so wish that I would have known some of this before and so glad for those who are at the beginning of the pipeline and have this info.
Lydia, thanks again for walking us all through.
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
here is a great web site to explore.... also there is a good Rescue Swimmer Face book page where you can ask questions chttp://www.navy.com/careers/special-operations/air-rescue.html
Vita... I know right... live and learn!!! thats me
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/NavyAirRescue
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
Thanks for all the great info Lydia!
In terms of the contract-- beyond making sure that he is given the opportunity to test/train for Rescue Swimmer, is there anything else that the contract includes that we need to make sure is a part of it? The Recruiter is actually going to come over to our house to meet --and hopefully put my poor wife's mind at ease.
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
well Jack - If he makes the score on ASVAB and his PT requirements... all yall can do is hope his recruiter stears him correctly. Now, back 3 years ago when my boy got his contract they also included a sign on bonus.. I have heard that they have diminised those tho so I can not tell you that for a fact. that is a question to ask.. also the GI bill is still in effect as long as they make it through BC and pay into it for one year. I told my son... if they do not give you the RSS contract then walk away. There was nothing else that he wanted that was open. He wanted a contract is Spec Ops and or Forces.. RSS / SWCCK/Buds etc... Soo, I hate to say it but you can not always trust 100% the recruiters... now my son got lucky... he had two who were straight up and worked hard to get him his contract. If he gets that contract but fails requirements in BC (not likely) they can change his contract... so he has to be top of his game. If he passes BC and fails NACCS (not likely) they can put him whre ever they want him... if he fails RSS (80% attrition rate) they can put him where ever they want.. So this is a really hard tough pipeline... All Spec Ops and Forces attrition rate is huge. So, what Im saying is.. make sure that he understands that even just getting the contract does not mean he will make it all the way through sooo make sure he has a back up plan (willing to be placed in the Fleet where ever and work toward another open rate). I dont mean to be negative, but I have seen more kids fail than pass during RSS... BC is first then NACCS then RSS then A school... so Id have that hooooyaaaaa you can do this talk with him but also the back up... I wish I could help you more.. but really it depends on when his recruiter takes him for his actual contract... I think I be aware and pin point this to the recruiter.. sometimes they get these kids to that point and they offer them something else... now that is up to your boy to decide.. but ask the recruiter about it. I know where your wife is at... most all of us here know where she is at... we have been here and dont this... Has he taken his ASVAB? the higher they score the better opportunities also...
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
PS Jack - at first when B was discussing contracts... they TRIED to give him an open ended one in the hopes that RSS would open and then they would put him is the RSS contract... he asked to talk to his recruiter who was waiting outside... his recruiter came in and B left with the RSS contract.... I understand that RSS is overmanned... but still they have to have those numbers... so the higher the ASVAB (there are books and study guides you can buy on line) and the better the PT.... the higher his chances... please let us know !!! we are here for yall!!!!!!!!! hoping and praying for guidence for your boy!!!!!
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Sweetpea Calimom AIRR Westcoast Vitamom Birdie Navymom avasmooch ANYONE got more to add??????....
Jun 16, 2012
Vitamama
You covered it well. And reading through it made me ever prouder of k for being where he is on the pipeline now.All the waiting or classing up and waiting more. Do i still understand the whole process or the terms etc. NO! But he is so happy and we wait word for the next graduation or commissioning. We will be in San Diego in August!!!
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
Thanks again-- Yes, he has already taken the ASVAB and tested well. He qualified for all ratings. The Facebook link you pointed me to is very helpful. I've been reading several postings of those in, or entering the training pipeline and several of them have posted their PST scores, which is a helpful benchmark for us to understand how he stacks up at this early stage. The info shared here is invaluable. I'm not a big Facebook-er, but it is very helpful to gain these insights. Thanks again Lydia-- and all the Moms, for all you do!
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
oh--btw. He was told (and this seems confirmed by the Facebook page) that there is essentially a "draft" process to get into the program, since it is over-manned. Once you take the PST, your scores go into the funnel and only the top scoring Recruit candidates are selected. --So along with your ASVAB scores, the PST scores are vitally important.
Jun 16, 2012
Vitamama
One glitch that we have had to deal with is with Sallie Mae. He is on a contract where the Navy paid off his school bill ( instead of the bonus after graduating from RSS) and we still get calls from SM saying he didn't make payment. Just have all your paperwork very clear up front and double check.
Jun 16, 2012
sweetpea4
Jack Flash, make sure your Son has a Plan A and plan B. Maturity, drive, and mental toughness. This is not a cake walk and has a high rate of attrition. Hold on it's one heck of a ride!!!!!
Jun 16, 2012
teamnavy
Jackflash- has your son gone through MEPS yet/has he met the spec war trainer/scout? I'm currently in my training right for AIRRS and on medical hold at MEPS..so once that clears hopefully I can PST!
To all the other moms, question: my recruiter(s) have told me just to pick a job when I go back to MEPS with a far out leave date and then when I pass my PST they'll just "switch" my contract. Everyone I have talked to already in the Navy has said NOT to do that, but when I ask why...they don't exactly know, they just say not to. Then when I ask the recruiters about it they say it's no problem to switch contracts and it would help them out if I just chose a job until I switched to rescue swimming and there aren't any penalties in going that route, sooo I'm not really sure what to do...advice?
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
teamnavy-- He's been to MEP's now and has cleared to test on Monday for his first PST. I'm not the expert here, but based on advice we've repeatedly been told, "switching" contracts is difficult. --Seems confusing, I know-- because they also warn about becoming "job-locked" where you have only one desire in mind. It's hard to reconcile the idea of focusing on the one job (rating) you want most, with the need to have a Plan B (back-up) plan, in case you wash out. I can tell you that if it was me, I'd spend my energy on the job I want and go after it (and only it) with all I've got. This is the advice I give my son... If he was to fall in love with a beautiful young woman, he'd pursue her with his whole heart and all his strength-- body, mind and spirit. That's how he's approaching this, not with the idea that if he doesn't make the cut, he could always date her cousin or someone else. Having said this, in the Navy-- when you sign up you are committed for a specific length of time, so it is very prudent to have something else in mind in the event that you can't qualify for the rating you want, for one reason or another. It's important to remember that the one you are marrying is the Navy, not the rating (particular job)... so you better really be in love with that... not just something "about" that. Sorry to put it in such terms.... it;s a guy thing.
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
@sweetpea --You nailed it. I know he is physically fit, it's the mental toughness and maturity factor that concern me most. Call it what you will, in reality he's very young (just turned 18) and while I don't want to discount his capability to adapt, he really has no clue about military discipline, and neither has he ever had to face any sort of significant adversity in his life, apart from what he has encountered in competitive sports perhaps. In other words, I don't think you'd find a picture of him, if you were to Google- "Attention to Detail" lol-- but maybe those are the sorts of things that Boot Camp instills. Mental toughness? I don't know how they train for that... it's something you have to discover about yourself... something you have to find within, steeped in desire, developed in need. Time to step away--- I'm waxing poetic.
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
The switching the contract(or chosing one that "might" be switched for RSS later" is what I was saying they told my son... his recuriter said no... and B walked out with RSS... that is what I told my son... dont leave with out the RSS contract... anything otherwise... walk away... Like I said and Sweetpea have a plan A and B... or back away.. if it smells like a fish It probably is a fish... My son scored quite fair on ASVAB not the greatest but very good... but HIS PSTs were over the top.. that is why his recruiter went to bat... his recruiters wife (yes wife) was a SEAL trainer... and B gave her a run for her money... so yes both sets of scores are important but also... just depends on timing and the recruiter and what is happening at MEPs on that day...
teamnavy.... that is what Im referring to... my son said no way... RSS or nothing... with some deliberation they gave him what he wanted.. otherwise you are still open ended and the are not obligated to switch you... that is a red flag for me...
HOWEVER... Jack what Sweetpea and I mean is.... if he wants to be in the Navy as Spec Ops... he will have to keep that plan B in mind... set his mind to win but also we willing to go Undesignated if for some reason he does not make the RSS pipeline... and that is NOT a bad thing... I know lots of moms whose kids are on a different path and very happy and fulfilled.. that is what we mean by the Plan B... so yes Jack exactly what we are saying... once you sign that contract... you are married to the Navy... She owns you for X amount of years.. sooooooo be willing to be happy no matter what... or walk away.
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
sweetpea... sorry... I dont mean to speak for you... I think you and I are on the same page.. trying to say the same thing... Plan A B or walk........
Jun 16, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jack hahaha i just read your Poetic post.. Hey I think I can safely say that ALL our Sailors in here... have "changed" alot since signing their contracts... and even those who did not make this pipeline.. they are still amazing young men and women who have changed for the best... and are vital to the Navy.. I dont know of one who is unhappy be they Rescue Swimmer or other.... but having your eyes wide open is important... thus and hence Plan A..... Plan B
Jun 16, 2012
sweetpea4
Maturity is huge, attention to detail they'll get it in bootcamp! Bootcamp is an eye opening experience. Your Son needs to know this is NOT A CAKE WAlK!
Jun 16, 2012
kkrHoosier
JackFlash - My son just recently graduated from RSS. Based on his high school history, I would not have predicted that he could have gotten this far. However, Rescue Swimmer is something he has wanted since he decided to enlist the summer after his junior year in high school and trained in his hometown with a young man who is now on the path to being a Seal. Attention to detail and mental toughness I only saw in him as a high school wrestler - not academics, not his personal or social life. He kind of wandered through high school. He has surprised his dad and I immensely since bootcamp. I believe he has matured and perhaps, just found himself in the Navy. Whatever it is - we like it!
Jun 16, 2012
JackFlash
@kkrHoosier-- Thank you so much for that encouragement. I read some of this and wonder--How is he ever going to make it? As a parent you want to help them along, but in this they will truly be going it alone to a greater degree than ever before. We always wish success for them, always hope. Your words mean a lot to me, knowing that some do make it. Some endure and develop and succeed-- just as we would wish for them.
Jun 16, 2012
johun alumni 7/27/12Ship4Div817
Roxanne, I am so glad he loves it! Good to hear! My son graduates 7/27/12 from BC. I hear alot of moms talking about their kids getting contracts when they get to NACCS, RSS (My son has a contract for RS-that he got approx. 8 weeks prior to getting his BC date) He kept training and testing at MEPS and finally was awarded the contract. Can this be taken away? I hear it is over manned. Confused!?!
Jun 16, 2012