Happy Father's Day JackFlash - having a son who wants to go into the military is awesome and you are obviously a great dad! Im sure you son will do stellar no matter what. Its actually fun to see them mature and find themselves. But as you said hard because they have to go it alone just like we once upon a time a long long time ago had to!! =)
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's of our sons and daughters! Yall have a fun day ..... My Dad is in heaven and my children's dad is up there also.. But still it is a Great Day!
johunton - I have not ever head of one being taken away unless they fail... it is an overmanned Rate and that is ONE reason they really push them to fail.. only the strong survive you might say.. but I have never heard of once out of BC and contract being taken away.
johunton, I've never heard of a contract being taken away either. It is on them to pass. Praying for you and your son.
My son starts Romeo FRAC school tomorrow. Back on the roller-coaster ride of worry and relief, 11 months plus flights. It is all good though, would not change a thing.
Morning all. I didn't get a chance to get online this weekend (busy cleaning and getting ready for J's graduation party this coming Saturday) so I didn't see all the discussions until just now. J signed a contract for something else-don't even remember what-but was always planning on the RSS contract. He wanted to be in top condition before he took the PST (he was on the swim team and their season didn't start until several months after he signed). His recruiter called him the day before the "lottery" ended and told him he HAD to get down there to test. It was his first time testing and he passed with good scores so they took him right over to another recruiter office to have him sign the contract. He was notified the next day he made it in. He has been training with the Seal coordinator for our area ever since. In fact, I think his recruiter sort of turned him over to the Seal coordinator for everything but the monthly meeting.
I also keep telling him how hard everyone on here says it is. Like JackFlash's son, J has never had to face any adversity in his life up till now. He teaches Taekwondo which does involve a lot of discipline so I hope that helps him but time will tell. He really wants to pursue this so I am hoping he learns to dig deep and find the strength when things get difficult. I just know I'll be there encouraging him every step of the way, like the mothers on this site keep saying to do.
Lydia- My son received his contract prior to BC. He was training with the seals prior to BC, tested out a doz or more times.....all passing the requirements and was awarded the contract. Now that he is in BC--with the contract---can it be taken away? I am sorry.....I think I may not have explained that well in my last post.
No It cant be taken away johunton, not in BC unless something drastic happens. It can get taken away anytime during the training pipeline if your Sailor fails out of any of the schools. He has NACCS, RSS then his A school, sometimes C school and FRS. It's a long training pipeline, it's overmanned because there is so many drops....The biggest reason for drops is Sailors getting into trouble such as underage drinking and whatnot. Everytime I talked with my Sailor he was telling me about all the drops of kids just doing dumb things. If your Sailor is determined and has a good head on his shoulders he will just do fine.
Hi kev... welcome... have not seen you here before... welcome!! Who are you and tell us about your Sailor...
johunton.. right ... like I said... I have never ever heard of a contract being taken away once signed unless there is a failure or injury... The only time I have heard of it was primarily during RSS (as most of them all pass NACCS) and only if they fail, roll and fail.. or the remote possiblity of failing A school (that would be rare) or yes as kev said which is unusual.. misbehavior..AND some kids DOR because once they are in the program they realize it is not all for them.. and there is no shame in that - it is NOT all about misbehavior....... So I think johunton... I would not worry.. he sounds stellar... just as Sweetpea said and we all agree.... these kids just must stay on top of their game and stay focused... use all hold times to their advantage and beef up all their previous scores... they will have to test in and out each time and beat their times... as we have already talked about.. my boy signed his contract 3 years ago and is now finished with his pipeline - he passed everything with flying colors includding winning Honormen award during RSS.... It sounds to me like it is STILL all about ASVAB and PST scores and cold hard determination after they sign that contract...- like it was then... Johunton......I think you have nothing to worry about... as long has he keeps his focus and his goals.
Jodi Josh... I sweetie... sorry I missed your post... dang girl I know you are on pins and needles too... very exciting... but still a hard roller coaster for us moms and dads, wives and gfs.... hang in there - you know we are all here for each other!!!! Several heading out next month for BC.... wooooooow!!!!
Thanks Lydia!!! and Congrats to your son too, including winning the honormen award. That surely is a reflection on what an incredible job his mom did on raising him. Did it take 3 years to go thru the pipeline for your son? It just seems like such a drawn out process!
johunton... well, B got his contract in Nov 2009 of his senior year of HSchool... As many of our kids here, he was a work out junkie and also was able to train with a SEAL trainer from Nov till BC which was June 2010. He PIRd in August 2010 and headed straight to Pcola... he was on hold from August till October which is when is started NACCS.. (the hold time was good!!! He was able to gain back some weight and live in the water) he did NACCs in Mid October and went to Starboard D (hold for RSS) after.. he classed up RSS first of December.. in the middle of RSS they went on stand down for Christmas so he came home for a few weeks.. then in Jan finished up RSS... There were 39 kids in his RSS class... 9 passed.. some passed later as they rolled out (no shame in that!!!!!!!) We got ladies in here right now whose Sailors we are praying for who had to roll and will be back in track soon!!!!! Some of Bs buddies decided it was not for them... so the DORd (Drop on Request) After Jan. 2011 B classed up A school and finished that in late April.. got assigned to Sierra and San Diego.. Went SERE then FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron)... now he finished his training a few months ago and was assigned to his helo squad... he will finish testing out and get his wings in about September... so yes all in all three years... from BC to wings... two years plus... it is indeed a long pipeline but all spec ops and forces have to be well trained.... Im thankful for that.... But like I have said... I have many mom friends whose kids either did not pass or Dropped and they are happy happy happy in their new Rates Like my B said you just have to go into it... not listening to those around you and with you eye on the trophy at the end of the run! =)
PS - johunton.... there are sooooo many moms here tht have stories to tell also... Im certainly not the only one.... some are stories of success and some of hardship and success... in here are some of the most amazing women (and men) that I have ever had the honor to call friends... all stories are long and tough.. but then that is why we are here for one another!!!! =)
Lydia, my son is not an RSS, but he is an AWS dry, I started lurking here since the Aircrew forum is pretty quiet lol.. He is at SERE now, then heads off to FRS in Norfolk... his platform he will be on is MH-53's.
kev323--- I started lurking here, because the Dads forum is pretty quiet too.... AND because these ladies are wonderful! Great sources of information and encouragement alike.
I figured those dads were here because they thought N4M meant Navy for Men. hahahahahahahahahah We love having them too. My man got such a great father's day post from our RSS guy in SD. Can't wait to go out and see them. When I go, you let me know who your son is and I'll make sure he gets some homemade cookies!!!!
Howdy there everyone! It has been a bit since I have been on and it seems there are a few more to welcome to the group!
JackFlash-let me encourage you also regarding your son, as my son seems similar in some respects to your son. My son went to a recruiting day at his high school in early October of his senior year, talked to all of the branches and decided he wanted to be a Navy Seal. Unfortunately, his eyesight is not good enough for Seal and has to get laser correction before he can attempt that rate, so RSS was my son's plan B. My son has always been physically fit, but wasn't a work out junkie, and didn't even really know how to swim. He took his ASVAB and scored super high and starting going to PSTs in late October of his senior year. When he first took the swim test his recruiter said he was funny to watch because he was so bad and told him to youtube the stroke he was supposed to do. My son did and then practiced on his own at the community pool. By January he had good scores and had to wait just a couple of weeks beyond passing his PSTs to get his contract. My son is extremely smart but you would never know it by his school grades. He likes to learn, but doing homework and taking tests to prove he learned was not something he was inclined to do. Out of like 580 kids in his graduating class, my son was like 25 from the bottom! He was not disrespectful to his teachers or his parents, but he was never that great with respecting authority. He didn't compete in athletics in school because his grades wouldn't allow it, and he never had a job before he left for boot camp. He did attend boy scouting for many years, and just months before he was to turn 18 he had just 5 badges left to go and an eagle project to complete but he was not motivated to finish. So as you can see, not much has pointed me toward believing he would be successful in the Navy. But there was a mental toughness, and a steel-like determination in him that the Navy has caused to bloom. The Petty Officers instructing his division were able to instruct him in areas that for 18 years as a parent I had been unsuccessful in teaching. During boot camp, that boy only got 1 mark against him in all the inspections that they had, his attention to detail had gotten that good. Prior to boot camp, it seems my son's personal philosophy was to never arrive anywhere on time. When we visited after boot camp graduation, he wanted to be back to the base way before he had to be to make sure he had enough time to get back to the barracks without running and make sure his stuff in order. He too is through the pipeline, and has done wonderfully well.
Jack and Kev......hahahahahahahah - well, yes us ladies are never at a loss for words guys... if you can stand us blubberin blabbering (speeking for myself that is) women... then by all means hang out right here... we are ALL here no matter moms dads wives gf and Sailors....etc... for each other.
CaliMom - HI Sista -----your boy is STELLER I know you are proud so proud of him!!! I have not seen you on recently... ws hoping all was well.. =)
Vita - okay you got it.... my boy B and about 4 of his buddies will love you forever if you bring home made cookies....
That is SUCH an encouragement, and just what I needed to hear... Thank you. I hope I haven't given a false impression of my son-- he's a great kid, but he's still a kid. I sometimes can't imagine the transformation process so many of you describe, yet I'm confident that if others have made the leap, that my son is capable of the same. My boy is a dedicated athlete, but without a great deal of swimming experience. I give him full credit for choosing something "bigger than himself" to aspire to, and for his desire to serve.
Your son's experience demonstrates the excellence of the training program and what is possible with a dedicated student willing to put in the required effort to reach lofty goals. Congratulations to you both on his accomplishments in making it through the pipeline!
Hello everyone!! There has been so much traffic on here lately and I have been missing since we've been traveling. Welcome to the newcomers!! And congrats on the new achievements!! I'm glad everyone is sticking together and coming here for relief and encouragement and the much needed laughter. Lydia - I love this pic!! I'm pretending one of them is my boy!! Heehee. Have a great week everyone and try to stay cool in this heatwave. Hugs!!!
Hi Lydia. Things are settling back down. The funeral went well and we missed our boy but he was in good hands with his group in Pensacola. So glad they are still tight since graduating RSS. I guess whatever's next won't start until sometime in July. How is your hubby doing now that treatment is over?
Lexi - Keeping you in my prayers as well as your sailor.
Tickled that we have newbies in here!! Howdy y'all!!
Birdie . . . I think my son has to wait until August for his next phase. He's coming home just for the weekend. Tried to get him to wait as it will be a very short visit but he wants to see his friends home from college and can't get leave until after A School, I guess.
Lexi . . . wishing the best for you and your sailor.
Birdi - Im sorry you missed your boy and Im sorry for your loss... Yes these kids become such fast brothers.. and it is hard on them when they split up but Ill tell you my B has missed some brothers from the past and has made new ones. And amazing enough is that he is still with his best friend from 6th grade. he went in a year after B and wound up with B in SD and as his roomate!!! now B had to move as he is assigned to his squad but he and R are just a short distance from each other still!! Its awesome.. Now R is about to graduate the pipeline and Im wondering and hoping if he will stay in SD or go overseas... B is hoping and praying his buddy from childhood will be assigned to a squad in SD and stay... we will know soon. Thank you hubby is doing well, just a waiting game...
kkr - that will be his A school right? Then they will tell him if he will be Romeo or Sierra... Glad you will get to see him even if it is just for a day or three. He will get travel time after A school and usually it includes some extra travel days. B left Pcola and drove to SD - they gave him like 7 days... so he stopped here for a couple of days then drove on... so its not really Leave time per sey... but usually a few extra days to pay a visit... a little less time if your boy goes to VA but still prob enough to see you for a day or two...
AIRR - soooooo great to hear from you.... Your boy is cranking it out =) are he and Westcoast moms boy still together... I do lose track sorry... =( Romeo is a tidge dif for me.... so Im glad you checked in... sooo ummm B is studying and training to get those coveted wings in a few months... then will deploy (I hate that D word ahahahah) what about your boy?? same Im sure.... OHHH and thank you honey... I appreciate the encouragement.. Yall ALL keep me going... not sure what Id do with out yall... we have been here for sooooo long... LOVE YALL as JessicaB said Old Planks... i feel like one now hahaha
Oh dear! How did that happen? I'm in San Diego, if there is anything I can do for you/him, just let me know. I have Base access and can get around pretty good. Sorry to hear of the injury, and praying he has a quick and complete recovery.
kkr - Hoping you have an awesome weekend even if it does seem short to you!!
Ann - Praying for fast healing for your sailor and steady nerves for you!!
AIRR - Sounds like your sailor is where we want all ours to be, busy busy and happy happy.
Lexi - Still thinking about you, girl!!
Anyone else have updates? We are hoping to call our guy this weekend. They've been posting great pics which makes me happy (thankful there was a girl in the group lol).
Other news of interest - my baby (20 yo) just returned from covering the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans and ABC may be airing some of her footage on the new president of the Southern Baptist (the first African American). She is stoked!! Be watching for person of the week with Diane Sawyer!! :-)
Ann1 - OMgoodness honey.... God bless him and give him strength.. he does not want his momma to worry... GREAT young man! And they really take sure good care of our men and women... praying for speedy recovery!!! And peace for momma!!! =)
Birdi - woooooow great for your daughter!!!! let us know when it will air!
Hi Jack, Kev Sweetpea.... Jack Im jealous.... you live there.... waaaaa.... I miss my son but hope to fly out when he gets his wings in a few months... I dunno tho... Im sure it will be last minute.. Hubby has base access also but not sure if we can stay on the base or not?? Any ideas on that... Im sure they have military guest quarters but B said they are usually filled up.... Hubby retired Nam Veteran....
Birdi - OMG - so Im watching Diane Sawyer on the newslast night and I saw it - toooo kewl.... a great brief documentary... did your daughter film and write it??? I know you are proud of her!
Ann1 - Our men and women (I prefer to call them boys and girls hahaha) are so strong and special... that is why they are where they are... I have to tell you a funny little story.... So, my son (as most in SD do) bought a snow board... now my son is super crazy fit BUT he is a Florida boy... surfer skater etc... well, the very first day they went snowboarding------ he ate snow and broke his clavicle... okay so ..... I get this phone call.... Momma I want you to sit down and promise me that you will not say a word.... let me talk - Im thinking Oh crap hahaha ---- momma, I got hurt today but Im okay I promise..now mamma dont panic........ B... what happened? Well, he went on to tell me the whole story... he was at that point on the way back to the base... one of his best buddies that he was with threw him in the truck and took him to the hospital... he was in an upper body cast for 5 weeks.. he still graduated his pipeline on time.. but it was not a happy thing hahahahah.... You know I wanted to hop on a plane and run to him. BUT i knew that his buddies where watching over him and taking care of him. Its sooo hard to be a parent and so far away from them... SO, I can relate to how you feel! hey Ann1 Im thinking that my B will get his wings long about September and if at all possible I want to go.. maybe we will see each other there.
Sweetpea.... awesome!!!!!!!! wooow, does he know what squad he will be assigned too yet?? Super exciting for you to go and see them!!!!! Maybe you will see my son or his BFF and can hug them for me... Ill message you their names just in case.
Ann1 - When mine was in San Diego for BUD/S he DOR'd after passing out twice under the boat (you know, where they hold it over their heads for 10 thousand hours). Well, fortunately he called his dad not me bc it scared me to death when I heard it wondering what was the prob and I wanted to fly to SD immediately. Later, when we saw him in Pcola he tells us it also happened on the 50 meter underwater swim. OMG!! The things they go thru in these times can scare us to death and they just take it in stride. Mine likes to tell us way after the fact, kinda like Lydia's did so that there's no time for reaction. LOL
Lydia - No she didn't write or film the whole segment that showed on the ABC news. Just some of her footage was used in the segment. She did her own interview for her college and the SBC. That's her major so it will look really good on her resume come job application time when she graduates in Dec.
Have a good weekend y'all!! :-)
Kev - What's happening w you these days?
Jajajo - You around? Did you see my sailor's new tat?
I honestly don't know about accommodations on Base, but on Coronado itself is a lovely old historic place-- the Hotel Del Coranado. The SEALs do beach evolutions with their small boats right on the rocks in front of this hotel... Heavy Danger, but amazing to watch. I'venot spent much time hotel searching, since we live here, but I'd be happy to do some snooping for you.
Ann1, Sorry to hear about your son, praying for him. My son is the same way, only tells us stuff way after it happens. T says your son is very tough, but the guys are looking out for him. Let me know if you want T to do anything for him, I am sure he will be glad to do it.
Sweetpea, Congrats to your son, you have to be so excited!
Ann1, There is a Navy lodge on Coronado and it is right on the beach, it looks awesome and is booked until Sept-that is what they told me when I called. My daughter and I will be going to SD at the end of July. Most of the hotels (that were around $100-$150 a night) were booked through the summer. There is another Navy Lodge in SD ( 6 miles from Coronado base) and the first opening was the end of July so that is when we will be visiting.
I though that this photo was just tooo great not to share.... my big Navy Rescue Swimmers (5 of them go to Newbreak Church Pacific Beach now) - participating with their church at the PB street fair yesterday... hahahahaha Any of your kids headed to SD and want a fun, casual very busy active church... This is the one!!
Jack - no the two babes are two friends from their church... my boy is the one paiting that little princess and in pix 2 the clown with his thumb up... always clowing around... GREAT guys all of them are my boys!!!! Thankx
That's terrific! I showed my son and told him what they were doing. I said-- in the Navy, you will discover that you are either an influence on those around you, or influenced by those around you. Decide ahead of time which it will be...
Oh btw, he said he likes your boy's artwork. I assume he meant the tattoos, but maybe he meant face-painting skillz. LoL
Jack - hahahahahahah... prob the tats =) oh he has some awesome ink... that is the smallest one in that pix hahahah ------- well, I pray your son will be the influence!!! The military is the perfect place for that after all!!!!! Are you on FB?? message me and Ill be happy to share my FB with you... tons of pic of my son and his RSS pipeline on there that you and your boy might like to look at....
Lydia, Great pix of your son. What a handsome group of young men. It looks like they were having a great time. This is the last week I have mine at home. He leaves for MEPS on Monday, swears in on Tuesday then heads for Great Lakes. We had his grad party on Saturday. All the parents from Taekwondo where he taught showed up to let me know how much they are going to miss J. It was a bittersweet day but it certainly warmed this mom's heart to know that so many people think so well of him. Hopefully, in 9 weeks or so, I'll be able to tell you that he is headed for Pensacola!
Talked to our sailor this a.m. cking on the weather. He said Pensacola Bch is getting blasted but the base is only overcast. Be praying it stays that way as Debby makes her way thru the Gulf.
Jodi Josh... ahhhhhhh and so it begins... well, you know we are whole way!! Anything you need or want to know or are worried about... let us know... just start writing those letters already for when you get his address (will come in the mail usually just after the "kid in the box" arrives... then you can start sending em. Also, make sure he has your cell memorized and keep it with you everywhere you go including the bathroom!!! =)
Bird - yea I saw that... man I wish it had turned West and hit us here in TX.. Glad you liked the pix... GREAT kids for sure
Jodi... also, be sure to give him a phone card and a few and I mean no more than 20 bux... has he set up a paycheck account? If not... they will help him set it up throught the Navy Federal Credit Union those first few days that he is at BC... they do tons of paperwork... shots, before they get to their actual Ship....
thanks Birdie... I'm Jack the bear tonight. My son was all set to go take the PST for the first time today and when he went to go down, the Recruiter told him that he still wasn't cleared to test. I don't know what the hold up was. Now he is told that he can test next Monday. Hurry up and wait. My hair is turning gray and he hasn't even started yet
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Happy Father's Day JackFlash - having a son who wants to go into the military is awesome and you are obviously a great dad! Im sure you son will do stellar no matter what. Its actually fun to see them mature and find themselves. But as you said hard because they have to go it alone just like we once upon a time a long long time ago had to!! =)
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's of our sons and daughters! Yall have a fun day ..... My Dad is in heaven and my children's dad is up there also.. But still it is a Great Day!
Jun 17, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
johunton - I have not ever head of one being taken away unless they fail... it is an overmanned Rate and that is ONE reason they really push them to fail.. only the strong survive you might say.. but I have never heard of once out of BC and contract being taken away.
Jun 17, 2012
JackFlash
Thank you Lydia-- we are having a great day!
Jun 17, 2012
roxanne
Jackflash, Hope you had a great Father's Day!!!
johunton, I've never heard of a contract being taken away either. It is on them to pass. Praying for you and your son.
My son starts Romeo FRAC school tomorrow. Back on the roller-coaster ride of worry and relief, 11 months plus flights. It is all good though, would not change a thing.
Jun 17, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Morning all. I didn't get a chance to get online this weekend (busy cleaning and getting ready for J's graduation party this coming Saturday) so I didn't see all the discussions until just now. J signed a contract for something else-don't even remember what-but was always planning on the RSS contract. He wanted to be in top condition before he took the PST (he was on the swim team and their season didn't start until several months after he signed). His recruiter called him the day before the "lottery" ended and told him he HAD to get down there to test. It was his first time testing and he passed with good scores so they took him right over to another recruiter office to have him sign the contract. He was notified the next day he made it in. He has been training with the Seal coordinator for our area ever since. In fact, I think his recruiter sort of turned him over to the Seal coordinator for everything but the monthly meeting.
I also keep telling him how hard everyone on here says it is. Like JackFlash's son, J has never had to face any adversity in his life up till now. He teaches Taekwondo which does involve a lot of discipline so I hope that helps him but time will tell. He really wants to pursue this so I am hoping he learns to dig deep and find the strength when things get difficult. I just know I'll be there encouraging him every step of the way, like the mothers on this site keep saying to do.
Jun 18, 2012
johun alumni 7/27/12Ship4Div817
Lydia- My son received his contract prior to BC. He was training with the seals prior to BC, tested out a doz or more times.....all passing the requirements and was awarded the contract. Now that he is in BC--with the contract---can it be taken away? I am sorry.....I think I may not have explained that well in my last post.
Thanks for taking time to explain!!
Jun 18, 2012
kev323
No It cant be taken away johunton, not in BC unless something drastic happens. It can get taken away anytime during the training pipeline if your Sailor fails out of any of the schools. He has NACCS, RSS then his A school, sometimes C school and FRS. It's a long training pipeline, it's overmanned because there is so many drops....The biggest reason for drops is Sailors getting into trouble such as underage drinking and whatnot. Everytime I talked with my Sailor he was telling me about all the drops of kids just doing dumb things. If your Sailor is determined and has a good head on his shoulders he will just do fine.
Jun 18, 2012
kev323
So RSS's in DEP have a lottery (Draft) system like the SEALs do on DEP now?
Jun 18, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Hi kev... welcome... have not seen you here before... welcome!! Who are you and tell us about your Sailor...
johunton.. right ... like I said... I have never ever heard of a contract being taken away once signed unless there is a failure or injury... The only time I have heard of it was primarily during RSS (as most of them all pass NACCS) and only if they fail, roll and fail.. or the remote possiblity of failing A school (that would be rare) or yes as kev said which is unusual.. misbehavior..AND some kids DOR because once they are in the program they realize it is not all for them.. and there is no shame in that - it is NOT all about misbehavior....... So I think johunton... I would not worry.. he sounds stellar... just as Sweetpea said and we all agree.... these kids just must stay on top of their game and stay focused... use all hold times to their advantage and beef up all their previous scores... they will have to test in and out each time and beat their times... as we have already talked about.. my boy signed his contract 3 years ago and is now finished with his pipeline - he passed everything with flying colors includding winning Honormen award during RSS.... It sounds to me like it is STILL all about ASVAB and PST scores and cold hard determination after they sign that contract...- like it was then... Johunton......I think you have nothing to worry about... as long has he keeps his focus and his goals.
Jun 18, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jodi Josh... I sweetie... sorry I missed your post... dang girl I know you are on pins and needles too... very exciting... but still a hard roller coaster for us moms and dads, wives and gfs.... hang in there - you know we are all here for each other!!!! Several heading out next month for BC.... wooooooow!!!!
Jun 18, 2012
johun alumni 7/27/12Ship4Div817
Thanks Lydia!!! and Congrats to your son too, including winning the honormen award. That surely is a reflection on what an incredible job his mom did on raising him. Did it take 3 years to go thru the pipeline for your son? It just seems like such a drawn out process!
Jun 18, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
johunton... well, B got his contract in Nov 2009 of his senior year of HSchool... As many of our kids here, he was a work out junkie and also was able to train with a SEAL trainer from Nov till BC which was June 2010. He PIRd in August 2010 and headed straight to Pcola... he was on hold from August till October which is when is started NACCS.. (the hold time was good!!! He was able to gain back some weight and live in the water) he did NACCs in Mid October and went to Starboard D (hold for RSS) after.. he classed up RSS first of December.. in the middle of RSS they went on stand down for Christmas so he came home for a few weeks.. then in Jan finished up RSS... There were 39 kids in his RSS class... 9 passed.. some passed later as they rolled out (no shame in that!!!!!!!) We got ladies in here right now whose Sailors we are praying for who had to roll and will be back in track soon!!!!! Some of Bs buddies decided it was not for them... so the DORd (Drop on Request) After Jan. 2011 B classed up A school and finished that in late April.. got assigned to Sierra and San Diego.. Went SERE then FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron)... now he finished his training a few months ago and was assigned to his helo squad... he will finish testing out and get his wings in about September... so yes all in all three years... from BC to wings... two years plus... it is indeed a long pipeline but all spec ops and forces have to be well trained.... Im thankful for that.... But like I have said... I have many mom friends whose kids either did not pass or Dropped and they are happy happy happy in their new Rates Like my B said you just have to go into it... not listening to those around you and with you eye on the trophy at the end of the run! =)
Jun 18, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
PS - johunton.... there are sooooo many moms here tht have stories to tell also... Im certainly not the only one.... some are stories of success and some of hardship and success... in here are some of the most amazing women (and men) that I have ever had the honor to call friends... all stories are long and tough.. but then that is why we are here for one another!!!! =)
Jun 18, 2012
kev323
Lydia, my son is not an RSS, but he is an AWS dry, I started lurking here since the Aircrew forum is pretty quiet lol.. He is at SERE now, then heads off to FRS in Norfolk... his platform he will be on is MH-53's.
Jun 18, 2012
JackFlash
kev323--- I started lurking here, because the Dads forum is pretty quiet too.... AND because these ladies are wonderful! Great sources of information and encouragement alike.
Lurkers unite!
Jun 18, 2012
Vitamama
I figured those dads were here because they thought N4M meant Navy for Men. hahahahahahahahahah We love having them too. My man got such a great father's day post from our RSS guy in SD. Can't wait to go out and see them. When I go, you let me know who your son is and I'll make sure he gets some homemade cookies!!!!
Jun 18, 2012
kev323
Agreed Jack, it is a tad bit quiet over there, Fathers don't talk much.
Jun 19, 2012
CaliMom (Maryann)
Howdy there everyone! It has been a bit since I have been on and it seems there are a few more to welcome to the group!
JackFlash-let me encourage you also regarding your son, as my son seems similar in some respects to your son. My son went to a recruiting day at his high school in early October of his senior year, talked to all of the branches and decided he wanted to be a Navy Seal. Unfortunately, his eyesight is not good enough for Seal and has to get laser correction before he can attempt that rate, so RSS was my son's plan B. My son has always been physically fit, but wasn't a work out junkie, and didn't even really know how to swim. He took his ASVAB and scored super high and starting going to PSTs in late October of his senior year. When he first took the swim test his recruiter said he was funny to watch because he was so bad and told him to youtube the stroke he was supposed to do. My son did and then practiced on his own at the community pool. By January he had good scores and had to wait just a couple of weeks beyond passing his PSTs to get his contract. My son is extremely smart but you would never know it by his school grades. He likes to learn, but doing homework and taking tests to prove he learned was not something he was inclined to do. Out of like 580 kids in his graduating class, my son was like 25 from the bottom! He was not disrespectful to his teachers or his parents, but he was never that great with respecting authority. He didn't compete in athletics in school because his grades wouldn't allow it, and he never had a job before he left for boot camp. He did attend boy scouting for many years, and just months before he was to turn 18 he had just 5 badges left to go and an eagle project to complete but he was not motivated to finish. So as you can see, not much has pointed me toward believing he would be successful in the Navy. But there was a mental toughness, and a steel-like determination in him that the Navy has caused to bloom. The Petty Officers instructing his division were able to instruct him in areas that for 18 years as a parent I had been unsuccessful in teaching. During boot camp, that boy only got 1 mark against him in all the inspections that they had, his attention to detail had gotten that good. Prior to boot camp, it seems my son's personal philosophy was to never arrive anywhere on time. When we visited after boot camp graduation, he wanted to be back to the base way before he had to be to make sure he had enough time to get back to the barracks without running and make sure his stuff in order. He too is through the pipeline, and has done wonderfully well.
Jun 19, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jack and Kev......hahahahahahahah - well, yes us ladies are never at a loss for words guys... if you can stand us blubberin blabbering (speeking for myself that is) women... then by all means hang out right here... we are ALL here no matter moms dads wives gf and Sailors....etc... for each other.
CaliMom - HI Sista -----your boy is STELLER I know you are proud so proud of him!!! I have not seen you on recently... ws hoping all was well.. =)
Vita - okay you got it.... my boy B and about 4 of his buddies will love you forever if you bring home made cookies....
Jun 19, 2012
JackFlash
That is SUCH an encouragement, and just what I needed to hear... Thank you. I hope I haven't given a false impression of my son-- he's a great kid, but he's still a kid. I sometimes can't imagine the transformation process so many of you describe, yet I'm confident that if others have made the leap, that my son is capable of the same. My boy is a dedicated athlete, but without a great deal of swimming experience. I give him full credit for choosing something "bigger than himself" to aspire to, and for his desire to serve.
Your son's experience demonstrates the excellence of the training program and what is possible with a dedicated student willing to put in the required effort to reach lofty goals. Congratulations to you both on his accomplishments in making it through the pipeline!
Jun 19, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
nuff said....... GOOOOOOO RSS... git her done!!!
Jun 19, 2012
Birdiejr
Hello everyone!! There has been so much traffic on here lately and I have been missing since we've been traveling. Welcome to the newcomers!! And congrats on the new achievements!! I'm glad everyone is sticking together and coming here for relief and encouragement and the much needed laughter. Lydia - I love this pic!! I'm pretending one of them is my boy!! Heehee. Have a great week everyone and try to stay cool in this heatwave. Hugs!!!
Jun 19, 2012
lexi728
B called and said he starts week three again on Monday. He has a couple good friends in this class so fingers crossed all goes well this time around.
Jun 20, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Hi yall!!!!!
Lexi.... super power prayers and fingers and toes crossed.... =)
AIRR.... hey sis.... man I been thinking about you!!! how is your man and his squadron?? is he loving it??
Birdie.... so good to see you here sis how is it going???
Jun 20, 2012
Birdiejr
Hi Lydia. Things are settling back down. The funeral went well and we missed our boy but he was in good hands with his group in Pensacola. So glad they are still tight since graduating RSS. I guess whatever's next won't start until sometime in July. How is your hubby doing now that treatment is over?
Lexi - Keeping you in my prayers as well as your sailor.
Tickled that we have newbies in here!! Howdy y'all!!
Jun 20, 2012
kkrHoosier
Birdie . . . I think my son has to wait until August for his next phase. He's coming home just for the weekend. Tried to get him to wait as it will be a very short visit but he wants to see his friends home from college and can't get leave until after A School, I guess.
Lexi . . . wishing the best for you and your sailor.
Jun 20, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Hi girls!
Birdi - Im sorry you missed your boy and Im sorry for your loss... Yes these kids become such fast brothers.. and it is hard on them when they split up but Ill tell you my B has missed some brothers from the past and has made new ones. And amazing enough is that he is still with his best friend from 6th grade. he went in a year after B and wound up with B in SD and as his roomate!!! now B had to move as he is assigned to his squad but he and R are just a short distance from each other still!! Its awesome.. Now R is about to graduate the pipeline and Im wondering and hoping if he will stay in SD or go overseas... B is hoping and praying his buddy from childhood will be assigned to a squad in SD and stay... we will know soon. Thank you hubby is doing well, just a waiting game...
kkr - that will be his A school right? Then they will tell him if he will be Romeo or Sierra... Glad you will get to see him even if it is just for a day or three. He will get travel time after A school and usually it includes some extra travel days. B left Pcola and drove to SD - they gave him like 7 days... so he stopped here for a couple of days then drove on... so its not really Leave time per sey... but usually a few extra days to pay a visit... a little less time if your boy goes to VA but still prob enough to see you for a day or two...
Jun 21, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
AIRR - soooooo great to hear from you.... Your boy is cranking it out =) are he and Westcoast moms boy still together... I do lose track sorry... =( Romeo is a tidge dif for me.... so Im glad you checked in... sooo ummm B is studying and training to get those coveted wings in a few months... then will deploy (I hate that D word ahahahah) what about your boy?? same Im sure.... OHHH and thank you honey... I appreciate the encouragement.. Yall ALL keep me going... not sure what Id do with out yall... we have been here for sooooo long... LOVE YALL as JessicaB said Old Planks... i feel like one now hahaha
Jun 21, 2012
JackFlash
Oh dear! How did that happen? I'm in San Diego, if there is anything I can do for you/him, just let me know. I have Base access and can get around pretty good. Sorry to hear of the injury, and praying he has a quick and complete recovery.
Jun 22, 2012
sweetpea4
Ann1 praying for a speedy recovery for your Son and Strength for you! That's tough!
Jun 22, 2012
kev323
Wow Ann, sorry to hear about that hope he heals up quick!
Jun 22, 2012
Birdiejr
kkr - Hoping you have an awesome weekend even if it does seem short to you!!
Ann - Praying for fast healing for your sailor and steady nerves for you!!
AIRR - Sounds like your sailor is where we want all ours to be, busy busy and happy happy.
Lexi - Still thinking about you, girl!!
Anyone else have updates? We are hoping to call our guy this weekend. They've been posting great pics which makes me happy (thankful there was a girl in the group lol).
Other news of interest - my baby (20 yo) just returned from covering the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans and ABC may be airing some of her footage on the new president of the Southern Baptist (the first African American). She is stoked!! Be watching for person of the week with Diane Sawyer!! :-)
Jun 22, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Ann1 - OMgoodness honey.... God bless him and give him strength.. he does not want his momma to worry... GREAT young man! And they really take sure good care of our men and women... praying for speedy recovery!!! And peace for momma!!! =)
Birdi - woooooow great for your daughter!!!! let us know when it will air!
Hi Jack, Kev Sweetpea.... Jack Im jealous.... you live there.... waaaaa.... I miss my son but hope to fly out when he gets his wings in a few months... I dunno tho... Im sure it will be last minute.. Hubby has base access also but not sure if we can stay on the base or not?? Any ideas on that... Im sure they have military guest quarters but B said they are usually filled up.... Hubby retired Nam Veteran....
Well... hugs and prayers for all!!!!!!!!!! =)
Jun 22, 2012
sweetpea4
Got the word graduates first of July! Headed back to Cali with my sister and neice looking forward to seeing my Son and DIL!!!
Jun 23, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Birdi - OMG - so Im watching Diane Sawyer on the newslast night and I saw it - toooo kewl.... a great brief documentary... did your daughter film and write it??? I know you are proud of her!
Ann1 - Our men and women (I prefer to call them boys and girls hahaha) are so strong and special... that is why they are where they are... I have to tell you a funny little story.... So, my son (as most in SD do) bought a snow board... now my son is super crazy fit BUT he is a Florida boy... surfer skater etc... well, the very first day they went snowboarding------ he ate snow and broke his clavicle... okay so ..... I get this phone call.... Momma I want you to sit down and promise me that you will not say a word.... let me talk - Im thinking Oh crap hahaha ---- momma, I got hurt today but Im okay I promise..now mamma dont panic........ B... what happened? Well, he went on to tell me the whole story... he was at that point on the way back to the base... one of his best buddies that he was with threw him in the truck and took him to the hospital... he was in an upper body cast for 5 weeks.. he still graduated his pipeline on time.. but it was not a happy thing hahahahah.... You know I wanted to hop on a plane and run to him. BUT i knew that his buddies where watching over him and taking care of him. Its sooo hard to be a parent and so far away from them... SO, I can relate to how you feel! hey Ann1 Im thinking that my B will get his wings long about September and if at all possible I want to go.. maybe we will see each other there.
Sweetpea.... awesome!!!!!!!! wooow, does he know what squad he will be assigned too yet?? Super exciting for you to go and see them!!!!! Maybe you will see my son or his BFF and can hug them for me... Ill message you their names just in case.
Jun 23, 2012
sweetpea4
Ann1, his making the buddy bonding even stronger!!!
Jun 23, 2012
Birdiejr
Sweetpea - Awesome!! I know you are sooo stoked!!
Ann1 - When mine was in San Diego for BUD/S he DOR'd after passing out twice under the boat (you know, where they hold it over their heads for 10 thousand hours). Well, fortunately he called his dad not me bc it scared me to death when I heard it wondering what was the prob and I wanted to fly to SD immediately. Later, when we saw him in Pcola he tells us it also happened on the 50 meter underwater swim. OMG!! The things they go thru in these times can scare us to death and they just take it in stride. Mine likes to tell us way after the fact, kinda like Lydia's did so that there's no time for reaction. LOL
Lydia - No she didn't write or film the whole segment that showed on the ABC news. Just some of her footage was used in the segment. She did her own interview for her college and the SBC. That's her major so it will look really good on her resume come job application time when she graduates in Dec.
Have a good weekend y'all!! :-)
Kev - What's happening w you these days?
Jajajo - You around? Did you see my sailor's new tat?
Jun 23, 2012
JackFlash
Jun 23, 2012
roxanne
Ann1, Sorry to hear about your son, praying for him. My son is the same way, only tells us stuff way after it happens. T says your son is very tough, but the guys are looking out for him. Let me know if you want T to do anything for him, I am sure he will be glad to do it.
Sweetpea, Congrats to your son, you have to be so excited!
Jun 23, 2012
roxanne
Ann1, There is a Navy lodge on Coronado and it is right on the beach, it looks awesome and is booked until Sept-that is what they told me when I called. My daughter and I will be going to SD at the end of July. Most of the hotels (that were around $100-$150 a night) were booked through the summer. There is another Navy Lodge in SD ( 6 miles from Coronado base) and the first opening was the end of July so that is when we will be visiting.
Jun 23, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
I though that this photo was just tooo great not to share.... my big Navy Rescue Swimmers (5 of them go to Newbreak Church Pacific Beach now) - participating with their church at the PB street fair yesterday... hahahahaha Any of your kids headed to SD and want a fun, casual very busy active church... This is the one!!
hi bsmom.... great to see you!
Jun 24, 2012
JackFlash
Does that mean one of those girls is a Rescue Swimmer? And which one of those fellers is your son?
Jun 24, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jack - no the two babes are two friends from their church... my boy is the one paiting that little princess and in pix 2 the clown with his thumb up... always clowing around... GREAT guys all of them are my boys!!!! Thankx
Jun 24, 2012
JackFlash
Oh btw, he said he likes your boy's artwork. I assume he meant the tattoos, but maybe he meant face-painting skillz. LoL
Jun 24, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jack - hahahahahahah... prob the tats =) oh he has some awesome ink... that is the smallest one in that pix hahahah ------- well, I pray your son will be the influence!!! The military is the perfect place for that after all!!!!! Are you on FB?? message me and Ill be happy to share my FB with you... tons of pic of my son and his RSS pipeline on there that you and your boy might like to look at....
Jun 24, 2012
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Lydia, Great pix of your son. What a handsome group of young men. It looks like they were having a great time. This is the last week I have mine at home. He leaves for MEPS on Monday, swears in on Tuesday then heads for Great Lakes. We had his grad party on Saturday. All the parents from Taekwondo where he taught showed up to let me know how much they are going to miss J. It was a bittersweet day but it certainly warmed this mom's heart to know that so many people think so well of him. Hopefully, in 9 weeks or so, I'll be able to tell you that he is headed for Pensacola!
Jun 25, 2012
Birdiejr
Talked to our sailor this a.m. cking on the weather. He said Pensacola Bch is getting blasted but the base is only overcast. Be praying it stays that way as Debby makes her way thru the Gulf.
Lydia - Love the pics!!
Jack - You are too funny! Love having you here!!
Lexi - How's it going?
Jun 25, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jodi Josh... ahhhhhhh and so it begins... well, you know we are whole way!! Anything you need or want to know or are worried about... let us know... just start writing those letters already for when you get his address (will come in the mail usually just after the "kid in the box" arrives... then you can start sending em. Also, make sure he has your cell memorized and keep it with you everywhere you go including the bathroom!!! =)
Bird - yea I saw that... man I wish it had turned West and hit us here in TX.. Glad you liked the pix... GREAT kids for sure
Jun 25, 2012
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Jodi... also, be sure to give him a phone card and a few and I mean no more than 20 bux... has he set up a paycheck account? If not... they will help him set it up throught the Navy Federal Credit Union those first few days that he is at BC... they do tons of paperwork... shots, before they get to their actual Ship....
Jun 25, 2012
JackFlash
thanks Birdie... I'm Jack the bear tonight. My son was all set to go take the PST for the first time today and when he went to go down, the Recruiter told him that he still wasn't cleared to test. I don't know what the hold up was. Now he is told that he can test next Monday. Hurry up and wait. My hair is turning gray and he hasn't even started yet
Jun 25, 2012