Moms of Aviation Rescue Swimmers

Hi all! I hope everyone is doing great. I was in Pensacola last week. I love it there!!!! My hubby is waiting to be classed up( still phase 3). 

He's been there since beginning of Feb. How long is the wait usually Travelsalot?

keke the wait will be different for everyone, just hang in there. It can be frustrating but they just need to stay busy and not get discouraged, I think my son waited close to 3 months before classing up, there is no set time frame and that can be hard to deal with. In the military you learn to go with the flow and it happens when it happens.

My son, who is now in San Diego, was in Pensacola from the beginning of September (Labor Day weekend) until March 1st, about 7 months. He didn't wait but a few weeks to class up  each time and made it through RSS the first time. I don't know if this is the norm, but it's what transpired.  He seems to be waiting a lot longer this time to class up in California for FRAC, he was told it could be a few months.  He's fine with it though, he's working in the parachute maintenance shop and got a car and spends a lot of his free time with friends at the beach.  Sounds pretty good to me! :)

Keke, my son went through RSS with Gmom and Jesse' mom sons. He also had no roll backs and classed up fairly quickly. He is still in Pensacola because he is a Romeo whereas Gmom & Jesse's mom sons were Sierra so the length of time they are at Pensacola will also depend on whether they go Romeo or Sierra. My son is set to graduate the end of May.

Mama B-congrats on getting to visit with your son (and also having him all to yourself! Yeah!!) Now, if you can keep his friends from knowing he's home -lots of luck there haha-maybe you won't have to share him at all.

Hi ladies...I'm really new to all of this and was wondering if someone could explain the difference between Romeo and Sierra?  Also, based on other comments I've seen, the Aviation Rescue Swimmers are PLACED into one of those groups (i.e., the sailors don't get to pick)...correct?  Any information will be greatly appreciated!

ESWest, if you go to the discussion forum above and select the Path of a Rescue Swimmer, Lydia explains the difference. There are some great moms on here, especially Lydia, that can answer any questions you may have.  You are in for a roller coaster ride of emotions for the next few months but we have all made it thru and so will you! Welcome to the group.

Thank you, Jodi!  I'll definitely check out the forum.  This is all a bit overwhelming, but it does help tremendously to know

there are other moms out there who understand what I'm going through.  Thank you so much for your response!

Well, K  has to be in Norfolk at the end of the month  to report to their squadron and so he has been able to spend time in AZ with his brother and sweet adorable nieces before driving across country with my hubby...and then spend a couple days at home. I'll be doing the happy dance too, Mama B!!!  

My son is settled in FL now and is settling into his new place with his family.  Can not wait to be able to go for a visit but it will be a bit as I have my youngest son's PIR.

woooooooooooow so busy in here!!!!!!  yippie!

welcome ESWest!!!!!   Yes please go up above the box here to Discussion Form and you will see Path of and also Phases and Lib is a good one to read as well.  We are sure glad you are here with us..  you are definitely in for a roller coaster ride as Jodi said!!!   At what part of this pipeline is your Sailor now???  Both Romeo and Sierra are Aircrew but Romeo is more technical and Sierra is more Tactical..  Romeo uses more technical equipment in the helos as they do different jobs so their training takes longer - tracking subs with technical equipment flying Starboard D above the fleet..  Sierra is more boots on the ground  so to speak...  their training centers more around air but also ground rescue, equipment transfers, machine guns (thats the part my son loves)  Yes they are assigned which one...  My boy is with his squadron and is Sierra which is what he wanted... I know several moms in here have boys who are Romeo and perhaps can tell you more about some of the kewl things they get to do.  Also, each of the Helo squadrons differ in what they do...  My sons squad has been doing pre deploy training with some of the SEAL teams...  so that can make a difference also as to what the job functions will be. 

MamaB -----  I know you are flying high right now!!!!  You son all to yourself!!!   

Hi everyone!!!!  So great to see yall here!!!

ochaos...  when does he PIR???  how exciting 

Vitamama...  I know you are excited also!!!!  

AIRR...  you might pop onto the Texas site... and ask there...  Ill see if I can go find their link...

Hey Westcoast!!!!!!!!!  =)

xoxoxoxox everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   gonna go now and look for the Texas group... brb

AIRR ------------   here you go:

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/texasmoms

Hi ladies! I am a newbie to all of this... my son is in BC right now - just starting week 2 - graduates at the end of May. Any and all advice would be welcome. He is in Ship 04 Dvi 811.  Anyone else have a son in this ship/div?

nancynature, welcome to the group this is the best group of ladies! So supportive and informative. Hold on, it's one heck of a ride and were are hear to listen and give support! You will make some fabulous friends!

It's been a tough couple of days for us.  Marsh was told that they had too many RSS candidates and they would be dropping a number of them from the program.  As he was out on medical leave due to pneumonia and wasn't scheduled to re-start RSS until cleared by the doctor, he was one of the first seven they dropped.  I guess they will be dropping a number of others over the next few weeks?  He was also told that, even though he passed NACCS, it would be dropped from his record because he's being dropped from RSS.  Then he was told that he would be unclassified and be sent to a ship somewhere in the next two weeks.  We told him not to sign anything because his contract says he can choose to be reclassified: 

     Section 3 describes what happens if you are found to be no longer qualified because of:

• “Information I provided on my enlistment application”;
• “A physical or psychological disqualification” (I assume a temporary illness does not apply); or,
• “Some reason that is not due to my fault, negligence or conduct” (In this case it appears the Navy has decided they have too many Rescue Swimmers Candidates).

     This Section also goes on to state if any of the above occur, “I may choose to be reclassified for an enlistment training program for which I’m qualified and a vacancy exists”.

He says he has talked to every officer up to the admiral and they all tell him he will go as unclassified.  Marshall doesn't want to make waves and will probably sign anything they tell him to without arguing it.My husband has spent the morning trying to reach the omsbudsman or someone who can look into the situation.  His next try will be to our Congressman.  Marsh is worried that if we cause too much fuss, he will be punished for it down the road.  

Anyway, sorry for the rant, but I hate to see his dream of RSS dying for something out of his control.  

Shawn, you are welcome to rant to your heart's content. I'm so sorry that things didn't work out for him. I know how much these boys want to succeed at this rate and to not be able to continue has to be heart breaking not only to him but to you also. I hope everything works out for both of you. Good luck.

Shawn....   Im sooo sorry honey!  I have been on this site for 3.5 years now and so many have DORd or been dropped from the RSS rate...  they all have almost all gone undesignated BUT I will say that, those that did are very happy and doing some kewl jobs...  we can thank our government and the military cut backs for this lousy excuse to Drop ... but I mentioned that several months ago.  Its not fair and its sad BUT again, I just have to believe that he will wind up somewhere where he is suppose to be.  The catch to that which you posted is the "and a vacancy exists"  !!!  many alternate rates are closed at this time due to draw down and cut backs...  Im pryaing that something great will open up for him...  God Bless his heart!!!  and yours!!!!

OH and nancynature....  welcome...  please go up to the forum discussion section just above this box and read the Path and read Phases and Lib....  they will answer lots of your questions.... soooo glad you are here with us!!!!

SoHeart...  awesome they love NACCS...  it RSS that is the tough one!  Fingers crossed !!!  keep us posted

Travels....  yup lots of hold time... and now the roller coaster begins.. hang in there and keep us posted...  

Yall know that this is why we are all here.....  RANT, CRY, LAUGH, BRAG...  we are in this together...  those of us who have Sailors who are done are here to help you and those that are in the Pipeline also!!!!!  Together we hope and pray for each one of our kids!!!!!   

AIRR as I looked over and over her name I began to realize that.....  was she not the mom from the Bastrop fires here in TX who lost her first house and her boy was in VA at that time....  then she bought another house and the fires came back... we never ever heard from her again... i worried for a year after that!!!  Is that the same one do you think????

Thanks for all the support.  I know this is hard for my son, but I keep thinking t he has to go down another path to meet his future wife or something.  My son would scoff  that but I know all will work out according to God's will.

Hi all! I just have to share some good news! My husband and I got talk to our son today for the first time since he left for BC. He sounded tired but was doing well. He still liked it and 'felt like he was in the right place'. :0   That just made both of us happy, thankful and relieved. It was good to hear his voice - I have to say a sense of peace came over me after talking to him. Guess I will sleep a bit better for tonight.

Shawn Ship - I am so sorry for your son. Mine would be truly dissapointed to say the least. What a heart breaker. I have to agree with your thoughts... there is always a reason our paths change we just never quite know why untill we look back and see where we came from. Usually quite an eye opener. God always works things out for good though. May your son get healthy, stay healthy and strong and confident in what he is doing.

Hello ya'll!  My son is currently in BC right now ship 04 div 811. His PIR date is 5/31. WE would like to get him a decent watch for PIR but have found watches for just about everything but AIRR! Any suggestions? saw some nice luminox watches but I think there is a SEAL symbol on the underside and don't think that will fly...help! what do our guys wear?  

michelek....  I went on the Stauer (spelling) site and bought my boy an Aviator style watch.. modeled after the old Aviator watches...  very kewl!!!  Totally appropriate ..  

here is the link....  he LOVED it ... of course they will have to wear underwater watches but he uses this one for dress times...

http://www.stauer.com/itemd.asp?ItemNo=17479&ad=STRSEMWBIWGOGWAT

nancy - awesome!!!!  

shawnship - I do not think that is odd at all!  That is exactly my kind of thinking.. no they will not agree but us mammas know what we know...  There is a different path for him and God knows!!!!  Please keep us posted!!!!!!

Thanks Lydia! That looks like something he would wear!

BJShip - how exciting!!!!  He should know now whether he will be Romeo or Sierra...  

michelek - yes they are sooooo kewl looking BUT a little complicated, he will have to READ the instructions on setting the different time - date - and a few other things...  but if I could do it anyone can hahahahahah....

One more month and J graduates. He's tentatively headed for Jacksonville after SERE though I know that can change. Any moms on here with sons there? It seems like most are in San Diego but I'm wondering what its like there.

Hi Ladies:) I'm brand new to this site. My son is in the DEP  and has a contract with the Navy aviation rescue swimmer program. This site has been such a great source of information for me- thank you to all of you for your interesting comments, recommendations, and discussions. As you have informed, inspired and comforted each other... I have been on the "outside" reading these comments. Please know that you have already informed, inspired and comforted me with your comments!  If you could give me one piece of advice that would support my son in accomplishing his goal, what would it be? Concentrate on academics (review math skills, diagrams etc. in advance?), Fitness, Water readiness skills? Is there one particular part of the program that tends to be problematic for the majority of the sailors? Any advice you can give will be most appreciated! Thank you for all the support you have already given!

Welcome, proudmama, the best advise we can give is to have your son get in the best physical condition he can possibly be in. They do a ton of physical things, starting at bc and continuing on through RSS. RSS will be the most demanding and for that he needs to be in top physical condition. The attrition rate, as Lydia (our head mama-she's great along with a bunch of other ladies on this site) will tell you is extremely high. Go to the discussion forum above and read what Lydia wrote about the Path of a Rescue Swimmer. It's a good starting point. Good luck to your son.

Hi BJShip! Congratulations to you and more importantly to your son! What a great accomplishment!

proudmama....  hi and welcome.. so glad you are adding to the comments now!!!  Welcome to the roller coaster!  Yes like Jodi said...  beef up that physical ...  my son told me that during boot camp they actually Lose alot of their "beef"...  but still - getting in that top physical.. will help him get back to it after BC... while on hold for NACCS and RSS....  I think that his learning to handle the mental stress is vital also...  he will experience some in BC... you know the constant yelling and PTs midnight ironing, lack of sleep, all of which will break them but make them some seriously proud Sailors... just wait till PIR!!!!!   I think through the pipeline.. its seems to me now.. that from BC through RSS is brutal mentally AND as Jodi said physically...  right now with all the cut backs in the military they are cutting a lot of the kids right off the bat so he will need to be on his best game physically and mentally....  no one and nothing matters but his Chiefs and instructors... and listening and obeying... now ---- it gets soooo much better after they pass RSS .... they will actually feel human again!!!!  meanwhile...  in DEP... just work out work out... swim, flutter kicks, mask clearing at multiple depths... holding his breath, dive in full gear and swim laps, run, run, run.....  learn to meditate and or focus mentally....  When does he ship off to BC????  Hey there are SOOO MANY amazing mammas here who can help.. at all points in the Swimmer Pipeline..  we are all here to help and support each other...  my son is done with the pipeline and stationed in SD Cali...  attached to his squad and has his wings...  but it takes a long time to get there so its good you are here!!!!!   Laugh, Cry, Vent, Brag...  just hang in there mamma!!!  we are here for you !  And ALL our new mammas (dads, gfs)

Jodi.... I heard the kids really love JAX...  similar to SD cause its nice weather and beaches....  SERE - he will do just fine!!!!!  wooow one more week?????  sheesh  time is flying isnt it!!!!!!!

Thanks Jodi and Lydia for your helpful comments! It's so wonderful to be part of this community, I feel really blessed!  My son was initially told that he would leave for bc in June, but was called yesterday and told by the spec. ops recruiter that because he was offered and signed a RSS contract, his date to begin bc is sometime during the beginning of September. My son is used to being flexible as he has five siblings and that is part of living with a large family:)-so he just said "more time for me to prepare:)".  I love your suggestions regarding working out... he is an athelete (baseball, football,wrestler, and swimmer) so he works out daily- but the specific excersices were really appreciated!..He has done well in DEP-but of course that is not intense like bc and the other schools that he will be taking (if all goes according to plan-). He was awarded Future Sailor of the Month! He took it in stride, didn't over focus on it, but agreed to pose for a picture:) You mentioned swimming with fins... which type should he swim with? Do the RSS, Navy divers, Seals etc. use the same fins or should we look specifically for RSS fins?  I appreciate your comments about cutbacks and needing to be in top condition. What is considered "top" condition? I know that the Navy lists the requirements, but I am aware that a serious candidate should be able to perform much more than what is listed. My son is able to complete about 90 push ups, 80 sit ups, and 20 pull ups. Is that at a competitve level? Thanks ladies !- You are the best!

Welcome proudmama! All of what Jodi and Lydia has suggested is right on! I would only add working out! I just received today my first letters from my son (yeah!!!! I was thrilled and lonely all at once!) and reading all that they have to do physically is quite demanding. Holding a pose for an extended period of time, repeating many exercises plus their swimming, running, on and on. Lydia also makes a great point about mental stress. I am not sure how you prepare for that but if there is a way, your son should. Patience with others is a neccessity as they learn the rules along with true listening to those in authority. My son has said that his faith, reading his small Bible and prayers have also helped him each day.

I am not 100% sure what RSS is but my son is AIRR and he got Rocket brand fins for rescue swimmers - they are shorter than SEAL fins. 

HI there -  for our newish mammas ------------Here is a link that will give you an idea of the physical basic requirements... (there are lots of links of course this is just one)   of course these are the minimum requirements...  When they finish NACCS they will have to test out and then beat their scores and Test IN for RSS..  They always have to pass minimum requirements but then they have to out do them to qualify on through the process.  This is one reason that hold times are great after BC...  In BC they requirements are not as stringent and my son said that they tend to lose alot of their "Beefyness" if you will......  so while in Pcola and on hold ... time to beef back up!!!  Scroll down and you will see some requirements...  but remember - he who beats the requirements will have a better time....   mental is the one thing that causes the majority of RSS kids to Drop...  If you are on Face Book their is a Rescue Swimmer page...

https://www.facebook.com/NavyAirRescue?ref=ts&fref=ts

http://www.military.com/military-fitness/fitness-test-prep/helicopt...

here is one of the FB Navy DEPPERs pages...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2226718668/?fref=ts

swimmers

Thanks Lydia and NancyNature for the great info! It is greatly appreciated:)