swcc

Stacy:  I knew the 20 week length of CQT.  Need to know the length of time between the completion of the 20 weeks of CQT and the actual graduation.  Can any with sailors is class 72 answer?

Thanks Travis66.  That helps.  One other question, for travel planning, what advance notice do you get prior to the actual graduation timing and details?

Does anyone else have a son finishing up NSW Prep and scheduled to ship to Coronado 2/15 for BCT class 74-2? 

Richard M,  Welcome & congratulations to you & both of your sons!  Our son was part of SWCC class 67 and it seems that the process from BC has changed since then but I'm sure there is someone else here who can answer those questions for you.  It is a good idea if you read the SWCC Primer that is posted in the discussions above here to give you a glimpse of what is ahead for your sons.   Best of luck to both of them throughout SWCC training!

My son PIR'd on 10/5/12 with a SWCC contract and is just finishing up NSW Prep. He is scheduled to ship to Coronado 2/20.

The new process is for all SWCC and SEAL candidates to complete NSW(Navy Special Warfare) Prep which is 8 weeks.

SEAL candidates have been doing this all along but they are just in the 2nd class that has integrated SWCC in also.

This is an intensive physical prep course to give them the edge they will need to get through BCT.

Apparently the attrition rate for SWCC in BCT had exceeded 85% and was signaling that the candidates were not prepared.

They also have classroom training on the stresses they will be under and how to work with it. They are also given a general overview of what to expect.

There is also extensive swim training.

I hope I have helped with your questions, I know how hard it is not knowing and I feel greatfull to be able to give back.

Thus group has been wonderful for me to learn what is going on with my son.

I hope to connect with more who have sons who will be in BCT class 74-2. 

Does anyone have a son who has been dropped from training during second phase  and can comment on what happens next?  What options do they have etc.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question and for the info.  I am trying to gather some information, hoping for a positive outcome for my son as there is a lot of negative info. on some of the on line blogs that I have read.  I wish your son all of the very best!

Hi Annie,

I wanted to know the same thing when my "W" started: to be informed to better be able to support my son when he went through this process. From what I know, which is decidedly not much, there are some variables to your question. It seems like the process is different depending on "why."

Medical/Performance gaps: the "W" can be 'rolled back' for a period of time until they are medically cleared or to allow additional time for them to work on a particular skill set associated to an evolution (for example: if the "W" did not pass the buddy tow skill, they will be 'rolled back' to allow them time to practice the skill and be allowed to join an upcoming class/class up). I would suggest that there are limits on the number of times that this can happen-- or limits on the number/type medical waivers-- but do know that it's not infinite. :)

DOR's (Drop On Request): Usually happens when someone 'rings out' or 'quits.'  From what I've heard this can also happen at the discretion of the instructors (think big safety violations for example). There is a time requirement before they can re-apply to enter the program if desired (I heard it was 2 years but this could be wrong) as well.

In either of the examples above, (DOR, medical issues or chronic performance issues/evolution failure) the "W" will be 're-rated' (get a new job) a short while after. Based on what is available at the time they are re-rated, their 'qualifications' and rank, they will choose another job/rate.

The "DOR" group is also a private group that would probably have a lot of information if you or someone else needs it. If any one knows anything different, I hope they will share.

I hope this helps and I wish your son (and you) the best on this journey!

Thank you so much for this information; I wish your son the very best!

I just found this group and am excited it is here!  My son is in BC right now.  SWCC'em-you passed along some great information.  I know there is a long road ahead for my son and it is encouraging to know there are some options.  Thank you! 

gksailormom,  Welcome to the SWCC Family & best of luck to you son as he goes thru BC!   It is a long road ahead...it will be exciting & it will be nerve wracking for you at times too so that is why we are all here for you to support & encourage you through your son's journey to SWCC training & beyond!   It's going to 3yrs since my son entered the Navy & this site full of wonderful supportive people helped me understand & get through some tough weeks for sure!     Have a good week everyone & THINK SPRING!!!

kelly59-thank you for your encouraging words of support!  This SWCC journey makes me VERY proud of my son but I am wouldn't be honest if I didn't say it makes me nervous.  I know he has a VERY long road ahead of him to get through training.  Did your son get through his SWCC training the first time?  My son is so driven I think I worry about his body giving out than I do his determination. Thank you for giving me an outlet.

Hello All! My son started BCT yesterday and my heart won't stop racing!

I know he is both physically and mentally prepared for this and has been working so very hard to get to Coronado.

But... I worry about injury. 

I know this is only the beginning and he has a LONG road ahead of him.

I am so very excited for him but being "Mom", I can't help but be anxious.

I salute all of you who's sons have made it through, I hope I can keep my emotions at bay for the next year until he (hopefully) makes it to the pinning ceremony!

gksailormom,  Your welcome ~  We're all on this journey together!   My son did make it through the first time and it was tough.  These guys are trained to work out & they keep their bodies in fine tuned shape because they are aware of the challenges ahead of them.  It helped me to write my son letters of encouragement a couple times a week while he was in BC & then also through SWCC training...I tend to believe those letters also helped him too  :)

Chellita,  Wishing your son the best of luck & determination as he begins BCT!  I can totally understand how your feeling & I know there are others here who understand that feeling also.   Hang in there & you know we are all here for you!

HOOYAH!! Hello new SWCC Moms/Parents, God Bless each & everyone!!  Hold on for the journey of a lifetime.  Our sons' are living their passion/dreams, so if I may share, hang on one evolution at a time, for the best is yet to come!  All will be ok...you are the strength that made your courageous W, who will succeed regardless. Our W's are the best of the best; it is a compliment & testament to the parenting, guidance & love that you gave him that will & has sustained all our W's. May all of us continue to be strong & be well!  God bless & may God encamp His angels around each & everyone of your W's... in BCT, CQT & our deployed. ( "...until you're stateside again my dearest son, until then, I love you, Mama")   (((group hug)))

blessedmom-THANK YOU for such encouraging words.  I have already begun to feel this is the ride of a lifetime when he got his contract and I know it is only beginning!  Thank you for the prayer!

gksailormom ~you are so very welcome! <3. These words were comforting to me 4yrs ago when my journey began with my W.  I wrote this in my journal from an inspirational book, sorry I don't recollect the author, but it was comforting then. 

"Mothering is a curious relationship, Lord.  It requires that I love my children intensely, but at the same time I am pulling them closer,  I must prepare to push them from the nest.  How do I find the proper balance between pushing & pulling? 

You are my parent, Lord. Though I am a mother, I am also your child.  Be with me as I travel this path with my children.  Lead me with a steady hand as I walk the fine line between nurturing and letting go.  When I can no longer walk beside my children, please give them your hand to guide and protect them. 

I pray that though they outgrow my mothering, my children will never outgrow my love for them.  This is my prayer."

With deployment I've had to evolve to another level of acceptance & inner strength.  I thank you & as kelly59 said we wholeheartedly understand how you're feeling.  If you can try to watch youtube "Surviving the Cut SWCC -BCT", it explains some of the evolutions. Try not to worry.  We are a blessed community of strength & courage...God Bless our SWCC families! <3    HOOYAH!

Good Morning Everyone!  I have a question for the parents/spouses of the recently graduated SWCC 72 class.  Has anyone been successful in obtaining a copy of the DVD or the formal picture that was taken of their "W" being pinned?  If you have, can you please advise on the correct process.  I would be ever so grateful!  Thank you!!

On another note..  (and I am prior military myself so I do know the difference between rate and rank), has anyone's "W" had a problem, outside of the recent class 72 with their excellerated rate advancement from E2 to E4 not being honored in their enlistment contracts?  Currently my "W" is being forced to sit out being paid at E-3 payscale for 9 months because he finished the SWCC program as an E2 and graduated with a certificate promoting him to E4 paygrade and rate, but it is not being honored by the civilian personnel who operate the pay office in Coronado.  Has anyone encountered this before and if so, have they solved the problem in their "W"'s favor and got the Navy to honor the enlistment contract without them having to serve the time as an E3?  I've provided MILPERMAN doc 1220 that authorizes the SWCC advancement and it still didn't help.  Any advice would be helpful.  He is looking at being one of the first "Seaman" SB's to ever ship to his team here shortly, and to his knowlege that hasn't happened before.  Thanks

SWCC Graduation questions:  I searched for what I could find about graduation.  We will be getting there several days prior, so we won't be pressed for time to figure it all out, but we want to be prepared. 

I saw a comment that only the graduate + 3 people will be allowed for the dinner the night prior.  Is this held strictly as the graduate's 2 sisters are making the trip as well as the both of us?  Also, is there a limit to how many can attend the actual graduation (I have an aunt and several cousins from the area who want to attend)? 

Lastly, I see so many references to "W".  What does that signify??

One final graduation question:  What time does graduation start?

Blackcrow,  Graduation ceremony begins at 9am.  We decided to arrive an hour earlier just to meet up with other families & get seats.   My son had to have addresses of all attending & we had to give him all of our driver's license #'s a few weeks prior to the grad date.    It was a wonderful ceremony!

"W" stands for Warrior.  I don't remember who began using that term but it is a good one for all our SWCC sons & how hard they train.

Enjoy the SWCC graduation & Congratulations!

Louise and kelly59:  Thank you for the information.  We are really looking forward to it.  We already have our reservation at the Navy Lodge on the mainland, and it was the last room available.  We tried for the Coronodo Navy Lodge, but it was filled.

Good Morning Blackcrow,

Our grad ceremony for "72" started at 11am although there was a special thing for wives at 9am.  Also, the gate guards have a list of names that the "W"'s authorized to come to the ceremony that they should have provided name, DL numbers for a few weeks prior in case the formal invitations got lost in the mail (like ours did, but we did receive a second one the weekend before the actual graduation).  As for the dinner the night prior, we were allowed to bring both of our son's two siblings with us for a total of 5 including our "W".  When I asked him specifically about the 4 to a W limit, he assurred me that he had it taken care of and that I didn't have to make one of them draw straws for the open seat.  Sure enough, both of them were able to attend and there were no problems.  It was a really nice evening, followed the next day by a ceremony that we will never forget.  There was a navy photographer taking pictures and video there, but I have still been unable to get a copy of the dvd or formal pic of my W when he was pinned that day, so I would suggest taking really good pics and video if you can. 

Lastly, Congratulations to your W and all his teammates!  My W is home currently in route to his new team.  Im enjoying him home for this short, brief time that I have.  The man he is now, is truly an inspiration and a joy.  The transformation in a year is amazing, and I'm sure all the moms will say the same. 

Thanks Stacy.  Our son confirmed that the dinner invitee count is very limited for this upcoming graduation, and is only to include parents/wives.  He asked several times and was told the same.  He does know that the graduation ceremony can include more, and it is just a matter of providing DL numbers and addresses ahead of time.  Can't wait to see him as the last time was Christmas. 

By the way, our son was able to get rooms for us at the Gateway.  Seems pretty sparse, but it will be nice to be on base and close to where he is rooming.

Zephyr mom my son is currently there..

Zephyr Mom, my son is there in CQT, if you have any questions PM me and I can try and answer them for you :)

Travis66,  So good to see your post here!  It is great to see activity here & it always reminds me of all the wonderful help & support you provided for me & the other Moms back 2yrs ago when our sons were going through training.  I agree tho, alot has changed since then but I still suggest that anyone here read the SWCC Primer in the above discussions that you put together because it does provide the basics.   I'm so glad you got to see your son before he deploys!   We certainly do get used to "no news is good news" but I'd still rather hear the news....lol

Dee,  you are absolutely right about the fact our SWCC are very well trained & that also brings comfort to me as well!   I feel very fortunate to have had all of you "seasoned" parents here on this site for support!   :)

I pray all had a safe & blessed Memorial Day!...Rockin' hard and standing strong for the elite brotherhood, our Warriors, our sons, past, present, and those in training, the future, our quiet professionals. God bless you all who served and sacrificed your lives so that we may live free! On this glorious Memorial Day God protect all our military branches. May God's angels protect each & everyone of you and keep you safe & well, wherever you may be. We your Moms are always with you, quiet, vigilant & steadfast for you!  We will never forget, our faith is unwavering for you, dear sons!!  Until then, abundant love! God bless our fallen & your families! <3

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Hi all -- My son Charlie will graduate from boot camp in late September, and then it is off to Coronado! What advice can all of you (and your warriors)  give to Charlie about surviving the SWCC cut?

Just like Travis said, one step at a time because USS Neverdock is not an option!!  That alone kept my "W" in the program ;)  Good Luck and congratulations !

A ship that never comes into port!!!  Instructors threaten them all the time with getting assigned to it if they DOR :)

There's not really a ship like that, but the idea was enough to keep the boy's head in the game because the thought of being on a ship long-term wasn't an option!

Love the advice and I'm passing it along to Charlie. He has a new question: How long are the days? Are they working/training/etc. from dawn until dusk? 

Thank you, Zephyr mom.

And what does DOR stand for? The Navy Speak tool doesn't define it. 

Tikkie---DOR is Drop on Request. Meaning your son will request to opt out of the program. When this happens, he will be in limbo until they find him another place. The idea of cleaning toilets with a toothbrush on a ship kept my son from this! (Figuratively speaking, of course).

You are all so quick about answering me questions. I'm Facebook chatting with Charlie right now (he's done with a final and is sitting in class), and he asked me to ask you what he can bring to Coronado as far as personal items? And (this is my question) do any of the trainees have cars on site?

Tikkie----please check the discussions above. There is a discussion on what they can bring. When in doubt, check with his recruiter.

Hi all -- My son Charlie is 45 days out from Great Lakes and just took his last PT. It seems like he gets a little more information as his departure gets closer. Yesterday we learned that after boot camp PIR the SWCC stay at Great Lakes for more training. I guess we thought he'd go right to Coronado. ALSO, we heard that training at Coronado is suspended during the Christmas holiday. Can the trainees come home during that time?