Patty ~ My son just graduated from dive prep last Friday. He was home for the weekend and just flew out this morning. Dive prep was very difficult, both physically and emotionally. He made it through and is very, very proud of his accomplishments so far. He's feeling a little apprehensive about dive school, but is really looking forward to the challenge. Good Luck to your son!! Tell him to take each day as it comes and not to worry about tomorrow. :)
Oh, Tim, thank you so much! I am so proud of my son, and reading your post left me feeling "comfortable" for the first time in a few weeks. Big sigh of relief, and maybe even some evidence of a smile on my face, instead of a worried grimace. Thank you so much! You gave me the strength I needed today!
Hi Guys ~ My son just started pool week at Dive School. He passed his bay swims this morning and his soft hits. Messed up on moderate hits... He'll be back in the pool first thing in the morning. :)
Tim, that's funny that your son thought the pool hits were fun. That's exactly what my son said last night. I said it sounded stressful and he said, "No, it's actually kind of fun!" I'm so glad that he's enjoying his training. :)
Hi I have a question concerning my son's next steps after boot camp. I know he will stay in GL for dive prep and if he makes it through that will go on to Panama City, Fl for Dive School. So, my question is...what kind of civilian clothes will he need down there? I am working on getting his mess of a room cleaned up...couldn't do it right away when he left for boot camp. :( I am assuming which is probably not good, that in dive prep he won't be wearing civilian clothes??? I am just attempting to be prepared. Thanks for any help and/or advice you all can give me. Thanks!!
Hey Mommasheep ~ After he moves "across the street" for dive prep, he'll be able to wear civies on weekends during liberty (after the 1st week). When he hits PC, he can wear civies whenever he's not on duty. My son is 1/2 way through dive school now. He has several pairs of shorts and shirts with him. He didn't bring any dress clothes down with him though. You won't be able to leave anything with him after bc graduation, he'll have to have it shipped to him once he moves across the street.
My son was actually able to come home for 4 days in between dive prep and dive school, so we were able to pack an extra bag for him to take on the plane with him. I wouldn't count on that happening, but it might. Good Luck to you and your son!! It's an exciting adventure for both of you!!
Thanks so much for the info. smtbinde! I won't count on anything! :) Have learned that over the last few weeks. Your info. helped me a lot in considering what to do in his room. He is a pack rat so I am going to clean out some things, but will save his favorite clothes.:)
How long was your son in dive prep? I have heard it varies. So glad to have you pros to answer the newbie questions!
My son was in GL for about 2 to 3 weeks before dive prep started, then it was about 3 weeks of prep. He graduated from BC on 6/24 and was home for his visit the first week in August.
I don't plan on getting rid of too much will pack it away and then someday make him take it to his attic like my mom did me!! lol I just didn't want to pack up clothes that he would need and then have to go through them again. But if he gets to come home to do it with me....I will do anything for that. Not counting on it though. Just gonna be happy with whatever the Navy allows. I have been hangning on to a letter a week now so I know when I can at least hear from him I will be a much happier momma! Thanks all!
Mom in MD ~ Hi ~ I'm not sure how long a wait it will be for your son. My son went EOD from BC. He was a Depper for about 9 mos before he left for BC and has followed the training sequence since. He'll finish dive school in late September and move on to EOD school for the next 8 months. After that, it's jump school. If all goes smoothly for him, he should finish his training within the next 12 months. So far, he's about 13 months into his training from the day he enlisted into the delayed entry program. It's a fantastic program and he's having the time of his life! Good Luck to your son. I hope this answers your question a little bit. :)
Thanks for sharing Kim!! Congrats to you on raising such a fine son and I'm so thankful for you and your family that he is now home safely. :) Thank him for me for all that he does.
I just heard from my son. He just got to PC over the weekend. Today was his first day of PT. I texted him and asked if he was still alive, he replied "haha barely. It was rough, but kinda fun too"! He was so excited last night when we talked. He is loving every bit of his training and enthusiastic about the days to come! He was rolled back when he graduated BC and tested for EOD prep, there were so many guys and not enough spots open. But he is better off because of it...he spent every minute training with the dive prep while waiting to class up. Only 19 outta 40 graduated in his EOD class. None of his DIV guys made it with him, and he went through 3 dive buddies in those 2 weeks. But all will be okay! He's having the time of his life and loving every minute...and that's all that matters! I am so proud of him. His patience and determination have made him a different and better man...and Sailor. So, 8wks of this and then on to Eglin! Things are finally starting to progress! HooYah!!
Momma c my son was with yours in GL. He was one of the 19 who made it. He's graduating from PC next week. He has LOVED every minute of it! Good luck to your son! It's a wonderful journey!
My son is also one of the 19 left and just arrived in PC this week. He is also having an amazing time. His dive buddy dropped on the last day of prep, he was bummed about that. He said it was very different in PC training with officers who have years of Navy experience. It's also much hotter there. I can't wait to follow their progress!
My son has a contract for EOD and leaves for BC on 15 Dec - I am trying to be a supportive mom and any and all information that I can get would be wonderful -- he is a 23 year old college graduate that decided to take a different career path! I am excited for him and scared at the same time --
Hello! My son is at GL completing dive prep. and will graduate on 22 Oct. It has been really tough, but he completed his IWP's today, so he is confirmed to graduate on the 22nd! We are so proud! He has been told that he will leave GL for Panama City, FL for EOD Dive Training at NDSTC on 25 Oct. Does anyone have any good information about what to expect there? Will he have liberty the first weekend there? His birthday is the 30th so we had hoped to go down to see him. Do you know if they can have their car there and where they live while in Panama City? Just had to share how happy we are that he has made it to the next exciting step on his journey with the Navy! Hooyah!
My son is in Panama City right now. He has been there for 3 weeks. Only 5 men from his Boot Camp division went, and they are already down to three. I sure hope they all make .it to EOD school and complete the training!. My son loves Dive School. He says it's tough, but fun. The thing he liked the most when he first arrived is that everyone has cars! He doesn't have his own, so he has to hitch rides to get around on his time off. They usually get the weekends off, but still have watch rotations. They have had a few night trainings as well. Good luck on your visit and happy birthday to your son.
My son is in dive school right now in Panama City. He said they have cut out the dive school graduation ceremony. His class is the first one to miss out. Guess I have to wait for EOD school grad.
My son just graduated dive school 3 weeks ago. His class was the last to enjoy a ceremony. Although I couldn't be there, his dad and stepmom attended. They had a great time. My son said that they want the EOD graduation to be more special and have decided that from dive prep to EOD should be considered "one" training.
Noelep - my son is on medical hold in Panama City right now. He needed surgery on his tailbone. He'll class up with the next dive class and move on to Eglin with them. Maybe he'll be with your son! Good Luck to him. My son loves the training. He's always so happy when I talk to him. :)
My son graduated dive school in October, but then needed surgery, so he was on medical leave until just this week. He just completed Indoc and started EOD school. If everything goes well, he'll graduate in November.
Haven't been on since my son graduated boot camp. I have just been enjoying the times I get to talk with him. He is now at Eglin. He has been there 2 weeks now. My oldest son is driving his Jeep down this weekend so he will have wheels now. We are hoping to go down on my Spring Break for a visit. Just wondering what the mail situation is like there. Is it easy to get things to them or does it take awhile. His birthday is the 30th and would love to send him something, but just wondering if he will get it in time. This is going to be a wild ride I am sure. It has helped reading your posts. Congrats to all your children and so proud of all of them for their willingness to support our country.
My son starts dive class Jan 11th for the EOD program. Any advice from all you experts out there. He is far from where you all are, but he's very determined like your son's.
Hi Oldest of 4 ~ My son graduated dive school in October. It's tough. Physically and mentally challenging. Tell him to take one day at a time. Never to give up. My son said he found that if he just went blank in his mind and concentrated on the task at hand, he became like a machine. It got him through! There will be days when your son wants to quit; and they will do their best to weed out the weakest by trying to make them quit. If he really wants it, he'll have to be strong at heart, mind and soul. Drown proofing is probably the worst week. My son actually was pulled out of the pool drowning and 10 mins later he went right back in. These are the stories we mother's don't want to hear until after!! Stay strong for him Mom. He'll need your support. The best part is being able to talk to him almost every night. Keep encouraging him. I wish him the best!!
Thanks for the info. on the mail. My son has been at Eglin now for 4 weeks. It is getting tougher for him I know because we don't hear from him as much. I know the Navy motto no news is good news. Congrats and thanks to all of you sons for their accomplishments and service to this country. It is great to know that my son is in a great group!
Renee I am sure you are anxious for your son to get back in March. It is so unsettling what is happening in the world. It makes me so scared for all of our military personel.
I have a question about graduation. It is a ways off for my son but the in-laws are wanting to know if there are a limited amount of tickets like boot camp grad. or can anyone attend? They are true planners and want to know now even though it won't be until Nov. at the earliest. LOL Thanks for any info. Have a great weekend more snow on its way to my house. Yuck I am ready for spring!!
Thanks Renee! Good to know ahead of time what to plan for. Sounds like you have an exciting few months ahead of you. I am lucky to be able to go see Josh for my spring break. Then my husband and I are going for a few days this summer. I am taking advantage of the time I get to see him now because who knows what the future holds as you well know! Hope all goes well for you!
Does the sailors end up with their cars at EOD school since they are so far from school? My son started today and he said the base is huge and class is 25 to 30 min away. Any advise to a newby
Oldest of 4: My son said the same thing about the size of the base. There is a shuttle bus that runs between the school and the barracks. My son also said that the Navy guys PT either before or after class, so they were planning on car pooling. I seem to remember that he said that about 10 of them had vehicles.
We are going to get his to him car but can't right now cause our daughter going to graduate. UGH i just found out he got a tatoo. I know .... they all do it but i guess im old school.
Hi all my son has just changed over to E.O.D and will be heading to GI soon he has already been through boot camp and is currently in SD I do not know much but I know he will be starting with 6 other guys that are stationed with him now. any info you guys can share will be great.
Thanks Laurie, my son was told he could leave SD as early as this week do not have a for sure date yet. he past his PST with excelerated scores and already has some dive training as far as knot tying and swim training. so I am sure that will help him out, I talked to him before he heard he got EOD and he told me he really wanted this so I pray he gets through and graduates so he can have a school under his belt. my daughter his older sister cried when he texted her and told her he got it. I know God is guiding him and where he leads we can not help but follow.
forevermom my son said today he is to start a week from monday, but he still does not know when they are sending him from SD to GL. he is ready to get started though. hope your son is doing better you said he was on hold for medical. I am so tired today I have done so much around the house made dinner and made another batch of dill pickles ready to call it a dal lol
just checking in how is everyone doing? everything good here son has to retake IWP he has passed it 3 times but didnt pass it when it counted uuggghhh oh well I will just keep praying hope everyone is having a great day
pench, my boyfriend is down in panama city, he graduated with the last dive prep class but was on med hold and will be classing up next friday with the new EOD class that's coming in :)
Hello all. I just got back into town this morning. My son had to retake IWP on Tuesday and then he passed. He told me that graduation is Monday and then he thinks they fly to PC on Wednesday. From what I understand, then it's Dive School--can someone tell me what that involves?
Also, the show Surviving the Cut on Discovery Channel just did an episode on Air Force Combat Divers. It was filmed at the dive school in Panama City and my boyfriend said that what they show is a combination of the things that EOD does in dive prep and dive school. He alsos said that EOD is harder though haha! But I agree YouTube videos are probably the easiest way to get a feel for what dive school is like for them.
ColleenJ that will be with my son prayers to your boyfriend.
forevermom any word on your son? is he getting to move with this group? I have watched the youtube videos and told my son to watch them but he said mom I got this lol. aaaahhh boys. he is doing good ready to start the next school he is looking forward to it right now but I am sure that will change once he gets in there and gets tossed around some lolol.
Forevermom, my boyfriend will be starting dive school on Friday. He has been down in Panama City for a few weeks now but he's just been doing pt in the mornings then he helps out at the schoolhouse in the afternoons. He's definitely looking forward to finally starting dive school! I hope your son gets better soon!
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Aug 4, 2010
Patty Kakes
Aug 4, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Aug 18, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Aug 19, 2010
mommasheep
Aug 26, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
My son was actually able to come home for 4 days in between dive prep and dive school, so we were able to pack an extra bag for him to take on the plane with him. I wouldn't count on that happening, but it might. Good Luck to you and your son!! It's an exciting adventure for both of you!!
Aug 26, 2010
mommasheep
How long was your son in dive prep? I have heard it varies. So glad to have you pros to answer the newbie questions!
Aug 26, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Aug 27, 2010
mommasheep
Aug 27, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Aug 28, 2010
mommasheep
Aug 30, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Sep 6, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Sep 11, 2010
MommaC59 (SHIP 4 DIV814)
Sep 21, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Sep 21, 2010
noelep
Sep 22, 2010
bev618
Oct 1, 2010
robsmom
Oct 14, 2010
noelep
Oct 15, 2010
noelep
Oct 22, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Noelep - my son is on medical hold in Panama City right now. He needed surgery on his tailbone. He'll class up with the next dive class and move on to Eglin with them. Maybe he'll be with your son! Good Luck to him. My son loves the training. He's always so happy when I talk to him. :)
Oct 23, 2010
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Jan 15, 2011
Oldest of 4
Jan 19, 2011
mommasheep
Hi all,
Haven't been on since my son graduated boot camp. I have just been enjoying the times I get to talk with him. He is now at Eglin. He has been there 2 weeks now. My oldest son is driving his Jeep down this weekend so he will have wheels now. We are hoping to go down on my Spring Break for a visit. Just wondering what the mail situation is like there. Is it easy to get things to them or does it take awhile. His birthday is the 30th and would love to send him something, but just wondering if he will get it in time. This is going to be a wild ride I am sure. It has helped reading your posts. Congrats to all your children and so proud of all of them for their willingness to support our country.
Jan 22, 2011
Oldest of 4
Jan 25, 2011
smtblnde(ship4Div814)
Jan 25, 2011
mommasheep
Feb 3, 2011
mommasheep
Renee I am sure you are anxious for your son to get back in March. It is so unsettling what is happening in the world. It makes me so scared for all of our military personel.
I have a question about graduation. It is a ways off for my son but the in-laws are wanting to know if there are a limited amount of tickets like boot camp grad. or can anyone attend? They are true planners and want to know now even though it won't be until Nov. at the earliest. LOL Thanks for any info. Have a great weekend more snow on its way to my house. Yuck I am ready for spring!!
Feb 24, 2011
mommasheep
Thanks Renee! Good to know ahead of time what to plan for. Sounds like you have an exciting few months ahead of you. I am lucky to be able to go see Josh for my spring break. Then my husband and I are going for a few days this summer. I am taking advantage of the time I get to see him now because who knows what the future holds as you well know! Hope all goes well for you!
Feb 25, 2011
Oldest of 4
Apr 10, 2011
HMSP
Apr 11, 2011
Oldest of 4
Apr 13, 2011
Oldest of 4
Apr 15, 2011
HMSP
Apr 16, 2011
Oldest of 4
Apr 17, 2011
Oldest of 4
Apr 21, 2011
pench
Jul 5, 2011
pench
Jul 5, 2011
pench
Jul 6, 2011
pench
Jul 6, 2011
pench
Jul 9, 2011
navyarmymom
Jul 19, 2011
pench
Jul 20, 2011
pench
Jul 25, 2011
pench
Jul 28, 2011
ColleenJ
Jul 28, 2011
navyarmymom
Jul 29, 2011
ColleenJ
Jul 29, 2011
pench
ColleenJ that will be with my son prayers to your boyfriend.
forevermom any word on your son? is he getting to move with this group? I have watched the youtube videos and told my son to watch them but he said mom I got this lol. aaaahhh boys. he is doing good ready to start the next school he is looking forward to it right now but I am sure that will change once he gets in there and gets tossed around some lolol.
Jul 30, 2011
ColleenJ
Aug 1, 2011