SEAL/SWCC

[sjtina]

Support and infromation for Spec Ops Divisions. If you have a son with a SEAL contract you may have questions and I will try to answer for you or direct you in the right direction. Buckle up, its a bumpy ride.

[JK's FAMILY]

AZKmom,

Thank You......I was surprised to have read of Hell Week during boot camp on another page.  Thanks for the clarification.

[AZKmom]

@bryandi.....I'm not sure if you meant my son in particular or anyone's son who is at preBUD/S.  We still don't have a date for our guys who will be heading out to Coronado.  There have been a number of dates floating around.  I think when we do know, it will be best for us to communicate that via personal message.  There is no set amount of time for preBUD/S, some are there longer than others.  Again, it's like at boot camp, they have to wait to have enough guys there to fill a new BUD/S class.  My son has been there 7 weeks now (less 10 days for Christmas leave) and it may be another 5-7 weeks before they head out......or it can be sooner.....or later.  As far as determining who get to go; here are the minimum requirements at their final PST.  1000 yard swim w/fins under 20 minutes, Push Ups- at least 70 2 minute time limit, Pull Ups - at least 10 no time limit, Sit Ups - at least 60 2 minute time limit and 4 mile run in pants and boots in 31 minutes or under.  

[bryandi]

Thank you for the reply.  The PST is no problem for my SR!  Just hoping he doesn't have to stay in GL too long.  San Diego is a quick drive for me where as GL is a long flight.  Do they get weekends off during BUDS? 

[Roxiegirl]

They are unbelievably busy during Indoc and the first 3 weeks of Phase 1.  I doubt he would have a whole weekend, but might have a whole or part of a day.  The good thing is you live close enough to be flexible, and probably can do a last minute visit if he lets you know he is free.  He could always use you for personal errands if he doesn't have a vehicle.

[AZKmom]

I am just the opposite, Great Lakes is quick drive for me, about an hour away.  In fact, we drove down early Saturday morning and brought my son and a buddy home for the weekend, returning them last night. He came home to work a wrestling tournament for his old coach.  My husband actually works much nearer than that and will once a week or so meet up with him for dinner in the area.  It's been nice and we know how fortunate we are.  I am not positive (as my son is not in Coronado yet) but I do believe they do have weekends off.  Though I would guess, that time is used resting/healing up, trying to get warm again, and personal errands.  I have read a bit of discussions on best times to visit sons at BUD/S because of their focus and some of the suggestions have been that they are less busy during the Indoc weeks but a lot of parents/girlfriends did a quick visit AFTER hell week.  I also have read about people who have tried to "hang around" the beaches during the week and watch some of their training and it is NOT appreciated by the guys at all.  

[Paula]

I have a question. that has probably been asked, but I'm still learning.  Is this pre-BUDS the manditory class for SWCC my SR is talking about having to stay in GL for?  He said he would probably be there 10 to 20 business days. Is there usually liberty granted after this class?  Is it the type where they can go off base or they kind where they might be able to come home? Just curious.  Thanks.

[Tee-1sailor's mom]

Hi everyone, sjtina is a friend of mine and she thought maybe I could answer some SWCC questions. My son was PIR 8/21/09 and he had a SEAL contract but during pre-buds he changed to SWCC.  Then in Coronado he "dropped on request."  He is now a proud member of the Navy Aircrew.

[Tee-1sailor's mom]

Here's a link to the SWCC group in case you want to look ahead Paula.

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

[Paula]

Thanks Tee-1sailor's mom,

I have already seen that site and it was very informative.  Is the class my son is talking about the time spent "waiting' for the SWCC training to begin?  His contract is for SWCC and we had every expectation he would be headed to Coronado after PIR. I guess I just don't understand what pre-BUDS, BUDS and so forth are.

[sjtina]

Paula, Pre BUDs and BUDs is only for SEAL candidates. (Basic Underwater Demolition) They will be spending more time in Great Lakes than your son.

Tee, I think Paula is asking what is next for her boy after BC.  

[Tee-1sailor's mom]

Paula, there is always other stuff for them to do before they class up and they may be having the Indoc classes for them at GL while he waits for a SWCC class to fill up. There aren't that many SWCC in each PIR group so he may have to wait, either in GL or in SD.  Also, each new base has a class they have to take to familiarize them with the rules of that duty station.  If you're wondering exactly when he'll get to SD, there's no way to tell.  They could even put him on hold until a new SWCC class is ready to begin.  This is just something you have to get used to.....the not knowing and the "hurry up and wait."   The funny thing is that sometimes WE know more than they do because of N4M's !!  The good news is that even if he's on hold, he's not an SR anymore and he can have a phone, leave base when he's not on duty, etc.  They can even leave overnight as long they stay within 300 miles of base.  (That rule depends on their particular situation however.

[Tee-1sailor's mom]

Just to clarify too, sjtina is right, pre-buds is only for BUDS candidates.