It is sometimes difficult, when hearing about the successes & acheivements of friends & families' kids, to not share the pride & respect for what our own "Navy" boys are doing. The guys all signed security papers, and it seems that the command is trying to get the message out that security is a big deal. If we the parents can't be trusted to keep quiet about what is going on in Coronado, how will that translate to when the guys are on Teams & going out on missions.  It is a hard transition from cheering publicly for our kids, to having to cheer privately. I think the comments from Omitted & Steve are on point.  OPSEC rules set the guidelines, but the instructors may have their own version.  None of us want to be responsible for adding to the guys PT, or special attention from the instructors.

HooYah to guys, the instructors, and the parents!

Does anyone have an estimate on the percentage of guys who graduate SQT without a single rollback?

RyeJim, not sure of percentage overall on making it through without a rollback but I can tell you that my Grandson started BUD/S with about [redacted] and he was one of nine that graduated with the same class he started. There were [redacted] in his SQT graduating class.

guys....DO NOT POST NUMBERS !!!!

Thanks Calvin.  Sorry to cause problems.

RyeJim, no problem. Did you get the info or do you want me to sent it to you. My guy was in Class 273.

Yes I did get the info so I'm all set.  Hooyah to your grandson and thanks again.

Hey RyeJim.....sorry for getting uptight about numbers, but we've had some issues from some Navy folk......

No apology necessary.  I understand.

May be off-subject, but on the NfM site, one of the recurring comments is about burning blue candles, in addition to alot of prayers for the guys. Not being able to do much of anything for our son - we have been burning a blue candle every evening when home, as a visual reminder of our thoughts and prayers not only for our son, but for all the guys -  BC, BUDs, SEALs & others that are serving our Country.  The irony was that here near the Naval Academy, it was a challange to find navy blue candles.  I found a source on-line that has nice candles, relatively cheap.  While I'm not superstitious, or a bible thumper, there is some small comfort in that flame.  I'm sure this Indepence Day will hold special meaning for the parents, spouses, family & friends of all of our guys. God bless all of them, and keep them safe.

HooYah!!!

Rusell,

Finding ways to honor our guys is never "off-subject" for any of us!  I suspect a lot of the chatter you've seen on the Mom's site has involved my wife.  We've been a "blue candle family" since our oldest joined the Navy in late-2008, and have continued as our youngest joined in mid-2010.  Especially now that both have realized their dreams of becoming SEALs, we burn a candle and say prayers for our sons at every evening meal.  As a Catholic family, lighting candles to honor those we love is "in our bones."  But no matter anyone's religious or non-religious inspiration to do so -- we see this as a great patriotic way of "keeping the home fires burning" for our guys in uniform.  Just about any local religious-supply store would have devotional candles.  Because blue candles are hard to find, we actually have a white candle placed inside a glass Navy Blue votive.

As we celebrate July 4th -- may God continue to bless our nation, all our families, and all our guys.

HOO YAH!
Jerry M      

We got the navy blue 3" x 6" pillar candles,  delivered within 3 days of ordering - they lived up to their company name - Quick Candles.

Understand two nine four secured phase two and entered phase three.

Hoo Yah Two nine four !

Congrats to 2 nine 4. No they will get to enjoy the Island.

HooYah two 9 four, keep up the good work.

way to go guys!!!

Hoo Yah 294!

We're planning on heading west to coincide with the approx. end of P3. We know they will be busy transitioning to SQT (hopefully), but figure that may be our last chance to see our son for 6 months or so. Bravo Zulu to 294!!  HooYah!

Congratulations Class 294

Does anyone know the status of Class 292?  I haven't heard anything since HW.

2 9  2 progresses through SQT with a graduation date now on the horizon.  Hoo Yah!!!! 

Any 291 families out there?  Give me a shout and maybe we can link up in the future.  Jeff

kinda a fun little post: http://artofmanliness.com/2012/07/26/navy-seal-knot-tying-tes/

Congratulations 2 nine 0!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

What mile stone did 290 hit?  Did they recently pin on, they should be about there?

yes Forrest

Hoo Yah 290 GREAT Job

is there a special page for 2_9_8 yet?

I have a sailor in 298 too.  I think we need to set up our own group.

A 298 Group has been established.  You must request membership because the Group is set to private for security reasons.  You will need to set your personal settings to private before you can be admitted.  That said, note that the site is neither secure nor confidential.

Forgot to include the site URL: 

http://www.navydads.com/group/bud-s-class-2-9-8

Two of our Team Guys fell today. Let's all say a prayer for our SEALs, and all our American forces in harm's way.

Big HooYah to 294.  Moving on.  Hoping they all stay healthy!!!

"We will either find a way, or make one"  Hannibal circa: 200AD

Another Big HooYah to 294.  We were very fortunate to spend the Labor Day weekend with our guy and met a few of his class mates at random locations.  Could not be any more proud than we are. 

For those coming along - he did share it was wonderful being through BUDs and that the instructors were actually treating them like they were human and taking an interest in them personally.  He said, "it is the best reward".  Be strong those still making their way through and constantly offer prayers and encouragement as they work the seemingly impossible phases.  (He did say "Phase 3 was definately the hardest and Phase 1 seems like childs play now"). 

Tourist suggestion - You HAVE to go by BUCKs Tee Shirt on Orange st were they have >20 years of memorabilia.

Oh - and be aware the instructors are watching our comments for OPSEC violations.

We also spent last week hangin out on the beach and pokin around Orange Ave.  A lot of interesting folks,  - the barber shop, hardware store, and the smaller shops.  Many have been there 20-25 years, and have some great stories to tell. Touring the Midway was a treat - my first time on a carrier.

  Our guy was glad to be moving forward to new challanges, and being done with the Phases. Hearing bits of what they've done, and what may be in front of them reminds us that "The only easy day was yesterday."  Couldn't be prouder of our guy, and all of these young men that have chosen this path.  And to all of the instructors & staff out there - Thank you for what you do!

HooYah  294!!!!

Steve:  see below, from National Journal: 

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for the first time released the names of two Americans killed in the attack on the U.S. Embassy compound in Libya, recognizing military veterans Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, who died helping to protect their colleagues.

The State Department had not previously announced the names of security officers Woods and Doherty, who died in the attack in Benghazi that also took the lives of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith, because it was still making next-of-kin notifications. Armed militants raided the embassy compound on Tuesday night amid protests apparently related related to an American film posted online that many Muslims have found offensive.

"Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest gratitude are with their families and friends," Clinton said in a statement on Thursday night. "Our embassies could not carry on our critical work around the world without the service and sacrifice of brave people like Tyrone and Glen."

Clinton said Woods served as a Navy SEAL for more than two decades, serving multiple tours in Afghanistan, and had protected American diplomatic personnel in Central Asia and the Middle East since 2010. Doherty, also a former Navy SEAL and paramedic, had protected Americans in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. (emphasis added by JDad)

JDad

Over the last year, I've read a number of books by former SEALs. I've read both of Marcus Luttrell's books (Lone Survivor and Service), I've read "Heart and Fist" by Eric Grietens. Today I just finished reading, "SEAL of God" by Chad Williams. This latest one, was by far the best picture of what happens at BUD/S and Hell Week. He went a little into the missions post team, and didn't cover much at all of SQT. But a great read. (started it yesterday and finished this morning - reading to the whole family)

I know the SEAL Team members generally don't like the guys writing books, calling them SEAL Fiction, but some of the details are worth hearing as you ponder your son in BUD/S. His was class 254 - so later than the Discovery Videos.

Rog:  Pick up a copy of Dick Couch's book Warrior Elite; it's a bit dated (it's based on BUD/S circa 2001/2002) but still a fine read. . . .

JDad

"The Finishing School" by Dick Couch/2004 added info that I hadn't previously seen in the other SEAL/BUDs related books I've read. "American Sniper" was a good read, and likely of interest to any of the guys wanting to pursue that path. Our guys are going to be going out into harms way - hopefully the White House, media, and Hollywood won't give away Classified Information.

Thanks guys - I will probably pick those up soon! Much appreciated!

Just got back from a long week + of celebrating at Coronado.  They claimed it got up to 101 one day but the sea breeze made it feel much better.  Quite an experience!  From my point of view and for the benefit of others, I recommend renting a car, staying at least a night at the Hotel Del Coronado and to just kick back.  You will never be able to see everything in one visit so just plan on additional trips!  Of all places, at breakfast I met a rather interesting retired Green Beret at the Hotel Del.  We discussed a lot of ancient history along with security issues.  He related that every morning a bus of Chinese would arrive and walk down to the beach.  Sure enough a large group arrived with quite a few carrying some impressive cameras.  I am now a firm believer of "OPSEC" procedures.  Congratulations to all past present and future graduates!

Wanted to add-on to the reading list conversation.  I am going to start "The Finishing School" (SQT) having read "Warrior Elite" (BUDS Phases 1-3) both by Dick Couch.  "Heart and Fist" and "Lone Survivor" should be REQUIRED reading.

Under SEAL fiction, a heart attack wait'n to happen, and why I hate books that get you up at 3 AM and can't put down;

I am a 292 dad.  I understand it is rare for guys to get their pin only 18 months after enlisting (no roll backs).   I am guessing on average it could be less than 10%. Couch doesn't mention it in any of his books that I can recall.  Anybody out there have any idea?

Part of the time factor may be dependent on how long they are at Great Lakes after finishing Boot Camp, and where they are in Phase if/when they get rolled. Don't know if that info is out there due to OPSEC. The SEAL/SWCC website puts BUDs/SQT at about 12 months, and BC is about 2 months.  The balance is BUDs Prep and Pre BUDs. Would seem that 18 to 20 months is possible, even with a roll back.  What's important is making sure the guys are ready to go out to the teams, not the month count.  And an off topic comment:  Hopefully the guys can get their absentee voter forms done. 

Thanks for responding.  We sent our guy the absentee ballot info. My guess is with everything else going on in their lives right now voting unfortunately is probably one of their lesser priorities. --sad but true.

Agreed - likely not even on their radar.  But... with the specter of additional budget cuts which could affect their paychecks, I'd think they have a vested interest in the outcome of this election.  Wondering what the impact of the upcoming SEAL Team 6 movie may be.

RyeJim, my guy took 14 months from arriving in Coronado to SQT Graduation with out any rollbacks. There were less than 10 in his Class to go without rollbacks, started with 170+.