John Chalus's Comments

John, My ex-bro-in-law also graduated BUD/S class 57 and he was in SEAL Team one in Viet Nam. He was married to the youngest sister and I was married to the oldest. His initials were T.P.P. He left us in 2002 I think about him every day. Out

John:  Coincidentally, I gave my son my Submariner of 40 years.  It helped me run my charter boat, got me to the church on time, and helped me note the delivery times of my three sons.  (I'm sure yours could tell more exciting tales).

I told my son (292) it was perhaps the toughest watch ever made and made for men like him (and you).  I just kept mine company for a few years!

Best wishes, Jim

Hi John,  Hope you're still out there!  I've read conflicting material regarding SQT.  Some say it's four months in duration and some say six.  Can you help me out?  My son has just started 3rd phase with 292.  Given a month of jump school, when do you think it's realistic to expect him to graduate barring a roll back?  Hope all is well with you. Thanks, RyeJim

Thanks.  From your description it sounds like it might be considered fun compared to many of the HW evolutions--scurrying up a Tijuana sewer drain over broken glass, --ah, maybe not.

Tonight they get their Wednesday night med check so we're keeping our fingers crossed.  Thanks again for the info.

Hi John,  I've heard that 292, now into their 2nd day of HW, is involved in an evolution called "Stealth and Concealment".  I don't recall reading about this in "Warrior Elite" and can't get much info that is definitive online.  Do you have any idea what it is?

John,  I've read several books and one described dive training being in third phase and I wondered if it had been moved at one time.  I've also been told that pool comps are right up there with HW in terms of difficulty.  My son tried to talk to as many Seals as possible before going in and came away with the impression most everyone had a different take.  One said dealing with the cold throughout the training was his most difficult challenge .  Another said SQT. Somebody else told him SERE training.  It's still unbelievable to us that he's doing this.  We spoke to him last night and he hasn't seemed to have lost any of his enthusiasm for it.  Thanks so much for getting back to me.  --Jim

John,  I'm curious as to whether you and your son agree on the most difficult aspect of the training.

Hi John, as a newcomer, I hope I can ask an occasional question of you.  Your profile is incredibly impressive.  Not having military backrounds all this is is unplowed ground for me and my wife.  I have been given to understand the blog site can be a problem in terms of security.  Thanks so much for your offer of "friendship". --My son just completed his first week of first phase.  He is 27, a former prep school teacher and football and baseball coach at Bridgton Academy in Maine.  We are hopefull he can fulfill his ambition to be a Seal.  Thanks again.  Your "friend", Jim from Rye, New Hampshire.