SWCC Reserve

[tomahawk165]

I have a couple of questions about SWCC program as it pertains to Navy Reserve. I have read and understand the basic requirements and process, but I'm still unsure about what to do first. I've been given conflicting information. One source stated that I have to join reserves first, pick a source rating (other than SB), go to boot, start drilling, then apply for SWCC. The other stated that upon joining I would choose SB rating and go directly to SWCC unit after boot and begin training that would prepare me for SWCC school. The recruiter seems oblivious to both options and seems only interested in signing me up in a program that will put feathers in his cap. Any and all advice appriciated.

[ddssdv]

I have a couple of questions about SWCC program as it pertains to Navy Reserve. I have read and understand the basic requirements and process, but I'm still unsure about what to do first. I've been given conflicting information. One source stated that I have to join reserves first, pick a source rating (other than SB), go to boot, start drilling, then apply for SWCC. The other stated that upon joining I would choose SB rating and go directly to SWCC unit after boot and begin training that would prepare me for SWCC school. The recruiter seems oblivious to both options and seems only interested in signing me up in a program that will put feathers in his cap. Any and all advice appriciated.


Yep. Recruiters are like used car salesman. GET everything you want IN writing. DO NOT sign jack until you are happy. Us your tool of I ain't sign until I get this in writing on EVERYTHING. Trust me you are in the drivers seat on your life not them. They could give a rats ***. They play dumb or don't want to do the leg work. Let um stew. You have nothing but time.

[tomahawk165]

No doubt. My first experience was when I took the ASVAB in high school. Thought I was going to have to flee the country in a clever disguise just to get them to leave me alone about the nuclear program. Wasn't til later that I learned that every marketing and sales model in the world is patterned after that of the U.S. Military Recruiter. Maybe we should say that a used car salesman is like a recruiter instead of the other way around.

[tomahawk165]

So, how do I get where I want to be. If I have to choose a rating other than SB to start, and say I wanted to go to SBT-22 in Miss., then what rating would get me drilling there while I apply for SWCC? I mean, if I choose IS as rating for example, don't I have to drill with an intel unit, which may not be at the same place as the SBT. Same question applies to the other units.

[overcome.101]

Further on down the SWCC Forum you would have found this thread:
http://navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156805

It has all your answers as i had the same questions as you.
I was leaning heavily towards SWCC reserves then figured out that it was a job id rather have full time. Its likely you'll come to the same conclusion once you understand what SWCC and NSW is all about. I also would not recommend starting out in the Reserves then switching into the Navy full time active duty, it will be a hell of a process for you to transfer. I was forewarned by several undergoing that particular process.
Use the search button, you will find a wealth of information. Good luck.
Oh, and dont forget to thank SWCC Wife for all the info in that link. She is truly one of a kind!

[tomahawk165]

I understand SWCC and NSW as well as possible for someone who has'nt BTDT. And yes, it's something I would RATHER do full time as well, but my kids live in Tennessee. I don't mind traveling anywhere I need to for drill/ADT, but need to be close between times for them (their mom doesn't have much to do with them.) Also, I'd read that stream before, and it is full of good information. But it still doesn't answer my question. Let me simplify. The recruiters I've talked to are salesmen and full of crap, but I still have to go through a recruiter to join, right? What do I tell them that will put me on track to getting to a SWCC unit and eventually SWCC qualified?

[swcc-wife]

You are aware that you will be gone for 6-8 months (possibly longer) for SWCC school, right? And that there is a great possibility that you will be activated for an overseas deployment? I only ask because you mentioned your kids and the fact that their mom isn't around much.

Do you live in Tennessee? There is a SWCC recruiter in Nashville that could be of great service to you.

[overcome.101]

"Let me simplify. The recruiters I've talked to are salesmen and full of crap, but I still have to go through a recruiter to join, right? What do I tell them that will put me on track to getting to a SWCC unit and eventually SWCC qualified?"

Yes, you have to join the Navy through a recruiter, they put together all your paperwork (medical records, criminal background, etc.) or what they call your "package." They send that with you to MEPS, the processing station, and you get "processed" into the Navy, assuming your medical history is acceptable as well as your police records, if any. Good luck, they are very thorough, and be sure to tell your recruiter EVERYTHING about yourself so you don't have to get kicked outta MEPS for something you tried to hide. Tell them your interested in SWCC most recruiters know very little of NSW so you kinda gotta research it yourself, or get a hold of a SWCC motivator they are a huge help. You first have to make it through SWCC school which is no joke, similar physically to BUD/s, and a lot of classroom material. Thats approx 6 months, plus the 2 months you spend in basic beforehand in the newely developed SPECWAR division, which consists of more PT and stuff to help you stay in shape for SWCC school. If you graduate SWCC school you will be involved in "on-the-job training and i dont even know how long that would last.

If it were me, and i had two kids and an uninvolved "mother," id be very careful to jump into this kind of lifestyle. Not saying that it cant be done, but im sure your kids mean the world to you and this is not a job that would make it easy to be involved in their lives as much as you'd probably like. SWCC wife can tell you more about that from experience with her husband deployment schedule. Its almost a guarantee you will be deployed at some point in your service, and more than once, so keep that in mind.

So how old are your kids?

[tomahawk165]

Kids are 10 and 4.5. I am aware of the 6-8 month school and the possibility/probability of deployment which will definately suck, but doable if it's the right thing to do. And it's not that my ex isn't around, she just takes advantage of my flexible schedule by doing whatever she wants to do whenever she wants to do it and spends time with the kids when it can be "fun time" instead of the daily get up, get dressed, get fed, get off to school, homework, etc. (fine with me, though). I think she will step up when she has to, but if she doesn't, I have family that are almost as crazy about the kids as I am. I don't cherish the idea of spending ANY tima away from them, but I think back to when I was a kid and my dad left on deployments or ADTs. I don't think about "how my dad was never there", I think about how proud I was of him. Unless your telling me that I can just count on being gone for almost all of the next several years and will totally be without my kids until I get out. I can't imagine that it's that bad.

[overcome.101]

"I don't think about "how my dad was never there", I think about how proud I was of him. Unless your telling me that I can just count on being gone for almost all of the next several years and will totally be without my kids until I get out. I can't imagine that it's that bad."

This is my take on "how bad it might be."
Your sighing up for a Special Forces job. Special Forces in any way shape or form require individuals to be in absolute phenomenal shape throughout there entire active duty career simply because you could be shipped out at any moment, and you will be given the most dangerous missions in the most dangerous areas of the world, but that is what you are trained to do, and it should not be any other way. That said, i cant say exactly how long you will be gone for for your career but know this; special forces members are a rare breed, if you qualify for the job, NSW WILL get the MOST out of your time enlisted. They wont say oh hes in the reserves and has 2 kids well let him rest. Even when we are not officially at war, there are always SPECOPS missions being run all around the world, you just don't hear about it. Hopefully your youngest is old enough to understand that, although id say he probably isn't...my sisters son is 5 and he sure doesn't. I really don't want to scare you away from this i am always proud when individuals take on this incredible task for there country, family, and the man next to you. I just want you to understand you are taking both an incredible dangerous job and an incredibly involved job. By that i mean if you are in the reserves you will HAVE TO train on your own 5-6 days of the week to stay in shape. I train knowing that the enemy is training harder and that puts me in the gym, pool, and track 3+ hours a day 5-6 days a week. But thats what has to be done, and when the time calls you will probably wish you were more capable, more accomplished, harder and tougher. Again, i dont want to scare you away from this, and i am only 22 with no kids, a 3 year girlfriend im having to slowly let go of, so my situation is much different and "easier" id say than yours. If this is something your heart of hearts wants more than anything else..DO IT! If you are worried about your kids and find them your most prized asset, id consider there needs to be the priority.

Good luck in your decision! You will know whats right.
Let us know if we can help further..SWCC Wifes husband is active duty SWCC, she can tell you what its like...ask her how she does it..shes an incredible woman.

[swcc-wife]

WOW, overcome, 2 compliments in 1 thread! If I didn't know any better I would think you were trying to butter me up for a date! HAHA!

You know I'm joking :) I do appreciate your compliments, though. Being probably the only woman posting in the SWCC forum, it's good to hear that my advice is still of value. Thank you.

[Kinnikinik]

SWCC Wife, your input has been very welcome and very useful. Thank you so much for dropping by and participating here. I am so happy this is becoming a place for families and active duty to come as well as SWCC hopefuls.

I did see a little factual information that should be cleared up. First off, you do not have to enlist in the Navy with a different rate to go SWCC. The Navy recently created a new rate for SEALs and SWCC which allow you to enlist directly into the job. If you do not make it through you should consider what you would like to do in the future. Personally, if you qualify for Nuke, but do not want to do that, I would suggest Intelligence Specialist or one of the Cryptologic Technician positions. Both jobs provide opportunities to work with SWCC and SEAL teams and will provide you with a challenge for your mind and a better schedule for your kids.

As for SWCC, if you have the support you need for your kids, and it looks like you do, go for it! It was the best decision of my life and it will place you in a group above and beyond nearly any other occupation out there.

Very nice to see you here. Keep asking questions.

K

[swcc-wife]

I did see a little factual information that should be cleared up. First off, you do not have to enlist in the Navy with a different rate to go SWCC. The Navy recently created a new rate for SEALs and SWCC which allow you to enlist directly into the job.

Yes, that is correct, however there have been a few "problems" with the reserve side. When I spoke with a SWCC recruiter, he told me that they have been TOLD that they can recruit SWCC Reservists from civilians, but that when the recruit gets to the classifier, there is no classification for them unless they are prior service. He said there has been lots of push for SWCC enlistments, but not a lot of follow through on exact instruction for the reservists, so there is lots of confusion. He says he is waiting for someone else to come into his office for SWCC Reserves so that he can finally call CNRC and say, "Okay, this didn't work. Now what?"

And, thanks, K, I do feel welcome here in the SWCC Forum.

[akrock2001]

Yes, that is correct, however there have been a few "problems" with the reserve side. When I spoke with a SWCC recruiter, he told me that they have been TOLD that they can recruit SWCC Reservists from civilians, but that when the recruit gets to the classifier, there is no classification for them unless they are prior service. He said there has been lots of push for SWCC enlistments, but not a lot of follow through on exact instruction for the reservists, so there is lots of confusion. He says he is waiting for someone else to come into his office for SWCC Reserves so that he can finally call CNRC and say, "Okay, this didn't work. Now what?"

And, thanks, K, I do feel welcome here in the SWCC Forum.

A good friend of mine is looking into the Reserve to SWCC option and luckily for him, a buddy of his works at the school house in Coronado.

According to the chief there, here is a little FYI. For SWCC reservist, guys going into SWCC training through the reserves, they are only allowing (2)two guys a class from the reserve side.

***If this is not accurate, please let me know and I will delete this.

[tomahawk165]

Thanks guys, very much appriciated!

[c_griswold]

A good friend of mine is looking into the Reserve to SWCC option and luckily for him, a buddy of his works at the school house in Coronado.

According to the chief there, here is a little FYI. For SWCC reservist, guys going into SWCC training through the reserves, they are only allowing (2)two guys a class from the reserve side.

***If this is not accurate, please let me know and I will delete this.

So what happens in the mean time? I only ask because I am looking into enlisting in the reserves as SWCC. If there are only two reserve slots per class available, do you go to your unit and drill as normal while you wait for a slot to open? Just curious....also if you know, approximately how many classes are there per year?

[akrock2001]

do you go to your unit and drill as normal while you wait for a slot to open?

Just curious....also if you know, approximately how many classes are there per year?

Yes, that's the way I understand it.

I am not going to answer the second question as I don't know the exact answer.

[c_griswold]

akrock2001, so if that is the case, would I just be an undesignated rate until I get a slot? The reserves is a different world, and somethings are done rather differently than active duty. I know you have experience with the reserves so thats why I ask.

[akrock2001]

akrock2001, so if that is the case, would I just be an undesignated rate until I get a slot? The reserves is a different world, and somethings are done rather differently than active duty. I know you have experience with the reserves so thats why I ask.

If you don't already have a rate you will have to pick one until you have done everything and are ready to ship to SWCC training. I just talked to my buddy last night who is going the SWCC reserve route and fortunatly for him, he gets to keep his rate from active duty.

Try to contact one of the Motivators on one of the coast. They can give you solid answers as this is where I am getting my info from.