59-2 BCT tips...

[drewhouser]

I havent been on here in a while because I've been going thru BCT. We start the last week of BCT on Monday the 21st. We graduate April 25th. We started with 40 and we currently have 19 left. 55% attrition rate.

Weve had 4 rolls for medical reasons (stress fractures and failing the physical evolutions)

The other 17 people quit at the pool. Being a fast runner and having great PST scores is a plus, but if you are not extremly comfortable in the water you're going to have some difficulties. Start practicing treading with you hands above water, then add a 10lb dive brick for about a minute at a time.

Practice treading with the dive brick in your left hand above water for about a minute then switch to your right, then both. If you can complete that, you'll be ahead of the game. A lot of people freak out when their head goes underwater during the tread, get used to it. Fill a dive mask with water and tread with a full mask. Get used to the water in your throat.

The most difficult part of the water evolutions is the "Buddy Rescue" portion. I would say we have probably 10 people quit during this evolution. You will do it multiple times during training, so get comfortable preforming this exercise.

One of the instructors will act like a drowning victim. You will swim 25m to him in an attempt to rescue him. The instructor will pounce on you and try to elevate himself by pushing or dragging you under the surface. It basically turns into a wrestling match in the 9ft section of the pool. Once you show that you have control of the situation you cross chest carry the instructor 25m back to the side of the pool. Sounds easy, but its not.

If you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask.

[jake6666]

Thanks for all of the tips.

The water portion is really killing people it seems. Just happens to be my worst area too. I'm pretty much starting from scratch in the water. I know how to swim, just don't know the CSS yet.

Keep us all informed. Good luck

Jake

[prostyle]

Hey, I had been doing a lot of distance running because I had heard that's what gets a lot of guys is those long run. Well I have always been a runner and can get back into being able to run a 10 mile with in 4 weeks after no running at all for a while. But I've never a big guy, the fitness director at the gym I go to says cardio will limit the muscle mass you can put on and muscle is what will keep you warm. So I have cut back on the cardio and tried to get some size on ( just a phase though, of coarse I will go back to endurance), but any ways do you see the skinnier guys struggling with the cold, more than others?

[Blenk11]

What's up brother?

Hey its good to see that you are about to make it through BCT bro. I checked in yesterday and there are 4 other second classes with me. Us 4 have already started training together so we will definitely start doing the treading water drills. When you do those do you have to do them in full gear, fins or nothing at all? Well brother keep pushing, I have heard good things about you and hope to see you Monday.

STS2/SS

[overcome.101]

Blenk, what are second classes, roll backs? And second, are the treading water and buddy rescue drills evolutions that you pass or fail or do you do them routinely and people just cant take it?

[montstar]

Blenk, what are second classes, roll backs? And second, are the treading water and buddy rescue drills evolutions that you pass or fail or do you do them routinely and people just cant take it?

Petty Officer Second Class, E-5.

[overcome.101]

Ahhhhh...thanks monstar. I should have known that...im embarrassed.

[drewhouser]

second classes are E-5's.

The only water evolution that is pass/fail is BWS (Basic Water Survival). BWS is completed in full uniform. Buddy Rescue is not necessarily a pass fail evolution but I have seen a few people who were dropped from training for "failure to train". They didnt engage the instructor and actually swam away from the person they were trying to rescue because they coudnt take being pulled underwater and splashed in the face.

BWS will be first in full uniform, when it is done, the class will strip down to their UDT's and perform buddy rescue.

all of the actual water treading evolutions are done slick. Though you will practice it in full uniform. So be comfortable doing so in both.

The cold sucks, but I dont think its a big deal. I'm a big guy 6'3 225 and ive got some body fat. So I obviously shiver a lot less than some of the skinner guys. I wouldnt worry about the cold or getting muscular. Just run, swim and do a lot of pushups.

Blenk11 - I talked to your class leader and let him know that a I am going to go to the pool next Saturday or Sunday to go over Buddy Rescue with you guys. I'm sure i'll see you at the galley.

[NavyMA1221]

Well just another little update for every one, if Drew can pull it hard tonight he will finish the 72hr evolution tomorrow and Graduation is the next day, stay strong man...

[echo4alpha]

The buddy rescue sounds exactly like what we did in the USMC to score a 1st class swim qual. I had 2 attempts at this in boot and failed twice. I was on varsity swim in HS, NAUI certified, and an 11 year surfer. They instructors were A-holes about it and it was like wrestling a freaking gator. I passed it no problem in the fleet and got my 1st class. The hardest thing was the 100 meter "oil swim" after the 25 meter under water swim. Just pay attention to what they're teaching you, its about technique. Find the elbows, trace up and squeeze, tell them they're gonna be OK, etc..

[overcome.101]

Now im gonna have to add gator wrastlin in addition to Stew Smiths 6 weeks to SWCC.

[skullgrinder]

I don't know Alpha. I took the S-1 swim qualification. I could take the getting dragged underwater. It was the last tow that I could never do. The one where you have to do the eggbeater. Is that what you did. I tried it several times and could never get any propulsion or lift. I just sat there underwater moving my legs like an eggbeater and not moving an inch.

[overcome.101]

How long do they make you tread doin the eggbeater?

[jhulk406]

they dont let you use the eggbeater. but, learn it. it will come in useful, especially in the bay. (its easier)

[overcome.101]

Then what do they teach you in order to tread water w/o your arms?

[NavyMA1221]

Scisser Kick... Egg beaters is much easier IMHO

[overcome.101]

So got anymore tips for us drew or anyone else? You guys advice is much appreciated and well valued. Man i cant wait to ship out!

[Blenk11]

Hey guys,

A little update on BCT and the guys here in holding. I have been here a little over 2 weeks now and we did a PST on Monday and some of the other guys did theirs today. Here are the average numbers as well as the best numbers of the guys that will be starting indoc on the 12th (60-1) and us in holding (60-2) that I saw .

Average
Swim: 10:15
Pushups: 75
Situps: 75
Pullups: 12-14
Run: 10:45

Best
Swim: 8:11
Pushups: 120
Situps: 107
Pullups: 26
Run: 9:15

Those are about the average and best numbers that I actually saw, there may have been some better but I think I got them all. The 1 1/2 mile run seemed a little long but I could be wrong. Let me note that the instructors have been doing this longer than I have so I will trust that was the correct distance.

As of now I am currently the Class Leader of 60-2 which is supposed to class up June 30th so if any of you have any questions please ask. Also if you are supposed to report before then let me know and I will try to help you out. I don't know all the answers but I will try to find out. On that note, I am not a team guy so please don't confuse me with that. I am still just a wanna-be like many of you trying to achieve a goal.

STS2/SS

[overcome.101]

Average
Swim: 10:15
Pushups: 75
Situps: 75
Pullups: 12-14
Run: 10:45

Best
Swim: 8:11
Pushups: 120
Situps: 107
Pullups: 26
Run: 9:15

STS2/SS


Those are decent average times...sounds like they at least have some fit contenders going into SWCC school, thats good. If you dont mind sayin how were your times Blenk? And how long you in holding for? Just wonderin so the rest of us back here waitin to ship can cheer ya on. Thanks for the info, lots of people like to know this stuff. Your a cool dude.

[Blenk11]

Thanks man I appreciate it. I am just trying to keep you guys as informed as I can because I remember where you all are sitting. I went to S.E.R.E. April 7th and graduated April 18th. I have been here since. Like I said in my above post I will probably be in the 60-2 BCT class that will start Indoc on June 30th. Keep in mind my numbers below were just a week and a half after being starved and beat down for a week due to S.E.R.E.. For the most part though I did pretty well considering.

Swim: 10:50
Pushups: 93
Situps: 92
Pullups: 16
Run: 10:11

Keep it up guys! HOOYAH!

STS2/SS

[NavyMA1221]

Hey Blenk... 92 Pullups is pretty motivating man, Who's your LPO for 60-2?

[Blenk11]

Since he wants everyone to know, NavyMA1221 is the 60-2 Class LPO. He is doing a great job by the way. Yeah I just went back and fixed my 92 pullup typo... wow Rawls would be pretty pissed if that was my real number huh?

[jmason]

Hooyah NavyMA1221! Representing the MA3's around the world... good job bro keep it up!

Blenk has gorilla arms, i think that 92 pullup statement is totally possible

[Ecko-46]

As Blenk was saying, after being starved and getting beat for a week in SERE school, it will take a toll on your body. With that said i highly encourage you guys to start training hard to get your body back into shape as soon as you graduate from SERE. Don't take any free time for granted as you're waiting to class up. We had to take the PST within two weeks after SERE graduation and because my body couldn't recoup in time i had failed the PST. Not everyone here is built like Beasty Blenk here who still have some reserves after SERE, haha jk. But like i was saying before, it's always better to do far more than the minimums just in case you run in to the unexpected, and when it does you'll at least have some left to get pass the minimums. I really hate to see anyone end up like me who's only concern is trying to shoot for the bear minimum which obviously didn't fly. So you guys might as well train hard now and try to shoot for the 100's for the PU and SU and under 10's for both the swim and run time. I'm doing everything i can right now to get ready for my next PST and i honestly think i'm going to smoke it this time. So train hard guys.....

[overcome.101]

shoot for the 100's for the PU and SU and under 10's for both the swim and run time. I'm doing everything i can right now to get ready for my next PST and i honestly think i'm going to smoke it this time. So train hard guys.....

No offense but sub-10's wont cut it for me. I wont ship until im sub 8 on both run and swim and well over 100+ PU and SU. Ive been into doing the PST 3 times over. If i can do it 5 times over with sub 10's throughout then ill feel pretty good. Im about 70% there now so another 3-4 months and ill be ready for Hell. I wouldn't be giving SWCC school my best shot if im not in the best shape of my life, its the least we all can do. Quitters don't win, winners don't quit.

[Blenk11]

Well I don't know about having gorilla arms at all... just wait until you get here John and then you will see guys with gorilla arms. Overcome, I do agree that you do need to be in the best shape of your life BUT alot of it is just being mature and tough. I have learned that your scores are really not all that important if you can't keep your uniforms and gear squared away, maintain outstanding military bearing, and follow specific directions. Yeah it's great to be able to run a 7:00 mile and a half but can you do it after getting wet and sandy in full cammies with a rucksack on your back all the while you have 4 huge gashed blisters on your feet? One of the last Bud/s classes had a world class triathlete that dropped before hell week even started. From the gouge I have been hearing, it's not always your uber-athletes who make it. Train as hard as you can and be ready but being mentally ready and mature is much more important.

With that said if you shoot for the minimum numbers you will SOON find yourself in a world of hurt. I know the instructor staff really frowns on guys who are anywhere near the minimum scores. If you struggle at a certain exercise you need to work on it prior to getting here. Well good luck with your training guys and if you do go to SERE prior to reporting, TRAIN!!!

STS2/SS

P.S. K, I saw your class up in the BCT building... which one are you? I know your name CTT3 but I didn't know which one you were in the picture. Haven't heard from you in a while so post if you can. Gau-17, my email changed and I haven't gotten a new one yet... that's is why I have been a stranger and haven't given you an update yet. HOOYAH!!!

[slgbaby]

My son is also due to class up 6/30. I have been reading all the info on this site. It has really helped me learn alot since my son doesn't give much info. I have so much respect and admiration for y'all and just wish the best for you. I noticed on one of the posts that they only take 40 and the group has 50. How does that work? Will they hold some of those back till the next class? Do they tell you definately that you will be in the 6/30 class? Lots of questions and I don't want to assume anything or step on anyone's toes, so if I am being too presumptuous take it easy on me...LOL

[swcc-wife]

I noticed on one of the posts that they only take 40 and the group has 50. How does that work? Will they hold some of those back till the next class? Do they tell you definately that you will be in the 6/30 class?

Yes, some of those guys will be held until the next class starts. Normally (but not always) is goes by how long you've been at the schoolhouse. They will place someone that has been there for a few months in a class before they will place someone who is fresh out of RTC.

[Kinnikinik]

Looks like swcc-wife beat me out on the good gouge about school holds, so I can only comment on Blenk's question about which guy I am in the picture.

Very easy, I am the skinny white guy who was dumb enough to take his shirt off while everyone else was cammied up. I stick out like a sore thumb and will forever be immortalized on the SWCC Schoolhouse wall. Feel free to giggle, point, and laugh, but remember, when I see you in the fleet, you all owe me many drinks, and how much you laugh will determine at what point I will let you off the hook.

K

[NavyMA1221]

I'll have to take a look tomorrow when we are in there...

[eswcaliber]

I'm active duty navy but will be transitioning into the reserves in September. I will soon be meeting with a SWCC Master Chief at NAB Little Creek and if he approves I will be able to drill with the SWCC Reservists and prepare for BCT.

What I want to know is what are the physical tests you need to pass at the end of BCT? Are there 4 mile timed runs and 1 mile ocean swims like BUD/S? I want to be able to pass these tests before I even go there so I know I can do it when I'm tired and under the pressure of the instructors.

[nswr swcc]

Were you able to talk to the reserve Master Chief? They are both good guys if they are the ones I am thinking you are going to see. Let me know if you have any questions.