Update on my son....

[RNMOM]

Well, some of you may remember my request for PD for my son, Mike. He is in the Army and has been struggling with his physical training test. He does the sit ups and push ups just fine but he is expected to run 2 miles in 15min. 54 sec. He has been unable to get his time down below 17 min. He has been having problems with his breathing, was tested for exercise induced asthma and deemed okay. Of course, this is running outside in winter weather too.

He called yesterday and said he is out. He met with the commander and they agreed he is doing his best but can't make it. He has spent 8 months between this, basic training and advanced training. He excelled in his training, by the way. The way I understand it, the run time is based on each person's height and weight.

He is supposed to be processed out by the first of April. He is just glad it is over but disappointed. He really enjoyed his training and really wanted to stay in, even thought the unit he was assigned to in Germany was deployed to Iraq and he would be going there too.

So, now he plans to come home, rest, get a job and go to college. My friend at work says this is a good thing to keep him out of the war. I am not so sure. He really seemed to blossom in the Army environment. He made lots of friends and learned how to deal with life better than he was doing.

So, thanks friends, for your help. I have not yet figured out how to feel about all this news.

Cordia

 

[Kimberle]

{{hugs}}, sometimes it just takes a while to digest. Just take it one step at a time!

 

[Pembo]

Cordia, I'm so sorry for your son. How disappointed he must be. Lets hope that he learned enough from his short time to have grown up and will keep on growing. And be greatful he isn't going to Iraq.

 

[DoeWDW]

All my best wishes to your brave son! He did his best and learned many things that will help him when he comes home. I think the experiences he's had will have a positive impact on him.

I'll continue to keep him in my prayers for a good transition home and a meaningful job.

 

[joshsmom]

Things happen for a reason. You may never know what the reason is--maybe that training will help him get a GREAT job!!! You never know. Blessings to him and your family.

 

[tiggerlover]

Cordia, Thanks so much for the update on your son. I am so sorry that it didn't work out the way that he wanted. But this may be a blessing in disguise, I believe everyone's life is planned out and there is a reason he couldn't make the run, perhaps something better is out there waiting for him. {{{BIG HUGS}}} to you both.

 

[goofy4tink]

It's so sad that he didn't get to do what he so wanted to do. I understand his desire to be in the military. It was the best thing for my db. He loved the whole thing. But, now your ds can rest up and get on with his life, knowing that he tried his very best. Never have to regret that!!! Hoping it all works out for him.

 

[Dan Murphy]

All for the good, Cordia, I believe. Your son has added to his maturation, it will do him well.

 

[Duchie]

Cordia I'm so sorry your son is disappointed. But he's probably learned a tremendous amount in those 8 months that he can use - dicipline (that will help him in school), perserverance, etc. I wish him the best of luck!

 

[Tuffcookie]

Cordia, Everything happens for a reason. Hugs to you and your DS!

TC

 

[Serena]

I'm sorry he was disappointed.

 

[Allie322]

To use the old cliche: When one door closes, another one opens. I really believe that things happen for a reason, though we don't always realize it at the time. I'm sure that with your love and support, he will succeed in his next endeavor. Good luck to you both.

 

[phorsenuf]

I sent you a PM about this, but I'll post too.
My son almost had to leave the army because of knee problems and he had trouble meeting the PT requirements. We fought for him to stay in (it was very involved) but thankfully he was able to stay and is now in physical therepy.
Anyways, when we thought he had to go I was told to call the AirForce as their PT requirements are somewhat different from the Army. I did call and also spoke to other Air Force members about it and it was true. In fact sometimes you can get a lateral move which means in some cases you just switch branches.
If he really wants to stay in, call an Air Force recruiter and talk to them. They were very helpful.

 

[Keli]

The positive changes your son has made since he entered the military are likely to go with him into civilian life. He has matured and gained confidence. Those assets won't leave just because he no longer wears the uniform. I think you can expect a different son whether he serves his country in Iraq or goes to college.

 

[jsmith]

what phorsenuf said-although I am amazed they are letting him out-if he has completed AIT and Basic and is at a duty station they should give him about 6 months to meet PT standards-especially with the current state of manning. No one in Iraq does PT anyway-they are too busy with real problems. Sorry been around the army all my life and this sounds a little funny to me-if they were going to drop him for PT standards it should have been before he graduated basic. Despite what the commander says be prepared for something to get in the way of him getting out.

and Run time is based on age not height and weight

 

[nativetxn]

I'm sorry that your son is disappointed about this. I hope he is home safe very soon and can get started in college.

{{{HUGS}}}

 

[Disfan1]

DH has a similar situation when he joined the Air Force. They only had to run 1 1/2 miles in 12 1/2 minutes but he just couldn't complete the run in time. He had 4 yrs of JROTC, 1 yr. of Senior ROTC, was already an E4 during basic training but got discharged because of the run. We found out that he has a bad knee and asthma which was why he couldn't run fast enough. He was VERY disappointed since he went through the rest of training with flying colors. Hope things turn out well for your son. It did for DH.

 

[Cindy B]

IF your son does want to remain in the services, he may be able to benefit from a lateral move. I would talk to a different recruiter with all the pertinent information, if this is what he truly wants to do.

My sister did just that. She did a lateral move (after three pregnancies in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve) to Army and Army Reserve.

My father has done branch of service moves as well. He has gone from Army to Air Force Reserve.

My nephew also got discharged from the Air Force due to an injury. Adjustment to civilian life can be challenging.

As for the run, that is hard. AT one time I did a 9 minute run time, but would have a hard time now with it. I know this sounds stupid, but is there a way he can "help" with that time.. ie get some extra PT training, or strength conditioning that is needed? (like PT extra training)

I hope the best. And yes, I have seen others leave the military due to similiar requirements, and have done fine in civilian life afterwards.

 

[RNMOM]

Thank you all for the encouraging words.

To clarify, he has not graduated basic. He was transferred to FTU the day before graduation on 2/4. He is not alone, there are many other soldiers in FTU with the same problem and when they meet their goal they graduate and join their units.

He has been doing 6 hours of PT per day in FTU. They work an hour, rest, work and hour, eat, on and on. He has been running a treadmill also.

The always test them early in the morning, like 5am early and it is cold out there. I am sure that doesn't help. Unfortunately, I have no way to reach him but for letters. I will suggest the recruiter to him, thanks for that. In fact, I will search for info to send.

It is a strange world we live in sometimes.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I know one of the towns Vince tried to get in to about a year ago, had him do a run qualification, he missed it. Where he is now, also had one, but he had been working out, and this time he did it. Your son will do what is right FOR HIM.