[dennisw]

During the last 2 years, I've had two sons in the 18x program. As far as them learning what they need to know I'm not sure if that is entirely accurate. I know one thing, it is an rigorous and prolonged journey. Through the whole process, classes change, are delayed and your son may have down time between each phase allowing for the opportunity to go on leave. Whether he can initially probably depends when his SOPC I class is scheduled to start.

Probably one of the most interesting things about the program its varied aspects contained. From the gig pit and phase II to the academic endeavors in phase three and lanquage training, its a trek to the end.

As an interested by-stander, you have to be as patient as your son. The most precious assets in SF are the people. When your outside looking in you want everything to happen real fast, but it doesn't. As was previously mentioned, you have to provide support and it will have to be over a sustained period of time.

But my wife and I have enjoyed the vicarious journey. Having one hit a glitch in 18c training was tough, but overall its been an interesting ride. I know they are both better men for the experience. The only drawback is having to explain the same acronyms to my wife a hundred times. That can be a tester.