Fear of heights: Navy OIS / DMO?

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I have a pretty bad fear of heights. Climbing on ladders or rock above about 15-20 feet can cause problems. Does anyone know if OIS for Navy HPSP students has an obstacle course, and if they do, what kind of heights there are on it?

Also, I am interested in becoming a DMO. Does anyone know if there is any climbing component or obstacle course for this?

I was thinking about going to behavioral therapy to help me with my fear of heights, but a friend in the Navy said this might not be a good idea. He said that this "psych visit" may stop me from getting in to HPSP or might cause problems for me with security clearances down the road. Does anyone know if this is true?

I can control it, and no matter what the answers are, I can probably just buck up and hack it. But I like to know what I'm getting in to. Thanks...

 

[deegs]

I haven't gone through OIS, but I've spent a lot of time on Navy ships. Some things to think about: most stairs on ships are narrow and vertical (they are even called "ladders"). Egress ladders from down in the ship can run vertical for 30+ feet (although they are usually in some sort of trunk/cage). Brow stands can rise 3 stories in the air, and are connected to the ship by narrow gangplanks (they have handrails). It would suck to pull into port and then be stuck on the ship because you don't like the crossing to shore! 😱

The Navy often opens their ships up to public tours. Walk around and make sure it is comfortable before you sign on the dotted line.....

 

[nospamplease]

Thanks, deegs. I've actually toured a few Navy ships when they've been in port for just that reason. There are a few sketchy looking spots I wouldn't be thrilled climbing to (up near some of the electronics equipment and that kind of thing), but I can't imagine you'd be doing that much as a Navy doctor. And if so, I'd just have to swallow it.

Maybe this is coming from movies/TV, but I'm thinking of the 30' high wood log towers you see in boot camp that people scamper up. Maybe this isn't a part of OIS? I just want to mentally get ready for it if it is.

 

[AubreyMaturin]

I have a pretty bad fear of heights. Climbing on ladders or rock above about 15-20 feet can cause problems. Does anyone know if OIS for Navy HPSP students has an obstacle course, and if they do, what kind of heights there are on it?

Also, I am interested in becoming a DMO. Does anyone know if there is any climbing component or obstacle course for this?

I was thinking about going to behavioral therapy to help me with my fear of heights, but a friend in the Navy said this might not be a good idea. He said that this "psych visit" may stop me from getting in to HPSP or might cause problems for me with security clearances down the road. Does anyone know if this is true?

I can control it, and no matter what the answers are, I can probably just buck up and hack it. But I like to know what I'm getting in to. Thanks...

Its funny you shoul say that,
I have a pretty bad fear of jogging, but I have been gradually working my way up to that 1.5 mile run that I know will be expected of me in OIS and beyond.

Sorry, I know the two are'nt comparable, I was just trying to be funny. But my point is, maybe you should try and overcome this irrational fear. I don't think that you need seek professional help for this one. Just gradually work your way up to dealing with different heights. Be very careful, and start small. Spend about 2-4 time a week putting youself in situtaions (supervised by a freind if needed) where you are exposed to heights, work you r way up to spitting from the top of the Empire state biulding.
And if you hurt youself you can't sue me for giving you quack advice, cause I'm not even a doctor yet. Seriously though; I am no expert, but my limited research on this matter says that you should be able to habituate if you work at it. Just like me running a full mile without passing out or puking (actually I am not that bad).

I would not seek professional help only because you never know what the military will disqualify you for.

 

[ishii123]

I have a pretty bad fear of heights.

The only moment at OIS where you're a little high, is when you have to jump off a 20 foot plank into a pool. Then arise from the depths of the water and swim to the edge of the pool. It's pretty easy, but I saw a few people freeze at the edge of the plank before jumping in

Too bad you're scared of heights. Flight Surgery is one of the best jobs in the Navy.

A little bit of advice to people interested in the Navy: If you have a fear of water, swimming, or drowning, then don't join the Navy...duhhhh 😛

 

[deegs]

A little bit of advice to people interested in the Navy: If you have a fear of water, swimming, or drowning, then don't join the Navy...duhhhh 😛

are you kidding? those are the people that work the hardest to keep the ships floating...........

 

[bobbyseal]

The only moment at OIS where you're a little high, is when you have to jump off a 20 foot plank into a pool. Then arise from the depths of the water and swim to the edge of the pool. It's pretty easy, but I saw a few people freeze at the edge of the plank before jumping in

Too bad you're scared of heights. Flight Surgery is one of the best jobs in the Navy.

A little bit of advice to people interested in the Navy: If you have a fear of water, swimming, or drowning, then don't join the Navy...duhhhh 😛

Actually, I'm pretty sure you're only 6 feet above the water when you have to jump off the plank. Still, some people get nervous up there.

 

[dry dre]

I have a pretty bad fear of heights. Climbing on ladders or rock above about 15-20 feet can cause problems. Does anyone know if OIS for Navy HPSP students has an obstacle course, and if they do, what kind of heights there are on it?

Also, I am interested in becoming a DMO. Does anyone know if there is any climbing component or obstacle course for this?

I was thinking about going to behavioral therapy to help me with my fear of heights, but a friend in the Navy said this might not be a good idea. He said that this "psych visit" may stop me from getting in to HPSP or might cause problems for me with security clearances down the road. Does anyone know if this is true?

I can control it, and no matter what the answers are, I can probably just buck up and hack it. But I like to know what I'm getting in to. Thanks...

I can't imagine that this would stop you from getting in; I don't know about DMO. In boot camp, every member of my platoon went on/over every obstacle several times...many of us had to be "afraid of heights." Maybe having 1-3 drill instructors yelling at you helps keep your mind off of the height issue.

What kind of "problems" do you have with heights? Do you just feel uncomfortable, or do you freeze and wet yourself?

I personally am ~afraid of heights. I'm also a pilot, and have spoken with many pilots who are "afraid of heights." One pilot I know wouldn't even climb a 12' latter, but the guy was instrument rated and flew often. I don't have a problem on latters, but cliffs, windows in high buildings, and rooftops are different...they make me feel very uncomfortable. When rapelling, going over the edge is usually tough, but once on the side, I feel very comfortable. I've also done some emergency egress exercises out of the side windows of a building from ~6 stories...again, scary going out the window, okay once on the side.

 

[bobbyseal]

I can't imagine that this would stop you from getting in; I don't know about DMO. In boot camp, every member of my platoon went on/over every obstacle several times...many of us had to be "afraid of heights." Maybe having 1-3 drill instructors yelling at you helps keep your mind off of the height issue.

What kind of "problems" do you have with heights? Do you just feel uncomfortable, or do you freeze and wet yourself?

I personally am ~afraid of heights. I'm also a pilot, and have spoken with many pilots who are "afraid of heights." One pilot I know wouldn't even climb a 12' latter, but the guy was instrument rated and flew often. I don't have a problem on latters, but cliffs, windows in high buildings, and rooftops are different...they make me feel very uncomfortable. When rapelling, going over the edge is usually tough, but once on the side, I feel very comfortable. I've also done some emergency egress exercises out of the side windows of a building from ~6 stories...again, scary going out the window, okay once on the side.

I did OIS about 4 years ago, but honestly there weren't any obstacle or confidence courses that we had to do at that time. Frankly, PT consisted of doing a few jumping jacks. Unless there wasn't time available and in that case, there was no pt.

As you can see, OIS was pretty easy. But this was 4 years ago. I hear they have made some changes.

 

[nsmn8r3342]

I'm not a Navy person, so this may not apply, but when I did my entrance processing for the Army a couple years ago, they asked me straight out if i had any fear of heights. Not sure how important the answer is, but when i answered that i had "a healthy respect" for heights and that its not the height that I am worried about, but the falling, nobody thought that was too funny. (hell, the jokes are for my own amusement anyway)

Keep it in mind, and by all means, DO NOT LIE OR TAKE LIBERTY WITH THE TRUTH when you are filling out any entrance paperwork. It'll always come back to bite you.

Best of luck to you.