It is still currently 4 weeks but you can expect that it will be a kick in the balls the entire time. I say that because when you do actually get a break, you wont get as much of a break as you might feel like you want… it will be just as much as you need.

The new A&S is more land than water now however, you will still have all of the watercon aspects when you get to predive. So I would absolutely not stop practicing your water work.

You will have access to your phone through some points in Basic and when you are at SW prep/A&S. You will also have most weekends off while you are training.

It would only be a couple months depending on how many are in front of you.

This is a selection, not a course where the cadre mentor you. You will do pretty much the same types of exercises. It is a selection so they will also be getting rid of people who do not possess certain criteria or the right personality.

Definitely. I believe females have the capacity to make it through and graduate the pipeline. The most difficult part will be the social aspect and integrating them into a place where they will have to prove themselves over and over again. Once the team trusts her I think there will be absolutely no problems. This is not a female only thing though, every new PJ has to earn the trust and respect of their teammates. 

Alice frame with a XL pack.