Sailors PIR, grad-n-go, to GL "A" school

[Hoppi aka Angie]

Just a few words of advise for the family memebers whose Sailors PIR and are grad-n-go to the GL "A" School base the same day.

It takes anywhere from 2-6 hours for them to be allowed on liberty from the "A" School base. So make sure you give your Sailor your cell phone number and tell them to call you when they go on liberty.

You will not be able to drive on the base to pick up your Sailor. Either tell them to meet you at the visitor center or the USO.

Yelling at the Petty Officer's who are taking you to the USO to wait does nothing to help get your Sailor out to your faster.

Demanding to talk to the "person in charge" also does nothing to get your Sailor on liberty faster.

Screaming at the person escorting you, stating the Navy dosen't care about parents does nothing to get our Sailor on liberty faster.

[Hoppi aka Angie]

Before it is asked: Why does it take so long for them to be allowed on liberty: They have paper work and things that are required to be done the day they get to the base.

[Auralei - Mom of Chris]

Good grief, Hoppi, people are yelling at the escorts? That's just awful, what is wrong with people? When we were up there in November, the escorts were extremely polite, helpful, and friendly, and I know they were cold then, can't even imagine now! And the USO folks were wonderful, we really enjoyed talking to them while waiting for our sailor.

I know that everyone would like to see their sailors right away, but it's not Summer Camp, it's the Navy, that paperwork takes time. Have patience, you're going to need it for the next four years (at least).

[Hoppi aka Angie]

The escorts try to do anything they can, within reg's to help. There was some this last Friday, who drove the parents over to the HM "A" school to meet their Sailor.

Thanks for the kind words Auralei for the escorts.

[carols_kitchen]

Oh dear, how could anyone yell at their loved ones leaders and escorts? What ever happened to "you get more flies with honey than vinegar" and being polite? As always, thanks for your advice to all who may be encountering this situation.
Carol

[Jean]

Maybe it all goes back to the idea that "this is all about me and mine, we are the most important people here." And I would not be surprised if their sailor would not be embarrassed in regards to their parents rude behavior. The military is all about "hurry up and wait." I am the wife of a retired AF E-8 so know all about that!! And while these escorts were being yelled at their response was "Yes, sir/No, Sir!!

Jean

[Auralei - Mom of Chris]

Hi Sue, long time no type :) I think that the loved ones you mentioned think that since they know how special, unique, and wonderful their sailor is, the Navy should, too, gosh darn it. There is nothing wrong with knowing how wonderful your child/spouse/s.o./sibling, etc... is, but please, for heaven's sake, don't get attitude with the folks on base when your sailor is being treated just like everyone else. When my son graduated, we waited until 6pm until we finally got to pick him up, and some families were still there waiting when we left. It was totally worth the wait, and we met some awesome people. I do have a unique, special, wonderful son, but he is a Sailor just like everyone else, no special treatment and I honestly wouldn't want it for him. Rather have him earn his privileges, builds character for him *and* for us at home.

[JoAnn]

Our son was in the Grad-N-Go class, we went to his graduation and got to see him for a few minutes after then met him at the BX. We did go to O'Hare and got to be with him a few more hours before he flew to MS. It's a waiting game but well worth it when you haven't seen them for weeks!

[Penny proud2BJonsmom]

I am not up on all the things I need to know yet. First of all I am not familiar with 'grad-n-go." It probably is just as it sounds. My son gave me a copy of "The Blue Jacket's Manual" before he left. He sent for it on Amazon before he left. He knew I would have alot of questions. I treasure it but have had a difficult time opening it yet.

I had heard that some of the kids were not complying with instructions at base before my son went in, and this caused a harder routine for all their shipmates. I couldn't understand why they would cause such caos for themselves and their shipmates. But if the parents are acting this way, I guess we know why the kids are bucking the system. What is the point. We need to support the Navy. We want them to be disciplined and dependable. This is very sad and disappointing. Where is the respect? I sure don't want my son to be mistreated like that. What our boys are doing is the best for all involved. They are on a mission to do bigger and better!!! I sure hope I don't run into these people, I don't think I could keep quiet...

[Pat]

Does anyone know if navy nukes are grad and go from bc? If so, any stories of how long you had with them after PIR before they left for the airport?

[Anti M]

Nukes are grad n go ... my nephew could only spend a few short hours with his mom, then he flew out. Good thing she had family to visit up there, she paid for a plane ticket which kept her there the entire weekend.

[Cheryl (Matt's mom)]

My son is a navy nuke that graduated from b c 4 yrs ago. He had a few days after graduation before flying out.
I'm not very familiar with the terminology but, if you have any questions about power school ,etc I'll try to help. If I don't know the answers I'll at least try to find out from my other sources.
Please feel free to contact me.

[Steve's Mom]

my son was a gng for SC Nuke school in October, he flew out Sunday Morning, but others from the same division flew out a couple of hours after pir.