Failing A School also on EMI - not sure how to help my son

[Monkeyflower]

My son is in A school and found out this week he will be "disenrolled". He is ok with this (I never thought this was a good job rate for him). The problem is he has had some issues with the command in is currently on EMI. He told me it basically means more inspections for him and these have been going well, at least that's what he's telling me.

He thinks they will end up sending him undesignated. I've heard he may be separated from the Navy. Has anyone experienced something like this? He's so far away and it's hard to get a good read on what is really going on.

[Anti M]

This happens, he is far from the first.

Failing A school is usually one of two reasons, academic or the military bearing side.  Academics is pretty obvious, everyone is offered extra study, and mandatory study when their performance drops.  Military bearing is time management, being on time every time, keeping up their uniform and barracks room, fulfilling their duty day obligations, and being respectful.  

EMI may seem like punishment, but the point is to help new sailors correct failings in the military aspect of their training. How to wear the uniform, be on time, keep their area clean.  Problems with the command?  Having been there, although long ago, if he told off or ignored a chief or petty officer, yeah, that will surely not go unaddressed.  

Separation is unlikely, as the Navy had already put a lot of time, money, and resources into him through DEP and boot camp. He was chosen over others because he showed potential.  He'll probably be sent undesignated, but that still means he can strike for a rating after a year.  That year may be tough, he'll do quite a lot of grunt work, but he can find a job he is better suited for.  If his new command approves, he might even get to go to a different A school.  Being separated is reserved for those who truly cannot adapt to the Navy,  who have committed repeated infractions, or have committed a crime.  Not everyone is suited to be a sailor.

The S-PACT training for undesignated seamen is in Great Lakes and is three weeks long.

[Monkeyflower]

Thank you for the information. His A school issue is academic, he's in one of the more difficult schools. He has worked with a tutor and is learning the language but not as fast as they want/need. We live very close to Great Lakes, it will be nice to have him close, if only for a few weeks.

[Anti M]

Chances are he would be going E-Pact, not sure why I hit the S ... but it could be either.  A-PACT, being in Pensacola, is far less likely.  Not impossible, just unlikely.

[katydids61]

My son just got dropped from his A school for academics also. He worked so hard. They started out with 14 in his class and when he was dropped it was down to 4. Once he was in it he wasn't thrilled with the job at all. Nothing was open but one or two jobs when he went to get rerated, but he did not like either at all and chose A-PACT. He said he had rather be undesignated  for a year than to do a job he absolutely hated. He is excited and will be heading to San Diego next month for his first duty station. A lot of people told him it was not good to be undesignated, but he said he has worked a lot of crap jobs before and he was fine with it. As he told them it is all about having a good attitude. I am sure your son will be just fine. He just needs to go in with a good attitude and work hard until he can strike for a rate. 

[lemonelephant]

katydids61, since your Sailor has contracted within the A-PACT program, the information within Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks (PACT) Program will be of interest to you.

[Monkeyflower]

My son has signed a new contract. He was given a rate - machinist mate. He's very happy. Now he waits for orders. He'll be back at Great Lakes for a school. Close to home for a couple of months, so that makes me happy. Now I need to learn about machinist mate.

[tpadul]

That's great news!!!!  I'm a bit worried about how my daughter will fare academically in A school, she is still in BC now and set to graduate 4-21-17 and she is going to a QM Quartermaster, I have no idea how difficult that A school is, but I do know that the job entails them doing the navigation of the ships with charts and compass and electronic stuff, I do know this, that my daughter inherited my amazing sense of direction and she is really good with her sense of direction and using maps etc.. so I'm hoping the QM A school is not too difficult for her. She put off college at my suggestions because I knew academically she was going to struggle, school was hard for her, so now I guess I worry about A school and what happens if she struggles with that :-(  We always seem to have things to worry about when it comes to our children. I was so worried she wouldn't get  into boot camp, and she made it, and now I'm hoping she is doing well and just want to see her succeed.

[Anti M]

A school is structured step by step, they do not assume any prior knowledge, except possibly being able to read.  Plenty of repetition and opportunities for extra study.  Some do fail, but the Navy does their best to help them succeed.

[lemonelephant]

I left info on the QM rating on your My Page.

[lemonelephant]

Monkeyflower, I left info on the MM rating on your My Page.

[NavyBound1977]

My son will also become a machinist mate
Please let me know when you find out exactly what type of job this is. Thanks

[Monkeyflower]

I've googled it and found some information. They work on about anything with an engine or motor. From ship propulsion to washer/dryer. My sailor is hoping to specialize in diesel or steam. Is your son in boot Camp?