Undesignated

[iamuptolate]

Hello , my name is Margie and I am a very proud yet very confused and worried Navy mom.... My son is also 09/338 PIR 10/07, I am still awaiting his phone call which from what I understand should be coming very soon : )  The reason for my confusion and worry is because this is his first time away from home and Im trying to understand what will be happening after PIR, My SR is enlisted as Undesignated PACT SEAMAN, I have heard good and bad things about going Undes. I have read his contract 100 times since hes been at RTC, Ive googled and read lots and lots about the program and am still confused, It shows his homeport as Japan, will he go to Japan right away after grad or will he have time at home before he leaves ? He scored 79 on ASVAB but chose Undes PACT SEAMAN because when it came time to choose a Rated job he was not sure what he wanted to do so the other option was Undes but it was not explained to him in detail what Undes actually meant, as I understand it he will be a deck hand, cleaning bathrooms ,peeling potatoes,chipping paint, painting etc and being treated like crap from the others who are rated. Can anyone help me understand this better ?

[Craig]

We don't peel potatoes in the Navy nowadays.  We have a machine do it.... ~ha, just trying to liven up a bad subject.

 

You really need to read this post...

http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topics/undesignated-seaman

[Kathy (AOMom)]

Even though he is undes, all sailors are required to do chores/work that they dont want to do. they all have a turn at mess duty, cleaning etc. They call it cranking, and each sailor will get his turn, dont believe for one second that there arent many more undes with your son. Even if he had a rate, he would be low man on the totem pole, and they get the duty. Every new sailor has duty, watch, inspections, TAD[or cranking] and probably will during their first enlistment, no matter what their rate. [enlisted]  I am guessing he will have some sort of A school before he leaves for Japan but its just a guess, Craig has tons of knowledge and may know that answer, or go to the post he suggested, it may help.

[iamuptolate]

I have been to every link on the net .... Its really not helping , but thanks for your reply !

[SonandSea]

I don't know much about undes. , but every sailor is important! Thank you to your son for his choice to serve. I hope you find some postive information soon. 

hugs to you!!! 

[BunkerQB]

A 79 - good score - above average - not high enough to go nuke, IT, SEAL but better than many I am sure.  As long as he is OK with it - let him figure how to deal with the next step.  I know a local moms whose son signed up right of of high school, went in as Undes (nothing else available at the time), PIR earlier this year - he has been doing a little bit of every thing. They are suggesting that he get into CTI because he speaks another language. He loves the Navy and is going great - wants to make it his career.

My son is a lieutenant - he doesn't have to clean anything - but he goes on his sub on his days off and helps his guys get things going - he doesn't treat anyone like crap unless the person brings an attitude (particularly one which says "I am above cleaning."). My son considers any job in the Navy is a job that deserves to be done well and professionally. Even his Commander shows up and rolls up his sleeves.

If he didn't take the undes rate, would he be in the Navy now or what would he be doing?  If you think he would have been worse off, then going undes was the right thing to do.  Remember this wouldn't last forever - tell him to focus, don't let anyone get to him, do any job well, don't complain and really, really start figuring out what he wants to do and start researching what is required to get there.

You - in the meantime, stay positive. He'll pick up on any negativity you may show. Those kids are hyper-sensitive to that - especially guys. Tell him about my friend's son.

Good luck - hope you find the info you need.

[Angie]

There really is nothing wrong with being UNDES.  Only down side is that they have to wait a year before they can try and get an "A" School  I say try as the command has to approve it and the Navy has to approve it.  Or if they don't want to go to "A" School they have to wait until they are eligable for the E4 exam, and request to take an exam to get a rate (aka job) now that can be hard also as again they have to get approval from big NAvy and from their command.

On the flip side, both of the above is good.  Why you may ask??? AS they are going to get a job that is undermaned.  The USN will not approve them to go to school or take a test for an overmanned rate (aka job).  Now the Sailors don't always like that as they will get their hearts set on one rate.  NOT GOOD! 

 Stat's show that Sailors who join now adays, if they stay in for 20 years that they will be at least 3 different rates.  Yep kind of confusing....but what people need to remember is that they go to bootcamp FIRST to make them Sailors!  Than they go for training for a rate....so Sailors always come first!  people need to keep that in mind if they want to stay Navy!

Hope that make sence.. 

 

Background on me...I have been in the USN for 15 years.  Was an EN for 10 1/2, than got hurt and switched to NC (CCC)...which means I am a Command Career Counselor and I advise Sailors on everything they can do with their careers and guide them in the process.  We just say we assist Sailors from their cradle to their grave.  Meaning their whole career.