what can my son bring to A school?

[Michele]

Hi!My son is due to graduate from boot camp on Jan.29 and will leave for Pensacola Florida the next day. He wants me to bring some clothes ,cell and laptop in a duffle bag to give to him. But I thought when they return to rtc they can't bring anything back with them. I wont b able to give him at airport cause we r leaving to NY the next day also in the morning. He doesn't even know what time his flight is cause he was not informed yet. Is there anything I can give to him to take or do I have to wait till he contacts me with address to ship? What exactly can he have there? I heard he has to b in uniform and he has to go thru phases to b allowed certain privileges? Any info on what to expect at A school would b appreciated also. Thanks to everyone and have a great day!

[Buckeyebill]

Fat Tuesday is a holiday (no school) in this region.  Enjoy it while you can.......absolutely no drinking at the parades.. 

[Kellis]

We only took my son's cell phone, charger, some boxers and a favorite tee shirt.  They are so loaded down with bags, they really don't need another one to carry.  They absolutely cannot bring anything back to RTC with them.  We met ours at the airport.

They won't know their flight info until the day before graduation.  We did not know any of it until we finally got to see him at PIR.  When he called us after Battle Stations, he did not have his orders yet and did not know flight info. 

Mine is just now getting settled into A school and for the first couple of weeks (maybe longer) they are only allowed to wear uniforms. They have to phase up.  There are different phases.  They cannot leave base for a while either.  So, he will be fine without civilian clothes for a couple of weeks.

If you can find another family who is meeting their sailor at the airport, they can give him his phone.  We did that for another sailor.  I would advise against a duffle bag.  They have their sea bag (that is FULL) and back pack that weighs about 25 lbs since it's loaded with stuff and a garment bag. 

[Pooh'sMom]

I found of list of items they may need for A School, and have added to it.  My son is currently at INDOC for A School at Goose Creek.

Since I'm a member of Amazon Prime, I had the items shipped directly to INDOC.  They all arrived with no problem.

The list:
Bowls/cups/plates  (Initially he said he didn't need them, but at the end of week one, he said he did. I ordered a four place setting for him and his roommate to share.)
Silverware  (His roommate ordered silverware.)
Dryer sheets (These can also be used to place over air vents to make the room smell better.)
Laundry detergent (I'm letting him get that at NEX.)
Can opener
Ironing Board & Iron (His iron arrived just in time to iron his uniform.)
Body Wash
Cologne
Deodorant
Twin XL sheets/mattress pad (My son told me he was fine with the issues sheets and not to get them.)
Sneakers (My son didn't need them.)
Black socks - since most of his were missing after Boot Camp
White t-shirts to replace the ones they ruin during Boot Camp.  
Hot/cold mug to have for classes.  
New pillow (My son was fine with Navy issued pillow.)
Energy bars
Granola bars
Protein bars
Welches Fruit Snacks because his RC at Boot Camp would always eat them in front of them, and now they can have them!
Sunscreen in the summer.
Bug repellent
Water filter pitcher (My son said the water was fine and didn't need one.)
Microwaveable cup
Odor control items for shoes (My son didn't need this.)
Heavier blanket for winter.  (He said he was fine and didn't need this either.)
Fan for summer
Ziplock bags for leftovers/items ( I ordered a variety pack so that he would have various sizes.)
Packets of hot chocolate
Favorite candy is always a nice treat.
*The issued towels are thin.
*I'm boxing up the civilian clothes he's asked for to ship to him.
*My son also asked for a watch.

I hope this helps!

[Anti M]

Some A schools in other locations do not allow food in the barracks, so everyone must check with their individual sailor about that policy.  That is why there is not one list for A school, different commands have different rules.

[Pooh'sMom]

I guess since my son is at INDOC right now, they allow it. 
Guess once he moves to Barracks, if that changes, he will let me know.

Where is your Sailor attending A school that doesn't allow food in barracks?

[Anti M]

Some of the barracks at Great Lakes do not allow it, or only allow stuff in containers, no cooking.  There was a bug problem which got it prohibited.  Not every one on base, but some.

My sailors are now in the fleet.  The nuke was allowed food in school, the ET in Glakes was not, except for sealed snacks.   I did not say ALL A schools, but there are so many, that each individual has to ask their sailor is that is the case for them.

[Mallory's Mom]

Pooh'sMom,

Our daughter flew out yesterday for RTC at Great Lakes. After that she will head to Goose Creek for Nuke School.

Your post is very helpful! Thank you.

Where did you find that info? Are there other sites I should be aware of?

Many Thanks, Mallory's Mom

[Pooh'sMom]

I just looked through the groups available to join.  My son is in his second week of INDOC right now at Goose Creek, and he starts A School on Monday.  Not sure of any other sites, but will let you know if I find any.

[Anti M]

I am not currently in the nuke groups, as my nuke nephew has been in the fleet for several years now.  I do know they treat the students quite well there.  It is a hard school, I have heard it compared to drinking from a firehose.  They must study in the school building, so between class and extra study, some of their days can be 14 hours long.  

Best of luck to your sailors, being a nuke is quite the accomplishment!