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Comment by kim ann on February 24, 2009 at 10:31pm

They do get alot of learning done via computer, lots of tests via computer, and even lots more of studying done via computer! (See a running theme here?!!) BUT....the best part, just like a child in a candy store, is in the end of their A-school training! Their last week, they will get to use the 'real guns' (they are pneumatic, air guns) and they all have such fun! They are very serious in it of course, and have to prove what they have learned, but the end is worth the wait! As a hint, please try to attend their graduation, it is an awesome thing too. It will not have all the 'hype' you seen in PIR/BC, but let me tell you, the pride is Just as Huge! In them, in the Navy as a whole! And they make you a special part of the ceremony! I had difficulty getting in, but I had several officers that went out of their way, in a BIG way, to help. The CO of their school was the sweetest man, not to mention all their staff. They took the time, made it a very personal event, allowed you to photograph, and were wonderful! (Just reminded me how I must send them a Thank You card, they deserve so much more than they could ever get! I owe a huge amount of gratitude to all of them, and have a tremendous amount of pride for each of them as well, like they are family too! God Bless em'!) The hard part is knowing when they actually will graduate in advance. (They study {on the computer-yes!} in their own pace, so that is difficult to give a date to). Good luck ladies, they will do fine. They have many wonderful role models, and staffers that are truly gonna be their mentors!

Comment by Ruth, Gun's Mom on February 24, 2009 at 12:26am

My son went to the fleet as undesignated as I remember. While on his first deployment he manned the 5" guns and made GM2 by the time he returned. He was in for just three years by then. He came out of BC at a higher rank because of Boy Scouts and jrROTC in HS despite the fact that he got a GED instead of graduating with his HS class. He's never gone to C school. I think he's going to take the test for PO1 next month.

Comment by Bill S. on February 23, 2009 at 8:01pm

Hey there everyone, I asked my son Brett , who is on week 2 of hold for A school and this is his reply. The answer is no. It depends on what kind of weapons they want to work with. The can pick no classification and go straight to the fleet, or they can pick 3 inch or 5 inch and go to a C school to learn more about it. That is my understanding from what someone told me. They do a lot of training on a lot of different things but for further knowledge they can do a C school. Test scores determine how long a day you can be in school for, where you go on your dream sheet, and a few more perks I can't remember. I hope this helps. Let me know and I can find out from my boy. Godspeed to our sailors. Bill

Comment by kim ann on February 22, 2009 at 6:18am

William,
I sure hope you have a good many twins, triplets, quads or more of yourself! I think you will have a bundle of emails headed your way! Your poor fingers will be doing typing in your sleep! You do have a grand way of "writing" as it were, and a demeanor that stands well above! I now see where my boys had a great respect for you! I stand in further awe, and could not EVEN begin to thank you for what you have become! May God continue to Bless you, for you surely have us!
I do agree, and think your idea a good one of encouraging other recruit/sailors' families in being able to speak out and ask questions will help alleviate their fears. It will put "Personal Touch" to their thoughts of NAVY. I, for one, and see a good many else on here, stand behind you-All the Way! :0}

Comment by Ruth, Gun's Mom on February 21, 2009 at 6:17pm

So he's on his way to experience the real Navy! My son did the same thing--he was in G-2 on the Roosevelt. He'll experience long days, but they keep them busy so they don't have time to think about missing home.

Comment by Ruth, Gun's Mom on February 20, 2009 at 9:40am

Update on Fall Out 3 for your gaming sons--my husband beat the game after 178 hours (apparently this game tracks the time you play). I asked him what he was going to do as he was having game withdrawal. "Seeing as how there are 5000 variations on the ending, I could start it over that many times....or I can clean out the garage."

If your sons are allowed off base this weekend, the big car show is at McCormick Place downtown Chicago. My son is taking the train and meeting his dad who is going on a charter bus from the Rock Island Arsenal.

Mr. Barton confirmed that the Navy does care about the young men and women who volunteer. I knew it, but it's good to have the reassurance.

Comment by kim ann on February 20, 2009 at 3:37am

I agree William! We all can know what life as a teenager, or as a parent of a teenager is like, (and I know I was very fortunate that mine were very easy) but I could never think to accomplish that with thousands that you do on a daily basis, and with very limited staffing! I applaud you!

Comment by Bill S. on February 17, 2009 at 10:05pm

Hi all, just heard from Brett. He sleep for quit awhile today, he pulled duty and watch Sunday and Monday so tonite he is going to the USO and relax for a while. He has been following our "talks" and finds them both enlightening and informative. He said he will be happy to give us more info as it comes.

Comment by Ruth, Gun's Mom on February 17, 2009 at 10:55am

Good question--and I don't know. How about this? I'll start a discussion--questions for my GM. Send me your questions and I'll see if he can answer them. He's been in the Navy five years so he's gotta know some of this.

Comment by Ruth, Gun's Mom on February 17, 2009 at 10:16am

He'll take everything with him on the ship probably. My son took a sewing machine with him! There's locked storage somewhere on the lower decks. I'm not sure about a TV though. If you get to Norfolk or any other base, you'll notice storage units everywhere!

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