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Comment by Liz in Norfolk on September 11, 2017 at 9:44pm

Thanks CTNM! Now I need to google Dritz sewing gauge!

Comment by CTNavyMom on September 11, 2017 at 9:35pm

Liz in Norfolk: our son graduates/commissions in 3 days! It's been a long 3 months and we can't wait to see him and celebrate. A couple of other suggestions: pack LOTS of stamps. And you and family and friends should send as many letters as possible. It means the world to the candidates. And if possible, he should bring a Dritz sewing gauge. Very handy for measuring to be sure everything is perfect!

Comment by Liz in Norfolk on September 11, 2017 at 9:26pm

Thanks Noni. Since my son is going in with an MBA, he wanted a career at least remotely related, so he is going Supply Officer. He is a "navy brat" so he knows about the military star card. He's financially literate and also a bit frugal so I think he'll stick with his credit card which has been giving him good reward points.  One item he wasn't expecting to be on the list is Digital wristwatch with alarm. I don't think he's ever owned a watch.

He has heard conflicting reports about shaving gear. He read somewhere that he could only bring/use a manual razor.  The supply list says though, that electric razors are authorized.  Can anyone here confirm if he can indeed bring his electric razor?  Thanks!

Comment by Noni on September 11, 2017 at 8:59pm

Liz in Norfolk,
Most of the things they tell you to bring aren't really needed. Like the lady's as my daughter calls them Granny panties aren't needed for women. Lol! I know enlisted are given all their uniforms. I live about 5 miles from Great Lake. I have lived here all my life. Our LOS will have to pay big money for uniforms they hardly wear. My daughters whites. We're over 3 thousand. The women are required to wear the skirts which she has woren maybe once now they are being mandated to purchase the jackets like the men with the night collars. There blacks are also a waste of money. They never wear those either. Those were also over 3 thousand. They ask the Ensigns open a military star card. By the time they leave there they have a credit card over 10 thousand. My daughter is a SWO/ASWO/EDO. I don't know where the ASWO came in but somehow they over looked her schooling for EDO. What has your son chosen as a career choice?

Comment by Liz in Norfolk on September 11, 2017 at 8:46pm

Thanks Nancy. Those are some helpful tips, as he plans to shop in the next few days.  Too late though on the tee-shirts. He bought a bunch last week!  I kind of thought the Navy provided the first round of socks and tee-shirts to OCS students just like they did for enlisted in boot camp, but nowhere does it say that; we only have this huge list of things on the web!  In any case, all those t-shirts will eventually be put to good use! 

He also got his running shoes because he had to break them in...totally black shoes. I guess I'm not going to find him in any facebook photos!  He's really noticing the difference by getting some padded inserts.  I'll make sure he sees the note about lacing shoes...who knew??

Comment by Nancy on September 11, 2017 at 7:41pm

Hi Liz! My son graduated about six months ago and this is what he summarized about packing for OCS (his info from recruiting office was outdated):

1. Underwear - You do NOT need white briefs. You may wear whatever you want, as long as it is in a subdued color: white, gray, black, navy

2. Socks - You do NOT need to pack 6-8 pairs. Just pack a pair or two to get you through first day. They will give you a 6-pack containing socks of the right dimensions to make easier folding for RLP.

3. White T-shirts - You do NOT need 6-8. Just pack one maybe. They will issue all. When choosing your sizes at the uniform place, go small, because during inspection, the collar must fit tight and should not roll or gap, as it sometimes does with too large shirts.

4. Shoes - Bring any type of running shoes, color doesn't matter (Bright colors actually help your LOs pick you out of the class pictures on facebook pages, but you may want to avoid bright colors if you're afraid that will call too much attention. Son said no one was ridiculed for color of shoes, and there were some bright ones!)

5. Don't waste time writing your name in anything prior to going. They give you a stamp and teach you how to precisely stamp your name in all clothing.

6. Shoes again - If you want to get ahead on one thing, have your shoes laced correctly ahead of time. It is one less thing to get yelled at for. Son says: "Top lace under the flap, than outboard over inboard, then TUCK the ends inside your shoes, NOT TIE them." Hope that makes sense.

Don't worry too much about packing. They get to go to the NEX the first Saturday (or maybe Sunday?) and they can pick up whatever they don't have.

Comment by Liz in Norfolk on September 11, 2017 at 7:23pm

Thanks Noni! I saw the tip about white envelopes and that works great because it's all I have without going shopping. I plan to let his GF know that also, plus tell her to hold the perfume!  I am pretty overwhelmed by the list online of the things he has to bring (much of which he has to buy!) but luckily we have the Navy Exchange nearby so he can make sure to get the right items. So far this has been a good journey though and he is looking forward to leaving!

Comment by Noni on September 11, 2017 at 6:22pm

Liz in Norfolk,
The only difference between your training and your sons is that he will be trained by Marines. They don't take not crap. Not that the enlisted did either. Lol! My daughter graduated theee years ago 02-15. You has past and present moms on here. We can all help in some way. The newer ones will be able the more up to date questions. The first thing we tell new moms is write the day your son leaves no pretty colored envelopes only white and much needed support. Cruise thru the post because the answers to your questions are in there. Welcome!
Noni

Comment by Liz in Norfolk on September 11, 2017 at 5:54pm

Hi all, My son is leaving soon for OCS. As prior military, I know a bit of what he will be facing, but some of what I am finding online  seems like it may be even rougher than what I endured in enlisted boot camp!  I am going to scroll the great info here and see what I need to share with him before he goes.  Thanks for being here!

Comment by CAmom on September 6, 2017 at 6:22pm

Hello Moms,

So i just ordered the Code Alpha Garment Bag for hopefully my soon to be graduate and was wondering if there is anything specific we have embrodiered on the bags and how we go about using the Navy logo?  I just want to make sure mine is acceptable.  Thank you for any suggestions.

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