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Comment by CindyN on April 1, 2016 at 9:06pm

Patty Sue: Until they can log on and see the LES statements, the amounts seem very random.  If there are any Navy spouses on here they can likely provide a better answer but I will give you my understanding from what I heard on the F&F Facebook group and my son.  There is one monthly LES that details the month's pay and deductions. They are paid on the 1st and the 15th of each month, other than maybe that first month.  The first month or two may be strange and appear erratic due to when they started in the month and when their uniform allowance shows up. When my son was in in 2015, the uniform allowance was about $1800.  That showed up in his first paycheck because he started at the beginning of a month.  That might not always be the case.  Also they get a food allowance which is then pretty much deducted to cover food at OCS.  Hope that helps.  Sorry I don't have more details.

Comment by Patty Sue on April 1, 2016 at 7:51pm

CL and Bkell32, thank you so much for your information in regards to my questions.  I will be able to ask our LO what he needs us to bring and make plans for dinner.  Any suggestions for a nice place for dinner?   I also wondered if it is normal to have the erratic deposits during the OCS time. My LO is not sure what is being taken out and its' purpose.  Thank you again  

Comment by Mammaboom on April 1, 2016 at 12:59pm

I want to thank all of you so much for taking time out of your busy day to write! It has filled my heart with such joy reading your responses, suggestions & words of advice! I've been reading and trying to learn as much as I can about being a Navy Mom, this site has taught me the most! May you & your LO be blessed with peace, health & happiness!

Comment by CindyN on April 1, 2016 at 12:39pm

PaulaH and Patty Sue: You will find the best information about graduation activities from the Friends and Family Facebook group for your LO's class.  While the Hi Moms reception varies from class, it seems that many are a late afternoon reception. People wore a wide range of attire at my son's event.  Everything from cocktail dresses/suits to nice jeans. The attire is much less important than just being there for your LO.  We were able to take my son out for dinner after the event. That may change depending on your LO’s Class Officers orders.

Gifts –

If you decide to give a gift and bring it to Graduation. I would suggest luggage or something small. They get so more uniform items than fit in the navy duffle. My son bought a garment bag at the NEX. He did ask us to bring a couple of large duffle bags in our carry-on out to Newport. And he used them both when packing up to leave OCS! So any large gift may add to packing issues if your LO will not be driving home to to their next duty station.

I gave my son two “challenge” coins after the ceremony as a gift. One which I had made through Things Remembered: http://www.thingsremembered.com/product/Military-Coins/168289.uts that I had OCS and his graduation date engraved on.  I also found a challenge coin (on EBay) for the first ship he was assigned to. While he may have received one when he later arrived at the ship that will mean more to him, he seemed to appreciate receiving a small gift in person after the ceremony.

Comment by bkat3 on April 1, 2016 at 8:12am

I think once your LO is through the first 6-7 weeks, you are safe to get airline tickets.  There are not many rollable events after that.  Just my opinion.

Hi Moms is different for each class.  Mine was at the officers club and was dressy.  Most men wore ties.  I wore a dress but, I would not have felt out of place in dress slacks.

We were able to take our LO out after Hi Moms for dinner at a restaurant and to stay with us at our hotel (until 5am).  They are free to leave after graduation once they have paperwork done, etc.

First salute is no longer done as far as I know...our class did not do this.

Many people did give gifts, I did not.  Spending the money to bring everyone to Newport was our gift.

Comment by Patty Sue on March 31, 2016 at 9:52pm

Graduation for class 10-16 .. is May 6 and we have our airline tickets bought.  There is some reference to buying tickets too early.  I hope having already bought tickets now is not too early.  This is my first experience in Newport, RI and will there be time to take our graduate out after graduation?  I would also like to learn about first salute, "Hi Mom's"; dress attire for both and I heard rumbles of graduation gifts.  Thank you in advance for your advice.

Comment by Anna on March 31, 2016 at 7:16pm

I would just caution those wanting to make purchase airline tickets too early, unless you can find some that can be changed if needed, without large penalties.  Until your loved one passes the big room, locker, personal inspection, they do stand a chance of being rolled back into another class.  

Comment by LizMcD on March 31, 2016 at 8:00am

For those looking at upcoming graduation dates, especially Class 11-16...the only info I ever got about the Hi-Moms and graduation schedule came from my LO, and shared information on the Friends and Family facebook page for the class.  Lean on your LO to find out from the OCS staff; they should have email/phone access by now.  This was especially important because the graduation schedule for the class was changed (and always fluid) due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Our ceremony was moved up to Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving, which made travel an issue both ways.  Fortunately we were driving, but many had flights to schedule. 

Comment by bkat3 on March 31, 2016 at 7:47am

PaulaH - I would encourage making hotel reservations since they can be changed or cancelled.  Newport, RI is a big summer tourist destination and hotels are likely to fill up.  The Navy Lodge on base, on the other hand, sometimes frees up rooms 30 days out for personal travel.  So, they may be full now and have availability later.  If you want to stay there, it pays to keep calling.

I would hesitate to make air travel until later unless you find something you can change without too big of penalty (Southwest I hear is not bad for changes if you are military).

Comment by LoniJ on March 31, 2016 at 7:46am

When my son was in OCS the only official info I could find came from him. I just did the math, estimated the date to see what flights were available and as soon as he gave me the date I made my flight plans. I know it's frustrating but i have learned that's pretty much how it works in the military. I just ask him to let me know when he has a date for his next thing as my continuous asking would really drive him crazy. His graduation was the the Friday before Christmas so I understand the holiday situation. Sorry I don't have better info for you.

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