Hello I'm new to this group - my daughter will PIR 7/20 and will stay for A school as a GM until February...I look forward to meeting new moms because we all know what each other is going through :)
My son is still in boot camp and had a question about visiting home during A school(Great Lakes). He wants to know when he will get some 'breaks' and he heard also that there were stages of A school where you got more freedom and stuff. Can anyone answer this for me so I can let him know?
My son is currently in boot camp and PIR is mid April. His rate will be AO so I'm trying to find out if he will be at A school in Great Lakes before going to Pensacola. I first thought he would go directly to Pensacola after PIR but seeing other information. Can someone help answer where he will be after PIR? I really hope GL so I will have a little extra time with him PIR weekend.
Hi Mom's! I am new here today! My son is waiting in the Miami aiport for his flight to GL for boot camp and thereafter will be staying for additional 6 weeks of physicial training in preperations for Diving School. Are there any Moms out there with a son or daughter with a tentative PIR in early July and a Naval Combat Diving MOS? I am a mess today! Not good that I already miss him to pieces! This is harder than I ever imagined!
Hi everyone.My SR is in bootcamp now with a PIR of 5/31/13.He just found out that he is staying in GL for A school (14 weeks) & then onto Groton,Ct. for sub school.I miss him terribly!! Happy Mothers Day to you all!!
Hi Mom's! I'm a newbie to this group. I just spent a wonderful weekend with my daughter who PIR'd on 6/14. Back to the day to day "normal", but overjoyed that I can talk to my girl (almost!) anytime I want. It's weird that I'm not reaching for the computer to write her letters to RTC anymore-it was so much a part of my life for 89 days! Gladly replaced by phone calls ,texts and skype!
If my son has PIR Thanksgiving Wednesday, and is in GL for "A" School, is there (typically) any additional time with him other than Thanksgiving Day (like some of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)???
Good question, Boo's mom... As I have read that you can give your sailor electronic stuff AT THE AIRPORT (and not before) when flying off to "A" school, I wonder if they can have their personal items after they have moved into their new ship, after PIR in GL...? Also, if only remaining at GL for a couple more weeks (then off the Florida), can they have it at all there? Hope someone knows these answers.
Hi BoomMom and Boo's mom...Yes, they can have their personal items after they have moved to their new ship in GL. You can't give anything to them right after PIR, so there is no need to bring that stuff to the ceremony. It has to be after they are officially moved over and checked in. We gave our daughter's stuff to her once we "returned" her to her ship after going out to dinner Friday night. They can pretty much have anything they want at that time. Electronics, clothes, snacks, etc. It sure makes for some happy sailors! I hope this info helps.
My son is currently awaiting to start his official classes for Fireman. Going thru his sexual harassment lectures now. but he has called us every night for the last 3 days. It's so wonderful hearing his voice and such a change from the no communication at all, except letters. Just wish we knew how long he was going to be in GL. He is supossed to go to San Diego, CA/USS AMERCIA
Sailor son is holding till training starts the 29th of this month. It will be 4-5weeks long ....he wants leave to come home and then it's off to Little Creek VA for him.
Good morning everyone! I am new to this group and I was just hoping to get some info/advice. My son's PIR is this Friday and I can't wait to see him! He will be staying in GL for A-school and I was wondering what to expect this weekend. We are flying in Thursday night and will be renting a car for the weekend. Will we have all weekend with him? Any suggestions of what to do, bring, etc...? I just want to be as prepared as possible and I would appreciate any info you can provide having already been through all of this. Thank you!!
@ChristinaMarie, we are in the same situation...I have a friend who lived in the area, I have a cal into her with ideas of what todo. I've seen people say theNavy Pier and six flags. When I know of some things, I post ideas for others.
Hi Moms, when my daughter PIR'd in June, we went out to dinner that Friday night, and just spent the rest of the evening hanging out at the hotel. She had to be back on base at 10:00. We picked her up on Saturday, and went out to breakfast, went over to Gurnee Mills Mall, saw a movie, and did some shopping. There were some things she needed for school, and she wanted some new clothes that weren't khaki or blue! We got back to the hotel, and ordered Giordano's pizza (yum!) delivered to the room, and just relaxed and talked. On Sunday, we went to downtown Chicago, spent some time at the Navy Pier, Millenium Park, took a city tour by boat, and walked to Sears tower and got our picture taken at the top. A friend of a friend's owns a restaurant in Chicago, so we ate dinner there. We were back in GL in time to do some swimming at the hotel before she had to be back on base to say our goodbyes. We really let her dictate what she wanted to do, and just spent that first day catching up and hearing all her bootcamp stories. It was just a wonderful weekend! You will have all weekend with him after he checks in to his new base Friday after PIR, and then he will have liberty from about 7:00am to 10:00pm both Saturday and Sunday. He will know the specific times for sure. Enjoy every minute!
Oh, and moms, my daughter made it a point that she did not want to go to Six Flags during PIR weekend. They are in uniform all weekend long, and she didn't want to get it dirty. She has gone several times since then with her friends though, it sounds like it's very common for the new sailors to invest in a season pass since it's so close to base.
Thank you for all the info! That is very helpful and sounds like we will be able to spend most of the weekend with him having fun. That is what I was hoping for... I really just plan on bringing his phone to him but feel like I am not thinking too clearly right now and will forget something! I do know Giordano's Pizza is the best and is a definite stop on our list! Michelle - we are almost there and it is so exciting!
Proud Navy mom of my son, He is currently at boot camp at Ship 02 Div 950 and graduates on Oct 25. My son tells me that he is doing well and has met some pretty awesome people that he already considers close friends. I have talked with him a few times on the phone and he sounds absolutely great!! Anxiously awaiting graduation, I miss him terribly and I can't wait to give him a great big hug!! A school in Great Lakes glad I will be able to spend some time with him.
My son just grad. A school in GL. He is coming home today for his first leave. We have him for 10 days and then off he goes to San Diego, CA. I am so proud of my boy!
Sherri357: My son just graduated boot camp on Friday and it was awesome! He will be at A-school in GL for a while so I will be visiting him as often as I can... You will be there for PIR before you know it, enjoying a wonderful weekend with your son and those moments will be priceless. If you have any questions just let me know and hang in there!
Margie: Enjoy your 10 days with your son!! Do they have a ceremony for A-school graduation as well? San Diego is beautiful... Congrats and wishing you all the best!
Janai'sMom: Thanks for all the great tips! We enjoyed Gurnee Mills Mall, Giordano's Pizza and Navy Pier. It was an amazing weekend!! Hope your daughter is doing great!
Hi everyone! Thought it was time to introduce myself, I've been stalking for a few weeks until my twins PIR. They graduated 10/11 & one is at GL & the other is at Groton. I love reading all the comments & getting to know everyone & getting info about A school.
Planning my trip to sons grad on 11-22. It is really gonna be cold but can't wait! A little scared about transportation if son has to go back and forth to base each day- should I rent car or use public transp? Any advice
Hi Dobegno. Congrats to you and your Sailor! May I ask? Are you staying in the GL area for a few days? I was able to rent a car relatively cheaply, we stayed in Gurnee (only about 8 min from base) and it gave us a lot of freedom. We were there from Wed-Mon (my daughter's PIR was on a Friday) and we were able to go to the mall, in to the city, and the freedom to come and go as we pleased, without having to worry about public transportation schedules. There is great taxi service (Yay Sarge!) and the Metra does go into Chicago, but depending on how much running around you want to do, I was really happy that I had the car.
Hi everyone! My son graduates on the 27th, and will be staying in GL for A school, I am curious if any of you know about Christmas leave, do they know anything as of now or do they have to wait until they get checked in before the even start that process??
Hi Janis mom, yea I was thinking about a rental too, but coming from louisiana we were a bit scared of the big city and freezing weather.. We will be there from thurs-monday. Still don't know. But my sailor has leave each day but has to be back on base each night. Hi Arron's mom, I know they have a stand down for Christmas but our guys will not earned much leave time. My sailor wanted to save up more leave to come home but I told him I would take 4 or 5 days. But will not know until they get to a school so travel arrangements might be to costly....
Hi everyone. I'm new to the group. My son arrived at BC on Tuesday the 11th. I got "the box" yesterday and am just waiting on the form letter and phone call. He will be staying in GL for A school. Miss him sooooo much!!
Hello I am new to this group my sons PIR is 1-10-14. we are in south central pa. I am so excited about PIR and awaiting the "I am a sailor" call this week. Any advise for PIR or anything else is very welcomed looking forward to chatting with you.
Momma1992-welcome! I'm new to this group also. My SR's PIR is 2/7/14. Congrats on your upcoming SR's graduation. Let's us all know when you get the "I'm a Sailor" call, so we can all celebrate with you!! Where in south central PA are you. I am in lancaster.
thanks mikesmom we are about an hour nw of you we are in loysville, perry county, I will let you know when my call comes i am sure I will be so excited I will post it everywhere...lol
Good Evening everyone! My name is Andrea and I'm new to the group, my son graduated boot camp November 22nd and has been on hold for A-school in GL. I hope everyone had wonderful holidays with their Sailor if they made it back home. :)
Joni-Jd's mom - I'm not sure about those, my son found about his A school from MEPS. When he picked his job at MEPS after his ASVAB they told him how long his schooling would be. His recruiter told him also.
dbarton(ship04div223)
Jun 7, 2012
ENMomJapan@8-12(Pat)
Ruth,
My son's PIR was 4/20 too, he just finished A-school last week. He will be moving ships today. Is your son still in Great Lakes?
Jul 5, 2012
SuzieQ
My son is still in boot camp and had a question about visiting home during A school(Great Lakes). He wants to know when he will get some 'breaks' and he heard also that there were stages of A school where you got more freedom and stuff. Can anyone answer this for me so I can let him know?
Jul 26, 2012
Ray ray
my husband is still in the GL he is CS :) nice to meet you if your loved one is still here waiting. he leaves the later this month for VA
Jan 11, 2013
ellen0502
Hello, Here is the link to another group for GL A School that is active.
Great Lakes A School Q&A
Jan 28, 2013
sunon
Here for my daughter who just pir feb 1 shewill be here in gl for the next ten weeks , would love to hear about things that are must do while here
Feb 1, 2013
Josh'smom
Mar 25, 2013
Nautigator-Ship4Div800
Hi Mom's! I am new here today! My son is waiting in the Miami aiport for his flight to GL for boot camp and thereafter will be staying for additional 6 weeks of physicial training in preperations for Diving School. Are there any Moms out there with a son or daughter with a tentative PIR in early July and a Naval Combat Diving MOS? I am a mess today! Not good that I already miss him to pieces! This is harder than I ever imagined!
Sharon
May 6, 2013
Karen
Hi everyone.My SR is in bootcamp now with a PIR of 5/31/13.He just found out that he is staying in GL for A school (14 weeks) & then onto Groton,Ct. for sub school.I miss him terribly!! Happy Mothers Day to you all!!
May 12, 2013
kellyl
Hello all!!
My son SR graduates this Friday then will stay in GL for A school. I will be flying out tomorrow. Cannot wait to see him! :)
Jun 5, 2013
russmom ship13, div281
Does anyone know how long school is for Engine Man.
Jun 13, 2013
russmom ship13, div281
Jun 16, 2013
Janai'sMom
Hi Mom's! I'm a newbie to this group. I just spent a wonderful weekend with my daughter who PIR'd on 6/14. Back to the day to day "normal", but overjoyed that I can talk to my girl (almost!) anytime I want. It's weird that I'm not reaching for the computer to write her letters to RTC anymore-it was so much a part of my life for 89 days! Gladly replaced by phone calls ,texts and skype!
Jun 18, 2013
BoomMom
If my son has PIR Thanksgiving Wednesday, and is in GL for "A" School, is there (typically) any additional time with him other than Thanksgiving Day (like some of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)???
Jul 17, 2013
Boo's mom
What are you allowed to take them at PIR that they can have and keep at A School? Clothes, phone, computer, food, etc????
Jul 18, 2013
BoomMom
Good question, Boo's mom... As I have read that you can give your sailor electronic stuff AT THE AIRPORT (and not before) when flying off to "A" school, I wonder if they can have their personal items after they have moved into their new ship, after PIR in GL...? Also, if only remaining at GL for a couple more weeks (then off the Florida), can they have it at all there? Hope someone knows these answers.
Jul 22, 2013
Janai'sMom
Hi BoomMom and Boo's mom...Yes, they can have their personal items after they have moved to their new ship in GL. You can't give anything to them right after PIR, so there is no need to bring that stuff to the ceremony. It has to be after they are officially moved over and checked in. We gave our daughter's stuff to her once we "returned" her to her ship after going out to dinner Friday night. They can pretty much have anything they want at that time. Electronics, clothes, snacks, etc. It sure makes for some happy sailors! I hope this info helps.
Jul 22, 2013
margie
My son is currently awaiting to start his official classes for Fireman. Going thru his sexual harassment lectures now. but he has called us every night for the last 3 days. It's so wonderful hearing his voice and such a change from the no communication at all, except letters. Just wish we knew how long he was going to be in GL. He is supossed to go to San Diego, CA/USS AMERCIA
Aug 8, 2013
cindilouwho65
Sailor son is holding till training starts the 29th of this month. It will be 4-5weeks long ....he wants leave to come home and then it's off to Little Creek VA for him.
Aug 14, 2013
ChristinaMarie (Ship 14/Div 298)
Good morning everyone! I am new to this group and I was just hoping to get some info/advice. My son's PIR is this Friday and I can't wait to see him! He will be staying in GL for A-school and I was wondering what to expect this weekend. We are flying in Thursday night and will be renting a car for the weekend. Will we have all weekend with him? Any suggestions of what to do, bring, etc...? I just want to be as prepared as possible and I would appreciate any info you can provide having already been through all of this. Thank you!!
Sep 22, 2013
michelle
Sep 22, 2013
Janai'sMom
Hi Moms, when my daughter PIR'd in June, we went out to dinner that Friday night, and just spent the rest of the evening hanging out at the hotel. She had to be back on base at 10:00. We picked her up on Saturday, and went out to breakfast, went over to Gurnee Mills Mall, saw a movie, and did some shopping. There were some things she needed for school, and she wanted some new clothes that weren't khaki or blue! We got back to the hotel, and ordered Giordano's pizza (yum!) delivered to the room, and just relaxed and talked. On Sunday, we went to downtown Chicago, spent some time at the Navy Pier, Millenium Park, took a city tour by boat, and walked to Sears tower and got our picture taken at the top. A friend of a friend's owns a restaurant in Chicago, so we ate dinner there. We were back in GL in time to do some swimming at the hotel before she had to be back on base to say our goodbyes. We really let her dictate what she wanted to do, and just spent that first day catching up and hearing all her bootcamp stories. It was just a wonderful weekend! You will have all weekend with him after he checks in to his new base Friday after PIR, and then he will have liberty from about 7:00am to 10:00pm both Saturday and Sunday. He will know the specific times for sure. Enjoy every minute!
Sep 22, 2013
Janai'sMom
Oh, and moms, my daughter made it a point that she did not want to go to Six Flags during PIR weekend. They are in uniform all weekend long, and she didn't want to get it dirty. She has gone several times since then with her friends though, it sounds like it's very common for the new sailors to invest in a season pass since it's so close to base.
Sep 22, 2013
ChristinaMarie (Ship 14/Div 298)
Thank you for all the info! That is very helpful and sounds like we will be able to spend most of the weekend with him having fun. That is what I was hoping for... I really just plan on bringing his phone to him but feel like I am not thinking too clearly right now and will forget something! I do know Giordano's Pizza is the best and is a definite stop on our list! Michelle - we are almost there and it is so exciting!
Sep 22, 2013
Sherri357
Proud Navy mom of my son, He is currently at boot camp at Ship 02 Div 950 and graduates on Oct 25. My son tells me that he is doing well and has met some pretty awesome people that he already considers close friends. I have talked with him a few times on the phone and he sounds absolutely great!! Anxiously awaiting graduation, I miss him terribly and I can't wait to give him a great big hug!! A school in Great Lakes glad I will be able to spend some time with him.
Sep 27, 2013
margie
My son just grad. A school in GL. He is coming home today for his first leave. We have him for 10 days and then off he goes to San Diego, CA. I am so proud of my boy!
Sep 27, 2013
ChristinaMarie (Ship 14/Div 298)
Sherri357: My son just graduated boot camp on Friday and it was awesome! He will be at A-school in GL for a while so I will be visiting him as often as I can... You will be there for PIR before you know it, enjoying a wonderful weekend with your son and those moments will be priceless. If you have any questions just let me know and hang in there!
Margie: Enjoy your 10 days with your son!! Do they have a ceremony for A-school graduation as well? San Diego is beautiful... Congrats and wishing you all the best!
Janai'sMom: Thanks for all the great tips! We enjoyed Gurnee Mills Mall, Giordano's Pizza and Navy Pier. It was an amazing weekend!! Hope your daughter is doing great!
Sep 30, 2013
Bella'sMom
My daughter graduates 11/22 so of course already planning our trip to see her. She will be staying in GL for A-school. Will she have Thanksgiving off?
Oct 6, 2013
doubletrouble
Oct 20, 2013
Dobegno
Nov 18, 2013
Janai'sMom
Hi Dobegno. Congrats to you and your Sailor! May I ask? Are you staying in the GL area for a few days? I was able to rent a car relatively cheaply, we stayed in Gurnee (only about 8 min from base) and it gave us a lot of freedom. We were there from Wed-Mon (my daughter's PIR was on a Friday) and we were able to go to the mall, in to the city, and the freedom to come and go as we pleased, without having to worry about public transportation schedules. There is great taxi service (Yay Sarge!) and the Metra does go into Chicago, but depending on how much running around you want to do, I was really happy that I had the car.
Nov 18, 2013
Aaronsmom06 ship02 div903
Hi everyone! My son graduates on the 27th, and will be staying in GL for A school, I am curious if any of you know about Christmas leave, do they know anything as of now or do they have to wait until they get checked in before the even start that process??
Nov 18, 2013
Dobegno
Nov 18, 2013
proudnavymomof1
My son will graduate Bootcamp in Jan. He will be staying GL for A School
Dec 13, 2013
Momof4
My son's PIR is Jan.3rd...GL A school. He is ship03 Div043. We are coming from FtWorth,Tx area in rental car. Staying at Marriott in Waukegan.
Dec 13, 2013
MomOf4
Hi everyone, I'm new here. My SR is Ship 11 Div 067 and has PIR 24-11-2014. She will stay in GL for A School and we are from Tennessee
Dec 14, 2013
Janai'sMom
Welcome Momof4! Congrats to you and your new sailor!
Dec 14, 2013
Leigh (Justin's Mom)
Dec 14, 2013
mikesmom
Hello Ladies i'm new to this group, my SR PIR is 2/7/14
Jan 2, 2014
momma1992
Hello I am new to this group my sons PIR is 1-10-14. we are in south central pa. I am so excited about PIR and awaiting the "I am a sailor" call this week. Any advise for PIR or anything else is very welcomed looking forward to chatting with you.
Jan 4, 2014
mikesmom
Jan 5, 2014
Joni-Jd's mom
my SR will be staying in GL for A school his PIR is 1/24 how long is A school? will he get leave after A school?
Jan 5, 2014
momma1992
thanks mikesmom we are about an hour nw of you we are in loysville, perry county, I will let you know when my call comes i am sure I will be so excited I will post it everywhere...lol
Jan 5, 2014
mikesmom
Joni-Jd'smom - I assume his rate/job determines how long he will stay in A school. I know my son will be there for 10 weeks for his.
Jan 6, 2014
mikesmom
momma1992 - Save travels this week to Great Lakes!!!
Jan 6, 2014
KylesMom
Good Evening everyone! My name is Andrea and I'm new to the group, my son graduated boot camp November 22nd and has been on hold for A-school in GL. I hope everyone had wonderful holidays with their Sailor if they made it back home. :)
Jan 6, 2014
Joni-Jd's mom
my son will either be ET or FC not sure which yet so how long is that school
Jan 6, 2014
Leigh (Justin's Mom)
Jan 7, 2014
mikesmom
Leigh where are you staying, and what day are you flying in?
Jan 7, 2014
mikesmom
Joni-Jd's mom - I'm not sure about those, my son found about his A school from MEPS. When he picked his job at MEPS after his ASVAB they told him how long his schooling would be. His recruiter told him also.
Jan 7, 2014