Proud Navy mom from Hawk Point, MO. My SR will hopefully be a Sailor in a few days. PIR 01/17/14 & I'm counting the days! Going to A school in GL... close to 2 yrs, I believe. At least I'm close to St Louis Amtrak, huh? :)
Hi KlylesMom! Welcome! My son will graduate BC 2/7 then will be in A school in Great Lakes for a few months. Do you know what the hold up is with your sons A school?
Hi Mikesmom, How exciting for you to be counting down to graduation. :) Life gets easier after they get to A-school, communication is alot easier. Not sure about schooling Kyle told me the government shutdown has things backed up. Hopefully they start soon, he's getting frustrated. I guess they do alot of cleaning. For all the holds I've seen online, that place should be sparkling.
Hello everyone, I am counting down to my son's PIR on 02/07/14! He will be staying in GL for A school. I look forward to connecting with others that have loved ones staying there. We are coming from the West Coast and I am so excited to be able to see my son! It has been a lesson in patience. Any information you veteran moms have about PIR weekend with sailors that check in at GL is much appreciated.
Hi Hurleygirl, my son graduated on 11/23, it was awsome, u are lucky if ur son stays for a school because u will have more time with him then others shipping out. After graduation we just visited a short time( they are nervous and unclear of the plans) they have to check in the new housing- we went back to hotel, then went back to main gate at 5:30 to wait. Ty was exhausted but excited so we hung out at the hotel, and took a nap before dinner. You will have to bring him back to base by 10 and pick up in morning each day. The mall in Gurnee is real nice and he bought underclothes, socks etc. and we just roamed around. Also went to Chicago. The John Hancock tower and the fish aquarium both were free for sailors and really nice way to spend a cold day at. They even came out in the cold and got us from the line and brought us in the VIP line ( was so honored to be with my sailor). Really he just wanted to hang out and he took several naps:)
Thank you so much for that! I expect him to be tired and excited as well. I was a Navy wife as well, and my boys dad passed in 2000. My SR stated that one of the reasons he wanted to join was to honor his Dad. I am so very honored that he chose the Navy. I am proud of both of my boys, their Dad would be so very happy and proud of them both. I am also really excited that his older brother is able to come and be with me. It will be a very special, happy time that I am sure will be filled with tears. I am just relieved that we will have a couple of days to spend together. I really appreciate all of the very helpful information on this site! What a great group of people to be able to talk to and understand! I love the John Hancock tower and aquarium ideas.
Good morning everyone! I'm new to this group, joined a while ago but have been busy in my PIR group. My daughter is expected to graduate next Friday (1/24) and there is something I am wondering about. She has sent me a list of items she wants me to bring to her for A school, like civilian clothes, her phone, laptop, shoes etc. My question is, if I put her stuff in a duffle bag will she be allowed to carry it on to base?
Hi Momof4, Congratulations on your new sailor, and welcome to the group. When my daughter PIR'd in June, we brought her electronics, clothes, etc. also. Remember, they don't have a lot of space. She carried her things back in her backpack, not her duffle. Since you're there for the weekend, you'll be able to make a couple trips if needed. They check the bags when going into their new "ship" but it's not a problem. My daughter also purchased necessities (laundry soap, coat hangers, girly body wash, etc) and bringing those in also was not a problem. There is another group on this site that you may want to join:
Great Lakes A School Q&A it seems to be a more active group, and might be a little easier to get any questions answered quickly.
My daughter loved GL, she was there from June-Nov. I was very impressed when we were there for PIR weekend. Enjoy every minute! Welcome to the family!
Thanks Janai'sMom I appreciate the information! I know she is ready to be able to use her favorite Bath & Body Works products and she especially misses her favorite shampoo and...bras that fit! I can't wait to see her next week, it's been a very LONG 9 weeks!
HI. I am new to this group as well, and my son should be graduating PIR on Friday, January 24~! I am so excited! I have not received the "I'm a Sailor!" call yet, but I am anticipating it by Thursday. Glad to be in this group!
Hi, Ladies:) I am new here also.... My son is expected to PIR on the 24th. I am anxiously awaiting the "ima sailor " call..... can not wait.... I am curious about what kinds of things I can send with him to A school the Friday nite of PIR.... Can I send his laptop and cell phone with him? nice to meet all of you. Gods love and blessings to each of you tonight. Thankyou
My understanding is that they cannot have anything until they make to trip across the street to school. Once they are settled in A School and they are aloud to leave for liberty they can take back their lap tops and cell phones. They don't have a lot of space for storage so lap top and phone are a good start.
My son had PIR on 1/10/14. After we saw him for a few minutes after graduation he had to go back to RTC (boot camp) and process out. He then went to A school there at GL and we were able to pick him up around 3 that afternoon. At that point he was able to have his cell phone. He was on liberty that Friday night until 930 and then Saturday and Sunday we were able to pick him up at 7 each morning until 930 each night. He did of course want his boxers haha. But I had also brought some of his civilian clothes. He took a large duffle bag back with him on Saturday night along with his computer. Then we bought him a 24 inch tv for his room on Sunday. And I have since shipped his xbox to him. He has a closet that his clothes fit in and the tv also when not using. He did not have any issues bringing all of this stuff in. NOW, he cannot wear civilian clothes other than his underwear until he phases up, but the commander does allow them to sleep in their nike shorts at night. He may have an exceptional situation and they may not all be that way but that was our experience. Hope this helps some. Congratulations to all of you and your sailors.
Another thing, he is on hold at this time. I am not really understanding this. Can anyone shed some light here. He says there are not enough for the class right now and that there really isn't even room for them in the fleet. Could this become a big problem and is this hold time still counting against his time enlisted for??
Hello everyone - I'm new to this group. My daughters PIR was 01/17/14 and she will now be in A school there in Great Lakes. Does anyone know when she can have her car? I want to make plans to get it to her but I have no idea when she can have it and drive it. I appreciate any help. Thanks.
Hi Navymomx3. Congratulations to you and your daughter. My daughter finished A School in October. I am under the strong impression that they cannot have a car while at school, it is only allowed for officers and instuctors. Have her look into this. Getting around the area is easy, convenient ,and affordable though. There are taxi's 24/7 at the base exit, and most often, sailors will share cab fare to wherever they are going around town. The Metra train station is only about a mile away (right next to BC base) and the train goes right into Chicago. My daughter took it often. Like I said, have her look into the car situation, but I'm almost certain. Some moms have said if they do have a car, it has to be parked off base, and it's not in a safe area. There is another group on here, Great Lakes A School Q&A, that is a little more active and you may get more responses to your questions. I hope this info helps.
A little confused regarding time at school. My son graduated 1/31/2014. His real first week of school started this week. He was told that he will be assigned as a Boatswain Mate and will be heading for May Port and that he will finish his school 2/24th, and can come home for a few days. But it seems that he hasn't had enough training for this if he is coming home this soon. Everything I have read so far, indicates that this training for this would be about 5 weeks. Does this sound right?
Hello all, my husband graduates on Wednesday next week. He's already gotten his medical and dental clearance as well passed his pft. So since all necessary things are done how long will they keep him after he graduates? Also, how long does it take for his BAH to switch from great lakes, to norfolk VA?
My son call me today to tell me that he received his verbal orders. He said that they should have their hard copy orders by next Tuesday. He graduates A School this Friday. I can't wait until he comes home on leave. He will be stationed in San Diego, CA.
Does anyone know what type ship is best to be on at sea? I know carriers are the largest & less rocking of the waves but since they're so big, there's less liberty time since it's time consuming getting sailors off the ship. Plus, they have to dock at large ports. The food isn't as good either. I am just stating what I've read. Any ideas? I know the Navy will put my son where he's needed, but he's thinking about changing his ship preference.
I'm hoping someone can answer a question I have. My son graduated A school yesterday and will be going to San Diego for C school. He wants to come home for the 2 weeks before he has to report there. How does leave work? Does he fly home and then back to Chicago and then fly to San Diego? Or can he have is ticket to San Diego rerouted home and then we get him a ticket to San Diego? Thanks for the help
I am not sure but there is another site that is more active and they have answered my questions,it is GL A school questions and answers .If you look under GROUPS
1proudmama - I suppose by now your son is home on leave?! My son graduates A school Thursday & will be home Friday on leave before reporting for duty in Norfolk. He will fly from Chicago, home to Houston & then Norfolk. He will not report back to Chicago before going to Norfolk.
Bring him some black long johns and glove liners- he's going to need them at GL! My daughter just graduated 12/31 and I'm express shipping her some tomorrow! It's like 3 degrees with if windchill of -13!
Hi all, can you tell me who is allowed to check your sailor out on the weekend? Family, friends and how many are needed to check him out? He is phase 1? Thanks
Hi All
My SR is a undesignated Sailor at GL A School and she has been checking her self in and out she wanted to learn the Train so she took the train to us and we met her and we took her back they can stay out till 10 and you can drive them to the dorm this weekend has been a great experience her mom brother and best friend and I flew up from vegas so we enjoyed the weekend until the blizzard hit she told us we can come on the base with her and go bowling and other recreation so I will be back up in March cause it's her birthday and she ships out to virginia
When a Sailor is at A School, do they get weekend liberty only at certain times? My son will be attending GL A School but could very possibly not be graduating with his PIR. What I have read, once he passes all aspects, then he will go straight to A School. We want to go up and see him.
Hello! I am the newbie. My son just had PIR on Friday, May 15 and is staying at Great Lakes "A" School. Any information would be appreciated on anything there as we are clueless.
My son will graduate 06/26 and is staying in GL for A School. Does anyone know if he will be required to check in every night to A School or will he be able to stay with us through the weekend? Just report back on Sunday night? I was mapping out how far it was from boot camp and the hotel we are staying to where the A school was and its a little bit of a drive!
Your son will have daytime liberty but will be required to be back on base each night. My son graduated on 5/8 and our weekend went as such...... We got to spend about an hour following graduation with him and then he had to go back to his quarters, pack up and then move to the other base before liberty. We had to wait until around 4 pm to go to dinner. He had to be back in his quarters before 10 pm. Then on both Saturday and Sunday, we were able to pick him up around 6:30 am and have all day with him. He had to be back by 9:00 pm. Hope this helps.
He will be required to report to A school right away. Once they are done with their processing in he will be able to contact you to tell you he is ready. They tell you it could take several hours for this processing and I'm sure it can, but we got the phone call in about an hour. You will have to meet him outside of the gate at the Training Support Center. The easiest place to meet them is by the museum just outside the gate. He will have to report back to his command before he leaves for the rest of the day because you will have to check him out and then go back in at night when you check him back in. You can drive onto the base, but only when he is in the car with you and you will all be required to show your identification so make sure everyone in the car has theirs with them.
He will have to report back to his ship every night. Liberty started for my son about 7 both Saturday and Sunday mornings and he had either 10 or 11 at night, but allow plenty of time as a buffer to make sure he is checked in on time. The line to check in and out gets pretty long with everyone trying to do the same thing.
Just a little piece of advice. As excited as you are to see him and he is to see you, be prepared for him to be ready to go back to his ship early both nights if not all three nights. The whole weekend is very exciting for them because it it their first taste of freedom in 8 weeks. We all wanted to spend as much time as we could together but our son asked us to take him back early to be able to decompress. They have been on the go non-stop for 8 weeks and just need some down time before the next big thing (school) starts.
Good luck to your son and thank you for your service as well as his!!
I am so excited, my son Alex finally passed his run in FIT and Tuesday I should get the I'm a Sailor call and then I will officially be a part of this group. He will be in A School in GL for AECF - FC
Hello, I am new to this group, as this is my son's first week of A school as an AECF-ET. I was wondering if anyone else has someone in school now, graduated as an AECF-ET, or just a wealth of knowledge of what that job rate actually does. I have bits and pieces of what they do, but not a lot of information. I am curious to know what he will be doing in A school as well as what type of things he will do when he actually is put somewhere after C-school.
Leigh (Justin's Mom)
I'm staying @ spring hill suites in Waukegan. I fly in Thursday the 6th.
Jan 7, 2014
momma1992
thank you mikesmom!! we leave tomorrow
Jan 7, 2014
travsproudmom
Proud Navy mom from Hawk Point, MO. My SR will hopefully be a Sailor in a few days. PIR 01/17/14 & I'm counting the days! Going to A school in GL... close to 2 yrs, I believe. At least I'm close to St Louis Amtrak, huh? :)
Jan 8, 2014
mikesmom
Jan 8, 2014
KylesMom
Hi Mikesmom, How exciting for you to be counting down to graduation. :) Life gets easier after they get to A-school, communication is alot easier. Not sure about schooling Kyle told me the government shutdown has things backed up. Hopefully they start soon, he's getting frustrated. I guess they do alot of cleaning. For all the holds I've seen online, that place should be sparkling.
Jan 9, 2014
Hurleygirl
Hello everyone, I am counting down to my son's PIR on 02/07/14! He will be staying in GL for A school. I look forward to connecting with others that have loved ones staying there. We are coming from the West Coast and I am so excited to be able to see my son! It has been a lesson in patience. Any information you veteran moms have about PIR weekend with sailors that check in at GL is much appreciated.
Jan 9, 2014
Dobegno
Jan 9, 2014
Hurleygirl
Dobegno,
Thank you so much for that! I expect him to be tired and excited as well. I was a Navy wife as well, and my boys dad passed in 2000. My SR stated that one of the reasons he wanted to join was to honor his Dad. I am so very honored that he chose the Navy. I am proud of both of my boys, their Dad would be so very happy and proud of them both. I am also really excited that his older brother is able to come and be with me. It will be a very special, happy time that I am sure will be filled with tears. I am just relieved that we will have a couple of days to spend together. I really appreciate all of the very helpful information on this site! What a great group of people to be able to talk to and understand! I love the John Hancock tower and aquarium ideas.
Jan 9, 2014
mikesmom
Hi hurleygirl my son PIR is 2/7 also. I'm countung down the days!
Jan 15, 2014
MomOf4
Good morning everyone! I'm new to this group, joined a while ago but have been busy in my PIR group. My daughter is expected to graduate next Friday (1/24) and there is something I am wondering about. She has sent me a list of items she wants me to bring to her for A school, like civilian clothes, her phone, laptop, shoes etc. My question is, if I put her stuff in a duffle bag will she be allowed to carry it on to base?
Jan 17, 2014
Janai'sMom
Hi Momof4, Congratulations on your new sailor, and welcome to the group. When my daughter PIR'd in June, we brought her electronics, clothes, etc. also. Remember, they don't have a lot of space. She carried her things back in her backpack, not her duffle. Since you're there for the weekend, you'll be able to make a couple trips if needed. They check the bags when going into their new "ship" but it's not a problem. My daughter also purchased necessities (laundry soap, coat hangers, girly body wash, etc) and bringing those in also was not a problem. There is another group on this site that you may want to join:
Great Lakes A School Q&A it seems to be a more active group, and might be a little easier to get any questions answered quickly.
My daughter loved GL, she was there from June-Nov. I was very impressed when we were there for PIR weekend. Enjoy every minute! Welcome to the family!
Jan 18, 2014
MomOf4
Thanks Janai'sMom I appreciate the information! I know she is ready to be able to use her favorite Bath & Body Works products and she especially misses her favorite shampoo and...bras that fit! I can't wait to see her next week, it's been a very LONG 9 weeks!
Jan 18, 2014
Kspirit7
HI. I am new to this group as well, and my son should be graduating PIR on Friday, January 24~! I am so excited! I have not received the "I'm a Sailor!" call yet, but I am anticipating it by Thursday. Glad to be in this group!
Jan 18, 2014
jamieRN Div. 073 PIR 1/24
Hi, Ladies:) I am new here also.... My son is expected to PIR on the 24th. I am anxiously awaiting the "ima sailor " call..... can not wait.... I am curious about what kinds of things I can send with him to A school the Friday nite of PIR.... Can I send his laptop and cell phone with him? nice to meet all of you. Gods love and blessings to each of you tonight. Thankyou
Jan 18, 2014
mspaint
My understanding is that they cannot have anything until they make to trip across the street to school. Once they are settled in A School and they are aloud to leave for liberty they can take back their lap tops and cell phones. They don't have a lot of space for storage so lap top and phone are a good start.
Jan 19, 2014
mspaint
My son is begging for boxers! Hahahaha never thought underwear would be such a luxury!
Jan 19, 2014
Lisa4495
Jan 20, 2014
Lisa4495
Jan 20, 2014
navymomx3
Jan 22, 2014
Janai'sMom
Hi Navymomx3. Congratulations to you and your daughter. My daughter finished A School in October. I am under the strong impression that they cannot have a car while at school, it is only allowed for officers and instuctors. Have her look into this. Getting around the area is easy, convenient ,and affordable though. There are taxi's 24/7 at the base exit, and most often, sailors will share cab fare to wherever they are going around town. The Metra train station is only about a mile away (right next to BC base) and the train goes right into Chicago. My daughter took it often. Like I said, have her look into the car situation, but I'm almost certain. Some moms have said if they do have a car, it has to be parked off base, and it's not in a safe area. There is another group on here, Great Lakes A School Q&A, that is a little more active and you may get more responses to your questions. I hope this info helps.
Jan 23, 2014
Lisa L.
A little confused regarding time at school. My son graduated 1/31/2014. His real first week of school started this week. He was told that he will be assigned as a Boatswain Mate and will be heading for May Port and that he will finish his school 2/24th, and can come home for a few days. But it seems that he hasn't had enough training for this if he is coming home this soon. Everything I have read so far, indicates that this training for this would be about 5 weeks. Does this sound right?
Feb 11, 2014
Amani_2013
Mar 20, 2014
Navymom111413
My son call me today to tell me that he received his verbal orders. He said that they should have their hard copy orders by next Tuesday. He graduates A School this Friday. I can't wait until he comes home on leave. He will be stationed in San Diego, CA.
Apr 8, 2014
seasport
Does anyone know what type ship is best to be on at sea? I know carriers are the largest & less rocking of the waves but since they're so big, there's less liberty time since it's time consuming getting sailors off the ship. Plus, they have to dock at large ports. The food isn't as good either. I am just stating what I've read. Any ideas? I know the Navy will put my son where he's needed, but he's thinking about changing his ship preference.
Apr 28, 2014
Liberty
Hi- I am looking for anyone who has a child or spouse in GSE school...or works at that job. Thank you!
May 24, 2014
1proudmama
I'm hoping someone can answer a question I have. My son graduated A school yesterday and will be going to San Diego for C school. He wants to come home for the 2 weeks before he has to report there. How does leave work? Does he fly home and then back to Chicago and then fly to San Diego? Or can he have is ticket to San Diego rerouted home and then we get him a ticket to San Diego? Thanks for the help
May 31, 2014
Darlene
I am not sure but there is another site that is more active and they have answered my questions,it is GL A school questions and answers .If you look under GROUPS
May 31, 2014
seasport
1proudmama - I suppose by now your son is home on leave?! My son graduates A school Thursday & will be home Friday on leave before reporting for duty in Norfolk. He will fly from Chicago, home to Houston & then Norfolk. He will not report back to Chicago before going to Norfolk.
Jun 3, 2014
pamnavymom2015
My son will be attending A-School in GL after PIR. Leaving for BC 1/21/15
Jan 5, 2015
Ericuts
Jan 6, 2015
ConcernedMom
Jan 17, 2015
Julie-Jake
Jan 26, 2015
ConcernedMom
Julie-Jake I have search "Liberty" there is a page that tells you everyting
Feb 1, 2015
coachjb12003
My SR is a undesignated Sailor at GL A School and she has been checking her self in and out she wanted to learn the Train so she took the train to us and we met her and we took her back they can stay out till 10 and you can drive them to the dorm this weekend has been a great experience her mom brother and best friend and I flew up from vegas so we enjoyed the weekend until the blizzard hit she told us we can come on the base with her and go bowling and other recreation so I will be back up in March cause it's her birthday and she ships out to virginia
Feb 2, 2015
tjskip
When a Sailor is at A School, do they get weekend liberty only at certain times? My son will be attending GL A School but could very possibly not be graduating with his PIR. What I have read, once he passes all aspects, then he will go straight to A School. We want to go up and see him.
Apr 30, 2015
Sharonclips
May 1, 2015
tjskip
Thank you for the information, Kimberly68. I would love to see my son.
May 2, 2015
Loving Mom
Hello! I am the newbie. My son just had PIR on Friday, May 15 and is staying at Great Lakes "A" School. Any information would be appreciated on anything there as we are clueless.
May 21, 2015
Vanessa
My son will graduate 06/26 and is staying in GL for A School. Does anyone know if he will be required to check in every night to A School or will he be able to stay with us through the weekend? Just report back on Sunday night? I was mapping out how far it was from boot camp and the hotel we are staying to where the A school was and its a little bit of a drive!
Jun 8, 2015
terridc33
Your son will have daytime liberty but will be required to be back on base each night. My son graduated on 5/8 and our weekend went as such...... We got to spend about an hour following graduation with him and then he had to go back to his quarters, pack up and then move to the other base before liberty. We had to wait until around 4 pm to go to dinner. He had to be back in his quarters before 10 pm. Then on both Saturday and Sunday, we were able to pick him up around 6:30 am and have all day with him. He had to be back by 9:00 pm. Hope this helps.
Jun 8, 2015
NavyMom2014
He will be required to report to A school right away. Once they are done with their processing in he will be able to contact you to tell you he is ready. They tell you it could take several hours for this processing and I'm sure it can, but we got the phone call in about an hour. You will have to meet him outside of the gate at the Training Support Center. The easiest place to meet them is by the museum just outside the gate. He will have to report back to his command before he leaves for the rest of the day because you will have to check him out and then go back in at night when you check him back in. You can drive onto the base, but only when he is in the car with you and you will all be required to show your identification so make sure everyone in the car has theirs with them.
He will have to report back to his ship every night. Liberty started for my son about 7 both Saturday and Sunday mornings and he had either 10 or 11 at night, but allow plenty of time as a buffer to make sure he is checked in on time. The line to check in and out gets pretty long with everyone trying to do the same thing.
Just a little piece of advice. As excited as you are to see him and he is to see you, be prepared for him to be ready to go back to his ship early both nights if not all three nights. The whole weekend is very exciting for them because it it their first taste of freedom in 8 weeks. We all wanted to spend as much time as we could together but our son asked us to take him back early to be able to decompress. They have been on the go non-stop for 8 weeks and just need some down time before the next big thing (school) starts.
Good luck to your son and thank you for your service as well as his!!
Jun 8, 2015
Vanessa
Thank you both NavyMom2014 and terridc33 for the info! His girlfriend will be with us so I doubt he will want to go back early lol
Do you know how far it is from the boot camp place to the A School? Were staying at Navy Lodge.
Jun 9, 2015
terridc33
I believe that the Navy lodge is on the side of GL Navy facility where the A school takes place, so you will actually be very close.
Jun 9, 2015
Vanessa
Oh I thought the A School was at Training Support Center?
Jun 9, 2015
Vanessa
Nevermind I think I found it!
Jun 9, 2015
Alex's_Mom (Robin)
I am so excited, my son Alex finally passed his run in FIT and Tuesday I should get the I'm a Sailor call and then I will officially be a part of this group. He will be in A School in GL for AECF - FC
Aug 15, 2015
jbf2006
Alex's Mom Congrats! What a relief...Job well done! These young men and women have such determination.
Aug 17, 2015
Alex's_Mom (Robin)
Aug 17, 2015
LaCheez⚓
Hello, I am new to this group, as this is my son's first week of A school as an AECF-ET. I was wondering if anyone else has someone in school now, graduated as an AECF-ET, or just a wealth of knowledge of what that job rate actually does. I have bits and pieces of what they do, but not a lot of information. I am curious to know what he will be doing in A school as well as what type of things he will do when he actually is put somewhere after C-school.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Aug 19, 2015
Alex's_Mom (Robin)
http://navyformoms.com/group/fcsfirecontrol
Aug 19, 2015