Thanks Alex's Mom...I will join and check it out! He is not fc, but ET though. I b talked with my son, and he really likes A school,so far...much better than boot camp! ;)
My son graduates boot camp September 4th and will be staying in GL for A school he is going for engine man EN does anyone know of a group specifically for EN
A school is basic training after boot camp, it is about 2 months long. Depending what rating (job type) your sailor has chosen he will go to C school for a few more months or he can go on his first duty right after A School.
Hi, just wanted to comment out here how amazing PIR was on 1/8. I tried my best to not get emotional, but I was bursting with Pride. My son is now at GL for EM schooling serving on the USS Farragut. Please PM or Friend me if your son has the same rate or ship. :)
My husband is currently in school at GL and I am planning on travelling up to see him with our kiddos for Easter. Does anyone know of a good place to stay that has a decent suite or separate bedroom (preferred)?
@Shelley I like Residence Inn - it's close to the base if you planning on going back and forth; I've stayed there with my boys; I've also been successful at finding little homes on VRBO in Wisconsin (seems to be slightly cheaper than Il) when I don't have to go back and forth.
Hi ladies my son had pir on 1/08 he is a (mm) and I hope he starts school soon we are on hold til classes start suppose to start 1/26ish he is on the USS Missouri in Great Lakes
I am still in this group even though my Sailor left GL in August. There was not a lot of activity on here while my son was in A-school, so I decided to hang around in case someone needs some help. Most of the ships don't allow food because it is messy and will not help them with inspections, so it will depend upon what the rules are on his ship. You will have to ask him if it's okay to send food. I was able to visit my Sailor while he was there because I live locally. It is so much better than boot camp; my son had a great time. I hope this helps :)
MustangMom - there is Wifi at McDonalds and some other common areas on base. My son tried paying for Wifi in his barracks and it wasn't worth it because it was so slow.
I think I've read the answer to my question somewhere on here, but I can't find it now. My son is in ATT school right now and will finish that in the month or so. He's an FC. He just texted me and said that he's putting a leave chit in for after ATT. Do those chit typically get approved between ATT & A school. From what I'm reading, it's quite possible that he'll go back on hold again before A school begins. He was on hold after PIR for about 4 months. Sorry for the repeat question.
zachsmom92- No, the PIR pass will not work as you will not be going on that side of the base. If you visit your Sailor in A school you will park at the visitor's center and he will have to walk out to meet you. You will then have to drive onto the base with him (have your ID ready) and you will have to sign him out for his liberty time with you. I did it several times last year as my Sailor is now in Norfolk.
Question - my sailor will be graduating A school in early Feb, shortly after that he should promote to petty officer. I am trying to decide if I should go to the A school graduation or wait and go to his frocking. Are families allowed at the frocking? I though I had seen some photos of family members participating in the ceremony?
Does anyone know if the SR going to A-school at Great Lakes will have liberty on Saturday and Sunday? It sounds like they are checking in at A-school on Friday after Graduation.
My son's PIR is Jan 20 and then he's going to A school in GL. I've heard they can get WiFi if they pay for it. Is the WiFi pretty good? Are they allowed to have an X Box or is that not a good idea?
My sailor just had PIR 1/13/17. He is going to do A school in GL. But... He found out he is on hold for 3 months or so because it's full at the moment. He was supposed to be in A for 3 months but now it's going to be probably more like 6+ months. It was so hard to leave him knowing it's gonna be so long. But he's a navy man now. As his mom I have to get used to it and that he is all grown up. It's easier said than done though lol.
Hi Boise mom,
The WiFi is bad at GL so I wouldn't have him pay for it. There is free WiFi on base in a few locations. It's a nice base and there is a lot for them to do right there - bowling, movie theater, different places to eat and even a McDonalds. They don't have a lot of storage though and still have inspections and have to keep everything clean. A handheld game would be his best bet. Hope this helps
Hi Navymom2017,
Sorry your Sailor is on hold. Mine was on hold for a little while before A school and after before he was sent to Norfolk. He will be okay - I'm sure a lot of his buddies from boot camp are in the same boat and will be on hold right along with him. My Sailor didn't mind it there so much because it's way better than boot camp and there is a lot for them to do - see my comment to BoiseMom. Hang in there moms and continue to be proud. They'll be fine
Hi Navymom2017,
Do you mind if I ask what training your Sailor is scheduled for? Mine doesn't have PIR until 3/3 but is slated to go to A school at GL.
NavyMom, my Son also just graduated 1/13, and is also staying in GL, and is on a three month hold as well, I guess it's common anymore with schools being full.
LisaZski, he is going to be a GM. There is another GM there that had to wait 4 months before space opened for him. I just hope I get an address soon so I can start sending him care packages.
Is there a list of items they can/can't have at A school? My SR is graduating on 4/7 and we will be there until Sunday night. Can we go shopping and bring stuff on base? Are there mini fridges?I'm sure he'll know more once he go to indoc after graduation.
Our FR was on hold, and he could use his phone at the end of his day. Once his classes started, he would call or face time after class was over for the day. Or after chow. He is right now on hold for the next part of his A school, but he still calls in the evening as they often have duties during the day, or if they need to do banking, see Fleet & Family, etc, those things have to be done during the day on weekdays. Weekends they can use them anytime, unless they are on watch duty. Hope that helps
Getting ready to send my daughter a care package at A School. She has asked for civilian clothes, mainly undergarments! LOL. I was thinking about putting little notes with encouraging quotes in the box for her to open each day, but do not want for her to get into trouble. What are the restrictions on care packages from home for A School in Great Lakes?
Send it through USPS. As far as I know, those don't get opened in front of anyone. Some ships they are allowed to have snacks, some are not. The first ship our FR was on, he could have snacks and we sent several boxes. He's on the Missouri now and cannot have food sent to him. The undergarments and notes should be fine. We've sent socks and underwear.
I speak to my son almost every day and he called last night after the Skillet concert and was so happy to have been able to attend. He said they have carnival today and I think fireworks tonight. I am preparing him a box to mail out with some underwear, a new razor, wallet, toothpaste, VISA gift card, etc. He is own the Missouri, so I know food is out, any other suggestions?
We left Grest Lakes today. I hope this question doesn't sound stupid. Lol My son is now in A school. My question is..do they eat for free in the Galley? Or..is there a fee for their meals? He did mention that there are places like Pizza Hut and other fast food places. Just wondering. Thanks.
Alex's_Mom (Robin)
Alex is officially a SAILOR... He just called me from his new home for the next 173 days.
Aug 20, 2015
MissingMyKing
Aug 20, 2015
Alex's_Mom (Robin)
I am so happy for Alex. I am also so relieved that the waiting is over.
Aug 20, 2015
LaCheez⚓
Aug 20, 2015
James mom (Robin)
Aug 26, 2015
Menzvibe
My Sailor will be going to Great Lakes Illinois for MM. Would love to connect with other Mom's.
Sep 9, 2015
piglet
Sep 9, 2015
Julie M
Hello can anyone give me some info on what A school is? Iam new to this and am very confused,lol
Sep 29, 2015
amity109
Hi Julie M
A school is basic training after boot camp, it is about 2 months long. Depending what rating (job type) your sailor has chosen he will go to C school for a few more months or he can go on his first duty right after A School.
Oct 8, 2015
mesonJ
My SA started A school at GL yesterday. He is going for QM. Any other QM moms?
Dec 16, 2015
Classycalicat
@mesonJ
Hello! My son is @ GL & is a QM.
Dec 16, 2015
Cameronsmom
Hi, my son is on stand down leave right now, but when he returns to the A school, he will be there for MM. Any other MM Moms out there?
Dec 30, 2015
piglet
Dec 30, 2015
liltxnavymom
Hello, my daughter will be MM also in GL after her PIR on 01.08.16
Dec 30, 2015
Cameronsmom
Maybe they are in the same ship at A school. :)
Jan 4, 2016
amitylove
Hi, just wanted to comment out here how amazing PIR was on 1/8. I tried my best to not get emotional, but I was bursting with Pride. My son is now at GL for EM schooling serving on the USS Farragut. Please PM or Friend me if your son has the same rate or ship. :)
Jan 12, 2016
Myboysmom
Is anyone aware of any GL onbase notary services? Aside from the credit union? Or a phone number we can call to try to find that information?Thanks!
Jan 14, 2016
Shelley
My husband is currently in school at GL and I am planning on travelling up to see him with our kiddos for Easter. Does anyone know of a good place to stay that has a decent suite or separate bedroom (preferred)?
Jan 14, 2016
Myboysmom
Jan 14, 2016
Fla_navy_mom
Jan 21, 2016
Laurenw
Hi MissingMySon,
I am still in this group even though my Sailor left GL in August. There was not a lot of activity on here while my son was in A-school, so I decided to hang around in case someone needs some help. Most of the ships don't allow food because it is messy and will not help them with inspections, so it will depend upon what the rules are on his ship. You will have to ask him if it's okay to send food. I was able to visit my Sailor while he was there because I live locally. It is so much better than boot camp; my son had a great time. I hope this helps :)
Jan 26, 2016
Laurenw
You're welcome, MissingMySon. My son is in Norfolk now. He is a machinist mate.
Jan 31, 2016
MustangMom
Mar 7, 2016
Laurenw
MustangMom - there is Wifi at McDonalds and some other common areas on base. My son tried paying for Wifi in his barracks and it wasn't worth it because it was so slow.
Mar 7, 2016
MustangMom
Mar 7, 2016
MustangMom
Mar 18, 2016
annrea1024
I think I've read the answer to my question somewhere on here, but I can't find it now. My son is in ATT school right now and will finish that in the month or so. He's an FC. He just texted me and said that he's putting a leave chit in for after ATT. Do those chit typically get approved between ATT & A school. From what I'm reading, it's quite possible that he'll go back on hold again before A school begins. He was on hold after PIR for about 4 months. Sorry for the repeat question.
Apr 12, 2016
Alex's_Mom (Robin)
I have a question, are there any groups for FC's going to Dam Neck, VA?
Jun 18, 2016
zachsmom92
Does anyone know if the vehicle pass for PIR works through the weekend if your SR stays at GL for A school?
Jul 15, 2016
Laurenw
zachsmom92- No, the PIR pass will not work as you will not be going on that side of the base. If you visit your Sailor in A school you will park at the visitor's center and he will have to walk out to meet you. You will then have to drive onto the base with him (have your ID ready) and you will have to sign him out for his liberty time with you. I did it several times last year as my Sailor is now in Norfolk.
Jul 15, 2016
SherrieV
Question - my sailor will be graduating A school in early Feb, shortly after that he should promote to petty officer. I am trying to decide if I should go to the A school graduation or wait and go to his frocking. Are families allowed at the frocking? I though I had seen some photos of family members participating in the ceremony?
Oct 19, 2016
EvaNH
Jan 1, 2017
BoiseMom
My son's PIR is Jan 20 and then he's going to A school in GL. I've heard they can get WiFi if they pay for it. Is the WiFi pretty good? Are they allowed to have an X Box or is that not a good idea?
Jan 11, 2017
Navymom2017
Jan 16, 2017
Laurenw
The WiFi is bad at GL so I wouldn't have him pay for it. There is free WiFi on base in a few locations. It's a nice base and there is a lot for them to do right there - bowling, movie theater, different places to eat and even a McDonalds. They don't have a lot of storage though and still have inspections and have to keep everything clean. A handheld game would be his best bet. Hope this helps
Jan 16, 2017
Laurenw
Sorry your Sailor is on hold. Mine was on hold for a little while before A school and after before he was sent to Norfolk. He will be okay - I'm sure a lot of his buddies from boot camp are in the same boat and will be on hold right along with him. My Sailor didn't mind it there so much because it's way better than boot camp and there is a lot for them to do - see my comment to BoiseMom. Hang in there moms and continue to be proud. They'll be fine
Jan 16, 2017
LisaZski
Do you mind if I ask what training your Sailor is scheduled for? Mine doesn't have PIR until 3/3 but is slated to go to A school at GL.
Jan 16, 2017
Melissa
Jan 16, 2017
SherrieV
My son's PIR was March 18, 2016, he is FC and will be finally finishing up A school in a few weeks. It can take some time to class up.
Jan 17, 2017
Navymom2017
Jan 17, 2017
CherylG
Is there a list of items they can/can't have at A school? My SR is graduating on 4/7 and we will be there until Sunday night. Can we go shopping and bring stuff on base? Are there mini fridges?I'm sure he'll know more once he go to indoc after graduation.
Mar 16, 2017
kblt1998
Morning. I was wondering how I confirm the address at A school and if I can have a laptop shipped there? Has anyone shipped something like that?
Apr 21, 2017
Karen
What privileges do the sailors have for the 4th of July?
Jun 7, 2017
blackbirdmom
Our FR was on hold, and he could use his phone at the end of his day. Once his classes started, he would call or face time after class was over for the day. Or after chow. He is right now on hold for the next part of his A school, but he still calls in the evening as they often have duties during the day, or if they need to do banking, see Fleet & Family, etc, those things have to be done during the day on weekdays. Weekends they can use them anytime, unless they are on watch duty. Hope that helps
Jun 27, 2017
Hdh
Getting ready to send my daughter a care package at A School. She has asked for civilian clothes, mainly undergarments! LOL. I was thinking about putting little notes with encouraging quotes in the box for her to open each day, but do not want for her to get into trouble. What are the restrictions on care packages from home for A School in Great Lakes?
Jun 30, 2017
blackbirdmom
Send it through USPS. As far as I know, those don't get opened in front of anyone. Some ships they are allowed to have snacks, some are not. The first ship our FR was on, he could have snacks and we sent several boxes. He's on the Missouri now and cannot have food sent to him. The undergarments and notes should be fine. We've sent socks and underwear.
Jun 30, 2017
brynne21
I speak to my son almost every day and he called last night after the Skillet concert and was so happy to have been able to attend. He said they have carnival today and I think fireworks tonight. I am preparing him a box to mail out with some underwear, a new razor, wallet, toothpaste, VISA gift card, etc. He is own the Missouri, so I know food is out, any other suggestions?
Jul 4, 2017
Jakeypoo
Aug 20, 2017
Ima
It was my understanding that they pay a food allowance is deducted from their pay every month.
Aug 21, 2017
Jakeypoo
Thank you Cj and Ima. :0) Another question. Are they allowed to use their cell phones during the week? Or..just on the weekends? Thanks.
Aug 21, 2017