Moms of IS (Intelligence Specialist) sailors.

The busses drop the sailors off at O'Hare not too far from the location of the USO.  Best place to meet your sailor is at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the USO.  It is the USO before you go through security.  (There are 2 at O'Hare)

Wow that would be awesome to have that ifo, they can tell us the departure airport and time???  That would be just great!

They have their flight info the night before, but of course you probably wont know until u see them at PIR.  We dropped Brie off at RTC @ 19:30, she had to stand watch from 20:00 to 22:00. I went to the airport about 11:30 in order to be sure to see her...she wasnt sure we would be able to meet at the USO...there was some confusing info given to them.  Once they check in at the USO they can hang out IN THE AIRPORT with you.  Because there were so many recruits, parents were not allowed in the USO. She was exhausted by the time they got to VA she'd been up 36 hours, then they still needed to be processed in and check into their room.

 At Classification I think they can only give general info. No one knows for certain yet if he makes it through Battlestations 21, A school, etc. Of course he will, but no one would be giving classified info to someone they are not yet 1000% sure will complete. I pretty sure they are just going over the details of what he can expect for the near future and a way of motivating them through boot camp to keep their focus on their goal. Very generalized until they get to the school and the Navy sees their interests, talents and abilities to best help them match a good field of work.

Quick question - are your SR's active duty or reserves?

OOOPS  I just keep checking because it was never said he had to go to C school, his report date for A school is 10/1 and that wuld put his graduation from A around the end of Dec, or first week of Jan.  then he is registered for college second semester at college.  I did speak to his recruiter and he said to continue with the college plan, he wont have to do C school right away??  Ryansgirl, how long was his A school once he started?  12- or 13 weeks?  Is there a way when u talk to him next if u can see if everyone has to do C school right away or can he do that later?  My son said that he thought he would do that in a few years?

HELP!

Great - this will cost me money, we have deposites on housing and have traveled there to secure his admission...wish we would have known this one.  I know there are no guarantees, however, this is a bit much. It affects a whole lot of things, coud his recruiter really not known that he had to go to c school?  Would u ask him if he can see if they have had reservists who return for C school at a later time?  Please -  Maybe an instructor has seen that before or it is an option, they just dont advertise it?

ProudMaMa,

I know there are other moms who have reservists and may have additional insight into this, but being a Navy vet myself and having three kids in the Navy, I will tell you that if he doesn't take his C school right after A school, he may never get that chance to go back for a C school for a LONG time.  It is always based on the needs of the Navy and not the needs of the individual.  I know that sounds harsh and I don't intend it that way directed towards anyone personal, but the reality is, if you don't get the training when the Navy offers it, you will be hard pressed to get it later on, on your terms.  Just something to keep in mind as you make your decisions!!!!  Wishing you both good luck and hope it works out well for you!!

Anna is right...if they have the opportunity for training.................take it! Depending on which C school they take (even though the school might be shorter in length, some are more math oriented some are writing and research intensive) they may be able to earn 20+ credit hours towards college (and get paid!) Some of the real go-getters who are full-timers end up coming back for a second specialty...never too much education. :-)

For reservists, I do believe it is more difficult for them to return for more schooling later. I believe I would encourage all sailors to take as many training and educational opportunities as they are offered.

Thank u all, I totally agree with the schooling and would encourage him completely to do so.  I am a Navy vet, I was not an IS and was not familiar with the training, when I served C school was not an immediate option, and not being told ahead and planning his college arrival, it was just not expected.  We certainly would not have done the ground work and planning for college if we had any indication C school would be right after A.  He is fine with it, he sent a letter to his future roomy and said he would not be at college next semester, that he needs to complete his training for his job.  First child in college, I wanted to be prepared and on the ball, well I did, and his day will come.  Leaving him at school should be easy now?  Hopefully?  Just to confirm, the C schools for IS are in the same location, yes?

Yes to the location. "A" and "C" are both in Dam Neck, Virginia.

Thank u so much, I am set.  Full steam ahead - ooops am I showing my age?  LOL

Dear ProudMaMa,  Agree. Tricky situation.    One just never knows exactly what the Navy will be in a position to offer @ any given time.  I'm glad to hear your son is "ok" with things.  It is VERY difficult to predict in any way, shape or form what the Navy will be able to offer.  I agree with the other opinions from Moms indicating that it is wise to take advantage of what the Navy is offering your son after A school.  My son is an IS.  Graduated July 2011.  He developed a hernia during Basic & ended up @ Great Lakes for 4 months.  We prayed & prayed this wouldn't interfere with his specialty IS training, knowing that all is based on the Navy's needs & if there wasn't an opening for an IS when he finally recovered & was able to resume Basic, he wouldn't be able to continue with that training.  He fought very hard to obtain that specialty for a multitude of reasons so our perspective would always be to take it when the Navy is able to offer.  I do feel badly for you that you would suffer some financial losses related to his college plans because of this but if this is what your son really wants, he would always be able to find the schooling under some circumstance but the opportunity he really wants with the Navy may not be available when it fits into the school schedule.  Unfortunately, the recruiters truly may not have had any idea that this would happen.  Good luck & all my prayers as you mull over exactly what your family's going to do with this situation.  On a brighter note, I can tell you, my son (not a reservist) is INCREDIBLY pleased with his decision to pursue & hold out for the IS position.  It was the right thing for him. I would be most interested in updates from you on the situation.  Somehow, things always work out & I'd love to stay up on how you & your family work through this.  My son's journey thus far has been filled with ups & downs but the one "constant" is "no constant" - it"s the military, if one thinks they are sure of something, likely it will go down differently than the original "plans." HIs time & experiences in the Navy have been great despite never really knowing what will actually happen - we've learned never to "count" on anything until it's actually happening or has happened.  Thoughts & prayers to you & yours & I look forward to seeing how this wonderful story your son is currently "writing" actually unfolds...  Stay strong....

Thank u so much for the message.  It is very comforting knowing u are not alone.  I understand and truly appreciate the opportunities the Navy has given my son.  He is a great kid and will make the best sailor.  He has been talking about the Navy for years and at one point we were talking about the pay scales and he said "u get paid too?"  He was going to join the Navy to serve his country and his training was his reward...that being said, IS is the cherry on top.  He is loyal and likes to have a plan, he will be a great IS.  It is also so comforting to know that with IS's like your son, who are dedicated and appreciate the position, are going to be training with my son!  Is he still training?  Does he have any advice for an upcoming IS, recomendations for C school?  Fun place to unwind while in VA?

 I do look forward to keeping in touch and maybe we will meet one day or our sons will for us!  God Bless your family and our Navy! 

Hey ProudMama!  Awesome!  Your son sounds great..."u get paid 2"...  I love it!  It seems like there's always opportunities to train popping up & our son takes advantage of what he can.  Sometimes it seems the working schedule of an IS can make it tricky to schedule other things but it's definitely doable.  He's currently out on the deep, blue but I'll ask him about some of your questions when I speak with him next. Re: "fun place to unwind in VA" --- I do recall our Sailor speaking often of learning the good places to go & the not so good places to go by speaking with other Sailors who had been there longer than he had.  His 1st roommates were "on hold," done with school & waiting for orders - so they'd been around.  Unfortunately, our Sailors do need to be quite safety conscious.  He'll have plenty of time in the beginning to find some peers who can give him a little guidance & of course, he should always have a buddy with him when out & about.  I will ask my Sailor if he remembers any specifics though & get back to you.  He absolutely LOVES the Navy & being out on the deep blue!  I'm going to take a wild guess that, just based on how you've described your son, he's going to love it too!  I look forward to staying in touch with you also...

Hi There...I'm a newbie here as my son just arrived on Sat. from Great Lakes.  He will be attending both A & C schools as an IS.  Considering I'm totally clueless, I'm looking foward to reading everyone's post to educate myself a little bit. Could anyone tell me if there is a facebook group for IS? Thanks :-)

Welcome!  My sailor is at C school now and looking forward to the next step. I don't do facebook, so I don't know.

laughlin,

With the security nature of the IS community I wouldn't think there would be a facebook page.  And if there is one, I wouldn't be on it - again because of the security nature of their jobs.

Welcome aboard ladies! I don't believe there is a facebook page for IS folks but once your sailor is out in the fleet many of the ships and bases have facebook pages and some of them have very up-to-date webpages. You just have to look around on the web and see what is out there.   

Oh and I ditto Anna's comment. I don't think I would join the page if it were at FB. Hi Anna, I hope all is well for you. Saw where you and hubby have moved again!! Must give you a call and find out where you are this time!

Hugs

If you are looking for a fun activity in Virginia Beach check out "Motor World".  It is an outdoor kart race track with 10 tracks all with different skill levels.  Some are pretty darn quick.  Word of advice, don't race with a cell phone in your pocket.  My sailor took a fast turn and when his leg bumped against the metal bar cage of the kart he shattered the screen on his Droid.

There is also a very nice aquarium close to Dam Neck.

And if you love coffee, you have to go to "Bad Ass Coffee".  The coffee is fabulous!  FYI: they also have a location in Hawaii.

http://www.vbmotorworld.com/AdultSpeedTrack.html

link to Motor World

http://www.badasscoffee.com/ 

Love Bad Ass Coffee!

Hey ProudMama - USS Triton 305!

" As for your questions there’s really not much I can tell somebody that they wont figure out real quick. Just tell him that he needs to spend most of his time in school. He’ll figure the rest out. The school is right by the beach. Stay out of the jewelry store at Lynnhaven mall. The sushi place right off base is pretty good. Idk I mean we went to a couple clubs out there. Peabodys was stupid to me. Don’t drink on the base at the beach. He wont be able to drink for a while anyway until he gets phase 2 liberty. Just stay in school, that’s all I would really tell somebody. He’ll figure out pretty quick where to go and where not to go. The mall is full of people trying to scam you but of course the first thing he’s gonna wanna do is go to the mall and he’ll have to be in uniform at first."

Hope this helps....  Have a great day!

Hey ProudMama!  From my son...  "...there’s really not much I can tell somebody that they wont figure out real quick. Just tell him that he needs to spend most of his time in school. He’ll figure the rest out. The school is right by the beach. Stay out of the jewelry store at Lynnhaven mall. The sushi place right off base is pretty good. Idk I mean we went to a couple clubs out there. Peabodys was stupid to me. Don’t drink on the base at the beach. He wont be able to drink for a while anyway until he gets phase 2 liberty. Just stay in school, that’s all I would really tell somebody. He’ll figure out pretty quick where to go and where not to go. The mall is full of people trying to scam you but of course the first thing he’s gonna wanna do is go to the mall and he’ll have to be in uniform at first..."  I recall being surprised (idk why but...) that they can get pizza delivered right to them on base.  Stay away from any Seal training areas or one may end up hog-tied in yer skivvies (sp?) in the middle of base.  I remember many, many times he'd spend 14-16 hrs/day in school - nothing can go in or out of IS school so you have to be there to work on school work or study.  We'll keep you son in our prayers.  He'll do fine, I'm sure.  Good luck!  --gabrielsmomma

anyone stay at the Cottages on Dam Neck??

Taking my first trip to Dam Neck next month.  Navy Lodge is already full, might stay with a friend that lives in the area.  Looking at going to the Virginia Aquarium. 

Any advice on visiting your Sailor is appreciated........ (mine graduates in Nov from A school, and will be in the phase where they can leave till 1145pm and wear civi's, and he is not on duty this weekend)

What personal items should I bring to my son at the Airport? He is graduating boot camp 9/28, and I'm sure flying to Dam Neck the next day. I'm bringing him his phone and charger, contacts, ipod, envelopes & stamps.  Would he have room for any civilian clothing if I bring it?

Thank you!

Purplegiraffe, if you stay at the cottages please let us know how it is! I wanted to stay there but then I lost the number to the MWR, and my son could not seem to find time to check on them for me. I ended up at the Navy Lodge which was great, but I always wanted to know about the facilities and prices of the cottages.

Tumbleweed, there maybe room to stuff a few personal item into his/her carryon but as always with airlines, space is limited. I sent my son's running shoes with him as well. He really said the issue PT shoes were not supportive where he most needed the support. (He was a distance runner in hs and worked in a shoe store that catered to the running community, so he was very aware of how his feet felt). Other civilian clothes I packed and sent to him over the next couple of weeks. They are not allowed to wear the civies immediately anyway. Their rooms must be spotless during inspections so the less they have to stow, the less they have to clean. You will know what is *essential* to your sailor. Anything else can be shippped soon after arrival or you can personally take to him/her later.  

My son graduates from A School tomorrow and will begin C School Monday. 

Yay!! Congrats Levada! and others whose sailors graduate this week!

Hello IS Moms! My son just went to his first duty station! A & C school in Dam Neck were great! He made lots of friends who I think he'll have lifetime connections with. His fiance and I stayed in a few hotels before she rented a house in VA Beach. She is a teacher, so she was able to have the summer off. It was great for my son, and his friends to be able to have some fun off of base! Before she rented the house, we stayed at a few hotels, and also the Navy Lodge which was Great!  We will miss VA & Dam Neck tremendously! So many fond memories & friendships made.

Very proud of our son who received his EXW today as well as being presented with his first NAM. We look forward to him coming some soon.

Congrats Jillbro! I hope your sailor enjoys his first command in the fleet and that he is not tooooo far from home.

JM, a huge congrats and hug for your sailor on his EXW!! (The NAM is not a shabby thing either ;-D )

Hi Carolyn - My sailor is currently at sea on a carrier.  Friend request me then we will be able to determine if your daughter is headed in the direction of my son.  Temps get a bit warm on the carrier.

Laura/Carolyn ~ My daughter graduated C school 9/21 and is assigned a carrier.  I'm  brand new out of the shoot also, just BC & A/C school behind us, so any words of wisdom with the experience of the "unknown", would be greatly appreciated.

Jillbro ~ Curious if our sailors crossed paths? She met a few "shipmates" in the classes ahead of her.  Would have loved to made a trip to Dam Neck, but wasn't in our schedule, but looks like we'll get to visit the State of VA over the next 3 years!!

Congrats to all ~ What an honor it is to be a Navy Mom!!

My son is on his second carrier. Just like all the shore duties, it depends a lot on the specific command as to how well they like the job and how well they do. Although my son prefers shore duty he enjoys ship duty because of the travel. He has ported in Dubai, France, Hong Kong, Guam, Korea and homeports both stateside and overseas. Warn your sailors that maritime law is a bit different (I mean those carriers have thousands of people living on them and it's hard to control a lot of things)...theft is a biggie. My son lost his camera and 3 years of pics. Thankfully I had most of his pics from his first carrier on my computer but he lost some he will never be able to replace now. I have heard of laptops and iPods and food being big items for thieving. Advise your sailors to take some earplugs or muffs, and one of those soft sleepshades (you know, like blindfolds for daytime sleeping). People work different shifts, so there is often movement in the berthing areas and the sound of the jets taking off and landing can be disturbing during sleep. Also when they say space is limited they *mean* it! As far as sending foods...most is ok but chips tend to get crumbled as well as cookies but most of them will tell you it tastes the same, crumbled or whole. The food is pretty bland so my son enjoys bottles or packets of hot sauce and other seasonings. Hand sanitizer and toilet paper are also good "care package" items. Don't go overboard (pardon the pun) on anything though because of the space limitations. Do take a camera and memory card for pics at the world's tallest building, sand dunes, life on ship, ports, beaches, museums, etc. There is a good chance that the carrier has a facebook page. It's a good way to see where they have been and what life is like on ship.

Hope some of this helps.

One of the best items for the carrier

The shower area is wet all the time.  This allows everything to drip dry.

I should have noted that this item is a Kangaroon storage mesh shower toe.  I purchased one at Bed Bath & Beyond for $12.99.  Amazon also sells them.

My son said that he hasn't had any problems on the carrier with missing items. (knock on wood)  They remind everyone to keep their items locked up whenever they are away from their berthing area.

I also sent a 10" battery operated fan with velcro strips for attachment.  The Big E has had some air conditioning problems.  It reached 125 degrees in the berthing area for close to 2 weeks while they tried to repair the air conditioning system. 

With a 50+ year old carrier some of the repair parts have to be made in the machine shop.