Moms of IS (Intelligence Specialist) sailors.

Tonya,

Congratulations to your son!!!  My son went through school in 2009.  He had served previously as an AO so this was a change of rate for him.  Even being an "old timer" he still found it necessary to spend extra time studying.  No books or materials can leave the classroom so any extra studying or review has to be done in the classrooms not his barracks.  Also, your son can't tell you much about his training, what his job is like, or much of anything about this rate.  Even after all this time, I still don't know what my son does!!!!

Tonya, Agree with Anna...as his mom you need to know little. If you ask him something and he says it's classified or he just avoids the conversation, don't get your feelings hurt. Oh, avoid sending Skittles in the mail (security hates rattling sounds) and if he gets his car, tell him to really watch his speed out on  Hwy 52 and watch the parking signs closely (the cops and tow trucks sure do!). Otherwise, it's a small base right on the beach and there is a lot of intense schooling. Just allow yourself to be a sounding board even if you don't understand all he is talking about.

When my son was in Dam Neck for A&C school he and his roommates signed up for their own internet service.  (Paid out of their own pockets) Reception was horrible to non-existent in their rooms and no one wanted to have a private conversation, (or one with mom) in the common area of the building.  Their own internet service was the best way to go.

Thank all of u for helping me out I understand he will not be able to tell me very much and i am ok with that as long as i know he is ok and he and his roomies did get there own internet so i know he will be happy with that.

Tonya,

While of course the job is going to be different depending on what their specific duty station and pay grade is, here's a description of the Rate overall that might help you sort of picture what they do, in a very unclassified way.  You know when you are watching a movie, and they show that briefing room with the Sailor (well, any branch, but this is a Navy page, lol) standing up there, giving the Intel brief to all the important people in the room, who then, based on that info, decide what their plan is going to be?  Well, those are the IS's :-)

Basically they are the ones that take the various Intel reports provided by all the other Intel Rates and compile them into one overall view of the situation and present it to the people who then have to decide what to do about it, and answer any questions they might have about the Intel provided, allowing the powers that be - whether it's a Department Head, a CO, an Admiral, or even higher, to make informed choices.

And to give you an idea of how IS's (and all the Intel Rates, for that matter) will tell you a lot about what they do, and sound very impressive while doing it, while revealing absolutely nothing (since it is classified, after all) - here's the "blurb" from one of my husband's cruise books, describing the Division that the IS's were in...

"Intelligence Specialists conduct imagery and analysis and evaluate adversaries for use in strike targeting.  They also provide vital indications and warning to defend the carrier strike group."  (Taken straight from the unclassified USS Lincoln Cruise Book, Operation Enduring Freedom, 2008 edition.) 

Aside from that, it's a good job to have, with pretty good advancement opportunities, all in all :-)

sailorwifenmom is right, that's pretty much what OPINTEL does. Individual groups are responsible for different pieces of information, and at the end of the shift (or more often if needed) they turn in their reports and then the OPINTELs go to work sifting through the info and creating a report.

Sometimes the "presentation" is formal but small. I have a pic of my son from facebook where he was briefing or debriefing a pilot commander one day. They were just standing in a room looking over the report together. It's not always standing in front of a RADML, or ship's CO and XO, giving an actual powerpoint presentation to a group of 10 or 20 officers. 

Other areas of INTEL operate similarly but they are more specialized and don't always have access to what other IS groups are doing. OPINTEL takes from all of them and figures out how it all goes together, then reports it.   

If I remember correctly I used SA (Seaman Apprentice). I believe he told me that since they were going to be specialists, they were technically apprentices at school, no longer recruits. Wow, it's been 4 years since he was at DN. He and his wife just left last night for their final leg before going home to Japan. I won't get to see him now for possibly two years. I already miss them. :-(

I believe I wrote it as "ISSN Smith, John".

Tell your sailor good luck in "A" and "C" school!

Oh Laura! I think you are right! BarbRags, I stand corrected. Basically it is a very small base and so long as it gets directed to IS A school, it will go to the schoolhouse building.

Hello,

My daughter will be graduating boot camp on May 3rd, 2013 and then on to A school at Dam Neck. I would like to know what she will need while she is there and what is supplied in regards to living quarters and meals.  I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

Once she is at DN she can have her cell phone, laptop, and other electronics. You can also go ahead and send come civvies and she will be told when she can start wearing her own clothes in the evenings/weekends. When my son first went there he was able to have them at the beginning of the second week but I think they have changed some of the phasing up privileges since 4 years ago. 

Someone can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong but I think she can have her own bed linens and pillow or she can use the standard issue. The less she can get by on while there the better. Our kids used to have to move from dorm to dorm every once in a while and it's a lot to haul from one building to another. It's that much more to bring home at the end, and you will be surprised how much many of them "collect" while there. Also everything must be in ship shape each day. They have regular room inspections and EVERYTHING must be put away and folded, and neat. In school or on ship, the rule is "less is more".

Stay tuned to your PIR group and they can probably give you more current info on what she can get from you at the airport after PIR. Her recruiter may also be able to get that info for you.

Congrats on soon getting a sailor.

Navy hugs to all!

Thanks Mary. Yes, I have heard that the less they have, the better. Do they have access to a refrigerator & stove, or are all meals prepared for them? I,m just trying to get an idea of what to expect.

Thanks again for the info.

My son is there now, they have a microwave and a fridge in their room.  They went out and brought their own sheets.  The issues weren't so good.  3 weeks in they get liberty and can start to wear their own clothes on weekends and nights.  Don't send too much, theres not that much room.  I think one of his roommates got a tv and had his Xbox sent to him.  That's boys for you.  Less is definitely more in this situation.  If you're going to PIR you can meet them at the USO in the airport and give them their electronics.  They have so much to carry I wouldn't bring them much else. 

Hi,

 My Daughter graduated C school in March ! They will need bedding, we sent a small coffee pot(single cup) microwaveable food as the food on base is not very good! Clothes when they ask for them,gift cards to wallmart. The base has drivers from the nex that will take them to wallmart for $2 to shop . As they get further on in their training you can go visit and they can with you in the Navy Lodge on base.

Thanks Gum by & BarbRags, that helps a lot. She has things stored away from college, so I will sift through that. What size sheets? Twin extra long like dorm beds? The Wal-mart card is a great idea. I sent her those while she was in college, that way she can get what SHE wants.

I may be friending you, as I'm sure to have more questions later. Thanks!

Maria.rae friend away.  There is also a FB page for Navy Moms.

I don't know if the sheets were twin long, he didn't say.  I just know the food there is horrible and mostly inedible they have found bugs in their food.  He said they eat at the Subway that is on base a lot.  But as for the rest of it he loves it there.  He keeps telling me the Navy is the best thing he's done.

Thanks Rachel & BarbRags, I appreciate the info. It is nice to know someone who is already going through this & knows the ropes, so to speak. How much longer do your kids have at Dam Neck?

I think my son is there until October.

I have had two kids go through A and C school at Dam Neck and one is still stationed there. The hardest part for them was the poor food in the mess hall, especially after loving the food at bootcamp. It was very annoying that they did have to pay to eat there even though they didn't and still had to get outside food. One trained in Imagery and the other in ground. 

Hi Marla.  One of the biggest challenges for my sailor when he was in A & C school was the internet.  The common area was the only place to get a good enough signal to Skype but who wants to Skype with everyone around? Not my son!

He and his roommate signed up for the internet and split the monthly cost.  The internet kept him from going crazy because he had a month long lull in between A & C school, waiting to class up.  He was able to access our Netflix account to pass the time.  His room was popular!

My sailor is out of school and has already been on one deployment.  School food seemed like gourmet compared to what he had on the carrier. 

Ladies, thanks for all the information. I'm sure I will have more questions later. My daughter said she has gained weight at boot camp. She says they don't do enough PT and she is usually a "snacker" and eats smaller healthier meals. So she can't wait to start eating better and running more. I hope she isn't too disappointed in the food there...I'm sure she will be buying a lot of her own.  Other than the complaint about weight gain, she seems to like boot camp.  I think she will be using the gym a lot there.

Do they usually pair room mates with someone who has been there awhile? Or can they request someone they meet at boot camp? As far as internet access, can they get it in any room they are assigned to if they pay for it? I know for certain she will want it.

My husband had a good question. Can they not get almost everything they want or need at NEX? He wondered why they would need to go to Wal-mart. We have never been to a NEX, but I have gone to the military commissary in Anchorage AK with my oldest daughter and it was hugh, with everything you could want. Just wondering.

Thanks again for your help.

lol Laura, my son would almost agree. He says the only days he eats galley food is on RAS days when he knows for about two-three days the produce, etc. is fresh! Of course my son is also a bit lazy, and does not like having to go 4-7 decks down and back up 3 or 4 times a day either. He tends to lose about 15 pounds when he is at sea. I don't hear him complain about it as much on his current ship as on his previous ship. Maybe he has just gotten to where he can man up to it now. :-)

marla.rae, you posted as I was posting so I did not answer that question concerning the NEX/commissary. There is a nice NEX mall and a commissary over at Oceana that once they get liberty in the evening or weekend they may catch a shuttle to, but at DN there is only a small NEX to buy some screen print tees, hoodies, and other clothing stuff. It is also where some of the mail is picked up if I remember correctly. There is no commissary at the annex (DN). All the more than essential stuff must be purchased at Oceana or at public shopping. Most of them enjoy finally getting out to familiar stores in the mainstream. Walmart is a popular place with them.

Thanks again ladies. I have sent a couple of friend request & may send more to those of you who have responded.

Hello,

I have a SR right now but will have a Sailor on 5/24/2013. She will then be doing A school and C school in Dam Neck.  I was stationed over 21 years ago.  I know nothing about what she is going to be doing.  I was a Corpsman and she is going to be an IS. I'm looking for a group that can help me ( walk me though ) the next few months.  We are in South Dakota so she will be so far away. Is this one of those groups that helps new moms?

This would be the place.  Feel free to ask away - my son finished C school in Feb.  We are in Colorado, so I understand the distance.  Dam Neck is awesome, great to visit if u can!  Good luck to her and your family!

Thank you.  My hubby and I met on NAS Oceana over 20+ years ago.  We were married in Virginia Beach and loved the area.  I even ran ambulance crew on Dam Neck but it was so long ago.  

How long is the A and C school?  Do they get to have a car?  

I'm sure I will have tons of questions once she gets out of BC.  I wanted to be ahead of the game by finding a group for me. LOL She is going to be fine, I'm the mess.

It depends on which job they get, however the initial A is 13 weeks, and then it can be from 7 -16 weeks more, if they start the very next week.  It is very tough, she just needs to study and she will stay on track.  Yes they can have a car, my daughter and I drove his car to him and stayed with him over the Thanksgiving break.  If u like camping, u can stay right on the base on the campsite there!  Wish I would have known, although it was cold in Nov.  We rented a condo on Sandbridge beach, it was so nice, u can walk to the base on the beach, cant go on, but u are there!   Let me know if u have any other questions!  Glad to help!

Rachel-Elena's mom, I was born and raised in Oregon before joining the Navy.  My parents and most of my family still live there.  Where in Oregon are you?  Boy, it is a small World sometimes.

I was raised in Portland and born in Medford. My parents are still in Medford.  I miss Oregon all the time.  

My son is in A school there.  After a couple of weeks he was allowed his car.  He says school is hard, but he loves it.  We're thinking of going down to visit, but the Navy Lodge is booked all summer.  We have no idea where to stay.  Any suggestions?

BarbRags, have your sailor get the number for the MWR at Dam Neck. There used to be cottages that families could rent there also if you were thinking of a long weekend or a week. There is also another inn there at the base but I don't remember the name of it. I thought it was for officers and sailors visiting but I have heard other moms saying they had rooms there, too. Anyway MWR should be able to give you all that info if you can get the number. Actually you can probably look it up online. I will see if I can find it for you.

DAM NECK - COTTAGES
Location: Dam Neck Annex, Regulus Ave., Bldg. 180, Virginia Beach, VA
Phone: (757) 492-7013/7014 for reservations | (757) 492-7429 for recreational lodging manager
Information: Our mission at the Cottages at Dam Neck is to provide our guests with a clean, comfortable, and secure “home away from home” where the beautiful ocean setting makes rest and relaxation more than just mere words; it becomes a reality. We offer 26 Oceanfront Cottages, 19 Two-bedroom units and 10 Three-bedroom units. Each Cottage includes DSL service, fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Please view the informational brochure link below for more information and rates.

I figure that will get you started...the other option is Navy Gateway Inn. I will try to find a number for that one as well but you know where to look now.

Thanks Mary, I was just coming to post I found it.  Just checked availability and it's booked for when we can go.  Tried a couple other dates and it's booked.  

Barb, for such a small base (the Dam Neck Annex) it is very busy with sailors coming in for additional training often. Of course in summer, some of those stationed at Norfolk and some other bases in the general area want some weekends right on the beach with their families. There is an abundance of good (though during summer not too cheap) motels on the beach at VA Beach but they fill up fast for summer. Another option though not as good is Duck, NC or someplace out on VA Hwy 52. Good luck.

Can anyone let me know after A and C school is over for IS, were do these sailors usually get stationed? i know its different for everyone, but what  are some of the "main" locations you most likely get stationed at??

thank you!

Brenda z, My son graduated "C"  end of February,  He got stationed in Seoul, South Korea but half of his class went to Fallon, Nevada..

CariD(ship12Div050), congrats on you sons graduation! ive been hearing alot of Korea, im surprised about Fallon though! my husband has a fam member out there. What exactly did your son specialize in IS? and thank you for answering!

:)

Rachel-elena's mom, thannks for answering! good luck to your daughter!

Brenda z.  Thanks a lot and my son specialized in imagery. The day he graduated, it ended up being the graduation for all four classes..I remember that only two or so from each class went out of the country and most of them stayed in the US.  A couple were assigned to ships and one went to Japan and one went to Germany.  Not sure if this matters or if it was a coincidence but the ones that finished tops in their class, that were not reservists, were the ones that ended up out of the country.

My son is OpIntel. he was going to DC but before his orders were written , they changed him to Seoul. Congrats CariD! My son loved it there (enough so, that he would like to move back there and teach school someday). Now he is in Japan attached to a squadron of planes that is carried around by the Geo. Washington. I think all the carriers have a few Intel people, and some of the smaller ones do too. A couple of the guys who graduated just before Chris went to England. Hawaii I think has several IS positions (not that there are any openings). I know guys who have gone to San Diego....it's all dependent on the needs of the Navy at the time they are going into the fleet.

CariD, I think that it might have been coincidence that the top grads went overseas. My son was just above the middle break in his class and was sent to SK. He hated it for a few weeks (bitter that he was told he had his dream assignment and then got it changed) but as soon as Hyundai sponsored a cultural weekend and he saw ancient palaces and temples, etc., he was hooked on South Korea. Bulgogi (sp?) became his favorite food and that was what he made for our "Christmas" dinner when he came home the next spring. He and his wife like Japan, but his heart is in Seoul now.