Moms of IS (Intelligence Specialist) sailors.

Hi Kim!  My sailor is underway for a month on the new carrier.  He said that it is great, everything works!

BirdsOf AFeather- My sailor was waiting to class up for two weeks, maybe a bit longer.  They had them stand watch and clean the already clean hallways.  Not much they can do.  They haven't earned any privileges yet so they can't leave base, and none of them were allowed to have vehicles. 

The only thing they could read while on watch (sometimes a 12 hr shirt sitting by a never used doorway) was religious material.  Hope your sailor doesn't have to wait too long to class up.

My sailor got his 2nd choice for "C" school and now that he is doing that particular job, he loves it.  Kim's son was actually my son's mentor on the ship.  My son was amazed that Kim and I knew each other from this site.  What are the odds?!

Thanks Kim - I know my son wants to go on a ship.  I will let him know that it's not beyond the realm of possibility but that he may need to request it.

It sounds like the sailors get a choice of specialties and that there may be more than one opportunity to go to school.  This is great news because my son wants to eventually go full time.  At the time he signed up there were no full time IS slots so he went reserve.  My understanding is that there is slots now.  Oh well, he can come back home and go to college until be can get in full time.

Hello!  I am Philip's mom and he too is headed to Dam Neck after PIR 9/6/13. We are from VA and somewhat familiar with the VA Beach area...so If anyone has questions about that area I will help I can.  Birdsofafeather- My son mentioned that they do not get to pick their C school until after A school. Maybe that information is wrong?  I wonder how all that works. My son is in the reserves.  I have only met one other reserve mom and her son is going to Dam Neck as well.

Hi Birdsofafeather. The VA beach area is a real resort town in the summer.  It is a very family friendly place with a lovely boardwalk, shops, and hotels.  It has been a while since we have been there (we live about 5 hrs away and head to SC Beaches due to traffic) but we have many friends who do vacation there. There would probably be some areas in Norfolk I would avoid, maybe some areas near Hampton Rds...But VA Beach and Sandbridge are great.  There is a lot to do for visiting families and fun things for the young men and women at IS school to do when on Liberty. Our son his hoping they allow beach fishing on the private beach at Dam Neck : )

I don't remember at school if they must use the buddy system or not. Once they are out in the fleet and have liberty at a foreign port they are required to have at least one "Liberty Buddy". This ensures that if anything happens, there is another to report it and eye witness the event. I know my son and some of his buddies from A school and C school always went out to eat together, to the mall in small packs, and I believe that even if he was just driving up a couple of miles to Oceana he generally took someone with him. If they take a shuttle or taxi they try to share the ride to save on fare too. All in all if they don't look for trouble, trouble won't find them.

My son is in A school now in VA and his PIR was 7/3/13.  He does use the buddy system but I am not sure if they have to or just wanted to.  He loves it there and the beach is beautiful from what he has shown me on Skype.  If there is anything you need to know about there I would be glad to try to find out for you.  <NMH>>>  We all have to stick together just to get thru all of this.  This is the first time I have gone thru this but these sites are a wonderful way to deal with feelings and thoughts.  I don't know what I would do without all of these wonderful people (families) to help me out. 

Anna, sorry it took so long to get back.  He didn't request a second C school.  They just put him in it.  His ship hasn't been commissioned yet and won't until the spring.  He's gotten over the initial disappointment of being ready to come home and then not being allowed.  He's been at Damn Neck since 3/22 started A school right away, C school started right after and so did the second one.  Now he's saying he'll be home November 15.  I no long count on that.  LOL  

We have been down to visit once.  The beach is really nice there, but the base is very depressing looking.  They have condemned buildings and their living quarters aren't the best.  The area around it is very nice. It does seem as if they go out in groups or at least with another person.

Hi BirdsOfAFeather!  My Sailor Son did his A & C school @ Dam Neck.  I recall him commenting that he found out from others (quickly & easily) who had arrived there earlier than he had what places to avoid & what places were Navy friendly.  He also never went anywhere without a buddy, whether this was mandatory or not during school, I don't recall...just the smart thing to do...  Pretty much the normal things we've taught our children about being smart & safe will do the trick!  Good luck.  My Sailor Son LOVED his time at Dam Neck...  I'm sure your Sailor will too!  :p

I have not heard of it happening recently, but I know it does happen. It's like subs, SEALs, and front line combat have been off limits to women until recently. Now female officers who want to command a sub must wait until there are subs available that can accommodate females. There are only either 2 or 4 subs that I last read about that can do that, and those spaces were filled quickly by women who wanted to be on subs. Berthing in ships and barracks is much the same. Not only is the gender a consideration in where to place a person and his/her belongings for 6 or 8 mos but people of the same payrate E4, E5, E6, O2, etc are berthed together. With advancements comes slightly better quarters when available, there is a type of peer relationship (they are all supervisors so they can discuss how they have handled situations and get advice from the others), and most have been in about the same amount of time with the same pay so there is not as much petty jealousy, rivalry, etc. Unfortunately, it is the growing pains of our military trying to place women into the non-traditional roles they want to do. Maybe in another 10 years the Navy and other branches will find a way to create gender neutral berthing and jobs. Until then women will have to continue to work towards further advancements in equality.

My news is that my son made SOQ for this quarter!! That automatically puts him in the running for SOY so he is thrilled. He was so happy that the IS department is getting some much deserved recognition. He says the whole department deserves it but he will gladly take it for them.  

Elenasmom, that is good news. I'm glad she does not have to be given a new assignment. Thanks my son has worked hard and come so close a couple of times. Take care while your sailor is deployed. Maybe she will get to go somewhere awesome like my son who recently went to Australia for 5 days!

Can anyone tell me when IS school starts?  My son graduates basic on 9/27/13.  Just wondering when potential classes start.

Once there are enough sailors to make a class they will start a new A school class. Your sailor may start a week or two after arriving or it could take several weeks for them to class up. Congratulations on soon having a sailor and an IS at that!

Navy Hugs!

BirdsofAFeather, are you going for PIR? If so, I hope you have fun. It's an awesome thing to watch.

Lol, BirdsOfAFeather! It does not matter if you watch YouTube, your neighbor's video, or anything else...you will get goosebumps and tears of pride and joy. Take  several Klenex with you for sure! It is always a totally new experience when it is your own marching in. I will have to say also that those of us who had to fight the January cold to see PIR have a more difficult time seeing our kids as they come past the bleachers. My son's PIR group opted for earmuffs, scarves, and trench coats at the last minute when the snow would not give them a break. With the coat, hat, earmuffs, and scarf on all those short-haired kids, they look pretty much the same. They do not take all that stuff off until they are in formation. They looked like a sea of "little bandits". All we could see when they came by was the eyes, upper nose, and maybe their eyebrows.

One of the moms whose son PIR'ed the week before my Chris, walked in and asked the young man in uniform if he knew where her son was (she of course told him her son's name). He said, "I know he is very close by, ma'am." She kept looking around and all the sailors in that corner started snickering. The young man finally walked back up to her and he said, "Mom, would you recognize me if I took my hat off and put my nametag on?" She had spoken to her own son and truly did not recognize him!

They really do change a lot. Yes, there will be tears of pride and tears knowing that their lives really are different now. The roller coaster continues.....

BirdsOfAFeather, I watched youtube video's of others PIR because I was curious.  When I was there for my son the goosebumps and tears were there.  It's an amazing experience and when you finally get that hug words don't describe.  They'll have a great time at Dam Neck, they'll even get some beach time in before the weather get cool.  But there is also a gym and pool for them to use too.   If you go on google maps you get a good idea of the base.  

Kim, shsssh! Hope his instructor does not read the post and tell him! Glad you are getting to go and hope you have fun after graduation. Congrats on his second specialty!

Congrats Kim for your son!  Momma raised a smart boy!

Too bad my sailor isn't able to pop on over to see your son graduate.  He is underway for a bit longer.  Hugs to you!

Kim, enjoy!  Congrats to your Son.

Congratultions Kim - what a wonderful accomplishment!   From your comment though it sounds like they don't do inspections any more?  Too bad - I got a kick out of watching my new sailor fold his socks LOL!

Kim,

My son went IS as a fleet returnee as well.  What rating was your son before IS??

Hello Veteran IS moms!  My son will be going to Dam Neck 9/7/13.  Any advice on what his first few days/weeks will be like if A school does not start right away? I know I can meet him at the Chicago airport with his phone and computer.  Is there anything else he can have or needs at that time as he transitions?  Also, what type of things can he look forward to after these past grueling weeks at Boot Camp?  THANKS!  Pam

Phillipmom, It was the same for my son when he went through DN as Kim says. There are a couple of discussions at the top if you want more detailed info. If you click the view all, there is one "Now Your Sailor is at Dam Neck", which may not be totally up-to-date since Ellen never really left me instructions on how to change things when she left me as administrator of the page, I've not changed anything. It will give you a pretty good idea as to what you and your sailor can expect. There are also a few older discussions there as to lodging in the area, etc.

If a few of the moms would leave comments on what their sailors enjoy doing while at DN, and places they like to go eat, or just hang out, please pass it along and we will put that into a discussion area also which they can look at or parents can pass the info to later sailors. I took my son to DN a few weeks before he went to boot so he was able to see the base, find the schoolhouse and visit the MWR a couple of months before he arrived there. I think any time they have extra information it helps them to feel more comfortable and adjust a little better.

Congratulations to families of new sailors and a big congratulation to families of IS's! A thanks to all of them and to all of you for letting them go to help serve.

Navy Hugs!

Phillipmom,

When the right out of bootcamp sailors arrive at Dam Neck, they have to stay in their uniforms until they earn some privileges.  It's a little different from those who have been in the fleet already before reporting.  But as long as they stay out of trouble they shouldn't have any problems moving up!!!!  Also I'm pretty sure they can't carry their cell phone around when in uniform so make sure he keeps it tucked away.

If I remember correctly Anna (though you usually know better than I do) I think they cannot be in uniform, walking and talking or walking and texting. I think it is the discipline of always being aware of your surroundings. Also they cannot have noticeable bulges in their uniforms so generally a small, thin phone is easier for them. I remember the weekend of PIR Chris sat in the car to talk to people and then would get out after he'd disconnected. I might be wrong on the unis and phone thing. I know right after PIR they are still not supposed to smoke or use tobacco while in uniform (I suppose they must be able to during working hours while in uniform after getting out of school?) I can't imagine the smokers going 40 or 60 days without a cigarette, waiting for a port call. I know when I smoked, I couldn't have! lol

Oh and I'm pretty sure they were not allowed to take their phones or any other electronics into the school building.

You're right Mary about the electronics in the classrooms for security reasons.  I know even Jenn cannot have a visible cell phone while in uniform.  She has an ankle holder she puts her phone in.  It's harder when they wear the whites because you can see too much of what they have in their pockets!!!!!  And no one in uniform should ever be caught on their cell phone when walking.

The smoking thing I can't help you on.  Even tho Chris smoked (don't know if he still does or not) I never asked when he could or couldn't smoke!!!!  Kinda hoping the Navy would make him quit but the sad thing is the Navy caused him to start smoking!!!!!!  Oh well.  He's home right now for 11 days.  Finished his combat training!!

Yes the whites will get them every time (maybe there are advantages to the peanut butters and tans?) I know Chris carries his in one of his large pockets when he wears the working digi, I'm not sure if he wears peanut butters or digies when he has shore duty for his current command. I remember your Chris was smoking when I met him but I figure with all the school he has had lately he probably might as well have quit. If you speak to him before he goes overseas, tell him I said "Thanks for going". I know it can't be real easy leaving little Addison behind. Hopefully he will get in there and right back out sooner than expected. Prayers for you and hubby and Chris' young family.  

Thank you, Mary!!!  I will be sure to pass along your greetings and thanks for the prayers!!!  Yeah, little Addy doesn't like it when her daddy isn't around.  Amanda is planning on going to Colorado to stay with her family for several months after Chris leaves, so hopefully that will break up the separation for both of them a little bit.

Anna if Amanda and Addy happen to run into my mom while they are in CO tell Mom "Hi". :-)  So my kid is back on Japanese soil although he has not gotten to the apartment yet, it may be a few hours before that happens for him. Liz is getting really antsy for him to unload stuff from the truck so she can go pick him up at the hangar. I want to talk to him!! He takes email binges where he emails five times per shift for three or four days, and then I don't hear from him for 3 weeks, suddenly he's there again. But mom needs to hear his voice! He calls Liz so I have not heard him in about 2 months. :-/  I can only imagine how hard it will be for you when your Chris leaves. Wow. You will have to call me sometime. Your number is not showing up in my phone now. (Really getting irritated with this phone, but new phone is new problems so I am going to try to make do with this one a few more months)

sweetsmomma, I remembered there was an Asian restaurant in there but was not sure of the chain. I think the military has some sort of contract with Subway, I think every base my son has been to (even branches outside the Navy) had a Subway. That is good that they are taking advantage of being on the beach. My son went out there a couple of times, but he was gone by the time summer rolled around. Yes, packages should go US Postal and be sure to get them insured.

I don't know if it applies to all bases now CONUS and OCONUS both, but I am now having to use the full 9 digit zip for all packages I send to him whether he is at the "beach" or on ship. It may only apply to overseas but I understand that all are going through Chicago now rather than Pacific fleet going through San Fran or San Diego (I forget which) and where ever the Atlantic fleet's was. Make sure when your sailors leave DN they are aware they MUST have the 9 digit zip or your packages will be returned.

So my son has messaged at facebook...gonna get that Skype call in a few hours. :-D

Good night all     

Mary,

I did see a notice on the US Navy facebook page awhile back about new mailing procedures.  All mail now must have the 9 digit zip code.  Even for within the US if you are mailing to a military address.

I will have to give you a call in the next couple days.  Hope you hear from your Chris soon!!!

Anna, Thanks again, I was not certain if it was all bases. Glad you read it too! :-) Yup call me after Saturday sometime...doing a yard sale Saturday so will be busy most of the day. Look forward to hearing your voice again too!

Can anyone tell me what the barracks are like at IS school?  How many sailors share a room?  Are there lockers that they can put their belongings in and actually lock them?  My son will be bringing his laptop and we want to make sure it is secure when it is not with him.  If he needs a lock I want to make sure to give it to him when I go see him for PIR.

I tried to answer your question over in the discussion area as best as I could. A laptop lock is never a bad idea. I think their rooms have locks and therefore limited access (commanding officers can get in for inspections or investigations) so their things actually stay pretty secure.

pmass5958 my son is in IS school and there are 3 of them in his room and they are small rooms, I know they have a small refrigerator to hold a few items and a microwave. They each have their own locker. He has a laptop and I am pretty sure it stays locked in his locker but I agree with Mary that a lock is not a bad idea.  They don't have a lot of room to carry a lot of things from BC to their assigned A school so my son bought one when he got there. You can mail it to him as well if you want. Check with your sailor to be sure he will have the room in his bag when he leaves to take it with him. Where is your sailor going??

marblette my son is still in bc but will be going to dam neck va.  i am only going to be able to see him at pir so i want to be able to transfer his phone and laptop at the airport.  His laptop has a carrying case and I've read that isn't a problem to take it with him to school.