My Son graduated 08/02/2013 and stayed in Great Lakes until this past Saturday 08/24/2013 where he went to Fort Lee for Training. Immediatly after the PIR it takes 4 or 5 hours until they are moved. Then they are on liberty for the weekend after but have to be back to base bay a certain time. It was nice to spend time with him that weekend. He called when he got to Fort Lee and seems really excited to start learing.
I'm really hoping my son gets his A school in Fort Lee, it is only 2 hours from Virginia beach, I would love to have him closer, but would never hold him back from his Naval journey. How long are they in A school for?
I'm told theba school is 5 weeks . They may be there for more waiting on a class to form. Although the Navy will probably hold them at GL rarher than have them wait at an Army base
Hi, Lisaz! My 17 year old daughter is thinking about joining the Navy as a CS. Being that your daughter is already a CS, can you share some of your daughter's experience so far? Does she absolutely love it or is it mehhh?
Wow, Japan, wish your daughter the best and may God keep her safe!
Lauryburg so far so good she was glad to get boot camp over with and she really didn't like VA at first but she did well and got use to it all and had fun in cooking class so she is going on a super carrier and I think she was ready to get back to navy life after being home for a few weeks i will let you know how she likes being on the ship
Hi Lisa's. My sailor has one more week home and then leaves for Japan. Honestly I am more worried than him. He is really looking forward to going and has already started talking about his deployment after that in 2 years. I just feel like there is much prep info. Any recommendations on what to bring or do prior? He switched banking to NFCU. I understand there is one on base and we talked about canceling his cell after he gets there. Just afraid I am going to miss something. Any words of advice would be helpful. Not sure how to get through this but I guess that is what Navy moms do
Mam4real- I really didn't do much told her to get me her address ASAP so I can send her stuff she packed kinda light also she has Verizon cell phone she just got her own line and she called them and told them where she was going and they did a military suspension until she returns and she doesn't have to pay for it while she's away and that was basically it she had a carry on back pack and a checked back pack and sea bag I hope this helps a little boy she was ready to go I think it will hit me later but I feel this was easier than watching her leave for boot camp I just showed her smiles and happiness at the airport so she didn't feel bad or sad I cried when I hugged her and on and off a little since I been home but I really feel like she has grown up so much that she will be fine and she seems like she has it all under control:) good luck to you and your son be strong the navy has done a good job with them I can see a huge difference
Thank you Lisaz this was helpful. I think he is ready to get back also. He is over all the visiting and ready to get started again. I appreciate your help!
Thank you, Lisaz... Please let me (us) how your daughter is doing... I have almost a year to digest the idea of my other daughter joining the Navy. Since my oldest daughter joined the Navy at 19 (10 years ago), followed her dream, married and now follows her husband around (he's Navy, too), I sort of wanted my youngest daughter to stay around... You all know, someone to go shopping with, watch movies, do our nails, do girly stuff (sniff!), but she's seriously considering it... Oh well, we're going to the recruiter's office tomorrow for orientation. Let's see how that goes! (BTW, I support her 100% and feel proud of how focused and determined she is!)
Bad day for me today feels like boot all over again but I think of what our sailors go through and I have no right to feel sorry for myself I'm thankful to them for all their sacrifices she just landed safely in Japan and now it's up to her and her new family I haven't learned how to let go yet but I know she's in good hands
Lisaz. You are a strong and great mom. Hang in there. She will do well. No one Can really understand all of the emotions until you go through this with your child. Having this site available has helped me feel not alone and being able to talk to other parents in the same place. Big breaths, positive thoughts and keep busy. Next weds you can remind me too :-)
Laurybug-I think as a mother we never let go. My son is still at bc his PIR is 10/4 he tells me he is staying in gl after PIR i can't wait til he gets to fort lee it is only 2 hrs from me. Stay strong she is living her dream and gets to see the world. And look at the bright side you have a great place to visit
Good Morning Ladies! My son is wrapping up CS school and will be headed to Cali for sea duty. Needless to say he's excited :). My question is how does leave and flights to the duty station work? Will the detailer plan all of the flights - ft Lee ->home> duty station. Or does he need to make his own arrangements for leave then head back to Ft Lee to fly to the duty station? Any moms know how this works?
my daughter just graduated today bc. she will be headed to Virginia in a week. any suggestions from u moms. on what we r headed for? is it as hard as bc on them? or just different?
Thank you, jappyj! So my youngest daughter hasn't joined yet, she is a HS sophomore. We did go to the Recruiter's office this week, she was told she had to wait (duhhh, she's in school!), but she also has to lose 15 pounds. Since she's already on a diet/exercise plan... She should be ok. Meanwhile, I went on-line and bought the Asvab book for her to prepare. Her goal is to be in Dep by end of the year. She has a busy school year ahead of her, which is great! It's her last year, and she should make it memorable filled with wonderful & positive activities.
Hope everyone's Sailor is doing great! Happy Labor Day Weekend, Ladies!!!
Awww, Lisaz, I just read you had a tough couple of days... Hope you're feeling better today. The only thing we as Navy moms have for sure is the roller coaster of emotions... It comes with the territory.
Sending you lots of hugs and positive vibes so that you have a wonderful weekend!
Question for all your awesome moms - My son PIRs 9/20/13 and was told he will be on hold at GL for a week before shipping to Fort Lee, VA. Is that normal? If so, is it really going to be just a week at GL or is there a possibility it could be longer? Thanks in advance.
So TX Trina, how does that effect his visitation with his family after PIR, will he be allowed to spend liberty(hrs) with you all because hes not flying out at that time?
Queencity - I'm not even sure but in recent posts I have followed yes we should get Saturday and Sunday Liberty with him - others have said that their Sailor was given this while they were at GL on hold before A School. But I'm not even positive of that at the moment. That's what I'm planning by staying in GL until Monday morning.
Thank you so much! You have been a wealth of information :) One more question (maybe lol) where are the possibilities of being stationed? Is that even something I could find out before half way through A school?
Jackie, Our son graduated in May and is deployed on the Nimitz. He didn't want us to spend the $ to go to A school graduation it's small but nice. He got 10 days leave after because he was deploying.
Just visited my son in Fort Lee. He is doing well and ready to start classes which will last about 4 weeks, then heads to Groton Ct for Submarine Training. Fort Lee is nice and easy to get too
Nick's Mom - did you happen to notice what all eating places they have there? I'd like to get my son a few gift cards (or his grandmother would) before he heads to Fort Lee. How long was on hold at GL? Thanks in advance for any information :)
they have all kinds of places to eat, apple bees, ruby tuesdays, Wendy's, Denny's, on base that have Popeyes. There's also a mall there SouthPark Mall which was nice, he really wanted to go to the movies. He was on hold in GL for about 3 weeks. There's alot of hotels in the area too. We stayed at Hampton Inn, Hopewell VA and it was very clean and had a nice breakfast.
Nicki's Mom - Thank you so much!!! I'll let her know - he will be thrilled there is a Popeyes lol He has been told he will be on hold at GL for 1 week but I figure it'll be a few more - thank you again for the information!
Ok, what I understand from reading back a ways is that even if your son had been told a timeline, it can change.
Also, if they stay at GL until a class forms for CS in Fort Lee, they have possibility of going out to the various eating venues. Is this correct?
We were told C school was 8 or 9 weeks and sub school was 4 but someone on here said CS was 4. I wonder if they add in all those weeks because they know they always have classes waiting to form.
Also, does anyone know how far in they are when they learn future plans? Is it the week of PIR? My son is like someone else's son a few posts back-- wanted to go instead of wait 6-12 months so he took the CSS job even though he had many choices. His first assignment was to do Corpsman, but when he signed back up a few months later, he took the CSS. (Submarine)
I guess planning in advance does not always work out.
Hi everyone. My sailor was also told GL for CS but went to fort lee From my understanding it has been like that since at least first of year. He did not find out where he would be stationed until 3 weeks into A school. He was home 3 weeks after graduation from A school and left for Japan last week. This whole Navy journey started about 11 months ago. Amazing how much can change. I am so proud of him and excited to see what the next year brings. We are planning a trip to visit him next year in Japan. He is my only child but I truly am excited and proud. Of course worried on top of everything. It is a great thing I guess I will need to learn to be patient and flexible because advance notice does not seem to be a tend.
Mam4real is your son going on a ship? My daughter has been there a couple of weeks now and her ship is in port and it will leave before she gets on and then they will take them to the ship I don't get why they wouldn't get them on while its in port
Question for moms with a Sailor at Fort Lee or one that has been there - I need to know if they have WiFi, does it really work, and is it expensive? Trying to make sure my Sailor has WiFi that really works since Verizon doesn't have unlimited data lol
I have a question regarding A School at Fort Lee. Are the classes integrated with all branches or are they seperated by military branch. Thanks for your hwlp
My son leaves for VA 9/28. Does anyone know how long they wait to start Aj-school? He has been waiting at GL for almost 1 month since graduation and is getting very bored.
Labornurse
My son just arrived yesterday and itvwas quite a shock. According to him he has indoc today and expects to start classes next week. Will let you know if his schedule changes
Labornurse
Just talked with my son he says after getting there yesterday he will class up and start school Monday so he will have 0 wait rime at Fort Lee.
Sunshine fan
Most CS s stay in GL for at least a week. Unless they have watch you should be able to spend most of the weekend with them until curfew each night.
Pat ship9 div 329-
Thanks for the info on Ft Lee and A school. Glad to hear they start right away. Don't need much more downtime. He is ready to move on! By the way my son was ship3 div 328.
Nick's Mom
My Son graduated 08/02/2013 and stayed in Great Lakes until this past Saturday 08/24/2013 where he went to Fort Lee for Training. Immediatly after the PIR it takes 4 or 5 hours until they are moved. Then they are on liberty for the weekend after but have to be back to base bay a certain time. It was nice to spend time with him that weekend. He called when he got to Fort Lee and seems really excited to start learing.
Aug 26, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Aug 26, 2013
Jappj
I'm really hoping my son gets his A school in Fort Lee, it is only 2 hours from Virginia beach, I would love to have him closer, but would never hold him back from his Naval journey. How long are they in A school for?
Aug 26, 2013
pat ship 9 div 329
Aug 26, 2013
Lauryburg
Wow, Japan, wish your daughter the best and may God keep her safe!
Aug 26, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Aug 26, 2013
mam4real
Thoughts and prayers to all of our military.
Aug 26, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Aug 26, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Aug 26, 2013
mam4real
Aug 26, 2013
Lauryburg
Aug 27, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Aug 27, 2013
mam4real
Aug 27, 2013
Jappj
Aug 28, 2013
Michelle
Aug 28, 2013
Jackie
Aug 30, 2013
Lauryburg
Aug 31, 2013
Lauryburg
Hope everyone's Sailor is doing great! Happy Labor Day Weekend, Ladies!!!
Aug 31, 2013
Lauryburg
Sending you lots of hugs and positive vibes so that you have a wonderful weekend!
Aug 31, 2013
TX Trina
Question for all your awesome moms - My son PIRs 9/20/13 and was told he will be on hold at GL for a week before shipping to Fort Lee, VA. Is that normal? If so, is it really going to be just a week at GL or is there a possibility it could be longer? Thanks in advance.
Aug 31, 2013
Queencity
So TX Trina, how does that effect his visitation with his family after PIR, will he be allowed to spend liberty(hrs) with you all because hes not flying out at that time?
Aug 31, 2013
TX Trina
Queencity - I'm not even sure but in recent posts I have followed yes we should get Saturday and Sunday Liberty with him - others have said that their Sailor was given this while they were at GL on hold before A School. But I'm not even positive of that at the moment. That's what I'm planning by staying in GL until Monday morning.
Sep 1, 2013
TX Trina
Sep 1, 2013
TX Trina
Thank you so much! You have been a wealth of information :) One more question (maybe lol) where are the possibilities of being stationed? Is that even something I could find out before half way through A school?
Sep 1, 2013
Jackie
Sep 2, 2013
VictoriasDad
Yes there is a graduation. I went and was able to bring my daughter home for leave afterwards. It is not a big deal like PIR but I enjoyed it.
Sep 3, 2013
Wendy/Chris'Mom
Jackie, Our son graduated in May and is deployed on the Nimitz. He didn't want us to spend the $ to go to A school graduation it's small but nice. He got 10 days leave after because he was deploying.
Sep 3, 2013
I love my Sailor
Sep 3, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Sep 3, 2013
Jackie
Sep 4, 2013
Audra K
NEWBIE here. MOM of a CSS...PIR (grad date from BC) 10/25
Sep 6, 2013
Nick's Mom
Just visited my son in Fort Lee. He is doing well and ready to start classes which will last about 4 weeks, then heads to Groton Ct for Submarine Training. Fort Lee is nice and easy to get too
Sep 9, 2013
TX Trina
Nick's Mom - did you happen to notice what all eating places they have there? I'd like to get my son a few gift cards (or his grandmother would) before he heads to Fort Lee. How long was on hold at GL? Thanks in advance for any information :)
Sep 9, 2013
Jappj
Sep 9, 2013
Nick's Mom
they have all kinds of places to eat, apple bees, ruby tuesdays, Wendy's, Denny's, on base that have Popeyes. There's also a mall there SouthPark Mall which was nice, he really wanted to go to the movies. He was on hold in GL for about 3 weeks. There's alot of hotels in the area too. We stayed at Hampton Inn, Hopewell VA and it was very clean and had a nice breakfast.
Sep 9, 2013
TX Trina
Nicki's Mom - Thank you so much!!! I'll let her know - he will be thrilled there is a Popeyes lol He has been told he will be on hold at GL for 1 week but I figure it'll be a few more - thank you again for the information!
Sep 9, 2013
Audra K
Also, if they stay at GL until a class forms for CS in Fort Lee, they have possibility of going out to the various eating venues. Is this correct?
We were told C school was 8 or 9 weeks and sub school was 4 but someone on here said CS was 4. I wonder if they add in all those weeks because they know they always have classes waiting to form.
Also, does anyone know how far in they are when they learn future plans? Is it the week of PIR? My son is like someone else's son a few posts back-- wanted to go instead of wait 6-12 months so he took the CSS job even though he had many choices. His first assignment was to do Corpsman, but when he signed back up a few months later, he took the CSS. (Submarine)
I guess planning in advance does not always work out.
Sep 9, 2013
Andi27
My son is a culinary specialist abord the USS Bonhamme Richard! We are from the Big Easy, so he's pretty cool around all things food related..!
Sep 9, 2013
mam4real
Sep 9, 2013
Lisazship2DIV928
Sep 9, 2013
Diann CS Mom
Sep 11, 2013
mam4real
Sep 11, 2013
TX Trina
Question for moms with a Sailor at Fort Lee or one that has been there - I need to know if they have WiFi, does it really work, and is it expensive? Trying to make sure my Sailor has WiFi that really works since Verizon doesn't have unlimited data lol
Sep 15, 2013
pat ship 9 div 329
Sep 18, 2013
Labornurse
Sep 22, 2013
pat ship 9 div 329
My son just arrived yesterday and itvwas quite a shock. According to him he has indoc today and expects to start classes next week. Will let you know if his schedule changes
Sep 22, 2013
sunshinefam
I am looking for flights for PIR on 11/08. However, would anyone no if the SR mostly leave on Sat or Sunday for A school at Fort Lee CS school?
Sep 22, 2013
pat ship 9 div 329
Just talked with my son he says after getting there yesterday he will class up and start school Monday so he will have 0 wait rime at Fort Lee.
Sep 22, 2013
pat ship 9 div 329
Most CS s stay in GL for at least a week. Unless they have watch you should be able to spend most of the weekend with them until curfew each night.
Sep 22, 2013
Labornurse
Thanks for the info on Ft Lee and A school. Glad to hear they start right away. Don't need much more downtime. He is ready to move on! By the way my son was ship3 div 328.
Sep 22, 2013