My DS went to Embry Riddle an aviation university so the worry started there over16 Yrsago. The worry started then and each small plane crash set all the cell phones ringing on campus. Then on a family trip in a small plane a fuel leak sent us into a landing withou the engine into a cow pasture. Perfect off field landing. I knew then how calm and good my DS was and how well trained for an emergency. Still worry today! He is a great aviator but I worry about the jets condition - As others say it is what he always wanted and me too for him. We do have an agreement that he will contact me as soon as he hears of an incident so do not have to hold my breathe too long. He flies with a number of different units now so I can not know by squadron or group if it might be him. So the communication however helps I pray a lot too. It seems we all do and we all sail the same boat.
Does anyone know if there is a published class schedule for pilots? My son is set to graduate/commission from OCS in May and was curious when the next flight school would be. He is already an instrument rated pilot, so would he skip IFS and go directly to API?
Andy’s Mom, it’s not clear on what level his instrument ratings are but he will probably skip IFS. Our DS graduated from the University of North Dakota and has his CFII (Certified Flight Instructor - Instruments). The Navy just photocopied his license, put it in his file and he started with API. He winged a few months ago
...He studied and was tested on many skills he had already accomplished. He said it was best to keep a low profile on his civilian credentials and just go with the flow. That is his style, in general. Most instructors did not review his license in his file and were pleased with how quickly he learned the skills. Quick learner! LOL
jsefamily, he knows to keep a low profile on his civilian credentials. There is a classmate of his who has the same background as your DS! Congrats on your DS getting his wings! When did he go thru OCS?
Our DS was in 01-15. He has always seemed to be in the squadron or location with the slower track, then the grounding of the T-45s...took a long time but he’s finally winged and very happy.
Hello all...I'm back on the "stomach in knots" list. We had a wonderful time meeting our new grandson over Easter! Oh, how precious he is. (Even got to see DS fly and work the LSO shack!) But DS left yesterday; baby is now 4 weeks old; for a month on the carrier for workups and carrier quals. I hate the thought that my DIL is by herself with a newborn. The squadron wives are great; she can call them anytime she needs something; but that's some long days and nights. Neither her mom nor I are available to go at this time. So, I'll be spending my sleepless nights praying for all three of them!
My 26 year old son just got the call from his recruiter that he got accepted for a Naval Aviator slot.... No orders yet but they are shooting for July 1 date at OCS... He is excited! I am excited for him as he really wanted this, but also nervous a bit as I know all of you can understand. Will be on this site more as soon as he gets an official OCS date...
Congratulations rousse!! What an exciting time for your family! My son started down this OCS path to naval aviator 7 years ago. I hope your son makes the most of this pre-OCS time; serious workouts and fitness training. Also swim training, join a group with a coach if possible. If he hasn’t gotten his private pilots license with VFR, have him start studying the manuals. Make the most of this time to prepare. And be ready for changes in schedule, OCS start dates can get pushed back for months!
For yourself, read books on the path to naval aviation, from API (aviation pre-flight) in Pensacola to the different aircraft the Navy flies. It’s interesting!
Thanks so much, ulua! My son is very exciting! Those are excellent suggestions! I will pass them on to him. He has always worked out, so do not think that will be much of a problem. He has been running a lot, used to swim a lot when he had a pool at his old apartment. I hope the start date of OCS does not get pushed back, as he is already 26 and must be commissioned by February 2019. Going to look into getting those books to read....
My sons start date was pushed back 3 months which is pretty common. The funny part now is he looks back on how much he worried over the delay and was stressed. That 3 month delay pre-OCS was the longest stretch of free time he’s had in 7 years!
it will work out! He will get there and you will be in Newport, RI to watch his first salute.
Welcome, reusse54!
ulua has some very smart suggestions. My son is 4 weeks away from graduation/commissioning at OCS. He too is 26 and going to be an aviator. The physical requirements are tough. My son was a distance runner throughout high school and college and thought he was in good shape too, but the pushups killed him! You can search for the OCTN physical readiness program for complete info. He will also need to know ranks and rates and other such things all while under stress. I heard it refered to as "Appendix B". He should ask his recruiter. As to start dates, my son was pre-selected in the beginning of Feb and told his recruiter that he could go any time. There are times when a spot opens up and if your son indicates he can "go on a dime", he could get one of those spots. That's what happened with my son. Accepted on Feb 2 and 2 weeks later given a start date of Fed 25! Good luck to him and you!
My son was also a "pre-select" in February and was assigned a date 2 weeks later. At first he was stressed about it but now he says he is glad he did not turn down the date (others did). Reading now where people are waiting months for a class date I am so excited he went immediately also. So like Andy'sMom said, let them know that any date is a good date. People fall out for all sorts of reasons and the sooner you get in there the better off you are. Also, have him prepare for the first week PT challenge: sit ups, push ups and 1 1/2 mile run. You want to be sure to be above the minimum necessary not to roll. Your recruiter will know those numbers if you don't already. My son went in pretty prepared (high school & collegiate athlete plus worked out 6 days a week) but when the stress kicks in, it can effect those numbers. We are not a military family, so my son experienced a lot of stress in the first weeks but made it through. We are looking forward to graduation on May 18th!!! Good luck to your son!!
Thanks, Andrea S and Andy's mom. I will pass on all these suggestions to my son. He has been doing a lot of push ups and sit ups as well as running. I will ask him if he knows the minimums required. The ranks and such he will have to study. He has obligations that he cannot change to accept an earlier date of OCS-a two week vacation planned already paid for and a visit from us... plus he has a full time job and he just can't give two weeks notice to them. So he is hoping July 1 stays firm. His recruiter knows about these obligations. We are not a military family exactly although I am a bit familiar with the Navy as my ex-brother-in-law was an Academy graduate and was in for five years, but he was not an aviator.
For rousse54I would offer a bit of advice. if the Navy gives him an earlier start date all those reasons you gave for not being something he can miss are not valid to the Navy. They may take that as a sign he is not fully dedicated Flying for the Navy. Your recruiter is not the one that evaluates the level of dedication to making it. My son was delayed by 9/11 he was called up for a date, reported for his physical immediately and then Navy faced an emergency - retraining jet reservists coming back in on orders.took almost two years before they set a new date for jet spots. because the delay was caused by Navy needs they gave him a waiver on age etc, but he was zealous in staying in touch with his recruiter. to keep him interested the Navy did reach out and gave him visits to Pensacola , had a group pf guys like him actually in trainers props flying from Jacksonville to Pensacola etc. But they could have just as easily decided he was not ready to go instantly and dropped him from everything. He was a fully trained ifr pilot and had done some amazing flying in college and an internship with NTSB, but the delayed was grating on all of us . we, I was a military brat, held our breath for a long two years . Today he is still a combat F-18 pilot , flies weekly in a dual job placement and is on a carrier now checking out deployability readiness for the carrier air crews. He is a high ranking officer and his future is very bright with full flying.. I know he would not understand someone postponing a call up in what is a small number of available spots.with the highest levels of skill needed on call.
Tricia and Andy's Mom: Sure, I appreciate what you are saying. I am sure if it came to an earlier date, he would do it, but he does have a full time job with a major aerospace company and even if the other things were true, he would have to give them an appropriate amount of notice. Were your sons employed at the time of their selection?
rousse54: I don't think there will be a problem. I haven't heard of people being called up to OCS sooner than the start date given them since I've been following OCS classes from a year and a half ago. In the off chance that he is called sooner, I'm sure he will go, given he can just up and leave his current job. My son was employed as a civilian engineer with Norfolk Naval Shipyard prior to OCS and was given a date 2 months away and that never changed. In fact, I didn't even know until now that that could have been a possibility and I have been following the OCS pages. Don't worry, everything will work out as it is supposed to.
Before my son went to OCS (Jan 2011) he received a spiral book called Guide to Success. It has lots of great info such as ranks, physical fitness and what to bring to bring and not to bring to OCS. The number on the back is 013-0238. His was Rev. 08-09.
All good advice, be as prepared as you can possibly be. Don’t forget there is some serious swimming in Pcola. IN a flight suit. Congratulations Andrea on the upcoming graduation, what a great mother’s day for you!
Rousse54: I agree with Nancy, It will all work out. My LO was given a start date at OCS a week after he was accepted into the aviation program. He opted to delay his entry due to prior commitments, despite his recruiter's warning that it could be a long wait for a new start date. He spent those extra months going to the gym, getting his affairs in order and commitments wrapped up. That extra level of fitness was a huge help in getting through OCS without being rolled and he has done well ever since. This process is nerve wracking for family to watch but entering the program with a clear mind may also help your LO succeed. Good luck!
Rousse 54 I did not mean to suggest your son was not dedicated. I was saying that someone who does not know him and not his recruiter makes the slot decisions and the final ok. And that person can be any number of different individuals currently in the process when your son's name comes up. Info I just got when talking to a current aviator today was that they have a good number of flying slots open right now and that is good for your son, but the slots that can lead to jet jockey are more limited than other aircraft. that also slowed my son down because his recruiter was determined to get him a jet slot and did. But my son got very little notice when the day was here . Yes my son was employed as flight instructor (wanted the hours in the air and always wants to fly anytime any place) but refused to take any job that committed him to a length of time eg. a lot of the flight instructor jobs he was offered wanted him to commit to a year contract and he turned those down even tho they paid more. Instead he worked at his alma mater. Yes I am very proud of him. His major disappointment is that he does not see an opportunity to go to Mars! His goal was astronaut after aviator in the navy. But with the space program almost shut down and a whole line of astronauts on standby he is contemplating his next step after the navy which probably will not be space! But he is committing to at least 5 more years right now so the next step is somewhere in the ether. At least congress has funded more F-18's in the budget, but have not yet put the cash on the table. Good luck to your son and enjoy the ups and downs of being a Navy flying officer's MOM. I just wish they would let Moms backseat with their Navy aviators! I miss flying with him up in the peace of the skies and the beauty.
Thanks for the info TriciaM. I never understood there to be ‘slots’ that particularly led to jets. I thought everyone went through API then Primary at Milton or Corpus Christi. After that there was selection to different flying platforms; helos, large transport, or strike, all based on performance and what pilots the Navy required at that time. There seemed to be a selection process after each segment of training all the way through to advanced strike with carrier quals.
I have never heard of a recruiter getting someone a ‘jet slot.’ My understanding is the Navy would promise a candidate the opportunity to try to advance through the training process to fly an aircraft of some type, no guarantees or promises, all based on performance and Navy needs.
my son was also a flight instructor. He had his private license very young, the joke was he could fly his friends before he could drive them. He was an instructor by age 19. He finished his bachelors degree in 3 years so was young to begin his Navy journey, with his degree paid for by the Navy through the BDCP program.
Sitting watching the ceremonies both at OCS and winging, I was overcome with pride and emotion watching these amazing young officers. They are all truly the best of the best, intelligent, accomplished, educated. I am proud and grateful to have them working to protect my freedom.
That is a great link. Thanks for posting it. I think we all need to take in account that the Navy fills slots based off what they need at the time. What they need today may not be what they need in a few months or next year. Lucky for our LO's that the Navy has many different fixed wing to fly. All we can do is pray for what our LO's would prefer and be thankful for the amazing opportunity they have to be officers!
Our experience is that there is a selection process after each of the different phases of training. It is based on slots available and although our LOs can request a particular platform for the next step, it is up to the instructors, competition and availability to determine where they go.
Another heads up, don't miss winging! What a fun party and proud parent moment.
Also, at the end of OCS there is an opportunity for a private commissioning if you have someone active or retired military family or friend, they can do a private commissioning ceremony as well as the ceremony for the entire class. Not sure how it is arranged but our LO had an active Navy pilot do it for him.
I wanted to add that though my LO was an experienced pilot, Each individual’s journey to becoming a naval aviator is different. Some aviators begin with zero flight experience. Their commitment and drive is amazing. I want to say to new Navy moms, it can be done! Keep encouraging preparation, through study of Navy basics, flying manuals, and physical training. I have never heard of a ‘jet slot’ promised by a recruiter, so if your LO didn’t get that, don’t worry.
Congratulations again to those moms soon to watch their LOs ( loved ones) graduate from OCS. And best wishes to moms waiting for their LOs to begin OCS!
To be clearer on my comment before, what Andrea S described is more complete. There is no slot before training begins that guarantees any particular selection.What else you all said is correct but to go further. A jet class slot was , and is?, a slot that is set with the knowledge by the Navy that they need more jet jockeys at that time. Some slots are primarily aimed at transports etc. If at the time you go in no jets are needed or few ,I should say, then your chance of reaching a jet training after primary is reduced because more are competing for fewer openings. Such is the same if someone wants to fly a Growler or any other particular plane. It is a matter of open supply needs and the great recruiters do or did? track and know which training group has a better chance of getting what plane when they start Nothing says the Navy or Marines will not change direction at any time.. MY son was determined that it would be jet or nothing and the recruiter knew that. In my son's class time in OCS there was a need by Navy and Marines for a larger number of jet aviators than in other time frames. Quite a few of the trainees in his class made it to jets. At the same time though everything is up to qualifications . If when my son went in if the openings the Navy was trying to fill were primarily for transports, his chance of competing for and getting a jF-18, no F-35s at that time.,would have been much less. My son's route through the whole long long process (so it seemed to an anxious mother) and I have not asked him recently if the process has changed . But it is all on what they meet the qualifications for. my son was by no means guaranteed any particular route. I have a close friend and his son went through about the same time as an academy grad and he got a P-3 instead of the F-18 he wanted but he was still happy to make it through and he served 10 years. By the time my son finished and winged he was then offered three choices of where to go. F-35's were one but they were mostly on simulator training then and for several years so he chose the assignment he got and it has done well for him . Mom did get calls then as he worked his way through the decision process. I could not decide for him but I know him well so we could go through the pros and cons. He was planning a life time career at that time. Did choose one with Lots of flight time each week. It is a stress filled course throughout the Navy career line and as a mom all I could do is be there for him with encouraging words through each step that was a critical step to the next phase. I know I lost weight worrying for him! And the decision step is back up again for his next step! I . Being a Navy Mom is great but can also be tough on the nerves as I would guess all the MOMs might agreed. Good luck to all you sons and daughters that they are happy where they go. All of them are among the best in that they have been chosen by the Navy To join the greatest military force in the world.
I have been reading for awhile but never posted before. My DS just finished his aircraft training in Virginia this week and will be heading overseas in a week and then two days after that be on a ship for several months. Trying to help him sort what to take for the short term and what should he take with him onboard? Not being military I am not used to this short turn around time! Luckily his Dad is retired and we are only 3 hours from him, so he will be going down to help out and pick up the Granddog who will be living with us for awhile it looks like! What an exciting time but also quite a jolt to this mama. Any avdvice is apprecitated
Our DS did the same thing. Finished one week then joined a ship the next. It's jolting for sure. Email as often as you can knowing he cannot get them as frequently as you send them. Know they will keep him very busy, so again you may not hear from him regularly. Remind him to set his phone up for international so when he gets shore leave you guys can facetime and he doesn't get killed with mega-charges - was a life saver for me. Not often enough but at least I could see his face. Get his address on the ship so you can send him stuff, and ship it as soon as he leaves since it will take a while to get there.
Hang in there!
PS - My DS is on his 2nd deployment and it hasn't gotten easier; we just get better at hiding it. ;-)
Hi Moms! SECNAV released the FY-19 Active Duty Line Officer Captain (O-6) Selections this morning. Our DS is on the list! I knew he would make it but it is really nice to see it actually in print!
Helomom, WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! That is so wonderful! Congratulations to your DS and the whole family that has supported him on his military endeavors! Fantastic!
Thank you all! It’s been a long time since I snapped those Ensign bars on his shoulders at graduation. He and his family love their Navy life. As they used to say...”It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!” (USN ad campaign from the early 90's, I believe)
Thank you all! We are actually visiting them this weekend. He has started looking at jobs that might be coming up for his next tour in 2020. Last set of orders...
Here is an odd question: Has anyone had problems sending boxes using USPS Priority Mail to Pensacola? I ask this because one of the moms whose daughter was in OCS with my son sent 2 boxes from 2 different shipping locations and both were ripped open and contents destroyed. Also, an order from REI was shipped via USPS and it too was ripped. Luckily the item was not compromised. She has contacted the
We have had problems with USPS in my area, but not as this level.
Andy'sMom
I would like to add our prayers to the families and friends of our fallen aviators.
Mar 17, 2018
TriciaM
My DS went to Embry Riddle an aviation university so the worry started there over16 Yrsago. The worry started then and each small plane crash set all the cell phones ringing on campus. Then on a family trip in a small plane a fuel leak sent us into a landing withou the engine into a cow pasture. Perfect off field landing. I knew then how calm and good my DS was and how well trained for an emergency. Still worry today! He is a great aviator but I worry about the jets condition - As others say it is what he always wanted and me too for him. We do have an agreement that he will contact me as soon as he hears of an incident so do not have to hold my breathe too long. He flies with a number of different units now so I can not know by squadron or group if it might be him. So the communication however helps I pray a lot too. It seems we all do and we all sail the same boat.
Mar 25, 2018
Andy'sMom
Does anyone know if there is a published class schedule for pilots? My son is set to graduate/commission from OCS in May and was curious when the next flight school would be. He is already an instrument rated pilot, so would he skip IFS and go directly to API?
Mar 26, 2018
AeroArl
Hi Andy'sMom,
You might want to check out this link: https://disciplesofflight.com/navy-flight-school/
It's a little old, 10 years or so, but it describes a civilian pilot's transition into Naval Aviator.
I don't believe there is any skipping in the Navy. Nor does there seem to be a schedule. It's all Navy time now!
Good Luck! :-)
Mar 26, 2018
jsefamily
Mar 27, 2018
jsefamily
Mar 27, 2018
jsefamily
Mar 27, 2018
Andy'sMom
Thanks AeroArl! I will check out that link
Mar 27, 2018
Andy'sMom
jsefamily, he knows to keep a low profile on his civilian credentials. There is a classmate of his who has the same background as your DS! Congrats on your DS getting his wings! When did he go thru OCS?
Mar 27, 2018
jsefamily
Mar 27, 2018
CheriH
Hello all...I'm back on the "stomach in knots" list. We had a wonderful time meeting our new grandson over Easter! Oh, how precious he is. (Even got to see DS fly and work the LSO shack!) But DS left yesterday; baby is now 4 weeks old; for a month on the carrier for workups and carrier quals. I hate the thought that my DIL is by herself with a newborn. The squadron wives are great; she can call them anytime she needs something; but that's some long days and nights. Neither her mom nor I are available to go at this time. So, I'll be spending my sleepless nights praying for all three of them!
Apr 7, 2018
redheadlass
My 26 year old son just got the call from his recruiter that he got accepted for a Naval Aviator slot.... No orders yet but they are shooting for July 1 date at OCS... He is excited! I am excited for him as he really wanted this, but also nervous a bit as I know all of you can understand. Will be on this site more as soon as he gets an official OCS date...
Apr 21, 2018
ulua
Congratulations rousse!! What an exciting time for your family! My son started down this OCS path to naval aviator 7 years ago. I hope your son makes the most of this pre-OCS time; serious workouts and fitness training. Also swim training, join a group with a coach if possible. If he hasn’t gotten his private pilots license with VFR, have him start studying the manuals. Make the most of this time to prepare. And be ready for changes in schedule, OCS start dates can get pushed back for months!
For yourself, read books on the path to naval aviation, from API (aviation pre-flight) in Pensacola to the different aircraft the Navy flies. It’s interesting!
congratulations again
Apr 23, 2018
redheadlass
Thanks so much, ulua! My son is very exciting! Those are excellent suggestions! I will pass them on to him. He has always worked out, so do not think that will be much of a problem. He has been running a lot, used to swim a lot when he had a pool at his old apartment. I hope the start date of OCS does not get pushed back, as he is already 26 and must be commissioned by February 2019. Going to look into getting those books to read....
Apr 23, 2018
ulua
My sons start date was pushed back 3 months which is pretty common. The funny part now is he looks back on how much he worried over the delay and was stressed. That 3 month delay pre-OCS was the longest stretch of free time he’s had in 7 years!
it will work out! He will get there and you will be in Newport, RI to watch his first salute.
Apr 23, 2018
Andy'sMom
ulua has some very smart suggestions. My son is 4 weeks away from graduation/commissioning at OCS. He too is 26 and going to be an aviator. The physical requirements are tough. My son was a distance runner throughout high school and college and thought he was in good shape too, but the pushups killed him! You can search for the OCTN physical readiness program for complete info. He will also need to know ranks and rates and other such things all while under stress. I heard it refered to as "Appendix B". He should ask his recruiter. As to start dates, my son was pre-selected in the beginning of Feb and told his recruiter that he could go any time. There are times when a spot opens up and if your son indicates he can "go on a dime", he could get one of those spots. That's what happened with my son. Accepted on Feb 2 and 2 weeks later given a start date of Fed 25! Good luck to him and you!
Apr 23, 2018
Andrea S
My son was also a "pre-select" in February and was assigned a date 2 weeks later. At first he was stressed about it but now he says he is glad he did not turn down the date (others did). Reading now where people are waiting months for a class date I am so excited he went immediately also. So like Andy'sMom said, let them know that any date is a good date. People fall out for all sorts of reasons and the sooner you get in there the better off you are. Also, have him prepare for the first week PT challenge: sit ups, push ups and 1 1/2 mile run. You want to be sure to be above the minimum necessary not to roll. Your recruiter will know those numbers if you don't already. My son went in pretty prepared (high school & collegiate athlete plus worked out 6 days a week) but when the stress kicks in, it can effect those numbers. We are not a military family, so my son experienced a lot of stress in the first weeks but made it through.
We are looking forward to graduation on May 18th!!! Good luck to your son!!
Apr 23, 2018
redheadlass
Thanks, Andrea S and Andy's mom. I will pass on all these suggestions to my son. He has been doing a lot of push ups and sit ups as well as running. I will ask him if he knows the minimums required. The ranks and such he will have to study. He has obligations that he cannot change to accept an earlier date of OCS-a two week vacation planned already paid for and a visit from us... plus he has a full time job and he just can't give two weeks notice to them. So he is hoping July 1 stays firm. His recruiter knows about these obligations. We are not a military family exactly although I am a bit familiar with the Navy as my ex-brother-in-law was an Academy graduate and was in for five years, but he was not an aviator.
Apr 23, 2018
TriciaM
For rousse54I would offer a bit of advice. if the Navy gives him an earlier start date all those reasons you gave for not being something he can miss are not valid to the Navy. They may take that as a sign he is not fully dedicated Flying for the Navy. Your recruiter is not the one that evaluates the level of dedication to making it. My son was delayed by 9/11 he was called up for a date, reported for his physical immediately and then Navy faced an emergency - retraining jet reservists coming back in on orders.took almost two years before they set a new date for jet spots. because the delay was caused by Navy needs they gave him a waiver on age etc, but he was zealous in staying in touch with his recruiter. to keep him interested the Navy did reach out and gave him visits to Pensacola , had a group pf guys like him actually in trainers props flying from Jacksonville to Pensacola etc. But they could have just as easily decided he was not ready to go instantly and dropped him from everything. He was a fully trained ifr pilot and had done some amazing flying in college and an internship with NTSB, but the delayed was grating on all of us . we, I was a military brat, held our breath for a long two years . Today he is still a combat F-18 pilot , flies weekly in a dual job placement and is on a carrier now checking out deployability readiness for the carrier air crews. He is a high ranking officer and his future is very bright with full flying.. I know he would not understand someone postponing a call up in what is a small number of available spots.with the highest levels of skill needed on call.
Apr 23, 2018
Andy'sMom
TriciaM,
Well said. I am in complete agreement.
Apr 23, 2018
redheadlass
Tricia and Andy's Mom: Sure, I appreciate what you are saying. I am sure if it came to an earlier date, he would do it, but he does have a full time job with a major aerospace company and even if the other things were true, he would have to give them an appropriate amount of notice. Were your sons employed at the time of their selection?
Apr 23, 2018
redheadlass
And FYI, my son is fully committed to becoming a Naval Aviator. I am sorry if I gave you the impression otherwise...
Apr 23, 2018
redheadlass
Tricia M: your son sounds very accomplished and you must be quite a proud mother!
Apr 23, 2018
Nancy
rousse54: I don't think there will be a problem. I haven't heard of people being called up to OCS sooner than the start date given them since I've been following OCS classes from a year and a half ago. In the off chance that he is called sooner, I'm sure he will go, given he can just up and leave his current job. My son was employed as a civilian engineer with Norfolk Naval Shipyard prior to OCS and was given a date 2 months away and that never changed. In fact, I didn't even know until now that that could have been a possibility and I have been following the OCS pages. Don't worry, everything will work out as it is supposed to.
Apr 23, 2018
JudyM
Before my son went to OCS (Jan 2011) he received a spiral book called Guide to Success. It has lots of great info such as ranks, physical fitness and what to bring to bring and not to bring to OCS. The number on the back is 013-0238. His was Rev. 08-09.
Apr 23, 2018
Andrea S
There is also plenty of information on a site called AIrWarriors.com
Apr 23, 2018
ulua
All good advice, be as prepared as you can possibly be. Don’t forget there is some serious swimming in Pcola. IN a flight suit. Congratulations Andrea on the upcoming graduation, what a great mother’s day for you!
Apr 23, 2018
Allison
Rousse54: I agree with Nancy, It will all work out. My LO was given a start date at OCS a week after he was accepted into the aviation program. He opted to delay his entry due to prior commitments, despite his recruiter's warning that it could be a long wait for a new start date. He spent those extra months going to the gym, getting his affairs in order and commitments wrapped up. That extra level of fitness was a huge help in getting through OCS without being rolled and he has done well ever since. This process is nerve wracking for family to watch but entering the program with a clear mind may also help your LO succeed. Good luck!
Apr 23, 2018
Andrea S
Wow...Mother's Day is the weekend before.Thanks for pointing that out! I have been so caught up in the OCS experience that I failed to notice that.
Apr 23, 2018
TriciaM
Rousse 54 I did not mean to suggest your son was not dedicated. I was saying that someone who does not know him and not his recruiter makes the slot decisions and the final ok. And that person can be any number of different individuals currently in the process when your son's name comes up. Info I just got when talking to a current aviator today was that they have a good number of flying slots open right now and that is good for your son, but the slots that can lead to jet jockey are more limited than other aircraft. that also slowed my son down because his recruiter was determined to get him a jet slot and did. But my son got very little notice when the day was here . Yes my son was employed as flight instructor (wanted the hours in the air and always wants to fly anytime any place) but refused to take any job that committed him to a length of time eg. a lot of the flight instructor jobs he was offered wanted him to commit to a year contract and he turned those down even tho they paid more. Instead he worked at his alma mater. Yes I am very proud of him. His major disappointment is that he does not see an opportunity to go to Mars! His goal was astronaut after aviator in the navy. But with the space program almost shut down and a whole line of astronauts on standby he is contemplating his next step after the navy which probably will not be space! But he is committing to at least 5 more years right now so the next step is somewhere in the ether. At least congress has funded more F-18's in the budget, but have not yet put the cash on the table. Good luck to your son and enjoy the ups and downs of being a Navy flying officer's MOM. I just wish they would let Moms backseat with their Navy aviators! I miss flying with him up in the peace of the skies and the beauty.
Apr 24, 2018
ulua
Thanks for the info TriciaM. I never understood there to be ‘slots’ that particularly led to jets. I thought everyone went through API then Primary at Milton or Corpus Christi. After that there was selection to different flying platforms; helos, large transport, or strike, all based on performance and what pilots the Navy required at that time. There seemed to be a selection process after each segment of training all the way through to advanced strike with carrier quals.
I have never heard of a recruiter getting someone a ‘jet slot.’ My understanding is the Navy would promise a candidate the opportunity to try to advance through the training process to fly an aircraft of some type, no guarantees or promises, all based on performance and Navy needs.
my son was also a flight instructor. He had his private license very young, the joke was he could fly his friends before he could drive them. He was an instructor by age 19. He finished his bachelors degree in 3 years so was young to begin his Navy journey, with his degree paid for by the Navy through the BDCP program.
Sitting watching the ceremonies both at OCS and winging, I was overcome with pride and emotion watching these amazing young officers. They are all truly the best of the best, intelligent, accomplished, educated. I am proud and grateful to have them working to protect my freedom.
Apr 24, 2018
ulua
One of my favorite diagrams to understand the aviation training pipeline, specially for newcomers: search
US Navy and Marine Corps flight school - training pipeline https://www.reddit.com
great visual to see what’s in store for your aviator
Apr 24, 2018
JudyM
ulua, Somehow the entire link to the flight school process did not show. It is pretty accurate.
here it is
Navy flight training
Apr 24, 2018
ulua
Thanks Judy!
Apr 24, 2018
Andrea S
That is a great link. Thanks for posting it. I think we all need to take in account that the Navy fills slots based off what they need at the time. What they need today may not be what they need in a few months or next year. Lucky for our LO's that the Navy has many different fixed wing to fly. All we can do is pray for what our LO's would prefer and be thankful for the amazing opportunity they have to be officers!
Apr 24, 2018
JudyM
Our experience is that there is a selection process after each of the different phases of training. It is based on slots available and although our LOs can request a particular platform for the next step, it is up to the instructors, competition and availability to determine where they go.
Apr 24, 2018
JudyM
Another heads up, don't miss winging! What a fun party and proud parent moment.
Also, at the end of OCS there is an opportunity for a private commissioning if you have someone active or retired military family or friend, they can do a private commissioning ceremony as well as the ceremony for the entire class. Not sure how it is arranged but our LO had an active Navy pilot do it for him.
Apr 24, 2018
ulua
So true Judy! Those moments are truly awesome!
I wanted to add that though my LO was an experienced pilot, Each individual’s journey to becoming a naval aviator is different. Some aviators begin with zero flight experience. Their commitment and drive is amazing. I want to say to new Navy moms, it can be done! Keep encouraging preparation, through study of Navy basics, flying manuals, and physical training. I have never heard of a ‘jet slot’ promised by a recruiter, so if your LO didn’t get that, don’t worry.
Congratulations again to those moms soon to watch their LOs ( loved ones) graduate from OCS. And best wishes to moms waiting for their LOs to begin OCS!
Apr 24, 2018
TriciaM
To be clearer on my comment before, what Andrea S described is more complete. There is no slot before training begins that guarantees any particular selection.What else you all said is correct but to go further. A jet class slot was , and is?, a slot that is set with the knowledge by the Navy that they need more jet jockeys at that time. Some slots are primarily aimed at transports etc. If at the time you go in no jets are needed or few ,I should say, then your chance of reaching a jet training after primary is reduced because more are competing for fewer openings. Such is the same if someone wants to fly a Growler or any other particular plane. It is a matter of open supply needs and the great recruiters do or did? track and know which training group has a better chance of getting what plane when they start Nothing says the Navy or Marines will not change direction at any time.. MY son was determined that it would be jet or nothing and the recruiter knew that. In my son's class time in OCS there was a need by Navy and Marines for a larger number of jet aviators than in other time frames. Quite a few of the trainees in his class made it to jets. At the same time though everything is up to qualifications . If when my son went in if the openings the Navy was trying to fill were primarily for transports, his chance of competing for and getting a jF-18, no F-35s at that time.,would have been much less. My son's route through the whole long long process (so it seemed to an anxious mother) and I have not asked him recently if the process has changed . But it is all on what they meet the qualifications for. my son was by no means guaranteed any particular route. I have a close friend and his son went through about the same time as an academy grad and he got a P-3 instead of the F-18 he wanted but he was still happy to make it through and he served 10 years. By the time my son finished and winged he was then offered three choices of where to go. F-35's were one but they were mostly on simulator training then and for several years so he chose the assignment he got and it has done well for him . Mom did get calls then as he worked his way through the decision process. I could not decide for him but I know him well so we could go through the pros and cons. He was planning a life time career at that time. Did choose one with Lots of flight time each week. It is a stress filled course throughout the Navy career line and as a mom all I could do is be there for him with encouraging words through each step that was a critical step to the next phase. I know I lost weight worrying for him! And the decision step is back up again for his next step! I . Being a Navy Mom is great but can also be tough on the nerves as I would guess all the MOMs might agreed. Good luck to all you sons and daughters that they are happy where they go. All of them are among the best in that they have been chosen by the Navy To join the greatest military force in the world.
Apr 24, 2018
Jmom
I have been reading for awhile but never posted before. My DS just finished his aircraft training in Virginia this week and will be heading overseas in a week and then two days after that be on a ship for several months. Trying to help him sort what to take for the short term and what should he take with him onboard? Not being military I am not used to this short turn around time! Luckily his Dad is retired and we are only 3 hours from him, so he will be going down to help out and pick up the Granddog who will be living with us for awhile it looks like! What an exciting time but also quite a jolt to this mama. Any avdvice is apprecitated
May 3, 2018
NOAM
Hi Jmom,
Our DS did the same thing. Finished one week then joined a ship the next. It's jolting for sure. Email as often as you can knowing he cannot get them as frequently as you send them. Know they will keep him very busy, so again you may not hear from him regularly. Remind him to set his phone up for international so when he gets shore leave you guys can facetime and he doesn't get killed with mega-charges - was a life saver for me. Not often enough but at least I could see his face. Get his address on the ship so you can send him stuff, and ship it as soon as he leaves since it will take a while to get there.
Hang in there!
PS - My DS is on his 2nd deployment and it hasn't gotten easier; we just get better at hiding it. ;-)
May 7, 2018
Helomom
Hi Moms! SECNAV released the FY-19 Active Duty Line Officer Captain (O-6) Selections this morning. Our DS is on the list! I knew he would make it but it is really nice to see it actually in print!
May 9, 2018
jsefamily
Helomom, WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! That is so wonderful! Congratulations to your DS and the whole family that has supported him on his military endeavors! Fantastic!
May 9, 2018
CheriH
Congrats Helomom!!!! Quite the accomplishment!!!
May 12, 2018
TriciaM
Congratulations to your DS and all of his family who helped him reach a real dream!
May 13, 2018
Allison
Congratulations Helomom!
May 13, 2018
Helomom
Thank you all! It’s been a long time since I snapped those Ensign bars on his shoulders at graduation. He and his family love their Navy life. As they used to say...”It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!” (USN ad campaign from the early 90's, I believe)
May 14, 2018
Andy'sMom
Congrats Helomom!
May 25, 2018
Helomom
Thank you all! We are actually visiting them this weekend. He has started looking at jobs that might be coming up for his next tour in 2020. Last set of orders...
His dad and I are still soooo excited for him.
May 30, 2018
Andy'sMom
Here is an odd question: Has anyone had problems sending boxes using USPS Priority Mail to Pensacola? I ask this because one of the moms whose daughter was in OCS with my son sent 2 boxes from 2 different shipping locations and both were ripped open and contents destroyed. Also, an order from REI was shipped via USPS and it too was ripped. Luckily the item was not compromised. She has contacted the
We have had problems with USPS in my area, but not as this level.
Jun 19, 2018