Your son may have to consult the legal office on base for advice. I know the landlords have all the power in these cases. Your DS may have to find another roommate(s) to share the rent until the lease is up.
Hope these links have some info for you. It appears that the best solution would be to get roommates to fill in until April. The remaining roommates should make sure that April is the end of their obligation (deployment of last original roommate).
Kabar - i know our DS just filled in a "lease spot" for a pilot that left Pensacola. I'm not sure how long his lease obligation is, but i think the original occupant has the ultimate obligation & that's why he found my son to rent & fill in an empty spot.
Hope he can find some roommates to fill in ... the guys in Pens found DS on facebook, so make sure they try all avenues if that what it comes to. lol
The Navy is moving our son's belongings from his house to another, but my husband and I will be there to supervise the move.I'e never used professional movers. Do you usually tip movers, and if so, how much?
It's the Navy....they do it all. The pack it and ship it. It may take a while to get to its distanation, but it will get there. You didn't say whether or not the two homes were close together or not. Anything that your son does NOT want danaged, wrap and pack yourself. He should take with him enough clothes for one to two weeks, and any persanal belongings that he may need. Then hope that all his stuff gets to where he is going within that time period. My son has had it both ways...his belongs get to him in a few days and sometimes not for three weeks! The Navy sometimes is a "hurry up and wait", so prepare for the worse and hope for the best!
One of our daughter's friends had Navy move her right after she was commissioned. It took 2-1/2 months for her to get her stuff. Yes, prepare for the worst!!
HELP!! Our LO is headed to P'cola within the next week. He MUST report by Dec. 5. He would like to report on Dec. 1 but he doesn't have a place yet. He was thinking of staying at the Navy Lodge while he checks his leads. He thinks that classes do not start until later in Dec. If he reports, will he be allowed to return home to retrieve his "stuff" since he will only be taking his essentials? Should he arrange housing before reporting? What is the process for applying for house hunting leave? Feeling a little stressed!!
pbmcdaniel, I don't know if your son will be allowed to go home once he reports to retrieve his stuff, but the Navy may move his stuff to him, and you can supervise the packing of it. (Read the posts and links here below on moving.) If he is on "stash" duty until his class starts, I think they have to physically remain in the area, but my son just had to report in by phone every morning, and then he had free time the rest of the day to apt hunt. Whatever you son rents, make sure it has a military clause in the lease that allows him to break the lease if he is transferred or deployed. Of course, if there are other roomies, the landlord will expect them to make up the extra rent for the one leaving or find a new roomie. He should be careful of that situation now as the newbie, and not get into a 4-way lease with 3 guys who will ship out in January and the lease will not run until next August; then HE will be scrambling to find roomies. His best bet would be to rent with others who are in his class, therefore they would all be leaving P'cola about the same time. Otherwise, maybe he could take over a departing roommate spot right now on a lease that will be completely up in just a few months, then he will have time to link up with others in his class to rent something together.
Have any of you had LOs that attended Power School in Charleston? Our son is about 3 weeks into it. He's always been strong academically but sounds like this is really tough. He did well at UF in nuclear engineering but reports this is really challenging. Is it like this the entire time? He's getting married 2 weeks after graduation so he has a lot on his plate right now. My understanding is the grades they earn now will follow them throughout their Navy career.
My son attended Power School in Charleston (2008). He didn't think it was particularly tough just a lot of material to cover in a very short period of time. My son's college major was EE, graduated with honors from a high ranking engineering college. He was just a few course short of a minor in physics. Gatormom, please tell him to not get discouraged because my son said there was no correlation between doing well in Power School and success rate in Prototype. My son would advise him to try concentrating on one section at a time. Don't think about huge amount of information he has to learn but just divide and conquer - one section at a time, one day at a time. He would also suggest eating right, regular sleep, exercise and for those with drama queens for girlfriends, fiancees - keep them from away. In your case, you might have a chat w your future DIL and offer to stand in for some of the things your son has to do. My son did well in both but thought Prototype was more stressful for people who were not "quick on their feet" and get stress having to perform in front of people (his words). For those who were more hands on (mechanically oriented), Prototype was easier. Good luck. If you have a more specific question, I'll try and get an answer for you.
Within 6 months after my son finished his commitment in 2012, he found a job, got married and bought a house. Out of the blue, he was recently recruited by another company - more money and opportunities.
Thank you for your quick response! I so appreciate the insight and feedback. I'm headed up for a very quick visit thus wkend and will pass on your great advice. Thx to your son, too : )
pbmcdaniel: Did your son get reported to P'cola and find a place to stay? It seems "hurry up and wait" is the Navy norm. They have to report early, but then their classes may not start for weeks. At least it usually gives them some time to settle in. Good luck to your son in flight school! My son was originally accepted as a pilot trainee, and then was medically DQ'd, so he transferred to Intelligence.
BunkerQB, just passed on your good advice to our LO. He needed it and appreciated it. Passed on your son has landed a good job. He was curious about the type of job and type of company. He has an open mind about the Navy as a career but is also interested in hearing about others and their paths after Navy life.
M's mom: Yes, our son is settled in P'cola. It was the hardest thing EVER to pack a few kitchen supplies, tv, laptop, and clothes and send him to P'cola to figure it out. He stayed at the Navy Lodge for two nights after reporting in at 10:30pm after a ten-hour drive. He was able to secure an apt. his first day, signed a lease, purchased a mattress and moved in on the second day. He still has only the basics while he waits for the movers to pack up his "stuff" on Dec. 22nd. He was told that classes will not start for 10-20 weeks. During that time he reports daily and has a few duties here and there. While waiting for classes, we understand he will take some type of class to get his flying license(he told us the acronym??) for about a month. He is eager to have something to do. Several of his OCS buddies are now down there, so he knows a few people. He has passed the physicals and preliminaries thus far, so at this point he is moving forward with the NFO designator.
Where is you son now? Still in P'cola? We had heard that the pilot trainee designator has a high DQ rate for various reasons. So sorry. I am sure he was disappointed.
pbmcdaniel: Glad to hear that your son is getting settled in. My son passed two Navy physicals before being accepted, and three weeks into OCS, he had to take a flight physical. Some scan revealed that he has a minor heart valve anomaly that is not life-threatening and about 1 percent of the population have it, but even though he can remain in the Navy, it DQ'd him for pilot or NFO. Now that they have all these high-tech scans in medicine they are finding things that many pilots probably had before, but now they are able to see them, and they're not wanting to take any chances. If my son had been thrown out of the Navy, he WOULD have been devastated, after all the hurdles he had to jump to get into OCS. But he was able to transfer to Intelligence, which was his second choice, so he was OK. He specialized as an aviation intelligence officer, so he works closely with the pilots and planes even if he can't fly them. He was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station off the coast of Seattle, assigned to a squadron of EA-18G "Growlers" which are electronic jamming and surveillance planes. He and his squadron left in August on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson for a ten month deployment. The Navy has announced that the Vinson is in the Persian Gulf launching airstrikes against ISIS, so I can state that here. He works with briefing/debriefing the pilots before/after their missions. We have limited email communication with him, but he seems to be adapting to shipboard life OK. His wife is staying at Whidbey Island where she has a local job. We are trying to keep in touch and support her while son is gone since they have only been married 18 mos. After he gets back next summer, looks like he will be heading to a new assignment on a base in Japan! His wife will be able to go with him there, so they seem excited about it. ---But it's a long way for hubby and I to go visit!
Gatormom, I just sent you a friend request. I'll be happy to share w you more details. Not sure how many would be interested about after-Navy civilian jobs.
Merry Christmas to all! The President of the United States made phone calls today to random service personnel deployed overseas. An AO1 in my son's squadron was the recipient of one of those phone calls. Christmas greetings from the President, that's cool!
Helomom: That is cool, but wonder how many of those random service personnel thought it was a joke being played on them by a friend? Pres Obama: "Hello, this is President Barack Obama." Service person: "Yeah, right! Joe, is that you?" haha
Helomom, I seem to recall that your son is presently on the CV, as mine is. DS was able to call us yesterday. It was so good to hear his voice! Sounds like they will have a pretty good Christmas feast on the ship. The Facebook pics of their Thanksgiving dinner looked better than what we had!!! :-)
M's mom-We were able to video chat with our son on Christmas too! It was the 26th there when he called. It was wonderful to see and hear him. He said that they have been working everyone very hard on this tour, not much down time. Work, rinse, repeat but everyday is a day closer to coming home.
Helomom: Yes, they are working very long hours! My son is an Intel officer with the squadron of EA-18G Growlers which are currently on board. He says on a "fly day" he starts duty at 0600 and doesn't get off until 1930-2000! Of course, as YOU know, whenever the planes are up the helos are flying too! Sometimes they do night ops, and it is a long night for all. My son says his quarters are right below the catapults, so even if he is off duty at night, he can't sleep with the racket going on overhead. By reading the ship's Facebook page, it seems to me that their Captain is very much in touch with his sailors, and sensitive to their need for R & R as often as possible with such an intense mission. I'm glad they all got a little break over Christmas!
I hope everyone had a great holiday. Our sailor is really struggling in Power School. He's never had any issues academically but this is really tough on him! Hard to understand how you can do so well in nuke engineering undergrad and then this is so tough. He went back from break a week early to study for a full week. He's on mandatory 20 hr/wk studying in addition to class time. Hoping for the best but concerned.
Gatormom, your son should do fine with his background in nuke engineering. Is he stressed out from outside demands on his time? I am sure he has asked for additional help (tutoring?). Does he have a buddy who is just flying thru? Could he ask one of them for some help? I know my son was pretty decent about helping others but every class is different. Good luck.
Thanks BunkerQB. Yes, he has a friend that's putting in little extra time that's offered to help. Many in the class came through the Academy and seem to be struggling much less. He thinks it's just a different studying style that will take some getting used to. Thanks for your response.
Helomom: Thanks! I hadn't seen that yet. Isn't it just amazing how precise and professional the deck crew is? So impressive that they can move those planes around and park them in the dark with just flashlight signals without banging their wings into each other. My son works with the "Cougars" squadron VAQ-139. Didn't see any of his planes' wing numbers of the ones I could see. I'm glad they showed some helos too. We both know that they are always up when the planes are, but it seems like the fighter jets get in all the pictures. Was your son in either of those helos? Do you follow the ship's Facebook page also? I am so impressed with the Captain's postings. He makes sure that even the most mundane jobs get recognized as essential to the mission, which they are, of course! Thanks again for the link. I'm forwarding it to all the family!
M's mom-Glad you enjoyed the video! I'm very impressed with the effort the Captain's team is putting into Facebook and other communications. He seems quite in tune with current expectations held by the ship's family at home. It's a lot more information than I am used to seeing. Re the helos, I never know when he is flying. LOL. I know the number of the helo with his name on it but they mix it up and fly whatever is available for the mission too. If the CO is off the ship, then he is in charge of the squadron so that usually means he has other responsibilities instead of flying. With about 6 months until he fleets up to command, there is a lot to do. Busy times.
Hi, I'm Rita. My son just started OCS in Newport on the 18th. I got my initial phone call on the 19th. What do your men say about OCS? How long before you hear from them?
Rita, there is also a page OCSgraduatemoms. Look into that one too. I got to know a few moms from my son's class on that page. He was class 16-14 and is doing good in Charleston.
Thank you Sylvas and Lynn. I think love/hate relationship will probably describe it really well. I'm anxious to get my first letter from him. What is your son doing in Charleston, Lynn?
Rita, have you seen the pictures of your son's class posted on Officer Training Command Newport's Facebook page? If you haven't done so already you should also join the Facebook group "U.S.Navy OCS Class 08-15 Friends and Family. Good contacts, good information.
My son's class is 09-15. I saw one picture of him! It looks like his processing day. I haven't seen a class photo yet though. I immediately liked the fb page and then had to unlike it. Do you know how to like a page and not have it show up on your fb page? My son doesn't want anyone to know where he is until he graduates. This makes it very hard on me.
You don't have to like OTC Newport. You can look at it any time without it showing up as long as you don't make a comment. The class page is a closed group, so I believe no one outside of the group will see anything. It won't show up on a public feed. Just like the Navy for Moms group, which also has a Facebook page.
Open Groups: Members, Comments, Group Name - everything is visible to all.
Closed Groups: Members & Group Name visible to all. Comments NOT visible to public, only to members.
SECRET Groups: Members, Group Name & Comments are all "undisclosed" - unless you get the link of the group, you will not be able to search for the group by name. You wouldn't know who is in the group (like in "Closed" groups).
My preference is for all Facebook groups associated with a specific Navy group be SECRET. Unfortunately, there are those who don't care about keeping a lid on things.
DON'T "like" or comment or "share" postings that can be traced back to you. If you share something on a friend's page (or family menber), all the friends of that person will be able to see the comment.
On Facebook, you should your profile to be visible to friends only. You can make a friend an acquaintance, so he/she can not see your comments. Please look at the help section on FB for more information.
Rita, welcome to the group. It's been very helpful for me. My son just graduated OCS in August. I can't say enough ab the FB groups. I found the most info there but this group is great, too. It's been a great experience thus far for our son, who is now in Charleston and studying more than ever. However, he's very happy to be in the Navy and looking forward to training being over.
I heard from my son this week. A very short and to the point letter. Plus today an email saying they set up their email accounts but won't use them for another week or so. Thanks Bunker QB and Gatormom! love the feedback.
Hi Rita: Glad you heard from your son. They don't have much time to write except when they could be sleeping! You will hear more from him when he gets email, because his generation doesn't "do" handwritten letters! Write lots of encouraging letters TO him, though. Be advised: DO NOT send anything to him yet but letters in plain white envelopes. Anything else, candy, cookies, books, even GUM will be confiscated as contraband, and grounds for punishment from the drill instructor, even if he didn't ASK for it to be sent! Make sure everyone you give his mailing address to knows this! In my son's class, someone's dear Auntie sent him cookies and he had to do 800 pushups!!!! After he passes the nine-week mark, he will be considered a Candidate Officer (Candio) and only THEN can they receive goodie boxes from home (Candio boxes) with treats.
Rita: Also join the group here on N4Ms called "OCS Graduate Moms." There were several Moms who joined that group last fall whose loved ones were going through OCS and we OCS veteran moms answered quite a few of their questions then. Go to that group and read back in the postings as far back as you can and we may have answered many of your questions already. You are welcome here at "Moms of Officers," of course, since you will soon be one! But not all of the Moms' officers here went through OCS---some went to the Naval Academy, and some were commissioned through NROTC in college. But we're all here to support Navy moms!!! I'm so thankful for all the answers to my questions I found here when my son was going through OCS!
We really didn't take him seriously when our son said he was thinking of joining the Navy instead of getting a job in Silicon Valley after graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. He did his research, went to a tour some ships in San Diego. Then he was sent to Washington DC for interviews with multiple groups. The last interview was with an admiral. The admiral casually ask him if they thought it would be too tough to be on a submarine. Our son replied that he felt he could adapt to any environment. Without missing a beat, the admiral gave a thumb up, our son was chaperoned immediately to an adjoining room to sign his contract and was sworn in right then and there! Since we missed it we asked if it was possible for a repeat of the swearing-in. The answer was NO. After a few more months of security clearances, our son flew to Pensacola for OCS in Dec 2006 (when they still had OCS training in 2 locations, instead of just one). We deposited him at the airport curbside, his dad shook his hand, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek and we drove off for lunch. We didn't hear from him for 2 weeks. We didn't worry one bit. We had no idea that OCS would be tough. We were less than clueless. Navy For Moms didn't exist. Maybe ignorance is bliss. He is now happily married living just 45 minutes from us. Life is good but he is so busy with work, domestic life and getting a MBA at the same time we seldom get a chance to see him. As a matter of fact, we received more letters, emails and calls from him when he was thousands miles away in Pensacola, Charleston, Ballston Spa and finally Hawaii.
BunkerQB: Is your son still in the Navy? It wasn't clear to me from reading your post. Yes, it is sad for us Moms that once our kids grow up and get married, then they have a "new" family, and don't seem to communicate much with the "old" family. Our son is presently on an aircraft carrier half a world away, but he emails at least once per week and calls us when they make a port visit, but that is because he is far away from home. He went to college only 45 minutes from home, and we heard less from him then than we do now, like your son. I think the mentality is, "Well, I'm right here, close to home, so you know where I'm at and what I'm doing." They just don't realize they're still our little kids in our minds!!!!! Yes, maybe ignorance was bliss for you, not knowing how hard OCS was, while your son was there. I probably had too much info about how hard it was, so was stressed the whole time, thinking he was never going to pass those inspections because his room and clothes were always a messy shambles when he was at home and college. Somehow he pulled it together though, and was commissioned in Sept 2012. He loves the Navy so far. I think he needs the discipline, especially with the fitness requirements. He's talking about making it a career, if he's allowed to stay in. With downsizing, some are not being allowed to re-up.
RIta: So glad you heard from your LO. Remember the excitement. Our LO is now in P'cola for flight training and enjoying life after OCS.
BunkerQB: Glad to hear of your experiences. Our son is currently training for NFO. Have heard him say that the P8 is one of his desired air frames. He is just in ISF, so he has a long road ahead. Love hearing other's experiences. Nice to be able to share them with our son.
So, this Candio box, is it a special box that is mailed inside of another box or is it the name of the cardboard box you put everything in to be mailed. Just curious if I should be looking for something special.
Thank you everyone. My first question when I found this site was do I belong here yet? Thanks for including me already and thanks for the other site information!
My son was in the Cavalier Drum and Bugle Corp in 2010 and 2011. It's an all male corp and they take up their phones there too. My son and I agreed it was probably the best training for both of us (looking back) for his OCS training. The few times I saw him that first summer I felt like I had more time with him then than the entire previous year while he was in college and living at home. I hold those times and memories close. He was fearful of going to Holding co. after his initial pt test but he's not there yet! Have a great weekend!!
When they become Candidate Officers in week 9 they can receive packages. Traditionally the family decorates the inside of a usps flat rate box and stuff it with goodies. The OCS class pages on Facebook have files with all the info on what and what not to send and when. My son requested books, his ds, and chocolate.
Sylvas: Congrats on your son becoming a Candi-O! Things are definitely more relaxed for him now that his class will be running the regiment. Since they have all been sugar-deprived of candy and desserts up to this point, most of them make themselves sick gorging on the goodies in their candio boxes! I hope you are able to go to Newport for the graduation/commissioning. Take lots of tissues to the ceremony---you will be bursting with pride!
M's mom
Your son may have to consult the legal office on base for advice. I know the landlords have all the power in these cases. Your DS may have to find another roommate(s) to share the rent until the lease is up.
Nov 13, 2014
BunkerQB
http://www.militaryonesource.mil/pfm?content_id=269402
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&sour...
Hope these links have some info for you. It appears that the best solution would be to get roommates to fill in until April. The remaining roommates should make sure that April is the end of their obligation (deployment of last original roommate).
Nov 14, 2014
J/J Mom
Kabar - i know our DS just filled in a "lease spot" for a pilot that left Pensacola. I'm not sure how long his lease obligation is, but i think the original occupant has the ultimate obligation & that's why he found my son to rent & fill in an empty spot.
Hope he can find some roommates to fill in ... the guys in Pens found DS on facebook, so make sure they try all avenues if that what it comes to. lol
Nov 19, 2014
LindaB
Nov 23, 2014
JJ
It's the Navy....they do it all. The pack it and ship it. It may take a while to get to its distanation, but it will get there. You didn't say whether or not the two homes were close together or not. Anything that your son does NOT want danaged, wrap and pack yourself. He should take with him enough clothes for one to two weeks, and any persanal belongings that he may need. Then hope that all his stuff gets to where he is going within that time period. My son has had it both ways...his belongs get to him in a few days and sometimes not for three weeks! The Navy sometimes is a "hurry up and wait", so prepare for the worse and hope for the best!
Nov 24, 2014
J/J Mom
One of our daughter's friends had Navy move her right after she was commissioned. It took 2-1/2 months for her to get her stuff. Yes, prepare for the worst!!
Don't know about tipping, sorry.
Nov 24, 2014
BunkerQB
For those moving, be sure to look at the info in the above discussion.
http://navyformoms.com/group/momsofofficers/forum/topics/help-ensig...
Tipping. Our son was in HI already when the Navy movers came to pack and load. We didn't tip but we did buy sandwiches, salads and drinks for guys.
Nov 24, 2014
pbmcdaniel
HELP!! Our LO is headed to P'cola within the next week. He MUST report by Dec. 5. He would like to report on Dec. 1 but he doesn't have a place yet. He was thinking of staying at the Navy Lodge while he checks his leads. He thinks that classes do not start until later in Dec. If he reports, will he be allowed to return home to retrieve his "stuff" since he will only be taking his essentials? Should he arrange housing before reporting? What is the process for applying for house hunting leave? Feeling a little stressed!!
Nov 25, 2014
M's mom
pbmcdaniel, I don't know if your son will be allowed to go home once he reports to retrieve his stuff, but the Navy may move his stuff to him, and you can supervise the packing of it. (Read the posts and links here below on moving.) If he is on "stash" duty until his class starts, I think they have to physically remain in the area, but my son just had to report in by phone every morning, and then he had free time the rest of the day to apt hunt. Whatever you son rents, make sure it has a military clause in the lease that allows him to break the lease if he is transferred or deployed. Of course, if there are other roomies, the landlord will expect them to make up the extra rent for the one leaving or find a new roomie. He should be careful of that situation now as the newbie, and not get into a 4-way lease with 3 guys who will ship out in January and the lease will not run until next August; then HE will be scrambling to find roomies. His best bet would be to rent with others who are in his class, therefore they would all be leaving P'cola about the same time. Otherwise, maybe he could take over a departing roommate spot right now on a lease that will be completely up in just a few months, then he will have time to link up with others in his class to rent something together.
Nov 26, 2014
Gatormom
Dec 9, 2014
BunkerQB
My new glasses are not working too well. Sorry for typos. Old age really sucks.
Dec 10, 2014
BunkerQB
My son attended Power School in Charleston (2008). He didn't think it was particularly tough just a lot of material to cover in a very short period of time. My son's college major was EE, graduated with honors from a high ranking engineering college. He was just a few course short of a minor in physics. Gatormom, please tell him to not get discouraged because my son said there was no correlation between doing well in Power School and success rate in Prototype. My son would advise him to try concentrating on one section at a time. Don't think about huge amount of information he has to learn but just divide and conquer - one section at a time, one day at a time. He would also suggest eating right, regular sleep, exercise and for those with drama queens for girlfriends, fiancees - keep them from away. In your case, you might have a chat w your future DIL and offer to stand in for some of the things your son has to do. My son did well in both but thought Prototype was more stressful for people who were not "quick on their feet" and get stress having to perform in front of people (his words). For those who were more hands on (mechanically oriented), Prototype was easier. Good luck. If you have a more specific question, I'll try and get an answer for you.
Within 6 months after my son finished his commitment in 2012, he found a job, got married and bought a house. Out of the blue, he was recently recruited by another company - more money and opportunities.
Dec 10, 2014
Gatormom
Dec 10, 2014
M's mom
pbmcdaniel: Did your son get reported to P'cola and find a place to stay? It seems "hurry up and wait" is the Navy norm. They have to report early, but then their classes may not start for weeks. At least it usually gives them some time to settle in. Good luck to your son in flight school! My son was originally accepted as a pilot trainee, and then was medically DQ'd, so he transferred to Intelligence.
Dec 10, 2014
Gatormom
Dec 10, 2014
pbmcdaniel
M's mom: Yes, our son is settled in P'cola. It was the hardest thing EVER to pack a few kitchen supplies, tv, laptop, and clothes and send him to P'cola to figure it out. He stayed at the Navy Lodge for two nights after reporting in at 10:30pm after a ten-hour drive. He was able to secure an apt. his first day, signed a lease, purchased a mattress and moved in on the second day. He still has only the basics while he waits for the movers to pack up his "stuff" on Dec. 22nd. He was told that classes will not start for 10-20 weeks. During that time he reports daily and has a few duties here and there. While waiting for classes, we understand he will take some type of class to get his flying license(he told us the acronym??) for about a month. He is eager to have something to do. Several of his OCS buddies are now down there, so he knows a few people. He has passed the physicals and preliminaries thus far, so at this point he is moving forward with the NFO designator.
Where is you son now? Still in P'cola? We had heard that the pilot trainee designator has a high DQ rate for various reasons. So sorry. I am sure he was disappointed.
Dec 10, 2014
M's mom
pbmcdaniel: Glad to hear that your son is getting settled in. My son passed two Navy physicals before being accepted, and three weeks into OCS, he had to take a flight physical. Some scan revealed that he has a minor heart valve anomaly that is not life-threatening and about 1 percent of the population have it, but even though he can remain in the Navy, it DQ'd him for pilot or NFO. Now that they have all these high-tech scans in medicine they are finding things that many pilots probably had before, but now they are able to see them, and they're not wanting to take any chances. If my son had been thrown out of the Navy, he WOULD have been devastated, after all the hurdles he had to jump to get into OCS. But he was able to transfer to Intelligence, which was his second choice, so he was OK. He specialized as an aviation intelligence officer, so he works closely with the pilots and planes even if he can't fly them. He was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station off the coast of Seattle, assigned to a squadron of EA-18G "Growlers" which are electronic jamming and surveillance planes. He and his squadron left in August on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson for a ten month deployment. The Navy has announced that the Vinson is in the Persian Gulf launching airstrikes against ISIS, so I can state that here. He works with briefing/debriefing the pilots before/after their missions. We have limited email communication with him, but he seems to be adapting to shipboard life OK. His wife is staying at Whidbey Island where she has a local job. We are trying to keep in touch and support her while son is gone since they have only been married 18 mos. After he gets back next summer, looks like he will be heading to a new assignment on a base in Japan! His wife will be able to go with him there, so they seem excited about it. ---But it's a long way for hubby and I to go visit!
Dec 10, 2014
BunkerQB
Gatormom, I just sent you a friend request. I'll be happy to share w you more details. Not sure how many would be interested about after-Navy civilian jobs.
Dec 11, 2014
Helomom
Dec 25, 2014
BunkerQB
Dec 25, 2014
M's mom
Helomom: That is cool, but wonder how many of those random service personnel thought it was a joke being played on them by a friend? Pres Obama: "Hello, this is President Barack Obama." Service person: "Yeah, right! Joe, is that you?" haha
Helomom, I seem to recall that your son is presently on the CV, as mine is. DS was able to call us yesterday. It was so good to hear his voice! Sounds like they will have a pretty good Christmas feast on the ship. The Facebook pics of their Thanksgiving dinner looked better than what we had!!! :-)
Dec 25, 2014
Helomom
M's mom-We were able to video chat with our son on Christmas too! It was the 26th there when he called. It was wonderful to see and hear him. He said that they have been working everyone very hard on this tour, not much down time. Work, rinse, repeat but everyday is a day closer to coming home.
Dec 29, 2014
M's mom
Helomom: Yes, they are working very long hours! My son is an Intel officer with the squadron of EA-18G Growlers which are currently on board. He says on a "fly day" he starts duty at 0600 and doesn't get off until 1930-2000! Of course, as YOU know, whenever the planes are up the helos are flying too! Sometimes they do night ops, and it is a long night for all. My son says his quarters are right below the catapults, so even if he is off duty at night, he can't sleep with the racket going on overhead. By reading the ship's Facebook page, it seems to me that their Captain is very much in touch with his sailors, and sensitive to their need for R & R as often as possible with such an intense mission. I'm glad they all got a little break over Christmas!
Dec 30, 2014
Gatormom
Dec 30, 2014
BunkerQB
Gatormom, your son should do fine with his background in nuke engineering. Is he stressed out from outside demands on his time? I am sure he has asked for additional help (tutoring?). Does he have a buddy who is just flying thru? Could he ask one of them for some help? I know my son was pretty decent about helping others but every class is different. Good luck.
Dec 30, 2014
Gatormom
Jan 1, 2015
J/J Mom
Gatormom -- prayers for your son & for you who has to watch him struggle.
Jan 3, 2015
Helomom
Jan 3, 2015
M's mom
Helomom: Thanks! I hadn't seen that yet. Isn't it just amazing how precise and professional the deck crew is? So impressive that they can move those planes around and park them in the dark with just flashlight signals without banging their wings into each other. My son works with the "Cougars" squadron VAQ-139. Didn't see any of his planes' wing numbers of the ones I could see. I'm glad they showed some helos too. We both know that they are always up when the planes are, but it seems like the fighter jets get in all the pictures. Was your son in either of those helos? Do you follow the ship's Facebook page also? I am so impressed with the Captain's postings. He makes sure that even the most mundane jobs get recognized as essential to the mission, which they are, of course! Thanks again for the link. I'm forwarding it to all the family!
Jan 4, 2015
Helomom
Jan 6, 2015
Rita
Hi, I'm Rita. My son just started OCS in Newport on the 18th. I got my initial phone call on the 19th. What do your men say about OCS? How long before you hear from them?
Jan 27, 2015
Lynn Baker
Rita, there is also a page OCSgraduatemoms. Look into that one too. I got to know a few moms from my son's class on that page. He was class 16-14 and is doing good in Charleston.
Jan 27, 2015
Rita
Thank you Sylvas and Lynn. I think love/hate relationship will probably describe it really well. I'm anxious to get my first letter from him. What is your son doing in Charleston, Lynn?
Jan 27, 2015
JediGrey
Jan 27, 2015
Rita
omg. I had not Sylvas. Thank you. I'll go look now.
Jan 27, 2015
Rita
My son's class is 09-15. I saw one picture of him! It looks like his processing day. I haven't seen a class photo yet though. I immediately liked the fb page and then had to unlike it. Do you know how to like a page and not have it show up on your fb page? My son doesn't want anyone to know where he is until he graduates. This makes it very hard on me.
Jan 27, 2015
JediGrey
Jan 27, 2015
BunkerQB
On Facebook group:
My preference is for all Facebook groups associated with a specific Navy group be SECRET. Unfortunately, there are those who don't care about keeping a lid on things.
DON'T "like" or comment or "share" postings that can be traced back to you. If you share something on a friend's page (or family menber), all the friends of that person will be able to see the comment.
On Facebook, you should your profile to be visible to friends only. You can make a friend an acquaintance, so he/she can not see your comments. Please look at the help section on FB for more information.
Jan 27, 2015
Rita
That's what I have been figuring out, Sylvas. Thanks for confirming this.
Jan 27, 2015
Gatormom
Jan 27, 2015
Rita
Hi ladies!
I heard from my son this week. A very short and to the point letter. Plus today an email saying they set up their email accounts but won't use them for another week or so. Thanks Bunker QB and Gatormom! love the feedback.
Jan 30, 2015
M's mom
Hi Rita: Glad you heard from your son. They don't have much time to write except when they could be sleeping! You will hear more from him when he gets email, because his generation doesn't "do" handwritten letters! Write lots of encouraging letters TO him, though. Be advised: DO NOT send anything to him yet but letters in plain white envelopes. Anything else, candy, cookies, books, even GUM will be confiscated as contraband, and grounds for punishment from the drill instructor, even if he didn't ASK for it to be sent! Make sure everyone you give his mailing address to knows this! In my son's class, someone's dear Auntie sent him cookies and he had to do 800 pushups!!!! After he passes the nine-week mark, he will be considered a Candidate Officer (Candio) and only THEN can they receive goodie boxes from home (Candio boxes) with treats.
Jan 30, 2015
M's mom
Rita: Also join the group here on N4Ms called "OCS Graduate Moms." There were several Moms who joined that group last fall whose loved ones were going through OCS and we OCS veteran moms answered quite a few of their questions then. Go to that group and read back in the postings as far back as you can and we may have answered many of your questions already. You are welcome here at "Moms of Officers," of course, since you will soon be one! But not all of the Moms' officers here went through OCS---some went to the Naval Academy, and some were commissioned through NROTC in college. But we're all here to support Navy moms!!! I'm so thankful for all the answers to my questions I found here when my son was going through OCS!
Jan 30, 2015
BunkerQB
We really didn't take him seriously when our son said he was thinking of joining the Navy instead of getting a job in Silicon Valley after graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. He did his research, went to a tour some ships in San Diego. Then he was sent to Washington DC for interviews with multiple groups. The last interview was with an admiral. The admiral casually ask him if they thought it would be too tough to be on a submarine. Our son replied that he felt he could adapt to any environment. Without missing a beat, the admiral gave a thumb up, our son was chaperoned immediately to an adjoining room to sign his contract and was sworn in right then and there! Since we missed it we asked if it was possible for a repeat of the swearing-in. The answer was NO. After a few more months of security clearances, our son flew to Pensacola for OCS in Dec 2006 (when they still had OCS training in 2 locations, instead of just one). We deposited him at the airport curbside, his dad shook his hand, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek and we drove off for lunch. We didn't hear from him for 2 weeks. We didn't worry one bit. We had no idea that OCS would be tough. We were less than clueless. Navy For Moms didn't exist. Maybe ignorance is bliss. He is now happily married living just 45 minutes from us. Life is good but he is so busy with work, domestic life and getting a MBA at the same time we seldom get a chance to see him. As a matter of fact, we received more letters, emails and calls from him when he was thousands miles away in Pensacola, Charleston, Ballston Spa and finally Hawaii.
Jan 31, 2015
M's mom
BunkerQB: Is your son still in the Navy? It wasn't clear to me from reading your post. Yes, it is sad for us Moms that once our kids grow up and get married, then they have a "new" family, and don't seem to communicate much with the "old" family. Our son is presently on an aircraft carrier half a world away, but he emails at least once per week and calls us when they make a port visit, but that is because he is far away from home. He went to college only 45 minutes from home, and we heard less from him then than we do now, like your son. I think the mentality is, "Well, I'm right here, close to home, so you know where I'm at and what I'm doing." They just don't realize they're still our little kids in our minds!!!!! Yes, maybe ignorance was bliss for you, not knowing how hard OCS was, while your son was there. I probably had too much info about how hard it was, so was stressed the whole time, thinking he was never going to pass those inspections because his room and clothes were always a messy shambles when he was at home and college. Somehow he pulled it together though, and was commissioned in Sept 2012. He loves the Navy so far. I think he needs the discipline, especially with the fitness requirements. He's talking about making it a career, if he's allowed to stay in. With downsizing, some are not being allowed to re-up.
Jan 31, 2015
pbmcdaniel
RIta: So glad you heard from your LO. Remember the excitement. Our LO is now in P'cola for flight training and enjoying life after OCS.
BunkerQB: Glad to hear of your experiences. Our son is currently training for NFO. Have heard him say that the P8 is one of his desired air frames. He is just in ISF, so he has a long road ahead. Love hearing other's experiences. Nice to be able to share them with our son.
Jan 31, 2015
JediGrey
Jan 31, 2015
Rita
So, this Candio box, is it a special box that is mailed inside of another box or is it the name of the cardboard box you put everything in to be mailed. Just curious if I should be looking for something special.
Thank you everyone. My first question when I found this site was do I belong here yet? Thanks for including me already and thanks for the other site information!
My son was in the Cavalier Drum and Bugle Corp in 2010 and 2011. It's an all male corp and they take up their phones there too. My son and I agreed it was probably the best training for both of us (looking back) for his OCS training. The few times I saw him that first summer I felt like I had more time with him then than the entire previous year while he was in college and living at home. I hold those times and memories close. He was fearful of going to Holding co. after his initial pt test but he's not there yet! Have a great weekend!!
Jan 31, 2015
JediGrey
Jan 31, 2015
M's mom
Sylvas: Congrats on your son becoming a Candi-O! Things are definitely more relaxed for him now that his class will be running the regiment. Since they have all been sugar-deprived of candy and desserts up to this point, most of them make themselves sick gorging on the goodies in their candio boxes! I hope you are able to go to Newport for the graduation/commissioning. Take lots of tissues to the ceremony---you will be bursting with pride!
Jan 31, 2015