although not new to being mom of an officer. Son has 9 years in and commissioned in from NROTC when graduated college. I am active on 2 other groups, moderator of Pre-BUD/S BUD/S and member of SEAL Moms. Just wondering if there are any other moms here that are in the same "boat" as I am, (sorry couldn't resist the pun.)
Congratulations to you and the new Captain! All of us here know how difficult is to make Captain in the Navy, so your son obviously has the right stuff. Just curious, how many years now has he been in the Navy?
It now seems like a long time ago that your son and mine were both deployed on the USS Carl Vinson during that long tour in the Persian Gulf! My son and his wife have been in Japan for 2 1/2 years, and will thankfully be coming back stateside in January to probably Ft. Meade, MD (Baltimore.) All DS can/will say is, "It's a cyber unit." He at first thought he would be at The Pentagon, but now says he has verbal orders to nearby Ft. Meade. That will be MUCH closer to us here in Indiana than Japan. ---Good, because they say they will try to start a family once they get back to the U.S.!!!!!!
Search Facebook for "Navy OCS Class XX-XX Friends & Families" or similar wording, using your son's class number for XX-XX. They are usually closed groups and you have to ask to join. Also search FB for the "OTCNewport" page, because they post pictures of the current classes in training.
As someone else pointed out, join the "OCS Graduate Moms" group here on N4M's, and read back on the posts as far back as you can. We have answered many questions recently for moms with LO's (Loved Ones) currently at OCS, so you may find the info you need there. That group is specific to OCS, whereas some of the officers of the moms in this group were commissioned out of ROTC and some graduated from the Naval Academy.
Thanks, ITgal, Anna, and M's mom! We knew he had a lock on it but you just never know. Now we can breathe, I have been checking that ALNAV site for almost a month.
M's mom - 21 years this month since he grabbed the brass ring. He was commissioned into the Navy Nurse Corps in 1997 after 4 years NROTC, then got his wings as an unrestricted line officer in 2001. He was laughing today saying he now knows when he can retire, Sept 1, 2022.
It will be great for you having your DS and DIL back stateside. Our DS and DIL are contemplating options on the next set of orders. GD is starting high school this Fall, that makes moving trickier. We hope they finish out here on the west coast. Only the Navy knows the future.
Hi everyone I have my only child heading to OCS very very soon and found this site quite by accident. I am reading as much information as I can to absorb the information for his new journey. Not totally new to military as my family has lots of military personnel from all branches and I was once a Marine wife. The Officer side is new. Never thought I would have to know this type of information again but here I am in the thick of it with my child. Doing my best to be as supportive and knowledgeable as I can be. Wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day! :)
You also might want to join the group here on Navy for Moms called "OCS Graduate Moms." That group is specific to OCS, whereas some of the officers of the Moms in this group were commissioned through NROTC, and some went to the Naval Academy.
We have several moms in the OCS group whose LO's (Loved Ones) were recently at OCS, so we have answered many questions for them. Read back on that forum as far back as you can, and we may have already answered yours.
If you do Facebook, you also may want to check for a group of families and friends of your son's OCS class as soon as it starts. Once you know your son's OCS class number, such as 16-18 for example, search Facebook for "Navy OCS Class XX-XX Friends and Families" or similar wording, where XX-XX is the class number. They are closed groups and you usually have to ask to join, but it was wonderful when my son was at OCS to connect with the families of his classmates, and share what we all knew of the goings-on.
The FB group was especially helpful to us. Some local parents actually went on base and were able to (discretely) take pics and captured our DS's group. They posted the pics, so we actually 'saw' him the second week in which was a massive comfort.
Additionally, sleep is at a premium so if you get one letter in the first few weeks, they've given up sleep to send it to you. By going on the FB site, as parents received letters, they could share with the group what was going on. And because you are communicating regularly with the group of you in the same situation, you can help prop each other up as they go through the process.
Thanks NOAM, I have found the facebook page for the class he will be in it looks like there are others who are helpful also on the site. I was a marine wife and come from a very large family of military people so the process is not new but it is very different when it is your child. I truly appreciate the support I have already found with those on this site. Thanks again.
Also look on facebook for the group OTC Newport!!! (Officer Training Command) They will post pics of the classes and you may be lucky to pick out your loved one!!!!!
Thank you all! It’s been a long time since I snapped those Ensign bars on his shoulders at graduation. For those who don’t know, he was commissioned into the Navy Nurse Corps. Then when his commitment was nearly done he tested, applied, and was accepted to flight school. This meant he had to resign his commission, accept an Unrestricted Line Officer commission and hope he would make it as an aviator or they would send him home. All worked out and he’s living the dream. 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)
That's right about it being an adventure! They also say, "Join the Navy, and see the world." Since my son left Newport as an Ensign in 2012, he has seen Virginia Beach, Whidbey Island WA, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Guam, Hawaii, and Monterey,CA !!! Not bad for a small town Indiana farm boy!
Helomom, My son just finished his 4th class Midshipman year at Auburn in the NROTC unit there. He really wants to be an aviator. However, they are putting a lot of pressure on him to be a Nuke. He feels like CORTRAMID this summer will help him with his decision. But one concern about aviation is that he has been told most aviators are not able to stay in long term, and he is really thinking he wants this to be a career. Your son has been in as an aviator for many years, it appears. What is your take on the longevity of aviators in general?
Hi Glenni! If your son really wants to be an aviator then that’s what he should try to do. But he really needs a passion for it. As far as predicting a career, that is hard to do. The fact is the older you get and the higher rank you achieve, the less you fly. Flying is done primarily by O-4 and below and the lucky O-5 on command tours. Our son hasn’t flown in almost two years and he flew then because he was the Skipper and the Skipper gets to fly. Now it will adminstrative work until he retires in 2022. He will have 25 yrs in at that point. Most of the jet pilots he has known leave the Navy at about the 12 year mark to go fly for an airline or fly corporate if they really want to keep flying. He’s a helo guy and the airlines are even after them right now.
From my perspective trying to plan a career in the Navy is a crazy game. You work hard and advance regularly through the Junior Officer ranks (O1-O3). Then you hit the first big bottle neck at O-4. If you don’t get the right break, boom you’re done. O-5 was determined by how you placed as an O-4. So you spend your middle years trying to position yourself for the next cut and the cut to O-6 is brutal. Out of our son's graduating class from NROTC I think 2 people made the O-6 list. One of his friends who had gone to the Naval Academy and had done all the right stuff but didn’t get the lucky break 7 years ago between O-3 and O-4, did not get selected. All the work he did to reposition himself didn’t work. So it all depends on an individual's desire to play the game.
My LO wrote to me about RPT sessions. Can someone tell me what that is? It wasn’t in the Navy Speak list of acronyms. I’m assuming some type of physical training.
jesnavymom: Definitely not an expert. I have heard it stands for remedial physical (or personal) training. Maybe this will help, I don't know how accurate this description is, things are always changing at OCS. https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/3rjgjp/ocs_fitness_r...
jesnavymom: my son just commissioned Friday (Hooyah!) and he said it stands for (as CL said) Remdial Physical Training. It's a way to help the whole group improve on the curlups, pushups and the run.
Well, now it is my turn to brag. My son is an F-18 aviator and still flying from carriers and ground stations. He has been flying for 13 years and will keep flying weekly at full quals (info for those Moms asking about how long a Navy pilot may fly). He just became a Commander today. He also is stationed at the Pentagon, but if transferred to a new station he will still be flying full quals each week. He is living his dream from 3 years old, and truthfully, my dream for him also since he was 3. I just gave him his new lid with the scrambled eggs with great pleasure. Well he did have to order it. He wants to have it for Memorial Day when he and his wife and their 3 and 5 year old sons spend time at Arlington National Cemetery laying roses on some very special headstones, more than DS wishes but in memory of special souls.
I could not be more proud of him and feel today like I am flying with him aa I use to do when he was at Embry Riddle U and I use to have him fly us for fun or in my role as an attorney to depositions , court hearings etc. His brother "K" is multiply disabled from birth .and my DS could not been a better brother at all times . DS took his brother with us into the air much to "K" delight with his brother's flying. Thanks to Skype we should all get to see the new uniformed Commander soon.
Thank you all! He will be going to Pensacola in August. He is desigated a SNA. Right now he is back at his home for 12 weeks: OHARP. I'm good with that as it is only 400 miles from me. Once he is in FL it will be more like 2000 miles! I have to say, that Commissioning was one of the most incredible events I have ever witnessed. So proud of all our DS and DD who have made the choice to serve our country! Hooyah!
And, as Memorial Day approaches, I want to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless all our sons and daughters.
Congratulations to everyone who has proud news to share. My news is that I am saying good by to my son as he heads to Virginia for schooling. I am very proud and cannot get enough hugs before he and his wife head out.
PKM, There is a graduation ceremony held at Dam Neck which the families may attend at the end of intel school. We attended our son's and stayed in Virginia Beach at a hotel right on the beach/boardwalk. Alas, a tropical storm hit the area the day of graduation and it rained, and rained, and rained! No frolicking on the beach, but we enjoyed spending time with DS and his fiancée, (now wife.)
Hello! I will be attending ODS graduation in July. Just curious if there is a type of dress code to abide by. Is it ok to wear a dress that shows shoulders and things of that nature? Want to make sure to respect tradition or unspoken lady-like "rules". Any insight would be helpful.
MelissaAnn79: For my son's OCS graduation, I wore my "dressier" outfit (a dress) to the Hi Moms reception, and then dressy slacks and nice top to graduation. You will want to take pictures with the new Ensign afterwards, so consider what you want to be photographed in standing next to a spiffy Navy officer in dress whites! (July) The attire for the graduation ceremony was fairly casual though, with some in jeans and even shorts if it's hot weather.
With her hubby/BF going to ODS, he received his commission prior to attending ODS. ODS is not the same program as OCS, though many of the officers in ODS are acquiring their first Navy uniforms at that time. As you stated, it will be a once in a life time picture opportunity!
I knew ODS (Officer Development School) was for medical professionals, lawyers, etc. who were being commissioned, and I knew it was only for five weeks or so. I assumed they had a graduation ceremony similar to OCS, but I don't know if they have a "Hi Moms" reception the night before like OCS does.
Many of the members in this site are not familiar with ODS. Those at ODS are not "being commissioned" during or at the conclusion of ODS. They already are Navy officers and remain the same rank/paygrade. My daughter had been an Ens. a year prior to ODS and my son was an Ens. for the three years prior to ODS. Both of my kids returned to their Univ. to resume medical school and later reported to the Navy for active duty - and completely different Navy routes between them! It is just a very different path for these officers, and often misunderstood, than followed by our other fine officers via programs such as OCS, NROTC and Naval Academy.
Thanks for the explanation about ODS. I wasn't sure when those officers actually received their commissions. A friend of mine was in the Navy while he was going to Optometry School, and I assume he went to ODS afterwards. I knew ODS was for those attending some kind of professional school, and then becoming active duty after that.
My son was commissioned in 2012, and I'm still learning about the Navy too! Sometimes when I talk to my son he will lapse into Navyspeak (all those acronyms such as RIMPAC) and I will have to ask him to spell it out for me. If I'm speaking to him on the phone, I can hear him rolling his eyes skyward. He knows he'd better not do that when we're face-to-face!!!! hahahaha
If you have questions, just ask. Some of the Moms here will probably know the answer. That's what we are here for!
I too am learning all the navy lingo. My son was commissioned 9/2015 and is currently on his second underway on a sub. His first 2yrs after being commissioned he was in NUPOC. (nuclear propulsion officer candidate).
We are here to learn together and support each other.
Good morning, my son is in OCS now. Week 1 is almost behind him. I am beginning a new adventure as well. Trying to learn as much as I can and way to many acronyms. My goodness. I will have questions and thank you to all in advance for your experienced information.
Meadow: Welcome! My son is finishing up week 7 at OCS currently. It is a whole new world to experience and learn about! The first three weeks are the hardest for them and also for you. Good luck and please ask questions as you need to.
welcome meadow to mom of Officers. My son was at OCS in 2015. He is now currently on deployment on a sub. We all were at the place you are now. Please feel free to ask questions. I still am learning what all the acronyms mean.
Andy'sMom
Lisarenee,
Are you a member of OCS Graduate Moms? That's a good place for good info on your immediate situation.
May 9, 2018
Navy Mom (J)
Hi, new to this group,
although not new to being mom of an officer. Son has 9 years in and commissioned in from NROTC when graduated college. I am active on 2 other groups, moderator of Pre-BUD/S BUD/S and member of SEAL Moms. Just wondering if there are any other moms here that are in the same "boat" as I am, (sorry couldn't resist the pun.)
May 9, 2018
Anna
Congratulations to your son Helomom!!!!!
May 9, 2018
M's mom
Helomom,
Congratulations to you and the new Captain! All of us here know how difficult is to make Captain in the Navy, so your son obviously has the right stuff. Just curious, how many years now has he been in the Navy?
It now seems like a long time ago that your son and mine were both deployed on the USS Carl Vinson during that long tour in the Persian Gulf! My son and his wife have been in Japan for 2 1/2 years, and will thankfully be coming back stateside in January to probably Ft. Meade, MD (Baltimore.) All DS can/will say is, "It's a cyber unit." He at first thought he would be at The Pentagon, but now says he has verbal orders to nearby Ft. Meade. That will be MUCH closer to us here in Indiana than Japan. ---Good, because they say they will try to start a family once they get back to the U.S.!!!!!!
May 10, 2018
M's mom
Welcome Lisarenee,
Search Facebook for "Navy OCS Class XX-XX Friends & Families" or similar wording, using your son's class number for XX-XX. They are usually closed groups and you have to ask to join. Also search FB for the "OTCNewport" page, because they post pictures of the current classes in training.
As someone else pointed out, join the "OCS Graduate Moms" group here on N4M's, and read back on the posts as far back as you can. We have answered many questions recently for moms with LO's (Loved Ones) currently at OCS, so you may find the info you need there. That group is specific to OCS, whereas some of the officers of the moms in this group were commissioned out of ROTC and some graduated from the Naval Academy.
May 10, 2018
Navy Mom (J)
Ok ladies, got it. Thanks anyway.
May 10, 2018
Helomom
Thanks, ITgal, Anna, and M's mom! We knew he had a lock on it but you just never know. Now we can breathe, I have been checking that ALNAV site for almost a month.
May 10, 2018
Helomom
M's mom - 21 years this month since he grabbed the brass ring. He was commissioned into the Navy Nurse Corps in 1997 after 4 years NROTC, then got his wings as an unrestricted line officer in 2001. He was laughing today saying he now knows when he can retire, Sept 1, 2022.
It will be great for you having your DS and DIL back stateside. Our DS and DIL are contemplating options on the next set of orders. GD is starting high school this Fall, that makes moving trickier. We hope they finish out here on the west coast. Only the Navy knows the future.
May 10, 2018
Jenna07
Hi everyone I have my only child heading to OCS very very soon and found this site quite by accident. I am reading as much information as I can to absorb the information for his new journey. Not totally new to military as my family has lots of military personnel from all branches and I was once a Marine wife. The Officer side is new. Never thought I would have to know this type of information again but here I am in the thick of it with my child. Doing my best to be as supportive and knowledgeable as I can be. Wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day! :)
May 13, 2018
M's mom
Welcome, Jenna07
You also might want to join the group here on Navy for Moms called "OCS Graduate Moms." That group is specific to OCS, whereas some of the officers of the Moms in this group were commissioned through NROTC, and some went to the Naval Academy.
We have several moms in the OCS group whose LO's (Loved Ones) were recently at OCS, so we have answered many questions for them. Read back on that forum as far back as you can, and we may have already answered yours.
If you do Facebook, you also may want to check for a group of families and friends of your son's OCS class as soon as it starts. Once you know your son's OCS class number, such as 16-18 for example, search Facebook for "Navy OCS Class XX-XX Friends and Families" or similar wording, where XX-XX is the class number. They are closed groups and you usually have to ask to join, but it was wonderful when my son was at OCS to connect with the families of his classmates, and share what we all knew of the goings-on.
May 13, 2018
NOAM
Hi Jenna07,
The FB group was especially helpful to us. Some local parents actually went on base and were able to (discretely) take pics and captured our DS's group. They posted the pics, so we actually 'saw' him the second week in which was a massive comfort.
Additionally, sleep is at a premium so if you get one letter in the first few weeks, they've given up sleep to send it to you. By going on the FB site, as parents received letters, they could share with the group what was going on. And because you are communicating regularly with the group of you in the same situation, you can help prop each other up as they go through the process.
Take care.
May 14, 2018
NOAM
congrats Helomom!
May 14, 2018
Jenna07
Thanks NOAM, I have found the facebook page for the class he will be in it looks like there are others who are helpful also on the site. I was a marine wife and come from a very large family of military people so the process is not new but it is very different when it is your child. I truly appreciate the support I have already found with those on this site. Thanks again.
May 14, 2018
Anna
Jenna07,
Also look on facebook for the group OTC Newport!!! (Officer Training Command) They will post pics of the classes and you may be lucky to pick out your loved one!!!!!
May 14, 2018
Helomom
Thank you all! It’s been a long time since I snapped those Ensign bars on his shoulders at graduation. For those who don’t know, he was commissioned into the Navy Nurse Corps. Then when his commitment was nearly done he tested, applied, and was accepted to flight school. This meant he had to resign his commission, accept an Unrestricted Line Officer commission and hope he would make it as an aviator or they would send him home. All worked out and he’s living the dream. 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
Jenna07
Thank you Anna: I did find OTC Newport page and have added it to my favorites. Appreciate all of you helping us newbies through this. :)
May 14, 2018
M's mom
Helomom,
That's right about it being an adventure! They also say, "Join the Navy, and see the world." Since my son left Newport as an Ensign in 2012, he has seen Virginia Beach, Whidbey Island WA, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Guam, Hawaii, and Monterey,CA !!! Not bad for a small town Indiana farm boy!
May 14, 2018
Helomom
It’s a really exceptional opportunity, M's mom.
May 15, 2018
Glenni
Helomom, My son just finished his 4th class Midshipman year at Auburn in the NROTC unit there. He really wants to be an aviator. However, they are putting a lot of pressure on him to be a Nuke. He feels like CORTRAMID this summer will help him with his decision. But one concern about aviation is that he has been told most aviators are not able to stay in long term, and he is really thinking he wants this to be a career. Your son has been in as an aviator for many years, it appears. What is your take on the longevity of aviators in general?
May 15, 2018
Helomom
Edited-
Hi Glenni! If your son really wants to be an aviator then that’s what he should try to do. But he really needs a passion for it. As far as predicting a career, that is hard to do. The fact is the older you get and the higher rank you achieve, the less you fly. Flying is done primarily by O-4 and below and the lucky O-5 on command tours. Our son hasn’t flown in almost two years and he flew then because he was the Skipper and the Skipper gets to fly. Now it will adminstrative work until he retires in 2022. He will have 25 yrs in at that point. Most of the jet pilots he has known leave the Navy at about the 12 year mark to go fly for an airline or fly corporate if they really want to keep flying. He’s a helo guy and the airlines are even after them right now.
From my perspective trying to plan a career in the Navy is a crazy game. You work hard and advance regularly through the Junior Officer ranks (O1-O3). Then you hit the first big bottle neck at O-4. If you don’t get the right break, boom you’re done. O-5 was determined by how you placed as an O-4. So you spend your middle years trying to position yourself for the next cut and the cut to O-6 is brutal. Out of our son's graduating class from NROTC I think 2 people made the O-6 list. One of his friends who had gone to the Naval Academy and had done all the right stuff but didn’t get the lucky break 7 years ago between O-3 and O-4, did not get selected. All the work he did to reposition himself didn’t work. So it all depends on an individual's desire to play the game.
May 15, 2018
PKM
You have all the support of the Navy Moms and their families.
May 17, 2018
NavyMom - Lora
Thank you!
May 18, 2018
jesnavymom
My LO wrote to me about RPT sessions. Can someone tell me what that is? It wasn’t in the Navy Speak list of acronyms. I’m assuming some type of physical training.
May 19, 2018
CindyN
jesnavymom: Definitely not an expert. I have heard it stands for remedial physical (or personal) training. Maybe this will help, I don't know how accurate this description is, things are always changing at OCS. https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/3rjgjp/ocs_fitness_r...
May 19, 2018
jesnavymom
Thank you!
May 19, 2018
Andy'sMom
jesnavymom: my son just commissioned Friday (Hooyah!) and he said it stands for (as CL said) Remdial Physical Training. It's a way to help the whole group improve on the curlups, pushups and the run.
May 23, 2018
CindyN
jesnavymom - Congratulations to both your and your son! Where does he go next?
May 23, 2018
PKM
Congratulations to Andy'sMom!
May 23, 2018
TriciaM
Well, now it is my turn to brag. My son is an F-18 aviator and still flying from carriers and ground stations. He has been flying for 13 years and will keep flying weekly at full quals (info for those Moms asking about how long a Navy pilot may fly). He just became a Commander today. He also is stationed at the Pentagon, but if transferred to a new station he will still be flying full quals each week. He is living his dream from 3 years old, and truthfully, my dream for him also since he was 3. I just gave him his new lid with the scrambled eggs with great pleasure. Well he did have to order it. He wants to have it for Memorial Day when he and his wife and their 3 and 5 year old sons spend time at Arlington National Cemetery laying roses on some very special headstones, more than DS wishes but in memory of special souls.
I could not be more proud of him and feel today like I am flying with him aa I use to do when he was at Embry Riddle U and I use to have him fly us for fun or in my role as an attorney to depositions , court hearings etc. His brother "K" is multiply disabled from birth .and my DS could not been a better brother at all times . DS took his brother with us into the air much to "K" delight with his brother's flying. Thanks to Skype we should all get to see the new uniformed Commander soon.
Yes, I am a very proud and happy Mom
May 23, 2018
Allison
Congratulations TriciaM to you and your son!!!
May 23, 2018
M's mom
TriciaM:
You are quite justified in your pride for your new Commander! Congratulations to him and to you!
May 23, 2018
M's mom
Andy'sMom:
Congrats to you & the new Ensign! Where is he headed now?
May 23, 2018
Anna
Congratulations ladies to the newly commissioned officer and newly promoted Commander!!! Bravo Zulu Shipmates!!!!
May 24, 2018
Andy'sMom
Thank you all! He will be going to Pensacola in August. He is desigated a SNA. Right now he is back at his home for 12 weeks: OHARP. I'm good with that as it is only 400 miles from me. Once he is in FL it will be more like 2000 miles! I have to say, that Commissioning was one of the most incredible events I have ever witnessed. So proud of all our DS and DD who have made the choice to serve our country! Hooyah!
And, as Memorial Day approaches, I want to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless all our sons and daughters.
May 25, 2018
PKM
Congratulations to everyone who has proud news to share. My news is that I am saying good by to my son as he heads to Virginia for schooling. I am very proud and cannot get enough hugs before he and his wife head out.
May 28, 2018
M's mom
PKM, There is a graduation ceremony held at Dam Neck which the families may attend at the end of intel school. We attended our son's and stayed in Virginia Beach at a hotel right on the beach/boardwalk. Alas, a tropical storm hit the area the day of graduation and it rained, and rained, and rained! No frolicking on the beach, but we enjoyed spending time with DS and his fiancée, (now wife.)
May 28, 2018
MelissAnn79
Hello! I will be attending ODS graduation in July. Just curious if there is a type of dress code to abide by. Is it ok to wear a dress that shows shoulders and things of that nature? Want to make sure to respect tradition or unspoken lady-like "rules". Any insight would be helpful.
May 29, 2018
LeAnn ⚖
MelissAnn:
Both of my kids went to ODS and the family members attending wore what you might consider "Sunday" or nice casual evening wear.
May 29, 2018
M's mom
MelissaAnn79: For my son's OCS graduation, I wore my "dressier" outfit (a dress) to the Hi Moms reception, and then dressy slacks and nice top to graduation. You will want to take pictures with the new Ensign afterwards, so consider what you want to be photographed in standing next to a spiffy Navy officer in dress whites! (July) The attire for the graduation ceremony was fairly casual though, with some in jeans and even shorts if it's hot weather.
May 30, 2018
LeAnn ⚖
M's Mom:
With her hubby/BF going to ODS, he received his commission prior to attending ODS. ODS is not the same program as OCS, though many of the officers in ODS are acquiring their first Navy uniforms at that time. As you stated, it will be a once in a life time picture opportunity!
May 30, 2018
Helomom
Congratulations to all of you! This great Navy life is such a rush!
May 30, 2018
M's mom
LeAnn:
I knew ODS (Officer Development School) was for medical professionals, lawyers, etc. who were being commissioned, and I knew it was only for five weeks or so. I assumed they had a graduation ceremony similar to OCS, but I don't know if they have a "Hi Moms" reception the night before like OCS does.
May 30, 2018
LeAnn ⚖
Many of the members in this site are not familiar with ODS. Those at ODS are not "being commissioned" during or at the conclusion of ODS. They already are Navy officers and remain the same rank/paygrade. My daughter had been an Ens. a year prior to ODS and my son was an Ens. for the three years prior to ODS. Both of my kids returned to their Univ. to resume medical school and later reported to the Navy for active duty - and completely different Navy routes between them! It is just a very different path for these officers, and often misunderstood, than followed by our other fine officers via programs such as OCS, NROTC and Naval Academy.
May 30, 2018
M's mom
LeAnn:
Thanks for the explanation about ODS. I wasn't sure when those officers actually received their commissions. A friend of mine was in the Navy while he was going to Optometry School, and I assume he went to ODS afterwards. I knew ODS was for those attending some kind of professional school, and then becoming active duty after that.
May 30, 2018
VickiB
New to this site- my son commissioned in Dec17 after completing NROTC and is on a ship in San Diego. Still learning about Navy.
Aug 2, 2018
M's mom
Welcome VickiB,
My son was commissioned in 2012, and I'm still learning about the Navy too! Sometimes when I talk to my son he will lapse into Navyspeak (all those acronyms such as RIMPAC) and I will have to ask him to spell it out for me. If I'm speaking to him on the phone, I can hear him rolling his eyes skyward. He knows he'd better not do that when we're face-to-face!!!! hahahaha
If you have questions, just ask. Some of the Moms here will probably know the answer. That's what we are here for!
Congrats to your son, and anchors aweigh !!
Aug 2, 2018
topdog1p
Welcome Vicki,
I too am learning all the navy lingo. My son was commissioned 9/2015 and is currently on his second underway on a sub. His first 2yrs after being commissioned he was in NUPOC. (nuclear propulsion officer candidate).
We are here to learn together and support each other.
Aug 4, 2018
meadow
Good morning, my son is in OCS now. Week 1 is almost behind him. I am beginning a new adventure as well. Trying to learn as much as I can and way to many acronyms. My goodness. I will have questions and thank you to all in advance for your experienced information.
Aug 17, 2018
redheadlass
Meadow: Welcome! My son is finishing up week 7 at OCS currently. It is a whole new world to experience and learn about! The first three weeks are the hardest for them and also for you. Good luck and please ask questions as you need to.
Aug 17, 2018
topdog1p
welcome meadow to mom of Officers. My son was at OCS in 2015. He is now currently on deployment on a sub. We all were at the place you are now. Please feel free to ask questions. I still am learning what all the acronyms mean.
Aug 17, 2018