Seabee Moms

Yeah for knowing leave and Duty Stations.  My Bee is also a BU but they did his schooling weird!!  (A school- Duty Station- ECS- Battalion- OSHA training.  No C-school yet).  The only reason to go down would be to see him but it's not like PIR. Enjoy having him home for Christmas!

Does anyone know how often they class up A School at Port Hueneme?  Wondering if my SR graduates boot on 12/7/18 will he be put in hold until after the holidays or will he class up immediately?  I know he will probably not have the leave accumulated or be phased up in time to visit for the holidays even if he begins A School right away.  His rate will be CM

Thanks for ANY bits or pieces of info you can pass on...I am not finding much info on A School.... :-)

2gooddogs - Our sailor is a CM. From what I "know" and remember, they class up as soon as there are enough sailors on base for a class to be held. That could be right away or it could be a few weeks. My sailor's experience was to be sent to Port Hueneme the very next day after PIR. I think it was a week or two before he classed up. Not sure how they will handle the holidays. Our sailor got to come home for a few days. We go with the flow and enjoy him when he comes home. Now that he's been in the Navy for a while, things have become a bit more settled. -  If you get a chance to attend A School graduation, take advantage of that. It is a small ceremony but very nice. Our sailor's event was in the Seabee Museum which is quite interesting. You are welcome to PM me if you'd like.

Sarabi Thank you for the information!  I am glad to know about A School Graduation...everyone says it's not worth going...but I would like to be there...I am glad to hear it is worth it!

I know seabees get some extra combat training. Like 4 or 6 weeks?  Does anyone know if that's included in A school?  My son's A school is 11 weeks, trying to figure out if we tack another month or so onto that to figure out when he'll be done. Thanks for any insight!

Good morning catsandkoi!!  I'm kinda super new......my son is in A school right now; he does go to C school next, in a different location - which is for combat training from what he's told me. I'm sorry - I do not know how long that one is. I know that doesn't help very much....perhaps someone with more experience can help us both!  

Hi Laura!  That does help. It's the first I've heard of C school! (don't you just love that our kids have to get extra combat training?  Not!)  Any idea if he goes right to C school, or if there's the possibility of leave in between?  (just trying to figure out when we might be able to spend some time with him!)  What's your son's job rate?

I believe he goes right to C school; may have liberty after graduation - I'm guessing similar to liberty after boot camp? Like that sort of time frame? Graduates one day and then the next leaves for C school? Honestly, trying to get info out of my sailor is a challenge.  I could totally be getting this wrong, I'm terrible at terminology - but I think his rate is E2; he's an EO. 

I'm googling stuff right now and from what I'm reading, C school is advanced training. So I'm not sure if that includes the combat training or not. I hate not understanding everything.

I do too - I either have to google stuff or learn things from places like this. Facebook groups help tremendously as well. If I don't find it there - I bombard my guy with questions when I talk to him. :)

belovedbyHim - Thank you - that's good information! :)

Thanks belovedbyhim. So after A school, he'll be going to wherever he's going to be based?  (is that the same as duty station that you mention?)

Ah, gotcha. Not good news for a planner like me. :) Will try to roll with the punches.

Awesome, belovedbyhim. Thanks!

Hi belovedbyhim, question for your seabee. I got to talk to my son from boot camp today.  He is stressing about the ECS. He's heard that #1, they have to near drown you in one of the exercises?  and #2, they have to expose you to some super horrible tear gas which is supposed to be incredibly painful.  When you have a chance, can you ask him about that?  And to maybe give you a little summary of what ECS is like and how hard it is? Thanks!

Catsandkoi-- When you write or talk to your SR tell him not to stress!!  The navy will never near drown someone they just put all the time and money into training and CS gas is CS gas.  He will get a taste of it at BC.  Yes it is not fun but not fatal either!! My Bee would not give any details because they are not allowed to but my guess is someone is trying to scare him and others along the way.  For the record SERE School is way Worse than anything short of actual war!! 90% of the time my bee is waiting on supplies or orders or both!!

thank you so much. I figured as much! What is SERE school? What does your bee do when he's not deployed, but just as his base?

yikes, just looked up SERE. Seabees don't have to do that do they?

Catsandkoi-- Good for you!! As a new mom learning where to look for the answers will save you tons of grief!! Most Bee's will not unless they are with a special forces assignment.  (I think it's like less than 5% who ever do that)  When they are at base they do trainings, stand watch, work on projects, hang out and shoot the breeze.  My Bee feels like it's not near as much as he'd like but there are rules about what they can and cannot do as far as maintenance on the bases.  Most of that work goes to civilian contractors who do the work! (that our bees are trained/training to do!)  Honestly, he was disappointed in his choice.  He feels that he just sits around doing nothing and then when he does get a job it's to pour concrete!  He's sorry he extended his contract and is looking to see if he can get out.

Belovedbyhim, thanks for being so honest. That will be a good heads up for my son that he might not be doing as much actual welding as he was hoping. So your son's job rate doesn't include pouring concrete but they taught him how to do that anyway?  How often and for how long would you say he's deployed? (and while my son's recruiter suggested, "Hey, if you did underwater welding you could hook up with the SEALS," my son was quick to remind him that he's color blind. So I don't think we'll have to worry about special forces and SERE!

Catsandkoi-- My Bee is a BU builder so yes, pouring concrete is part of his job, just not the part that he enjoys very much!  He'd much rather pound nails and do framing work! He doesn't mind the concrete work but they spend a lot of time waiting.  Frame the form, wait, Pour the concrete, wait, smooth the concrete, wait, wait some more, remove the frame, wait, wait for the orders and repeat! Welding may be similar or not. I really don't know.  I do know my bee was learning some welding and enjoying it at his first command.  He was stationed in Sigonella, Italy for the first 3 years so this is our second deployment in the 5 that he's been in but he was overseas so it isn't as hard as it is for many.  He has done 2 6month deployments.  His first was on the heels of his overseas tour, and ECS so we didn't get to see him before that, then they were home for about 8 months before deploying again, also for 6 months.  We expect them home in the spring.  I know some did "Det" assignments in between and he is currently attached to a "Det" (Detached unit) serving away from the main body.  Part of his issue is his own making but part of it is being on a small, isolated island, with a couple of people he isn't really getting along with.  He said his Italian unit felt like family but this just feels like work and not much else.  It breaks my heart for him but I have no control over it so I try not to dwell.  He will learn lessons from this and may look back and miss it later.  He did with Italy!  I just pray daily that God will send someone to his unit that will be a good friend and influence on him! He did share that he really misses home and plans to move back here when he can.  He was in such a hurry to leave and claimed he hated living here but now he sees that it wasn't so bad!!  He tends to learn things the hard way!!
My bee did talk about cross rating to learn underwater welding and he very much wanted to work with the seals but he has my astigmatism and is just short of blind without his glasses so that was out!!  Thank God for bad eyes!!! No SERE here either!!

My DH was Navy when we were first married and our neighbor in our first place was a pilot in training at Mira Mar NAS.  He did SERE and one evening we were visiting and having dinner and he was telling us all about it!  I would not wish it on my worst enemies!! This was in the 80's and there were some things that they no longer are allowed to do but they did then!! (like simulated torture!!-- Waterboarding, electro-shock, sleep deprivation...) I never wanted my loved ones to go through that  but they did it to train them in the event they were shot down over enemy territory.  He claimed it wasn't as bad as the week in the dessert though and that he'd take that over eating bugs and weeds any day!  

Haha, my son was in a big hurry to get out of our town too. I really hope he gets to see some great places and work on some amazing projects. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I hope things improve for your son.

Hi all!  just back from PIR weekend. Wow. So many emotions. My son got his orders, and they included a deployment date. How soon before they leave do they find out where they're going, and are they allowed to tell their family?

Question for you, BelovedByHim (or anyone else who might know!) So my son got his orders, and knows his Battalion. His orders include something much later in the year after his A school is done titled "ultimate orders." What does that mean?  Also, do most battalions deploy every year?  And how far ahead of time are sailors notified they will be deploying?  thanks for any insight!

Catsandkoi-- If the Navy KNOWS where they have a need they may place them in their Battalion, pending completion of A School.  That just means he already knows where he is likely to be headed although with the Navy you have to be ready for change at a moments notice.  Deployments are normally on an approximate 18 month rotation but again that is not a hard and fast rule!  They will know at least 6 months out but sometimes they know as soon as they come home from one deployment when they are scheduled to go out next.  Then there are Detachments and temporary projects they may go out and work on in between deployments. 

I find that it is best to learn to relax and just go with the flow. 
When you are caught in a rip current The best thing to do is relax. Swim with the current and then make your way when you are able to do so.  If you try and swim in to shore against a rip current you will become exhausted and may drown, in the same way if you try and understand the workings of the Navy you may suffer the same fate!!

Focus on A school and let the rest come in it's own time.

Hahaha, go with the flow. Oh, that's going to be hard to learn! So then do the ultimate orders mean, "Ok this is where you're really really going to be based?" Thanks for your insight. 

Unless we change our minds, yes.

Haven't been here in a while but have a question. My BU is in his last 6 school days of A-school.  Called last night and said he may be re-rated or discharged due to failing a lab.  They were on drywall. Part of his lab was called excellent (the hole that he patched after instructor kicked it) lol part of the process I know. But, the mudding and sanding was lacking on the rest of his wall. The time changed and he thought he was going to have another day. Anyway, my question is, would they really kick him out for one lab 6 days before graduation or is this another Navy scare tactic? With the weekend and the holiday on Monday he has to wait until Tuesday to find out. Thought maybe I could ease some of his anxiety over it. 

I don't know the answer, loulou, but I'm praying for your guy! I'm going to vote scare tactic. I hope so anyway!

Thanks catsandkoi!  That's what my husband says too. He's done construction all his life and after talking to our son says it is ridiculous if he fails out.  What was wrong with the mudding was because there wasn't time for it to dry before he sanded. But, that's all here nor there. We all know the Navy does what it wants lol Thank you for the prayers!!!

Hi everyone,

My SR is still in boot camp right now, but I need some info from you regarding PIR flight booking.  He will be going to A school in Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri as an EO after PIR 4/12.  I want to be able to meet him at the airport to give him his cellphone.  Which airport do these seabees fly out of after PIR? Thanks!

lifesimplified--- It is a complete crapshoot!  Most of the time they fly our of OHare, but sometimes out of Midway or Milwaukee.  Most of the time they fly out on Saturday but sometimes Sunday or Monday.  Your Sailor will have that information  at some point after BS21 and in most cases before PIR but sometimes not until after PIR if they are a late group or if they fail for some reason.  Your best bet is  to book your flight home for Monday if you have the time or Late Sunday.

Lifesimplified-- Depending on where you are flying in from Milwaukee or Midway might be more affordable.  Southwest offers the best options for a flight and the ability to change flight dates and times if needed.(but they are not out of O'Hare)  IF you are renting a car then while it is a few more miles Milwaukee has less traffic (depending on the time of day of course.) Sunday is still the better bet to fly out since you are not stressed about making your flight if your sailor has a later flight at a different airport.  You really won't be sleeping much so know that ahead of time as well!  There is a whole file on Traveling for PIR in the files section or your PIR group on FB may have more details for you as well.

We've got boots in the house! My son graduated SW A school yesterday and has 2 weeks before he starts combat school, so he's home for a visit! So nice to have him around again. :)

Lifesimplified-  my son just left for BC on 3/14/19 and is also an EO and will be going to Ft. Leonard Wood in MO after his PIR on 5/10/19.  It would be great to hear how the transition from BC to A school goes.

Hi LisaAnn! My son is an SW in Gulfport. He just finished A school and is now in combat school, also in Gulfport. When he first got to Gulfport, he had to wait a week or so to "class up" (to start A school when they have enough members.)

At first he was frustrated because you still don't have a lot of freedom. You have to take a few tests to phase up to wear civilian clothes, leave base etc. So he complained about that a lot. Then OTHER guys got in trouble out in town and everyone got phased down!

He was still getting up at 4 am for PT, watches etc. But he was able to call home almost every day during lunch, so that was nice. 

Once he graduated, he had the opportunity to take leave and came home for 10 days. He did RAP duty for 5 days (working with the local recruiting office) so he could earn those 5 days off back. (5 is the most you can earn.)

So it was better than BC, but still some challenges to navigate through.  And once he graduates A school, at some point your son will go to Gulfport for combat training. I asked around about it, and it's not always clear if it's right after A school, or longer down the road. Hope some of that helps! Good luck!!

Seabee Mum

Thanks for sharing the experience that your daughter had upon arrival to Ft. Leonard Wood.  I know my son will be using the Pizza Hut delivery often.  

Hello, Lisa.  I am not on this site much anymore because my son has been in the Navy now since September 2017.  I see emails that come through on occasion and recently saw yours.  My son went to Ft. LW for A school and then to Gulfport for training.  Not much to do in FLW, but the time went fast.  It is an Army base, so the Navy group there is very small, which I think someone else mentioned.  We did get to see him one weekend before he finished up which was awesome.  He did not go directly to Gulfport, as there were not enough at the time.  So, it was a bit crazy that he had to go to Port Hueneme, CA (home base) for a short time, then to Gulfport and then back to PH.

He is doing well and seems to be enjoying himself as an EO.  He just finished up his first deployment which was still state side on San Clemente Island, off of San Diego (not too bad:)

The one thing I would say to you is:  be flexible and don't expect to know what is going on all of the time.  It can be frustrating but we are no longer in charge and it is all about what the Navy needs/wants.  We are waiting to hear if our son will get leave this summer that he has requested and it could be a last minute answer.  

Stay positive and treasure those face time calls when you can.  It has helped us when we are missing our son, but he seems happy and that is all we can hope for.  I will keep you in my thoughts as you get ready to go to Boot Camp graduation and hug your son.  Enjoy!  It gets a little easier when BC is over.

JiggsMom-  Fortunately we have relatives that live in Kansas City so I'm hoping to make a few trips to MO for any visits that he might be able to get.  I'm pretty flexible with my time.  I'm happy to hear your son is happy with his choice as an EO.  I'm sure my son will be too.  Thanks for reaching out.  This has been such an experience.  

My son is a SW, and was just assigned to the airdet in his battalion. Sounds like it's a rapid response team. Does anyone have any insight or information about this?  Thanks!

Hello!  New mom here...son will head to boot in January.  Anyone else?

Hi! Im new to the Navy. My son just left for RTC a little over a week ago. I haven’t heard from him yet and am anxiously awaiting any word. 
does anyone have any idea about A- school for SeaBees and where they go? 
just trying to get an idea about what happens next. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

CBMom-- Welcome!  Have you joined the BC Moms page?  If not I highly suggest you do.  There is a lot of support for you in this stage of your navy Journey.  What is your Bee's job?  That will determine where A School is.  Most Bees are Stationed either at Gulfport, MS or Port Hueneme, CA if they are in a Battalion but they can be stationed at ANY US Military Base Anywhere in the WORLD as well.  My Bee was in Sigonella, Italy for 3 years and is at PH now.

My Bee will be doing heavy equipment operator, front end loader, etc...Any ideas on where he will be going?

CBMom-- I believe it's Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and lasts for about 10 weeks.