Trying to plan ahead...I've asked several moms and I am trying to figure out all the options about phones and deployment.. Should we get an "interntional plan" on his existing phone or should he get a "pay as you go" phone...If he takes his phone, what should he turn off so we don't get all kinds of charges? If he uses the ship's phones, do they have access to it often? Should he take his computer on the ship? I have so many questions about how we will communicate while he is gone and how we should pay...
I received lots of advice about phones on ships... I am trying to gather all of the information I received...Navymom904... I'll try to PM you after I get it all in one document
Hello, i'm really new at this my daughter will be graduating 3/20 and then off to AT-O school? any suggestions.Can they have there phones on ships? probably to expensive right? what about calling cards? please help.Thanks
My daughter is in Pens. i sent her out a care package Sat. she has a regular address the post office asked if she had a apo # it would be a lot cheaper, Sarah said they don't have one, anyone know why they wouldn't?
My daughter has not yet shipped out for A school as she will be leaving for bootcamp May 5th. I wanted to join the group now so that I can know what to expect far as (care packages, cellphone, etc...) in June/July when she is scheduled to arrive for A school. Look forward to connecting. Have a great day.
My sailor just arrived here in Pensacola not long ago & he still has a few weeks before training begins for Air Traffic Controller school. I am his proud mom & his dad & I just received news that I have grade 2 breast cancer. I need to be able to break the news to my son, but I would rather not do it over the phone. I live in TX & disabled due to Rheumatoid arthritis (not receiving disability $ currently). Wondering if the military / Navy has been known to help with things like this? Doctors are going to want to move pretty quickly with operating on tumor & beginning treatment & I would very much like to see my son to tell him in person before all that takes place.
Kinda new here, so if any answers or recommendations are available would, they would be greatly appreciated.
So sorry to hear that Proud2bnavyMom. I'm new to this as well. Maybe the Red Cross might help? I pray everything goes well with your treatment, and that you get to see your sailor soon.
My son is graduating BC on 6.12.2015. He will be headed to Pensacola for A school, his rate is an ABH. Aren't there 2 different bases? If so, how do I know where he'll be?
Hi all! I have lots of questions about A school in Pensacola. My son is there waiting to be classed up and has been given very little info at this point, but I want to know when I can visit him and if he can leave base now with me just to go shopping for necessities? Does anyone know how this works or can point me in the right direction? I'm frustrated a bit and just want to support him and give him some comforts of home while he's there. HELP!
We just got back from visiting our son in Pensacola. He has been there for six weeks now, and this is how things went for him. The first 2 weeks he had no liberty. The following 3 weeks he had limited liberty. He could be off base after liberty call, but had to be back signing in at his barracks by 9:59 on weeknights and by 11:59 on weekend nights. We were visiting during his 5th week, so we took him off base on Thursday evening for awhile, then on Saturday he "phased up" to stage 3 which meant his liberty was less restricted. He still has to be back at 9:59 on week nights, but on weekends he can leave Friday after liberty call (around 4:30-5) and doesn't have to be back until Sunday night. Also in phase 3 they are allowed to drive. We were able to allow him to drive our rental car (we cleared this with the company ahead of time) and he was thrilled! He hadn't driven a car since before he left for BC in February. When we went to pick him up he had to call the gate and let them know we were coming. They have to know the make of your car, license #, and who is in the vehicle. You also have to present your I.D. at the gate. Once through the gate we drove over to the barracks where he met us and helped us find parking. We then walked over to his "ship" (basically like a dormitory) and had to sign him out. It was the same procedure when we took him back, you have to sign them back in. We stayed at a condo over on Pensacola Beach. It was about a 30 minute drive to go get him, but it was really nice to hang out with him in the condo instead of a hotel room. We could make meals and just walk out to the beach. All he really wanted was just to have some time off base. He was there for about 3 weeks before he classed up. And they have watch or duty every so many days. For him it is every 5th day. We planned our visits around the days he had duty. He was able to map out ahead for us which days he had duty so we were sure to visit when he didn't have duty on the weekend. Hope this info helps!
There's great information about the things to expect in the discussions area and tips from members about visits...on the group.
Pcola members are always changing as training runs 3-30 weeks for most...but there's a few members that have stayed to answer questions...
Ginger66...why did your sailor not have liberty for 2 weeks??..hummm they can drive and have their cars there before phase 3...which base is your sailor at, Corry or NAS?? as the rules can be different for ratings...
Sailors is Pcola have a duty/watch rotation schedule, before planning a visit ask them which week is their rotation but remember it's subject to change, have to learn to be Navy Flexible...
Cupikake ...there's lots of great information on the other Pensacola group as this one it's very active..:))
Hi everyone My girlfriend is due to PIR next week. I'm in the Army stationed in Germany and I am hoping to take leave the same time she takes leave after A school. Does anyone know if there is a wait to class up for A-PACT Sailors in Pensacola. If there is a wait or hold due to Sailors waiting for a spot in class how long is the wait?
I haven't seen her in a long time and I am planning on asking for her hand in marriage. I have to request my leave by Wednesday and any help in scheduling so I can see my EVERYTHING would be greatly appreciated
My daughter won't arrive to Pensacola until 10-10-15 but I was wanting to see if I could hear from a few of you about what A school is like. Do the sailors get to have their own clothing for weekends, do they get to have any free time, etc. I am new to the whole NAVY life so please forgive me for any dumb questions.
This group hasn't been very active...here's another Pcola group that has links full of information about Pensacola...join and read the discussion Arriving in Pensacola...
Greetings! My son arrived yesterday afternoon to Pensacola! Now that he has his phone he can't seem to stop calling - WE LOVE IT! It sounds like he has several weeks before his school starts; so he's been given some jobs/duties to fill his time - Are there any parents on here from Div 110? Would love to chat!
gocougs--congrats to your family and your Sailor!! 3/4 PIR was quite an educational experience for us! Our Sailor was in 110 also and flew to Pensacola Saturday night, just from a different airport then us. We had to zip down to the "other" airport to see him and make it back to our airport to turn in rental car and not miss our flight, which was much earlier than his. Pensacola has several A school locations, each with different specialties and schedules. Today our Sailor just did paperwork, shopping for essentials, and checked out the base. Now I hope he finally gets some sleep!
Our boy says he's going through Indoc for a few weeks - and is already getting a little bored! haha. We had a 'hiccup' with his PIR last week... he called us last Monday, holding back tears, saying he didn't pass his PFA and that we shouldn't bother coming - that he would have 1 more chance to pass on Wednesday.... our tickets were nonrefundable so we planned on making the trip any way, but we were heartbroken that we may not be able to see him. As we landed in Minneapolis we received a call from him saying he passed, that he would be graduating, but not able to march with his division because he'd be doing battlestations all night.... again, we were disappointed, but at least we were going to see him! After PIR was complete, we found him and then got the full story..... he actually passed his PFA and had paperwork in motion to revise his situps count - his trainer wrote down 41 instead of 71 situps, which is the reason he didn't pass! His RDC tried to get him rejoined to his division, but nothing happens quickly, and it hadn't circulated by the time he retested on Wednesday..... I felt horrible for him - and he was exhausted on Friday. Because of that, his transfer paperwork took 3 hours to process and we were left waiting at the NEX for him. Our time together was all too brief! Thankful, though to have spent time with him. We joined him at the big airport ta 5:45 the next morning, then spent a few hours with him before his flight left at 9:30. He's thankful to have his phone now, so we can stay in contact. Whew!!!
gocougs--sorry you were not able to march after so much work, you definitely should have--quite a site! Glad everything finally worked out. Best wishes for your future and good luck in Pcola!
Ladies, don't know if you're aware but there's a similar group called Sailors in Pensacola for A School...Corry Station too! that you all might want to join...welcome and congratulations to both of your sailors...
Good morning! My son arrived at A school on Saturday. I want to get a care package started but don't know what kinds of things they have in their "dorms" (somebody can fill me in on the correct military term!) what they are allowed to have and what they "need". Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
My Sailor just goes to the NEX, you need to wait until they get next level of liberty after a week or two then you can send warm weather clothes, etc. and he should be able to give you heads up what else he wants. And congrats to you and your Sailor!
Thanks GAEngTeacher--just responded to the request about div 110 on this site originally because was bc ship mate reaching out. I read the other posts from the other groups, very informative, but was advised to limit my posts & joins, so just read a lot! At least my new Sailor can call when available now and we can visit, too.
PS--gocougs--hope things going better now and he can classup soon, but he may want to do community service too to help with rating. Also, maybe you can visit him in Pcola
jdtm94--depends on their schedule and classes. Also may have to do watch--may get some weekends off but not guaranteed for all of them from what I am told
My son will PIR on May 13th then leave for A school in Pensacola. We haven't really been told much. He was told there are 3 areas he could be assigned to. We won't know until end of BC. Does anyone on here know if he will leave GL the next morning?? Will we get to see him before he leaves?? Any support or info is much appreciated!
My son graduating from BC on June 10th then going to Pcola for either AD or AT ?? He called yesterday and spoke with his father saying he will be there for either a couple of months or 4 or 5 months? Anyone?
Proud Navy Mom ~ there is another group on this site that's more active and will have people available to answer your questions...it's listed as Sailors in Pensacola, FL for A School and Corry Station too...good luck! My son's already finished his A school there and at his base in Whidbey Island WA but I still follow these few sites...He'll love P-cola and I hope that you get to visit as it's a beautiful area..
Just wanted to say hello, my son will be in Pensacola next fall sometime. I enjoying reading other people's experiences and will probably have some questions closer to his A school. Thanks!
Hello all! Happy Memorial Day and thank you and your sailors for your service and dedication to our country!
Today is a great day! My son arrived at NAS last night and said he had the best 8 hours of sleep he's had in 2.5 months :) he has one room mate and the room seems spacious with 2 desks and 2 dressers that I could see in pics! There are 3 beds but so far it's just the 2 guys. He's been texting off and on all day which is the absolute best thing in the world right now. They toured the grounds and shopped at the NEX so far. He was able to check in unlimited bags and carry on 2 so everything I took him went with him! I'm going to need alot of your wonderful support for the next year or so! His rating is AE for sure. Does this mean he goes to C school after for sure?
USNmom2017 I'll ask my sailor when I talk to him tonight - I'm thinking there's probably some kind of housing there, but not sure if they can use it for while going to A school or not.
Hi yellow butterfly! So how did your son do? Where is he now? I imagine he's finished A school
And off to the next adventure? My son is in boot camp now and graduates Oct 6th. He will be heading to A school.
My daughter arrived at Pensacola this morning. She will be in training for cryptology technician. Anyone have any information about there living quarters and the program? Thanks!
Corry for Thanksgiving!
Hi everyone!
Last minute plan to GO SEE OUR SAILOR!! :) Heading to Corry for Turkey Day weekend. I’d like to get in touch with others that may be there too. PM me if you’d like to chat.
Be Well!
Good morning Momof1Army1Navy1TooYoung and Zoey ~ congratulations to both of your sailors! Just in case you weren't aware there is another group Pensacola, FL A School: NAS and Corry Station that is a little more active and has some great "welcome to the base" info. Happy Thanksgiving and safe Travels Momof1...
HI...Will anyone be at the AM Graduation on 2/5 to take photos..we won't be able to go and we'd be ever so grateful if there was someone to take photos our our new graduates....
Hi.. does anybody know what happens after A school? My boyfriend graduated bootcamp and is now in Pensacola for school but he told me that he might be going to C school right after... does anybody know any information regarding that?
Vickie360
Trying to plan ahead...I've asked several moms and I am trying to figure out all the options about phones and deployment.. Should we get an "interntional plan" on his existing phone or should he get a "pay as you go" phone...If he takes his phone, what should he turn off so we don't get all kinds of charges? If he uses the ship's phones, do they have access to it often? Should he take his computer on the ship? I have so many questions about how we will communicate while he is gone and how we should pay...
Mar 4, 2015
Navymom904
Vickie360 - those are awesome questions, you've asked. I do hope they get answered. I'd love to see (read) what is recommended.
Mar 4, 2015
Vickie360
I received lots of advice about phones on ships... I am trying to gather all of the information I received...Navymom904... I'll try to PM you after I get it all in one document
Mar 6, 2015
Sarah's Mom
Hello, i'm really new at this my daughter will be graduating 3/20 and then off to AT-O school? any suggestions.Can they have there phones on ships? probably to expensive right? what about calling cards? please help.Thanks
Mar 16, 2015
Sarah's Mom
My daughter is in Pens. i sent her out a care package Sat. she has a regular address the post office asked if she had a apo # it would be a lot cheaper, Sarah said they don't have one, anyone know why they wouldn't?
Mar 29, 2015
dtsec3
Apr 1, 2015
mztessa1
Hi everyone,
My daughter has not yet shipped out for A school as she will be leaving for bootcamp May 5th. I wanted to join the group now so that I can know what to expect far as (care packages, cellphone, etc...) in June/July when she is scheduled to arrive for A school. Look forward to connecting. Have a great day.
Apr 1, 2015
Proud2bnavyMom
My sailor just arrived here in Pensacola not long ago & he still has a few weeks before training begins for Air Traffic Controller school. I am his proud mom & his dad & I just received news that I have grade 2 breast cancer. I need to be able to break the news to my son, but I would rather not do it over the phone. I live in TX & disabled due to Rheumatoid arthritis (not receiving disability $ currently). Wondering if the military / Navy has been known to help with things like this? Doctors are going to want to move pretty quickly with operating on tumor & beginning treatment & I would very much like to see my son to tell him in person before all that takes place.
Kinda new here, so if any answers or recommendations are available would, they would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Proud2bNavyMom
Apr 27, 2015
b_radsmom
May 25, 2015
Gmans/Mom
Jun 3, 2015
Cupikake
Jun 5, 2015
Ginger66
We just got back from visiting our son in Pensacola. He has been there for six weeks now, and this is how things went for him. The first 2 weeks he had no liberty. The following 3 weeks he had limited liberty. He could be off base after liberty call, but had to be back signing in at his barracks by 9:59 on weeknights and by 11:59 on weekend nights. We were visiting during his 5th week, so we took him off base on Thursday evening for awhile, then on Saturday he "phased up" to stage 3 which meant his liberty was less restricted. He still has to be back at 9:59 on week nights, but on weekends he can leave Friday after liberty call (around 4:30-5) and doesn't have to be back until Sunday night. Also in phase 3 they are allowed to drive. We were able to allow him to drive our rental car (we cleared this with the company ahead of time) and he was thrilled! He hadn't driven a car since before he left for BC in February. When we went to pick him up he had to call the gate and let them know we were coming. They have to know the make of your car, license #, and who is in the vehicle. You also have to present your I.D. at the gate. Once through the gate we drove over to the barracks where he met us and helped us find parking. We then walked over to his "ship" (basically like a dormitory) and had to sign him out. It was the same procedure when we took him back, you have to sign them back in. We stayed at a condo over on Pensacola Beach. It was about a 30 minute drive to go get him, but it was really nice to hang out with him in the condo instead of a hotel room. We could make meals and just walk out to the beach. All he really wanted was just to have some time off base. He was there for about 3 weeks before he classed up. And they have watch or duty every so many days. For him it is every 5th day. We planned our visits around the days he had duty. He was able to map out ahead for us which days he had duty so we were sure to visit when he didn't have duty on the weekend. Hope this info helps!
Jun 6, 2015
BeachBunny
Hi Pcola group...
I popped into this group, to let the members here know there's a more active Pensacola group....we'd love to have you:
http://navyformoms.com/group/sailorsinpensicolaflforaschool
There's great information about the things to expect in the discussions area and tips from members about visits...on the group.
Pcola members are always changing as training runs 3-30 weeks for most...but there's a few members that have stayed to answer questions...
Ginger66...why did your sailor not have liberty for 2 weeks??..hummm they can drive and have their cars there before phase 3...which base is your sailor at, Corry or NAS?? as the rules can be different for ratings...
Sailors is Pcola have a duty/watch rotation schedule, before planning a visit ask them which week is their rotation but remember it's subject to change, have to learn to be Navy Flexible...
Cupikake ...there's lots of great information on the other Pensacola group as this one it's very active..:))
Jun 10, 2015
Cac12
Are there any known groups on Facebook that I can get hooked up with for P'Cola A Schoolers?
Jun 24, 2015
Cac12
No activity there since 2012?
Jun 24, 2015
BeachBunny
Jul 4, 2015
Daniel
I haven't seen her in a long time and I am planning on asking for her hand in marriage. I have to request my leave by Wednesday and any help in scheduling so I can see my EVERYTHING would be greatly appreciated
Jul 26, 2015
Julyasmom
Sep 13, 2015
HappyNavyMom
Sep 21, 2015
BeachBunny
This group hasn't been very active...here's another Pcola group that has links full of information about Pensacola...join and read the discussion Arriving in Pensacola...
http://navyformoms.com/group/sailorsinpensicolaflforaschool
Sep 21, 2015
ReneeHum
Hi My son just got to A school yesterday, I love that he was texting me. It makes me feel closer to him.
Nov 1, 2015
Dot Dittman
My son will be arriving at A school tonight.
Nov 14, 2015
Texasmomty
My son arrived at A school last night , good luck to all! See you soon my Sailor! :-)
Nov 15, 2015
SaltLakeMom
ACs are classing up this Wednesday the 27th
Jan 25, 2016
jdtm94
When sailors are at A school do they have weekends off?
Mar 5, 2016
gocougs
Greetings! My son arrived yesterday afternoon to Pensacola! Now that he has his phone he can't seem to stop calling - WE LOVE IT! It sounds like he has several weeks before his school starts; so he's been given some jobs/duties to fill his time - Are there any parents on here from Div 110? Would love to chat!
Mar 6, 2016
abouttime30
gocougs--congrats to your family and your Sailor!! 3/4 PIR was quite an educational experience for us! Our Sailor was in 110 also and flew to Pensacola Saturday night, just from a different airport then us. We had to zip down to the "other" airport to see him and make it back to our airport to turn in rental car and not miss our flight, which was much earlier than his. Pensacola has several A school locations, each with different specialties and schedules. Today our Sailor just did paperwork, shopping for essentials, and checked out the base. Now I hope he finally gets some sleep!
Mar 7, 2016
gocougs
Hello Abouttime!
Our boy says he's going through Indoc for a few weeks - and is already getting a little bored! haha. We had a 'hiccup' with his PIR last week... he called us last Monday, holding back tears, saying he didn't pass his PFA and that we shouldn't bother coming - that he would have 1 more chance to pass on Wednesday.... our tickets were nonrefundable so we planned on making the trip any way, but we were heartbroken that we may not be able to see him. As we landed in Minneapolis we received a call from him saying he passed, that he would be graduating, but not able to march with his division because he'd be doing battlestations all night.... again, we were disappointed, but at least we were going to see him! After PIR was complete, we found him and then got the full story..... he actually passed his PFA and had paperwork in motion to revise his situps count - his trainer wrote down 41 instead of 71 situps, which is the reason he didn't pass! His RDC tried to get him rejoined to his division, but nothing happens quickly, and it hadn't circulated by the time he retested on Wednesday..... I felt horrible for him - and he was exhausted on Friday. Because of that, his transfer paperwork took 3 hours to process and we were left waiting at the NEX for him. Our time together was all too brief! Thankful, though to have spent time with him. We joined him at the big airport ta 5:45 the next morning, then spent a few hours with him before his flight left at 9:30. He's thankful to have his phone now, so we can stay in contact. Whew!!!
Mar 8, 2016
abouttime30
gocougs--sorry you were not able to march after so much work, you definitely should have--quite a site! Glad everything finally worked out. Best wishes for your future and good luck in Pcola!
Mar 11, 2016
GAEngTeacher
Ladies, don't know if you're aware but there's a similar group called Sailors in Pensacola for A School...Corry Station too! that you all might want to join...welcome and congratulations to both of your sailors...
Mar 11, 2016
ChristinaInWA
Good morning! My son arrived at A school on Saturday. I want to get a care package started but don't know what kinds of things they have in their "dorms" (somebody can fill me in on the correct military term!) what they are allowed to have and what they "need". Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Mar 15, 2016
abouttime30
My Sailor just goes to the NEX, you need to wait until they get next level of liberty after a week or two then you can send warm weather clothes, etc. and he should be able to give you heads up what else he wants. And congrats to you and your Sailor!
Mar 17, 2016
abouttime30
Thanks GAEngTeacher--just responded to the request about div 110 on this site originally because was bc ship mate reaching out. I read the other posts from the other groups, very informative, but was advised to limit my posts & joins, so just read a lot! At least my new Sailor can call when available now and we can visit, too.
PS--gocougs--hope things going better now and he can classup soon, but he may want to do community service too to help with rating. Also, maybe you can visit him in Pcola
Mar 17, 2016
abouttime30
jdtm94--depends on their schedule and classes. Also may have to do watch--may get some weekends off but not guaranteed for all of them from what I am told
Mar 17, 2016
Bubweena
Apr 25, 2016
proudnavymom
My son graduating from BC on June 10th then going to Pcola for either AD or AT ?? He called yesterday and spoke with his father saying he will be there for either a couple of months or 4 or 5 months? Anyone?
May 27, 2016
GAEngTeacher
Proud Navy Mom ~ there is another group on this site that's more active and will have people available to answer your questions...it's listed as Sailors in Pensacola, FL for A School and Corry Station too...good luck! My son's already finished his A school there and at his base in Whidbey Island WA but I still follow these few sites...He'll love P-cola and I hope that you get to visit as it's a beautiful area..
May 27, 2016
librarianmom
Just wanted to say hello, my son will be in Pensacola next fall sometime. I enjoying reading other people's experiences and will probably have some questions closer to his A school. Thanks!
Jan 30, 2017
Daltonsmom
May 24, 2017
ProudRN
Today is a great day! My son arrived at NAS last night and said he had the best 8 hours of sleep he's had in 2.5 months :) he has one room mate and the room seems spacious with 2 desks and 2 dressers that I could see in pics! There are 3 beds but so far it's just the 2 guys. He's been texting off and on all day which is the absolute best thing in the world right now. They toured the grounds and shopped at the NEX so far. He was able to check in unlimited bags and carry on 2 so everything I took him went with him! I'm going to need alot of your wonderful support for the next year or so! His rating is AE for sure. Does this mean he goes to C school after for sure?
May 28, 2017
USNmom2017
Jun 23, 2017
ldyastrid
USNmom2017 I'll ask my sailor when I talk to him tonight - I'm thinking there's probably some kind of housing there, but not sure if they can use it for while going to A school or not.
Jul 13, 2017
Yellowbutterfly
Jul 17, 2017
JenniferR
And off to the next adventure? My son is in boot camp now and graduates Oct 6th. He will be heading to A school.
Sep 18, 2017
Zoey
Oct 2, 2017
Momof1Army1Navy1TooYoung
Hi everyone!
Last minute plan to GO SEE OUR SAILOR!! :) Heading to Corry for Turkey Day weekend. I’d like to get in touch with others that may be there too. PM me if you’d like to chat.
Be Well!
Nov 19, 2017
GAEngTeacher
Good morning Momof1Army1Navy1TooYoung and Zoey ~ congratulations to both of your sailors! Just in case you weren't aware there is another group Pensacola, FL A School: NAS and Corry Station that is a little more active and has some great "welcome to the base" info. Happy Thanksgiving and safe Travels Momof1...
Nov 20, 2017
CatMom509
Here is the link to the active Pensacola A School group for Corry Station & NAS!
http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/sailorsinpensacolaflforaschool
Nov 21, 2017
Teachermomto2
HI...Will anyone be at the AM Graduation on 2/5 to take photos..we won't be able to go and we'd be ever so grateful if there was someone to take photos our our new graduates....
Thanks
Jan 28, 2018
SailorSpouse
Apr 11, 2018