Girlfriends, Fiances,and Wives of Sailors

I am really starting to stress out! My husband hasn't gotten his page 2 updated yet. We tried to go into the DEERS office to get my new ID but were turned down because I didn't have my birth certificate. I have it now, but my husband has started his new training (FMTB) and has no idea who to talk to or where to go to do this. He doesn't have a CPC that he knows of... and we are on a marine base so there is a lack of understanding and communication about this process. The DEERS office closes at 4 and he isn't done by then. Who do we need to talk to? Can I do this for him? This is so frustrating...

Two things to try: he needs to talk to his chain, let them know you are not in DEERS.  Second, contact the office, see if they will take a specific POA to allow you to do the enrollment.  Shouldn't be too difficult to get one done off hours.  

Other thoughts, is there a chaplain you can talk to?  I know that sounds weird, but they may know solutions we might not.  Also, does his school have a dependent or family liaison?  They might be able to help.  I know you can google it, I'd try, but do not know if you are east or west.

I technically am in DEERS (dependent of my dad, before I got married) so I don't know if that makes a difference in anything. I will contact the office tomorrow about a POA. That presents another problem... how can we get a POA if he is busy M-F during any regular business hours?

I don't know how hard he is trying but he said he is getting the run around. He asked someone above him about it and they passed him off to someone else who didn't know what he needed to do. He said it doesn't help that no one there is exactly friendly or willing to help... We are East. I have no idea if his school has a family liaison... he really cannot find out anything and I don't know where to begin.  

Michael, when we went in last week they asked for my husband's CAC card. So I am assuming he has to be there. We are on a marine corps base and they seem to be much more strict.

There isn't one remotely close to us... and I don't know if I'd risk going by myself. I've been a military dependent my whole life and have always had to have my sponsor with me. Thank you though!

Is the DEERS office where my husband could update his page 2 also? I'm just confused on where he can do that so we can start getting BAH.

You're at Lejeune?  Try asking the Navy PSd (personnel) on FB

https://www.facebook.com/PSD-Camp-Lejeune-NC-100354726689677/

Yes. Anti M, you are a saint. I will message them now. Thank you!!

Crush, yes, you can visit him on base, although he will have to meet you and escort you.  There is stuff to do, places to eat, a movie theater, bowling, etc.  

Check out Great Lakes MWR ... Morale Welfare and Recreation:

http://www.mwrgl.com/

Heck, if the weather is nice, you can rent a freaking boat and go out on the lake!  Assuming one of you knows how to boat...

Is the marina open already?  I know it shuts down for the winter.

Packages are never delivered directly to the sailors for security purposes.  Can't have delivery guys running around base.  It goes to the post office on base/his school's mailroom, and they send him a notice.  Up to him to go get it during business hours. If he is in class, this can get tricky.

In the future, use USPS, it goes though one less step once it reaches the base.  Overnighting just gets it to the base quicker, not to him much faster at all.

Also, because it is a school command, there is a chance he may have to open it in front of someone to be checked for contraband.  This happens at Great Lakes, but not sure if nuke school does it.

Does anyone know or have experience with little creek/fort story? Good, bad, the ugly?

That was my husband's first duty station, long before I knew him.  I do know  joint service bases can be either very uptight because the Army has a stick up their butt, or very close knit and relaxed if you're working with Air Force.  That close to DC, there may be more emphasis on protocol and security, which is annoying for family.  

Hi Crush73-did the chit get approved??  I need to know for next month when I visit my fiancé!  I hope it was!

Crush, I am glad you had a nice visit, sorry about the chit.  Sounds like they're being strict for now.  It really can vary a lot by school, and by the current command atmosphere.  Will you be able to visit when he is in phase three?

And I worry if Bronco got DEERS figured out, and if madi's package was picked up.   Seriously, I wonder at random if internet strangers are happy.

But as your father's dependent, the BAH is not there.  I know it is hard for new sailors to stand up to instructors, but he needs to do so.  Being your dad's dependent is going to make Tricare a living hell if there is a billing problem.  Keep squeaking until it gets done.  There should be someone you can complain to officially without getting his ass in a sling.  If it were a Navy command, I;d say command masterchief... the Marines have something similar.  Find out,  Squeak loudly.

I sent you a PM, two sponsors is actually fraud.  Don't be scared, try PSD, and I sent a suggestion privately.

I am so mad I want to call his school and tell them what I think of them messing with one of our sailors.  But of course, I won't.  But I want to.  

Thank you Anti M. Trust me, when I go on base to see my husband I feel like marching into the quarterdeck and finding someone to yell at... lol

That's why I sent a PM, so you can go yell at the proper person.  Do it, it can be remarkably effective when you get the right one.

Also, for other readers: never underestimate the power of a special request chit.  Make them say no in writing.  

Your husband can send you a signed form DD 1172.  You take that, plus driver license or state ID, and your SSN to the local base and they can make a card.  You can call the office and find out exactly what they want, as some get sticky about which ID they accept.  The procedure should be just like during boot camp.

Anti M, could I get my husband to sign a DD 1172 and go into the DEERS/ID card office here by myself?

Yes Allison it can be any branch base :)

Bronco, hell, why didn't I think of that?  Try it!

Air Force bases are known to be much nicer and more helpful than anything the Marines do.  

Seymour Johnson AFB is closest, call and see what they will do?

Yes.  Well, should be a yes.  

He has to have the POA drawn up, get it signed, notarized and send it to you.  As long as he is not in boot camp, he should be able to get it done.  He can go to Legal on base, and they can assist him getting one done.  You cannot do it for him.