Re: volunteering - My CTI2B has received notices of many volunteer activities, it seems like he gets them via e-mail but I've also seen some on the Presidio of Monterey Facebook page. One of the fun opportunities was volunteering to feed the sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium - interesting to my CTI2B, but the every Saturday morning commitment was a bit much for him. Hang in there!
Hi Nova you should be able to move to A school within a few weeks after boot camp if all the paperwork is in order.
Armynavymom.. I'm in the same boat as far as coming up with a gift idea. They work so hard they deserve something really nice! I'd try and think about what their next duty station is and get something you think they'd need there!
Hello everyone, my son is at DLI right now, he went straight in after boot. He is the only Navy in his language, and doesn't have a room mate. He is having some issues and I'm being supportive but it seems like he could be getting more support. Maybe he isn't seeking it.
As far as learning the language goes, he is not having major issues. There is a lot of homework, he says he stays up until 2 am most nights doing classwork and listening to the recordings. It's the bulk that is weighing him down, not the content.
His issue though is with "behavior" for lack of a better word. He's not doing anything bad, and he's only 18 so he's not going off post to party. He just got a lot of discipline cousnseling in his first few weeks there for things like leaving a pizza in his fridge one day, crumbs in a microwave he'd never used immediately after moving in to his room, or a coke on his desk another. They gave him 3 for being in the wrong uniform on another day. This has added up and when he got the uniform "counseling" they told him that it was his last chance and if he messed up again they would give him a 180 day Entry Level Discharge!
Needless to say this has freaked him out and is causing a lot of stress. He's a good kid and he's doing well in his classes. Of course, I'm biased, but I know he's not the type to cop an attitude.
My husband is ex military and thinks they are being hard on him because he's the new guy and young, but I don't know.
I don't know what to tell my son to do, or what advice to give. I know I am biased because I am his mom, but he's a smart, capable kid and these things seem really petty.
From my experience, the best way to deal with the work load is to go talk to the teachers. My teaching team said from the beginning that if anyone had any issues with the homework to go talk to them. Also, depending on the language, there are other opportunities, such as study hall a couple of nights a week that he may find helpful.
I have a couple of insights about the "behavior"/military side as well :) Feel free to message me!
Hi AKR- forgive me if I didn't see an earlier detail but two weeks early from DLI or Basic? If it's two weeks earlier from DLI, I haven't heard that before but wouldn't be surprising but for sure, it's not likely in DLI's control. Most things like that are Navy/DLI budget, a larger than expected number of CTI's in the Fleet didn't reenlist so they need to get people on to their additional training to fill the forecasted gaps- all sorts of things. The only other thing I can imagine is that your sailor is in a very small graduating class and everyone did exceedingly well and knocked-out their DLPTs so they don't need the two additional weeks getting each individual through all the prep and DLPT sessions. I know these things can wreak havoc on travel plans and expenses. But bottom line- congratulations to your CTI2B- they obviously had a great support team on the home front!
I was also going to get smart watch. Found out while working as CTI all electronics are not allowed for obvious reason. They can wear the smart watch while not working tho.
GM my SR is going to DL right after PIR he packed a bag and we will take to him to airport one mom advised I wasn't able to give him a bag can someone advice please thanks
Best thing to do is meet at the OHare USO- as it's near all the United gates most of them fly out of whether to DLI or other A Schools in other states. We gave our CTI2B their phone, one pair of civilian clothes (jeans, shirt, belt, casual shoes, T-shirt and ESPECIALLY sweats. They have to be in Navy attire for two weeks but within 14 days they can roam in civvies after hours. Don't give them too much as they will have to hump it up and down stairs- no elevators. They are in shape but just don't add to the stress with stuff. Also, if the laptop is already 2-3 years old- they are better served getting a new one. They are issued devices for school work. Just be prepared that the internet there is absolutely awful. Even for the students who need to login to do assignments and so on. The phone is the most useful communicating tool for the first few weeks.
Agree with DNavy Family. The amount of gear your sailor will have is plenty. I handed her her phone, laptop and civilian underwear. The rest I shipped by USPS. East coast to west coast was not expensive.
Thank you for responding. I have son going into cti and read some on the job description....they don’t mention how hard this field is....not like ctn, where they say a lot can fail. But this seems harder...don’t you think?
IM here too but new to this my SR PIR 11/22 ams he should be traveling DLI right after .Im part of a FB group that is for CTI and they’ve help me understand a bit more
mkl7993 School at DLI in intense. 40% if my daughter’s class failed out in the first six months. Even when you make it through the class there is the final DLPT. CTI is the cream of cryptology. Be proud that your son tested high enough to be considered for CTI. Class is all day then homework. They still do all their Navy stuff and volunteer on base and in the community. Do you know what level language he will be studying? If it is level 4 plan on 18+ months at DLI.
Bella that attrition rate was for a level 4 language. The average number is 60% fail so that really scared my CTI when the 40% was gone. Encourage your sailor. DLI wants the best for their students. Extra study after each days class is available, they called it 7th hour. AKR is correct and try to find a tutor. They get a lot of freedom after the first couple of weeks. After PIR remind your CTI2B to stay focused and not become distracted. My daughter had some college and knew about the dangers of freedom while studying. Do not procrastinate especially on the weekends. Work first play second. If he is of drinking age he should be careful or just don’t. There is a lot of drinking among our young military just like college years. I am blessed in that my daughter does not like drinking and stays away from the drinking crowd. If your CTI2B is underage he needs to stay away from the temptation. When caught he will have consequences. My daughter saw that happen to men and women. Some were reassigned and others were given administration separation.
mkl7993 you are correct that the Navy assignes the language according to needs but I do know of three people that had their assigned language changed. If your son has a desired language he can request that with good reasons. Our Navy officers are flexible and want the best for the enlisted sailors. It depends a lot on how high they scored on their DLABS and how they did in boot camp. Begin the Navy career well and they will do just fine.
Praying for all our Moms and CTI2B recruits. This is a great rollercoaster ride to be on.
I am a current student at DLI in a cat 4. If you want to know any specifics about topics at DLI currently, feel free to PM me. I can give you my number and tell you anything you want to know.
What about transportation? I know there's public trans, etc... but if they want to go outside of the area do most sailors buddy up and go together with someone that has a car?We hadn't planned on having a car out there. Not sure how long that plan will last...lol
I'm curious how many Navy CTI's there are and the age range. What kind of jobs (I think they call them billets?) after school are available for them?
my recruit wants to know if they can have a fan in their barracks at A School? haha...
Oh, the BAS can that be used outside of the chow hall? are there places that accept it?
Hi all! My daughter just graduated from the DLI about two weeks ago and is waiting for her processing to finish and will be leaving next week! We are excited because she has a little over two weeks till she reports to her permanent duty station so she will be home for Christmas! Monterey is beautiful but she is looking forward to moving on...
Thank you sambam32 and mkl7993! It has been such a challenging year but she stayed strong and we couldnt be prouder! SAMBAM32. just remember to stay positive no matter what. They all go through some trials and doubts but just knowing you are there for them cheering them on will get them through anything!
Yes, they are provided computers but from what I understand they leave them at the school during the day. I can double check with my son when he calls tonight.
mkl7993 DLI does provide a Mac book pro and an iPad loaded with the programs needed to complete their lessons. I recommend that your CTI2B also have a personal computer or tablet for personal emails and other non military needs. If they do not already have a computer don’t be concerned. They can get along or buy an exexpensive one at the PX or go to the NEX at NPS.
Mkl7993, there's usually a 1-2 month wait before class starts. It all depends on when your sailor arrives during the class "cycle". I had about 7 hours with my wife before she returned to base and then we met her at the airport around 3am. I gave her a bag with a laptop and cell phone there. Try to keep it light, because your sailor will have a LOT of Navy assigned gear already. The laptop wasn't really needed, but Skype was nice for the month in between her arrival and my move out there. DLI will provide an ipad and MacBook, but they make it very clear that it's for school work only. As for the car, if your Sailor is living on base, cars are a headache as there's not very much parking and walking to class is generally faster. There's plenty of transportation available in the area and walking/biking is generally easier since Cannery row is so close. Oh, and she was also Cat IV. Hope it helps!!
Thanks for the great information...got him his lap top so he has it available. What kind of things do soldiers do during the wait till classes start? Can’t imagine what they will do to keep busy.
My SR says he's getting less sleep than he did in boot camp and he's only been there just over a week! Classes don't officially start until mid April. I honestly haven't talked to him. I missed his call yesterday and I also wanted to give him time to get his bearings.
He only took his laptop for personal use. He won't get a car. And the Xbox is on hold on being shipped out across the country lol
mkl7933 there is lots of recreation available. When we visited our sailor she took us to the rec area. Lots to do there even a music room. There is still all the military activities.
sambam32 my sailor used the bus and Uber. A car was not really needed till the end. Luckily we were visiting and loaned her our car so she and friends could go to another base to get their immunizations needed for their foreign duty station. There is usually someone with a car to help with transportation. I was disappointed with the Navy for not assisting with transportation to get the required immunizations but our kids are creative and have learned a lot about self reliance and team work.
They made it to DLI after some delays! They are unpacking and organizing. My son and his buddy from the division got their first choice language. They are breathing fresh Monterey air and are happy!
That's great Babbit! Our sailor is there now. He has made lots of friends since December and is enjoying the beautiful weather. Ours got his first choice language too. :)
Hi, My sailor is in BC right now and PIR is for Sept. 7. He is off to Monterey right after. It is all very exciting, but seems like anything can change at anytime. When did your sailors find out their language? Was it at BC or DLI?
Hi NavyStepMom, first congratulations to your sailor for being in the prestigious rating of CTI. My CTI was given the language at Gl then when they arrived at DLI they requested a different language and it was granted. If your CTI2B does not care which language he has then it will probably be the one given near the end of boot camp.
Mahi2
Re: volunteering - My CTI2B has received notices of many volunteer activities, it seems like he gets them via e-mail but I've also seen some on the Presidio of Monterey Facebook page. One of the fun opportunities was volunteering to feed the sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium - interesting to my CTI2B, but the every Saturday morning commitment was a bit much for him. Hang in there!
Mar 28, 2017
Jack
Usually around week 4 or 5
Apr 3, 2017
armynavymom
May 21, 2017
Shelby
Armynavymom.. I'm in the same boat as far as coming up with a gift idea. They work so hard they deserve something really nice! I'd try and think about what their next duty station is and get something you think they'd need there!
May 22, 2017
Widge
Hello everyone, my son is at DLI right now, he went straight in after boot. He is the only Navy in his language, and doesn't have a room mate. He is having some issues and I'm being supportive but it seems like he could be getting more support. Maybe he isn't seeking it.
As far as learning the language goes, he is not having major issues. There is a lot of homework, he says he stays up until 2 am most nights doing classwork and listening to the recordings. It's the bulk that is weighing him down, not the content.
His issue though is with "behavior" for lack of a better word. He's not doing anything bad, and he's only 18 so he's not going off post to party. He just got a lot of discipline cousnseling in his first few weeks there for things like leaving a pizza in his fridge one day, crumbs in a microwave he'd never used immediately after moving in to his room, or a coke on his desk another. They gave him 3 for being in the wrong uniform on another day. This has added up and when he got the uniform "counseling" they told him that it was his last chance and if he messed up again they would give him a 180 day Entry Level Discharge!
Needless to say this has freaked him out and is causing a lot of stress. He's a good kid and he's doing well in his classes. Of course, I'm biased, but I know he's not the type to cop an attitude.
My husband is ex military and thinks they are being hard on him because he's the new guy and young, but I don't know.
I don't know what to tell my son to do, or what advice to give. I know I am biased because I am his mom, but he's a smart, capable kid and these things seem really petty.
Any advice y'all have is very welcome.
May 24, 2017
Jack
Hello Widge, I'm currently a student here at DLI.
From my experience, the best way to deal with the work load is to go talk to the teachers. My teaching team said from the beginning that if anyone had any issues with the homework to go talk to them. Also, depending on the language, there are other opportunities, such as study hall a couple of nights a week that he may find helpful.
I have a couple of insights about the "behavior"/military side as well :) Feel free to message me!
May 24, 2017
Widge
Thanks Jack, I messaged you!
May 24, 2017
DNavyFamily
Hi AKR- forgive me if I didn't see an earlier detail but two weeks early from DLI or Basic? If it's two weeks earlier from DLI, I haven't heard that before but wouldn't be surprising but for sure, it's not likely in DLI's control. Most things like that are Navy/DLI budget, a larger than expected number of CTI's in the Fleet didn't reenlist so they need to get people on to their additional training to fill the forecasted gaps- all sorts of things. The only other thing I can imagine is that your sailor is in a very small graduating class and everyone did exceedingly well and knocked-out their DLPTs so they don't need the two additional weeks getting each individual through all the prep and DLPT sessions. I know these things can wreak havoc on travel plans and expenses. But bottom line- congratulations to your CTI2B- they obviously had a great support team on the home front!
Jul 13, 2017
Shelby
Jul 13, 2017
armynavymom
Sep 11, 2017
bbcregular
Sep 11, 2017
JWAK2008
Oct 20, 2017
DNavyFamily
Best thing to do is meet at the OHare USO- as it's near all the United gates most of them fly out of whether to DLI or other A Schools in other states. We gave our CTI2B their phone, one pair of civilian clothes (jeans, shirt, belt, casual shoes, T-shirt and ESPECIALLY sweats. They have to be in Navy attire for two weeks but within 14 days they can roam in civvies after hours. Don't give them too much as they will have to hump it up and down stairs- no elevators. They are in shape but just don't add to the stress with stuff. Also, if the laptop is already 2-3 years old- they are better served getting a new one. They are issued devices for school work. Just be prepared that the internet there is absolutely awful. Even for the students who need to login to do assignments and so on. The phone is the most useful communicating tool for the first few weeks.
Oct 20, 2017
bbcregular
Oct 20, 2017
mkl7993
Nov 18, 2017
sambam32
I am!
Nov 18, 2017
bbcregular
Nov 19, 2017
Mahi2
Nov 19, 2017
mkl7993
Nov 19, 2017
JWAK2008
Nov 19, 2017
bbcregular
Nov 19, 2017
sambam32
Nov 19, 2017
mkl7993
Nov 19, 2017
bbcregular
mkl7993 you are correct that the Navy assignes the language according to needs but I do know of three people that had their assigned language changed. If your son has a desired language he can request that with good reasons. Our Navy officers are flexible and want the best for the enlisted sailors. It depends a lot on how high they scored on their DLABS and how they did in boot camp. Begin the Navy career well and they will do just fine.
Praying for all our Moms and CTI2B recruits. This is a great rollercoaster ride to be on.
Nov 19, 2017
Jack
I am a current student at DLI in a cat 4. If you want to know any specifics about topics at DLI currently, feel free to PM me. I can give you my number and tell you anything you want to know.
Good luck to your recruits at boot camp and DLI!
Nov 20, 2017
sambam32
What about transportation? I know there's public trans, etc... but if they want to go outside of the area do most sailors buddy up and go together with someone that has a car?We hadn't planned on having a car out there. Not sure how long that plan will last...lol
I'm curious how many Navy CTI's there are and the age range. What kind of jobs (I think they call them billets?) after school are available for them?
my recruit wants to know if they can have a fan in their barracks at A School? haha...
Oh, the BAS can that be used outside of the chow hall? are there places that accept it?
Nov 27, 2017
sambam32
I hope the California fires aren't affecting our loved ones in Monterey.... HUGS!
Dec 7, 2017
Shelby
Dec 8, 2017
armynavymom
Hi all! My daughter just graduated from the DLI about two weeks ago and is waiting for her processing to finish and will be leaving next week! We are excited because she has a little over two weeks till she reports to her permanent duty station so she will be home for Christmas! Monterey is beautiful but she is looking forward to moving on...
Dec 8, 2017
mkl7993
@armynavymom
congratulations on graduate from DLI! and the bonus of coming home for Christmas! You have to be so excited!
Dec 8, 2017
sambam32
armynavymom--that's the best Christmas present EVER!!! Congratulations to your daughter and your family!
I'm still processing on how to get through BC, I can't wrap my mind around getting through the next several years!
Have a blessed Christmas!
Dec 9, 2017
armynavymom
Thank you sambam32 and mkl7993! It has been such a challenging year but she stayed strong and we couldnt be prouder! SAMBAM32. just remember to stay positive no matter what. They all go through some trials and doubts but just knowing you are there for them cheering them on will get them through anything!
Dec 9, 2017
Babbit
Anyone going to DLI soon? Our SR is shipping to the BC tomorrow and then to DLI.
Jan 15, 2018
sambam32
My SR should be arriving DLI in less than 2 weeks.
Jan 15, 2018
That Kid! ❤️
Jan 15, 2018
mkl7993
Somehow got removed off cti...odd...anyway..@That Kid! Is it true the ones in CTI school are provided a computer?
Jan 29, 2018
sambam32
Yes, they are provided computers but from what I understand they leave them at the school during the day. I can double check with my son when he calls tonight.
Jan 30, 2018
bbcregular
mkl7993 DLI does provide a Mac book pro and an iPad loaded with the programs needed to complete their lessons. I recommend that your CTI2B also have a personal computer or tablet for personal emails and other non military needs. If they do not already have a computer don’t be concerned. They can get along or buy an exexpensive one at the PX or go to the NEX at NPS.
Jan 30, 2018
mkl7993
Thanks bbcregular! He was trying to decide if he should bring his own laptop when I see him at airport after PIR.
Jan 30, 2018
JHubby
Feb 5, 2018
mkl7993
Thanks for the great information...got him his lap top so he has it available. What kind of things do soldiers do during the wait till classes start? Can’t imagine what they will do to keep busy.
Feb 5, 2018
sambam32
My SR says he's getting less sleep than he did in boot camp and he's only been there just over a week! Classes don't officially start until mid April. I honestly haven't talked to him. I missed his call yesterday and I also wanted to give him time to get his bearings.
He only took his laptop for personal use. He won't get a car. And the Xbox is on hold on being shipped out across the country lol
Feb 5, 2018
bbcregular
mkl7933 there is lots of recreation available. When we visited our sailor she took us to the rec area. Lots to do there even a music room. There is still all the military activities.
sambam32 my sailor used the bus and Uber. A car was not really needed till the end. Luckily we were visiting and loaned her our car so she and friends could go to another base to get their immunizations needed for their foreign duty station. There is usually someone with a car to help with transportation. I was disappointed with the Navy for not assisting with transportation to get the required immunizations but our kids are creative and have learned a lot about self reliance and team work.
Feb 6, 2018
mkl7993
@sambam32, yep they aren’t getting any kind of break. My son was excited about getting the brown boots. He doesn’t have to shine them.
Feb 6, 2018
l4d4wn
Hi everyone! My son leaves for RTC Feb 26th. We're excited to find out his language. I'm so happy to find this group!
Feb 12, 2018
Babbit
They made it to DLI after some delays! They are unpacking and organizing. My son and his buddy from the division got their first choice language. They are breathing fresh Monterey air and are happy!
Mar 12, 2018
Peachie
That's great Babbit! Our sailor is there now. He has made lots of friends since December and is enjoying the beautiful weather. Ours got his first choice language too. :)
Mar 12, 2018
hds27
Hi all. My second sailer for RTC on July 3rd. He is CTI bound. My first sailor is a Nuke (MM) in PowerSchool.
Apr 28, 2018
NavyStepMom
Hi, My sailor is in BC right now and PIR is for Sept. 7. He is off to Monterey right after. It is all very exciting, but seems like anything can change at anytime. When did your sailors find out their language? Was it at BC or DLI?
Jul 26, 2018
bbcregular
Jul 26, 2018