My son is in Division 195 and I just joined N4M's. I wish I would have joined when he left for boot camp, but I thought my husband would tell me everything I needed to know since he is still active duty. HA! After reading page after page of comments, I've decided that a lot has changed since he went to boot camp 22 yrs ago. On that note, I would love to know how many Mom's are attending a meet and greet on the 28th. I read that they have three different locations, but it sounds like Sarge's is what everyone talks about the most!! :)
Thank you both for the help. I just sent a request to join the facebook group! I'm sure we will be joining you at Sarge's. I definitely don't want to sit in a hotel room and look at the walls that night, because I know I won't sleep much.
Your poor son, dozier, has been through so much with his fractures. Here's hoping that his Navy future is a much smoother ride! I know you will be doubly proud of him at PIR after all he has been through. Congrats to him for persevering!
Gotcha, leftwayleft. Good idea to post that for others to know about!
Dozier in your posts about your son a favorite saying of mine comes to mind PERSEVERANCE: In the struggle between the river & the rocks, the river always wins not because of physical strength but because of PERSEVERANCE. PERSEVERANCE takes a lot of commitment & mental strength. I will be thinking of you & your family & be believing he will prevail.
I received three letters today!!! My daughter said that last tuesday her division (198) took pictures. She gave me the breakdown of what they did every day last week.
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons- Hi! My other half says that he checked the mail and the Ribbons have come! He says they are very very nice, can't wait to get home and see them! Thank you.........
Hello ladies - get an awesome letter from my son today! Started crying at "Hey Momma" and didn't stop. He finally sounded like his old self! Yes he is back - can't wait to hug him 2 weeks from tomorrow :)
Thanks so much Adrienne, I really hope you like them, please come back here and let me know :-) I know you will wear the ribbons with so much pride :-)
Happy to see so many getting letters and calls. You guys are in the home stretch now. It won't be long at all. I hope you have a list started so you don't forget anything :-)
Mareluc, Glad you got a letter. It is ok to cry. It has been a long emotional journey but like you said 2 weeks until hugs. Be strong and brave like our sons.
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons- I absolutely love the ribbons, they are perfect! I love how they are all the same but a little different...I didn't even realize it until my girls started fighting over who was going to wear which one...LOL...they are so excited, but yet when their brother was here it was like he didn't exist until they wanted something from him..LOL..they can't wait to see him! Thank You so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
smokie- I never though my son would write such a detailed letter until he went off to boot camp, he has totally amazed me with his 3 page letters! He even took the time to draw an illustration of the way the will be marching in and then turning towards the stands and he has labeled himself as "me" so that I can know exactly where he is :-) Sooo, IDK ...it could be a tie when it come to daughters or sons letter writing....LOL.
adrienne: That is one of the blessings of bootcamp...those who you never think will write a letter...ever...actually write! My son told me before he left for bootcamp in 2009 that he didn't like to write, wouldn't write, but would call if allowed. Well, I think I received about 4-5 letters from him, a 2-3 pages each! My, how bootcamp changes them! They long for things from home...and look forward to that mail call each day...the highlight of their day!
So glad that you are getting long detailed letters!
I saw a post a while ago. It described the diffrent parts of the dress whites. As far as how to tell if your SR is an E2 or E3 and how to tell what ribbons he/she may have obtained and what they mean. Does anyone else remember seeing this post? I can't find it.
Avaya: If an E-1, no stripes on the sleeve; if an E-2, two stripes on the sleeve; if an E-3, three stripes on the sleeve.
The ribbons they have after bootcamp are the multi-colored one which is given to all for serving in a time a war, and the black marksmanship ribbon. They are horizontal ribbons, side by side, on the left chest of their uniform.
Happy Fathers Day. I love the counter clock also. I am getting so excited. My mind keeps racing with thoughts about graduation. I can not wait for A school so we can communicate more. Thanks again for all the info on this site . I could not have made it without all of your encouragement thru this rough journey. I hope to see everyone at the graduation. Be strong and proud.
Hi all! Question.....I was just told by a friend of mine whose son is in the marines that they have to pay for their own food and that is is deducted from their paycheck, is that true?
adrienne, they basically have to pay for everything. It is like they get a certain amount of money added to their pay to cover expenses and then they have to pay for those things out of the money they go, like a meal cardt. It is all really confusing. Kind of like allowance. They pay for the initial uniforms they get and then they get a uniform allowance each year that is supposed to cover them when they nee a new uniform. I know when they live off base, like the married couples, they get BAH pay to pay for housing. So if their BAH was $1000.00 a month and their rent was only $800 they would have $200.00 extra to put towards electricity or something else. Their pay is higher if they have dependents and sadly a lot of them get married for that reason.
lala- i knew about the uniforms but didn't know about the food...i just thought they fed you free...so does this start in boot camp or does this start in "A" school...I'm asking because I got a letter from my son and he asked me to check his bank account to make sure that his direct deposits went through o.k...says he should have gotten paid starting June 1, and of course the 15th...the money is there......I was just trying to figure out if everything is already taken out...
adrienne, I am unsure about the food. I don't think they pay for that at boot camp but I am sure they do in A-school. Once the money for the food comes out they pay it whether they eat on base or not so they should take advantage of that and eat there as often as they can. The way the money comes out at boot camp is super confusing to everyone.
Good Morning everyone and Happy Father's Day to all of our Dads, the wonderful dads on this site and in the Military. Go out and have a fun day :-)
adrienne: I agree with Lala. They are given a food allowance once out of bootcamp, so although they are paying for food, they are given the money to pay for it with. Don't think this applies to bootcamp? Never had that question asked before on here. Hmmm.......
And....very sad what Lala said about them getting married for BAH...but happens alot. What are the chances of those marriages lasting?? I know of one couple who did this, and the woman moved back with family and asked her sailor just to mail her 'her part" of the extra money they were getting...????
Happy Fathers Day to all! Even if your father is no longer here (mine is but lost in Alzheimers)--or your children's father maybe is no longer here (my situation), I hope that you remember the good times and honor the men or their memories today!
Good morning! Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's today! We are getting there....only one more weekend and then it is our week!!!!!!! So excited! I am glad this is a busy week for me - my son graduates high school on the 23rd and then we will be getting ready to leave for Great Lakes! Can't wait!!!
Ladies, I'm looking for BattleStations dates for this group. They should be starting them this week, continuing next week. Please friend request/message me dates if you have heard from your SRs. I like to keep schedules of them. Remember, we cannot post the dates on the pages here. You can only private message them. RTC has asked us not to do that.
For those who have not read the discussion group above about BattleStations, which start this week for this group, I just bumped it up in the Forum above.
BAS - Basic Allowance for Substinance ....is not given/taken out during Boot Camp (Basic Training).
BAS is an allowance, not pay...so it is not taxable.
BAS is only for the military servicemember, not their family.
The amount of BAS changes with the cost of the price of food based on the USDA food cost index.
On an (slightly) interesting note...the Base where my husband does his Reserve Duty had closed their Chow Hall sometime ago...so they were stuck with the small food court and a few chain restaurants, Subway (where is there NOT a Subway these days!)...and they recently opened it back up. Why? Becuase it wasn't cost effective...and believe it or not...(and yup leftwayleft) the Chow Hall is more nutritious!
(Don't ask me how it costs more since BAS is already figured...I don't do that part! Nor am I going to tackle "how it works" exactly either! It's explained, but somehow still confusing for me too! LOL)
2012 BAS Rates:
Enlisted: $348.44 a month
Officers: $239.96 a month
When my son questioned getting the allowance and then having it " taken away"...I said it's like $11.00 a day to eat...even if you miss one Galley (this can happen...there are set Galley hours) and have to buy something...it's still a deal.
Here are some links if you would like to read further about BAS:
My son tried to explain it all to me too and it left me enlightenedly (is that a word? lol) confused. This is on base not BC.
They are given a food allowance for food like FTLW posted, he explained we eat for free because the allowance given covers the cost deducted for the meals and doesn't increase our "pay" or income.
He does visit the "fast food" places on base a couple of times a month because he just has to have that burger or taco or sub and does have to pay "out of his pocket" for that. The MWR department is the one who runs those on base so it is still a good deal money wise.
Good morning, ladies. Thanks to those who messaged me possible dates for BattleStations. Still looking for more, so if anyone got a letter/call over the weekend with a date for BattleStations for your division, please friend request/private message me! You can put a message in the "friend request".
spahn(Ship11 Div 195)
My son is in Division 195 and I just joined N4M's. I wish I would have joined when he left for boot camp, but I thought my husband would tell me everything I needed to know since he is still active duty. HA! After reading page after page of comments, I've decided that a lot has changed since he went to boot camp 22 yrs ago. On that note, I would love to know how many Mom's are attending a meet and greet on the 28th. I read that they have three different locations, but it sounds like Sarge's is what everyone talks about the most!! :)
Jun 13, 2012
mareluc(Ship11/Div196/PIR 6/29)
Spahn - welcome! The majority are meeting at Sarge's two weeks from tomorrow :)
Jun 13, 2012
spahn(Ship11 Div 195)
Thank you both for the help. I just sent a request to join the facebook group! I'm sure we will be joining you at Sarge's. I definitely don't want to sit in a hotel room and look at the walls that night, because I know I won't sleep much.
Jun 13, 2012
dozier
My son will be going to Nuke school in South Carolina after boot camp. Hopefully all goes well and he will be able to graduate on time. :)
Jun 14, 2012
diannep
Your poor son, dozier, has been through so much with his fractures. Here's hoping that his Navy future is a much smoother ride! I know you will be doubly proud of him at PIR after all he has been through. Congrats to him for persevering!
Gotcha, leftwayleft. Good idea to post that for others to know about!
Good morning all!
Jun 14, 2012
mommafinn(ship-12 DIV-204)
Dozier in your posts about your son a favorite saying of mine comes to mind PERSEVERANCE: In the struggle between the river & the rocks, the river always wins not because of physical strength but because of PERSEVERANCE. PERSEVERANCE takes a lot of commitment & mental strength. I will be thinking of you & your family & be believing he will prevail.
Jun 14, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Good Morning and Happy Flag Day everyone :-)
Jun 14, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Lots of moms/wives/families etc hanging out in this group. Feel free to join us if you like :-) https://www.facebook.com/groups/327167160695549/
Jun 14, 2012
Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor
Good Morning Ladies and Happy Flag Day.
Jun 14, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
Hi, does anyone know if the boys have already taken their photos.....my son's letters are usually very thorough and he has not mentioned it.
Jun 14, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
although I did tell him which package to order in one of my letters....he's never addressed it.
Jun 14, 2012
raeveness(Ship11Div198PIR6/29)
I received three letters today!!! My daughter said that last tuesday her division (198) took pictures. She gave me the breakdown of what they did every day last week.
Jun 14, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
raeveness- cool! Well maybe my son has taken pictures too, he's division 199. I swear I can't wait until 6/29/12 :-)
Jun 14, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons- Hi! My other half says that he checked the mail and the Ribbons have come! He says they are very very nice, can't wait to get home and see them! Thank you.........
Jun 14, 2012
mareluc(Ship11/Div196/PIR 6/29)
Hello ladies - get an awesome letter from my son today! Started crying at "Hey Momma" and didn't stop. He finally sounded like his old self! Yes he is back - can't wait to hug him 2 weeks from tomorrow :)
Jun 14, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
Thanks so much Adrienne, I really hope you like them, please come back here and let me know :-) I know you will wear the ribbons with so much pride :-)
Happy to see so many getting letters and calls. You guys are in the home stretch now. It won't be long at all. I hope you have a list started so you don't forget anything :-)
Jun 14, 2012
smokie (ship12 Div 203)
Mareluc, Glad you got a letter. It is ok to cry. It has been a long emotional journey but like you said 2 weeks until hugs. Be strong and brave like our sons.
Jun 14, 2012
smokie (ship12 Div 203)
I wonder if the daughters in the navy write better letters than the sons. ??????
Jun 14, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons- I absolutely love the ribbons, they are perfect! I love how they are all the same but a little different...I didn't even realize it until my girls started fighting over who was going to wear which one...LOL...they are so excited, but yet when their brother was here it was like he didn't exist until they wanted something from him..LOL..they can't wait to see him! Thank You so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jun 14, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
smokie- I never though my son would write such a detailed letter until he went off to boot camp, he has totally amazed me with his 3 page letters! He even took the time to draw an illustration of the way the will be marching in and then turning towards the stands and he has labeled himself as "me" so that I can know exactly where he is :-) Sooo, IDK ...it could be a tie when it come to daughters or sons letter writing....LOL.
Jun 14, 2012
diannep
adrienne: That is one of the blessings of bootcamp...those who you never think will write a letter...ever...actually write! My son told me before he left for bootcamp in 2009 that he didn't like to write, wouldn't write, but would call if allowed. Well, I think I received about 4-5 letters from him, a 2-3 pages each! My, how bootcamp changes them! They long for things from home...and look forward to that mail call each day...the highlight of their day!
So glad that you are getting long detailed letters!
Jun 14, 2012
mareluc(Ship11/Div196/PIR 6/29)
I think we are going to be one proud bunch of moms very very soon!!!!!!
Jun 14, 2012
Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor
smokie, There is no comparison, yes the girls, for the most part, are better letter writers. Just ask the boys' moms, they will tell you :).
mareluc, Yay!
Jun 14, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Paying for your son dozier!
Jun 15, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Very happy for you all getting letters1
mareluc...so glad that your son is sounding better...Woo-Hoo!
Too cute adrienne!
Jun 15, 2012
diannep
Good morning!
Jun 15, 2012
Avaya0805 (Ship 9/ Division 201)
I saw a post a while ago. It described the diffrent parts of the dress whites. As far as how to tell if your SR is an E2 or E3 and how to tell what ribbons he/she may have obtained and what they mean. Does anyone else remember seeing this post? I can't find it.
Jun 15, 2012
diannep
Avaya: If an E-1, no stripes on the sleeve; if an E-2, two stripes on the sleeve; if an E-3, three stripes on the sleeve.
The ribbons they have after bootcamp are the multi-colored one which is given to all for serving in a time a war, and the black marksmanship ribbon. They are horizontal ribbons, side by side, on the left chest of their uniform.
Jun 15, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
I will add the Discussion by Craig on the Ribbons they may receive at BC in the Discussion Forum up above too.
Jun 15, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
juliebelle have a great time, we love camping and wish we could go more. Maybe soon :-)
Jun 15, 2012
diannep
Good morning all! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jun 16, 2012
Betsy, mom of Stennis sailor
Hope all are having a great Saturday!
Jun 16, 2012
stormy1123 ship 12 div 203
I love the counter clock NOW! (Not so much a few weeks ago..:)
Jun 16, 2012
smokie (ship12 Div 203)
Happy Fathers Day. I love the counter clock also. I am getting so excited. My mind keeps racing with thoughts about graduation. I can not wait for A school so we can communicate more. Thanks again for all the info on this site . I could not have made it without all of your encouragement thru this rough journey. I hope to see everyone at the graduation. Be strong and proud.
Jun 16, 2012
marcyl(Ship11Div197)
Jun 16, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
Hi all! Question.....I was just told by a friend of mine whose son is in the marines that they have to pay for their own food and that is is deducted from their paycheck, is that true?
Jun 16, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
I mean is that true for the Navy as well?
Jun 16, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
adrienne, they basically have to pay for everything. It is like they get a certain amount of money added to their pay to cover expenses and then they have to pay for those things out of the money they go, like a meal cardt. It is all really confusing. Kind of like allowance. They pay for the initial uniforms they get and then they get a uniform allowance each year that is supposed to cover them when they nee a new uniform. I know when they live off base, like the married couples, they get BAH pay to pay for housing. So if their BAH was $1000.00 a month and their rent was only $800 they would have $200.00 extra to put towards electricity or something else. Their pay is higher if they have dependents and sadly a lot of them get married for that reason.
Jun 16, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
lala- i knew about the uniforms but didn't know about the food...i just thought they fed you free...so does this start in boot camp or does this start in "A" school...I'm asking because I got a letter from my son and he asked me to check his bank account to make sure that his direct deposits went through o.k...says he should have gotten paid starting June 1, and of course the 15th...the money is there......I was just trying to figure out if everything is already taken out...
Jun 16, 2012
adrienne ship 09 div 199
lala- and I pray to God that he doesn't get married to get more money....!
Jun 16, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
(This is from one of my favorite Movies)
Jun 17, 2012
Lala Ribbon Queen PIR Ribbons
adrienne, I am unsure about the food. I don't think they pay for that at boot camp but I am sure they do in A-school. Once the money for the food comes out they pay it whether they eat on base or not so they should take advantage of that and eat there as often as they can. The way the money comes out at boot camp is super confusing to everyone.
Good Morning everyone and Happy Father's Day to all of our Dads, the wonderful dads on this site and in the Military. Go out and have a fun day :-)
Jun 17, 2012
diannep
adrienne: I agree with Lala. They are given a food allowance once out of bootcamp, so although they are paying for food, they are given the money to pay for it with. Don't think this applies to bootcamp? Never had that question asked before on here. Hmmm.......
And....very sad what Lala said about them getting married for BAH...but happens alot. What are the chances of those marriages lasting?? I know of one couple who did this, and the woman moved back with family and asked her sailor just to mail her 'her part" of the extra money they were getting...????
Happy Fathers Day to all! Even if your father is no longer here (mine is but lost in Alzheimers)--or your children's father maybe is no longer here (my situation), I hope that you remember the good times and honor the men or their memories today!
Jun 17, 2012
mareluc(Ship11/Div196/PIR 6/29)
Good morning! Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's today! We are getting there....only one more weekend and then it is our week!!!!!!! So excited! I am glad this is a busy week for me - my son graduates high school on the 23rd and then we will be getting ready to leave for Great Lakes! Can't wait!!!
Jun 17, 2012
diannep
Ladies, I'm looking for BattleStations dates for this group. They should be starting them this week, continuing next week. Please friend request/message me dates if you have heard from your SRs. I like to keep schedules of them. Remember, we cannot post the dates on the pages here. You can only private message them. RTC has asked us not to do that.
Thanks!
Jun 17, 2012
diannep
For those who have not read the discussion group above about BattleStations, which start this week for this group, I just bumped it up in the Forum above.
Jun 17, 2012
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
BAS - Basic Allowance for Substinance ....is not given/taken out during Boot Camp (Basic Training).
BAS is an allowance, not pay...so it is not taxable.
BAS is only for the military servicemember, not their family.
The amount of BAS changes with the cost of the price of food based on the USDA food cost index.
On an (slightly) interesting note...the Base where my husband does his Reserve Duty had closed their Chow Hall sometime ago...so they were stuck with the small food court and a few chain restaurants, Subway (where is there NOT a Subway these days!)...and they recently opened it back up. Why? Becuase it wasn't cost effective...and believe it or not...(and yup leftwayleft) the Chow Hall is more nutritious!
(Don't ask me how it costs more since BAS is already figured...I don't do that part! Nor am I going to tackle "how it works" exactly either! It's explained, but somehow still confusing for me too! LOL)
2012 BAS Rates:
Enlisted: $348.44 a month
Officers: $239.96 a month
When my son questioned getting the allowance and then having it " taken away"...I said it's like $11.00 a day to eat...even if you miss one Galley (this can happen...there are set Galley hours) and have to buy something...it's still a deal.
Here are some links if you would like to read further about BAS:
2012 Basic Allowance for Subsistence From Military.com
(This one is a little old as far as the rates being shown...but has some personal anecdotes from the author!):
What the Recruiter Never Told You Part 7 -- Chow Halls and Food All...
(This one is from DoD and has the basics with the 2011 changes):
Department of Defense (DOD) Pay Regulation, Volume 7A (Active Duty ...
*DoD = Department of Defense
Jun 17, 2012
ellen0502
My son tried to explain it all to me too and it left me enlightenedly (is that a word? lol) confused. This is on base not BC.
They are given a food allowance for food like FTLW posted, he explained we eat for free because the allowance given covers the cost deducted for the meals and doesn't increase our "pay" or income.
He does visit the "fast food" places on base a couple of times a month because he just has to have that burger or taco or sub and does have to pay "out of his pocket" for that. The MWR department is the one who runs those on base so it is still a good deal money wise.
Jun 17, 2012
diannep
Good morning, ladies. Thanks to those who messaged me possible dates for BattleStations. Still looking for more, so if anyone got a letter/call over the weekend with a date for BattleStations for your division, please friend request/private message me! You can put a message in the "friend request".
Jun 18, 2012
ReneeBC
diannep,
Just curious...Why are you collecting battlestations dates and what do you do with the list?
Jun 18, 2012