Moms of "A" school Sailors

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Our sailors are now in "A" school - let's share!!

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Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)

Thank you very much. :)

Mar 5, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)

Hello, my son just landed in Gulfport for A school. Could anyone tell me what he can expect? He is a BU. Also where do a majority get deployed? That might be a stupid question, but thought I'd ask anyway. Thank you.

Mar 12, 2011
NavyMomKim

I just got in last night from visiting my son a A School in Virginia Beach! We had a great weekend! He turned 21 last Monday so we went down to see him. I thought we might get him both Saturday and Sunday but we only got Saturday because the Navy decided that he was on duty Sunday. He was able to came out to the main gate to say goodbye on Sunday though. Hoping to see him again in May when he graduates form A School.

Mar 14, 2011
ktssong

New to A School. Are there any special tips anyone has for a single mom on a tight budget on how to get to see my sailor son when he is on opposite sides of the country? I hope I get to see him again. If he put in for a location to be stationed how soon do they find out where they will be permanently stationed? Are their requests usually granted? And if so,is that where they will be anytime they are in US?

Mar 17, 2011
ktssong

Susan R-thank you for the suggestion of the Ohio Moms Group. I will definitely go to it too.

Mar 20, 2011
paybacks398

My grandson called yesterday and said his Gunner'sMate school may not start for 6 month-they told him to be prepaired to be there up 13 months instead of the 26 weeks-is this normal? I know that a lot of A schools are delay but this seems like a really long delay-he has met only one other person that is signed up to be a gunner's mate. Surely they will give these recruits something to do-he will be really discourage and ready to come home if he has to wait 6 months if they dont give him something to do besides clean the barracks-which is what they have been doing several times a day

Mar 21, 2011
paybacks398

Well that is the advise I gave, but you know who that goes.

Mar 21, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

Hi Ladies..I have a question I hope you can help me with. My son goes in to bc on March 28th..Grad day will be in some time May. My question is, what kind of transportation did everyone use when going to grad day. I have panic attacks driving on busy highways due to an accident I had when I was young. Does anyone know of buses or anything that takes us to hotels? I'm just trying to get info on this..

Thank all of you,

Kelly

Mar 23, 2011
paybacks398

We used the hotel shuttle-took right to the gate then came back and picked us up. We drove from Texas so we didnt have to get a rental car at the airport. I think they have shuttle that runs from the airport to Waukegan for a price

Mar 23, 2011
paybacks398

We found Waukegan area easy to navigate but I really didnt care for the traffic in Chicago, reminded me of years in Houston driving. We stayed at the Quality Inn-just a word-the rooms were small and the bathroom smaller, lol. Wouldnt recomment trying to put 4 people in there unless you want to be walking on top of each other-but we spent most of the time out and about so it was ok. They did have a great place for breakfast in the same parking lot. The hotel itself has a full free breakfast each morning and a free shuttle to the graduation.

Mar 23, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

Thanks all of you.. Very informing...It sounds fairley easy to get around there..

Again, Thabk ya'll !

Have a wonderful day !!!

Kelly in Katy..

Mar 24, 2011
BarbAnn(Ship 7 DIV 047)

we stayed at the navy lodge when my son graduated and used the shuttle the whole time. did not have to worry at all about getting arround any where and he had lots of info and suggestions for places for my sons and i to go. we took the train into the city one day and got cabs to get arround.

Mar 24, 2011
Suzi-OH

grammy - Hooyah!! Congrats to your son....always a big step!

You can never be sure how long they will be where ever they go after BC. We've learned to take it all with a grain of salt.....you roll with the changes. My son has been fortunate as his path has been smooth so far. But, I would not be able to complain anyhow. I am so thrilled with his choice and the wonderful positive impact the Navy has had on our son. It's like it was the missing piece of his life. He is so content, fulfilled and hopeful for his future!

Mar 27, 2011
Sharon

My son graduates from A School on Friday. I guess that's when they'll tell him what he'll be studying in C School. I'm so very proud of him!

Mar 30, 2011
paybacks398

They told my grandson he would be delayed up to 6 months before A school started-well it started a week later-you never know with the Navy-his A school is supposed to last until July or August-At least the weather will be warmer at Great Lakes-he has been there since Jan 7. Much colder than Texas, I assure you, lol.

Mar 30, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

Hi Ladies, I am trying to get info.. I would like to know what ussually happens after A school for Corpsmen..I know things always change but just some idea would nice.

Thank you..

Mar 31, 2011
William in Nashua

Kelly some of them can be sent to surgical technician school in San Antonio, Texas for further training. Others go directly to the fleet.

Mar 31, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

I am wondering because I hear alot of corpsmen go to Afghanistan. I didn't know that. Is that true?

Mar 31, 2011
William in Nashua

Kelly, some corpsmen get assigned to the Marines, and then they go wherever that Marine unit is deployed. It could be Afghanistan I suppose.

Mar 31, 2011
angeldi999

I stayed at the Navy Lodge when I went up for my son's boot camp graduation, and I would definately recommend it. There is no tax on your lodging, the price is more reasonable than other lodging in the area, and it is probably the closest to the base. The rooms were very nice and the staff very friendly and helpful. They do have a shuttle that goes up to the base for bootcamp graduation, but they suggested that I drive as the grad will want to get out of there as quick as possible, and I gotta say, I did get out quicker than the shuttles.

Diane

Mar 31, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

Oh, Ok. Thank you all. Still learning..Where do I find Adopt a platoon on here. I'd like to get more info on that.

Kind of a bummmer day today..I sure do miss Austin... So quiet around here..

I hope all of you have a great day!

Kelly

Apr 1, 2011
NavyMomKim

Now that all four of my kids are out of the house...I wonder how I ever got everything done when they were in my house! LOL Now I try to go to their house and see how much of a mess I can make for them to clean up. Just kidding...fun thought though.

Apr 1, 2011
NavyMomKim

I have already had my revenge on their car windows...you know...steam them up with your breath in the winter and draw a funny picture with your finger...LOL ..when I did it the first time with my eldest in his first car he said "Mom what are you doing to my windows?" I said "paybacks for my car windows". I loved it. Of course each one got the same treatment in their first car. They never did it to my car windows again.

Apr 1, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)

You guys are too funny.. Can't wait to mess with my son.. lol

Apr 1, 2011
navy25

Hi NavyMomKim, that is so funny!! :-) because when my Sailor was younger around 17 my Fiancee and I use to tease him and tell him that when he would get married and have his own home we both were going to hang by him leave our clothes on the bathroom floor and put our feet on the couch so his wife would have to clean up after us LOL

Apr 2, 2011
navy25

We also stayed at The Navy Lodge Angel in Oct. 2010 for my Sailors PIR and everything you said I agree 100% we really enjoyed staying there and since it was so affordable I was able to stay 2 extra days we had the Columbus Weekend and had a very pleasant stay and is also in a very good area we felt safe and very very close to the base and also The Nex store very convinient. If I get to go again to GL I would definet stay there

Apr 2, 2011
navy25

Hi NavyMomKim and Marine Mom, I didnt do the car window thing but my son has a beautiful Mustang Cobra and you should see the inside and outside of that car always kept it neat and clean but when he use to borrow my vehicle always left the McDonalds Bags on the floor so I had him clean my truck after that now I miss him cleaning my truck

Apr 3, 2011
ISH-MOM

Hey just wanted to share that S passsed all of his test/quizzes in the 95%! They celebrate from BESS this friday. I am so proud of him. And I finally received his KEEL from bootcamp. Looking through it, the tears came again. Reliving the graduation and all.. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Apr 4, 2011
Jeffsmom1380

I'm happy for your son ISH-MOM! The graduation ceremony from BESS is wonderful on a smaller scale! My son finished ATT & is now in Techno class.
He is doing great!

Apr 4, 2011
ISH-MOM

Jeffsmom-that is what S told me. I am not able to make it there. Since I am in MN.

S said that it is in a "secured area" and nobody comes to this? Seems strange to me. How long is the apprentice program normally? Is this still part of the Class A school program? so many questions...

Apr 4, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

Hi Ladies, My son will be graduating from bc around May 27.. My question is how far in advance do I need to get our plane tickets.Also, how big of a chance is it that the date will be changed..Just trying to stay on top of this.

Thank all of you...

Apr 4, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

when does the I'm a sailor call come? I just got his Grad date. May 20th.

I was so happy just to get those few lines of his words.. Sounds like he likes it alot...

Thank you

Apr 4, 2011
NavyMomKim

Sailor call comes right after Battlestations.

Apr 4, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

Thank ya'll. So, about 3 weeks before is a good time to make res. for our flight. I will make sure to take his phone to him. I know he wants that..Is there anything else I should bring?

Thank ya'll.

Apr 5, 2011
ISH-MOM

Kelly- bring any of his favorite snacks. Sometimes they are craving these also. Lots of hugs.Your camera for sure lots of pictures to take. binoculars, sometimes pending on where you get a seat it further away. LOTS OF KLEENEX. You will need them for sure.

Apr 5, 2011
Jeffsmom1380

Hi ISH-MOM, When I went to BESS graduation, there were quite a few parents there. I stayed at the Navy Lodge right on base. It was nice spending some time with my son. After BESS, Jeff had ATT & now Techno, then he has A school. So I'm thinking he might be done by the end of the year but I'm not real sure. It is a lot of training!

Apr 5, 2011
ISH-MOM

Jeffsmom-thanks for the info. S probably didnt know this inof. I wish I could make it to graduation. Money/time is tight now. and not knowing in advance when to make plans makes it hard. Where did Jeff BESS? My S is in CT.

Apr 5, 2011
paybacks398

Is there anyone on here whose sailor is in Gunner's Mate school?

Apr 5, 2011
paybacks398

According to the Navy site a corpsmen's training at Great Lakes is usually 96 days. But you also have to factor in the fact they may be held over before school starts etc. That is the basic time that I saw

Apr 5, 2011
Jeffsmom1380

ISH-MOM, Jeff is at Groton,CT. It is about 5 hrs from me in Fulton, NY. So I was able to go to graduation! I won't go again until A school graduation. Submarines sure do take a lot of training!

Apr 5, 2011
ISH-MOM

Jeffsmom, My S is also at Groton, CT. Graduating BESS this friday. I am unable to make it. Do they now start the Class A? I thought that was what S was in since Jan. when he went there.? How long is Class A schooling?

Apr 5, 2011
Jeffsmom1380

ISH-MOM, Jeff had ATT & Techno before A school training. What is your son going for? BESS is just basic submarine school. I was amazed that it will take so long.

Apr 5, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

I just want to tell all of you "thank you so much for the info."I want to make this good for him..I didn't think about the lap top nor the snacks..He loves sweets..I will make this special for him...Just sooo excited to se him..Thank GOD for all of you and for sharing your knowledge......

Have an awesome day !

Kelly

Apr 6, 2011
ISH-MOM

jeffsmom- S is going for Nuclear Power/Mechanical Eng. Long way to go yet.

Kelly- Your welcome. Have a great time with your sailor! You will notice a change in him. I was amazed at the difference..Makes you even more Proud!

Apr 6, 2011
Jeffsmom1380

ISH-MOM, Your son must be very smart! Jeff qualified for nuclear but so far isn't going that route. He says fast attack subs are his interest. Good luck to your son! Groton seems to be a good & safe base & area to live in!

Apr 6, 2011
ISH-MOM

Jeffsmom, He is bright. He has finally found his niche. Cant say much about high school, what a struggle that was!! LOL. Says that he does like the base and area. He did pass his BESS in the 95%. Dont know how many there were in class but that is GREAT for him..

Apr 6, 2011
KellynKaty(corps-Mom)

Thanks Ishmom, I am so excited. I wasn't sure I was going to get to go due to money issues. But his Dad and Step mom ( I dont like calling her that,her name is Candi and she has been great with our son) asked me if they could buy my ticket as well as my mothers. I just started crying and was so greatful for them wanting to help me out. So, I'm just so excited..I cant wait..

Apr 6, 2011
Suzi-OH

Kelly - how touching....so nice to read your post. So happy for all of you. Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Apr 6, 2011
ISH-MOM

kelly, That is great! This is something that you will always remember. Hopefully they will be able to video tape it. When S graduated there were "technical diffculties" and we were not able to get the CD. :(. But I was there in person which was better. I just wish the rest of my family could have been there to share it as well! They sound like good people to help you out like that. It was meant to be for you to be there! HUGS!!!!!!

Apr 6, 2011
Jeffsmom1380

ISH-MOM, Your son sounds like mine! Jeff hated high school. He couldn't see the point. Now when he learns something it pertains to a sub! I think Jeff will be a career Navy man!

Apr 6, 2011