Moms of "A" school Sailors

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

    Anyone have any news/comments/information/pictures about class 075 Fort Sam Houston, Texas? They are graduating April 30th. They are so very close to their goal and their amazing future. 

  • momof3boys

    My son just graduated BC this weekend, and quickly headed off to S.C. for A school.  Are there specific groups for moms depending on which A school their kids are in?  The support from other Navy Moms has gotten me through to this point.  I feel blessed to have found this support forum!

  • Anti M

    There are a ton of groups for individual schools, and several for nuke moms. 

  • DeuceDogMom

    Hi! My Sailors' PIR was 4/03/2015. He is now stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX  He is waiting to class up for Master at Arms. Any other Navy Moms have a Sailor there?

  • KonaMama

    Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day/Month!! Thank you!  :D

  • azmom

    My daughter just got to Pensacola for A School for Air Traffic Controller.  Is there anyone else who's sailor just got there or anyone with a sailor that is or has gone through A School for ATC?

  • MyboyAllgrownup

    Myson got to Penscola on 5/16. He said school started Tuesday but its laid back right now. Just happy I can talk to him more often.
  • tytulip40

    azmom - my son got there on Sat. - A School Pensacola!  It does seem a little laid back - i'm with you myboyallgrownup - loves being able to talk more.  :) 

  • MyboyAllgrownup

    Yes indeed but I will take it while it lasts.
  • dollybelle

    Hello,  Any comments on how long IT school at Corry station lasts and is it difficult?  I see a lot about CT, but I believe that's different from IT.  My son is there now taking classes. thanks

  • azmom

    My daughter got to Pensacola May 23rd for A School and is still waiting to start school.  She said that they are waiting for more people to get there to start school.  She is going in for Air Traffic Controller.  Hopefully she will be starting soon.  Anyone out there have a loved one who had to wait so long to start school?

  • MyboyAllgrownup

    My son had to wait about a week or so when he made to A School in Pensa as well.  His PIR was 5/15/15 but all is well now.  The classes fill up fast so tell her to enjoy her time 'off' and yes, that is in quotations for a reason.  While more relaxed than boot camp, they still have duties.  Maybe since it's air traffic controller, it takes longer because other branches have to send other candidates. My son's rate filled up faster...AO.  He's completing strand now and will soon go to San Diego.

  • John and Yvonne

    If any of you moms have sons or daughters who after their school in Pensecola, get stationed here in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, my husband and I would like to let you know that we have been here in Virginia Beach, VA. for the last 15 years and have been inviting them to our home on the weekends. We feet them and play board games with them and would be happy to invite yours as well. Check out our page on this site.

    Yvonne and John

  • BBS

    My son arrived in Pensacola yesterday for A School. He is going in for Air Traffic Controller.  Anyone have any idea when school will start? 

  • Anti M

    There is no firm start date for most A schools as they have to wait for enough students to arrive to fill a class.  This means some wait a little longer than others.  

  • jaysmom

    My son's PIR is 7/24 and then he will be heading to Groton, CT.  He was wondering if he would be able to request a roommate.  One of his friends is also going to Groton and they would like to room together.

  • Anti M

    Jaysmom, they can request to room together, but it will depend on what is available in the barracks.

  • jaysmom

    Thx Anti M, so how many guys room together? How are the rooms or living quarters laid out?
  • Anti M

    I don't know about Groton specifically. I can google and see what pops up.   What is usual is two or three to a room, maybe four, usually they have a bathroom.  I have seen bathrooms down the hall in older barracks though.  They get a bed, a desk, and a large locker, not much else.  Some have mini-fridges, some do not.  The training barracks are often bare bones compared to the residential ones.  I'll see what I can find.

  • Anti M

    http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20140606/NEWS/140609409

    This one shows the room, but yeah, the young man swears like a sailor.  Be warned.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtdCJrvDpJY

  • jaysmom

    So he would be in the training barracks? Is there like a living area where they can have a tv?
  • Anti M

    Usually there is a lounge with a common TV.  Most of them have a laptop and access shows from that.  If you're thinking of getting or sending him a TV, wait until he checks in and finds out the barracks policy.  Some do not allow them, I don't know Groton's rules. Besides, eventually he'll be headed for a sub, where he can't take a TV with him.  I always advise A school students to "travel light" because they're almost always headed to a vessel with limited space after school.  

  • azmom

    MyboyAllgrownup, She is enjoying herself and exploring the area.  She starts school this coming Wednesday.  So excited.  So now she has approximately 18 weeks of classes then she will be home.  Was your son home before going to SD?  If so, I hope you had a wonderful visit.  I would like my daughter to be in SD since we are only 6 hours. I guess we will know in approx. 16-18 weeks where she will be off to.  I do know that she would love to be on a carrier right away.

  • ProudNavyMom

    My son starts school Wed too... he likes that his dorm overlooks the water and the beach is close... he was able to enjoy a swim on Sunday.  Hes back in the Gym and was thrilled that GNC was right on the base. Happy for him he seems well and getting accustomed to the bit more freedom.Hooyah!

  • Amy L.

    Hello all!!!!   I am new, my son just graduated this past Friday!!!   It was absolutely the best weekend we have had!!!!   I am so very proud of him!!!   He flew out of Great lakes on Saturday to Groton CT for A-School and Sub school!!!   He is loving it, says it is a lot more "laid back" than boot camp (LOL), he just got some of his quals and wants to start working on those right away!!!   One thing I've been wondering since seeing him "Where did my little boy go"?   Well, he is not a little boy any longer, he is a man!!!  The change in him was definitely very noticeable!!   This website has been with me from the very first day he left and I have made some great friends on the PIR 8/14/15 group and boot camp moms group and know I'll be able to make great friends here as well!!!   Thank you all in advance for the support!!!

  • tbird96

    My son starts A school the 30th. AO.
  • LAKE MOM

    Good morning all. My son graduated Friday and now is in A school in Texas. Hope everyone has a wonderful day today.

  • LAKE MOM

    Good morning all! Have a good one. :)

  • LAKE MOM

    Good morning all! Have a wonderful day today!

  • piglet

    What kind of stuff can they have of personal nature?  Like clothes etc?  And do they have to carry it back to their barracks in something certain like an all black pack?  I read that somewhere and I'm trying to decide what to take for my son next week.

  • NavyGma

    Hi piglet. My grandson is in Gulf Port and when he left Great Lakes he took a black pack back with his phone, laptop, and a few other personal items. His mom sent him some clothes when he was able to wear civilian clothes. I think he had to wait a couple of weeks before he could wear them. I am so new to all this but hope this helps a little. I'm sure someone may respond that will be able to answer better. 

  • Anti M

    Black or deep navy blue for backpacks, no decorations.

    >http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregul...

    (2) Civilian bags (e.g. computer bags/briefcases), this does not include women's handbags/purses, may be worn with the working and service uniforms as prescribed in the manner below:

      (a) Backpacks may be worn over either the left shoulder or both shoulders while wearing service and working uniforms.  Authorized colors of backpacks include black, navy blue, and the matching NWU Type I pattern.  The matching NWU Type I pattern backpack is only authorized for wear with the NWU Type I's.  No personal ornamentation shall be attached on or to the backpack.

    He can't wear civilian clothes until phase two of liberty.  Do bring his own underwear, he can use that and will like it.

    Information on liberty phases (for Great Lakes, but every training command uses much the same guidelines):

    https://www.facebook.com/notes/training-support-center-tsc-great-la...

  • piglet

    Thanks everyone!
  • LAKE MOM

    Good morning all! Have a beautiful day today!

  • tbird96

    Well my son was suppose to start school the 30th. Now he is tell me he has to wait. Anyone else with this peoblem.?
  • LAKE MOM

    Good Morning! May we all find sunshine today! :)

  • Anti M

    @tbird96 ... waiting to begin classes is common.  There can be dozens of reasons.  Not really a problem, he is paid, housed, fed, and kept busy.  Delays are frustrating, but to be expected.

  • LAKE MOM

    Good morning all! Have a Beautiful day today!!!

  • mickey1928

    My salior is in San Antonio at Parkland for MA.  Anyone else have a sailor there ?

  • mickey1928

    That should say Lackland.

  • Dalila65

    Hi, my son is in A school, things are not going well. He has failed 2 test and I think is a little home sick. Am trying to be supportive but it breaks my heart to hear him so stressed out. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would be most appreciative.
    Dalila65

  • John and Yvonne

    Hello Moms!

    My husband and I would like you all to know that if your sons or daughters eventually get stationed here in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. we open our home on the weekends and invite the sailors to come over. We feed them, play board games with them, go mini golfing, bowling, go to special activities(like re-enactments or Williamsburg) . We've been doing this for the last 15 years and we love giving them a place to hang out...a home away from their own home. :) And if they can't make it home for the holidays we invite them to come over and celebrate the holiday with us. My husband spent 20 years in the Navy; 10 enlisted and 10 as a Navy Chaplain. So, the Navy is in our blood. :)

    Just wanted to give you all a heads up on who we are . 

    May you all have a blessed day!

    Yvonne and John

  • ProudNavyMom

    My son passed all his examines and graduates tomorrow.  So proud, I know he has been under alot of stress.. but I kept telling hi you got this..hard work alot of studying and it payed off.

  • TheRocksmom

    Good morning my son isn't starting school for a couple of weeks either, his PIR 11.6, but is keeping busy for sure, getting usecd to routine and surroundings, which he definitely needed to do. Congratulations ProunNavyMom!

  • LAKE MOM

    Good morning all! Have a beautiful day today!

  • Classycalicat

    My son is "on hold" until January for his classes to start.

    Will it be likely that he can come home for Christmas?

    How do they count days of Liberty? He thinks that they do not count the day you leave & the day you return [travel days]

    They have 2.5 days per month for Liberty? yes / no He has been in since 9/14/15, so will he have 3 x 2.5 for 8.5 days by 12/14/15? 

    How soon should he apply for his Chit / Liberty /vacation days? [not sure of proper terminology.]

    Thank you in advance! Classycalicat

  • NavyMom1108

    My son graduated 11-13 from Bc. He's doing A school in San Antonio,tx. He is on hold for school to start Dec. But we got the great news he will get liberty for Christmas. I suggest sailors to ask questions. I know it's hard not having our kids home for the holidays. Good luck!
  • Anti M

    Please take a look at my Leave vs. Liberty blog here, because it is important to understand the difference.  They will be using leave for their holiday time off, earned paid vacation days.  Liberty is just normal time off and subject to travel restrictions.

    http://navyformoms.com/profiles/blogs/leave-vs-liberty

    No, they do not get travel days when taking leave.  That is only when leave is in conjunction with PCS travel (change of duty station).

    Their schools will tell them when to put in their chits requesting leave, they do it en masse there are so many students doing it all at once.  

    See my blog for a lot of details, them please, ask questions!

  • TheRocksmom

    Happy Thanksgiving  back where at GL, son bringing 3 sailors for my homemade Turkey feast! So if you have a son here not coming home please know that if he's one of the 3 coming here, they will be treated like one of the family, have a wonderful day!

  • TheRocksmom

    Back here at great Lakes, long ride from New Jersey!