Naval Aviation

294 members

Description

For Moms with Aviators or anyone interested
Comments Discussions Members

OCS and NFO Training

by ashleighj

May 29, 2014

Hello everyone! We just got the good news that my husband was accepted into OCS as an NFO candidate. I am looking for any and all advice about what happens next. We don't have a start date yet, he recruiter advised she will get the formal letter in 2-4 weeks which will have a date. She said it could be June and it could be December. Does anyone have any experience with the actual timeline? How soon after acceptance your aviators went to OCS? Also is it typical to have a break between OCS and Flight School? I am trying to mentally prepare myself to drive alone from N. CA to FL, with 3 dogs!! 

In regards to OCS does anyone know how many people he is allowed to invite to Hi Mom and Graduation? We both have big families and would like to set expectations early on instead of disappointing people right before the time comes. I also have tons of questions about pay and housing lol. I know we don't qualify for base housing because we have too many animals but are there any other resources for finding a good area to live in? Sorry I know this is a lot and quite jumbled. I am a planner by nature so the not knowing things drives me nuts, something I am aware I have to learn to deal with :) Again, any advice you guys have would be much appreciated!!!!!  Thank You! 

  • up

    NYNancy

    Congratulations to your husband. In my son's case the pilot/NFO board met on April 16, 2012 and the list was made public on April 27, 2012. He was selected for the class starting in September that year. Airwarriors.com is a great place to learn about the Navy. I've been there many times; I think it's very interesting reading all the comments from the aviators. They have forums on all phases of Navy life. From what I have read there candidates have very varying waits for OCS ranging from a few weeks to over a year. As far as guests for the ceremony there was only 3 of us, so I can't say, but there was larger groups and there is quite a bit of room. You can get lots of information on pay and benefits on the web, just google your question. I can't tell you much about base housing. My son has never lived on base as an officer, he is prior enlisted, and none of the officers he's been training with have either. I can relate to your curiosity, I'm a planner too. I wish you and your husband well.
    2

    May 30, 2014

    • up

      Hurricane

      My husband is an OCS guy. His board met in February, we had orders in mid to late March with a report of beginning of May.

      The break between OCS and flight school depends, my husband took leave we drove home from OCS we packed up our home then he moved to Florida. Some people chose not to take leave and immediately headed to NASP (NAS Pensacola) to check in. The ones who checked in sooner got started quicker. However we have caught up to majority of them in training. They will have a report no later than date and he must be checked in by that time. It all varies pending the amount of leave built up.

      Hi moms he can have as many or little as he wants but he will have to pay a fee for each person that attends to cover the food. Some guys had 13, we had three, same as graduation.

      Housing in Pensacola is a hit or miss as far as base, we lived off base and you will be able to afford something. Do not sign a lease until he has orders for FL which won't come until about the 9th-12th week. He will still have to qualify medically at OCS.

      We have a Facebook group for spouses "Naval Aviation Support Group" but it has a ton of housing info for that area. There is definitely dos and dont's about living in Pensacola.
      3

      May 30, 2014

      • up

        Guacamole

        My son went thru OCS.  Received his notification May 2013.  He went to OCS in September 2013 and was commissioned December 2013.  He has finished his training in Pensacola and is now in Corpus for further flight training.  

        OCS is tough.   Get in the best possible shape by running and doing sit-ups/push-ups.   Also, memorize everything that you can.  It is much easier to have everything memorized prior to being sleep deprived, tired and hungry.     

        Pensacola is even tougher from a mental/training standpoint.   No time to do much except study. 

        1

        Jun 2, 2014