So many of your posts ring true with me..and could actually be my words (and have been). My son was enlisted with a SWCC contract. Crushed his elbow week one not during training..went w/o any medical attention and eventually had to DOR. Since then it has been the same story no rates or jobs for you. He has been to career counseling many times, asked anyone with a pulse for advice and is still UNDES and last I heard from him (on deployment) still no goal or direction. We have been the full gambit or he has...Culinary, Gunner mate, Seebee, Rescue swimmer, the list goes on...he swabs decks, chips paint, garbage duty, steer the helm, works the ropes, stands on watch a lot. This is a young mature, level headed very independent adult who graduated from HS in 3 yrs. while working 2 part time jobs, marathon runner, Capt. of the swim team, track team capt. Jui Jitz Zu wrestler, well read, well spoken, impeccable manners, keeps his word, trustworthy ahaggg...enough you get the picture. I would think that someone would not just let him waste 4 years of his life this way. It has already been almost one full year. I put a lot of blame his recruiter, who was not honest and informative with him about a lot that he /we should have been informed of. I pray for him everyday and never in a million years would have wanted this for him after what the two of us have been through for the last 19 years together. I do not want to sound like a "Debbie Downer" at all. He was so excited to leave and start his NAVY career, we just never imagined this. As far as "seeing" the world...he has seen nothing but gray on the ship, the have pulled into 2 ports in 4 months and each sailor might get ONE day off the ship, some have to be back in a few hours...that is hardly seeing anything. They are in the middle of an ocean and rarely ever even spotting land, let alone have a few days a week to really experience anything there. My heart just aches for him and all others in the same boat (no pun intended).
Hey Noni -- We are actually in the middle of our move right now!! Ugh packing!! Haha but we will be in SD at the end of the week!! I will send you a message, and keep you updated!
Angie, I know that is how they are and it is a stark contract from any cruise ship....I don't understand why parents and sailors are told they "see the world". I am not one of those parents that say "well at least he is seeing other parts of the world". I know better, that they are not seeing anything that they are initially told they will be. I was stating that others make themselves feel better by thinking that their son or daughter are seeing or experiencing other countries when they certainly are not.
Angie, now that my son has orders, after he gets settled in to his new assignment who would he talk to about taking the 'rate exam'? He really wants to catch the Sept. test date. Thanks, Noni
Angie, my son & DIL are both having trouble getting into that moving website & nothing can happen until they do & start the process online. Any suggestions as to better navigating the online process? They've tried all times of the day & night thinking to avoid peak usage times but even that didn't work. Help! Thanks, Noni
Thanks again, Angie. They'll give it a try. BTW our "local" PPO for Ohio is Mass. & my son sat for 2 hrs in SD waiting at that PPO just to have someone tell him to use the website. Maybe these #s or help sites will do the trick! Noni
Hey Sheila, long time no is right, I have also been missing lately.
Congratulations to your sailor on the BM 2nd class. My son Aaron also advanced and is now an ET 1st class. Tara will have to wait till next time. She passed but did not advance. BM is a tough one to advance in, so you and your sailor should be very proud.
Welcome to all the new members, this is the best place to be to get your undesignated questions answered. All you can do is be patient and supportive it will all work out the way it is meant to.
Remember.....”Small skill is gained by those who cling to ease; The hardy Sailor hails from stormy seas”
Denise, My son was formerly in the AirForce & got out when the contracted job didn't work out. After he DORd, he briefly thought about getting out but we cautioned him against that - mainly because there are NO jobs to come home to. He's not happy being Undes. & not knowing what his job will be or what he'll be doing but at least it's a job/income with benefits & housing. He hopes to take the rate exam in Sept. & find something he likes to do. I'd hope your son could reapply for the security clearance & stay in. As we told our son - something else you like may come along, & a full tour looks great on a resume. The discharge thing is true but it's not automatic & it's alot of follow-up with paperwork on his part, not to mention a hassle with waivers if he decides he wants to go back in - like mine. Has he checked into switching to Undes. seaman? Before he does that, though, we heard from our son that guys with dependents get to stay stateside, but single guys are being sent to Japan for their full tour, not just a deployment. Tell him to hound his CC! Good luck!
ProudNavyBoatswainsmate - Thanks for info & positive opinion of the Curts. I'll pass it on.
When my husband was there for undes school after boot camp it was super short....only 3 weeks long. And he called me everyday, sometimes twice or three times a day! They can communicate when they aren't on duty or watch or at school, usually after about 1600 or so...and they have a lot more freedom than they do at boot camp....but they still have to do the phase thing, but my husband didn't even worry about getting to phase 2 because they are only there for such a short time....I guess it just depends, if you want it and work hard I think you can probably get to phase 2 for your last week there or something
What IS Undes. school? If they DOR & become Undes. do they have to go to Undes. school?
Angie - what do you suggest my son does to "get" a new sponsor? His assigned 1 never responds, not even to calls/e-mails from his CPO.
Undes school is the school they go to right after they complete boot camp...they get bussed there from across the street at RTC to the "normal" GL base...I believe its a week of indoctrination and then another two weeks of a class called Surface Common Core, or something like that. They learn basic stuff there, then get shipped out to the fleet!
I'm not sure if DOR's go there or not...but I know they do if they initially signed up for undes in the beginning.
Hi Ladies! New to the group. My husband just dor'd out of RSS and went undes airman. We got orders to Jax and Im not really sure what his rate is or what to expect! Just thought Id say hey!
Forgive me if the answer to my question is somewhere on this board. I have read for hours and hours since my son left on May 25th, but I've yet to see anything specific on this. My son is "undesignated", and his paperwork refers several times to his being in the "A-PACT" program. He was under the impression when he left that he would have some very brief airman training in Pensacola, then be assigned to a ship for a significant length of time. However, I've read some things that indicate undesignated sailors actually stay in Great Lakes. Is that *all* undesignated, or just seamen, or firemen? I believe that airman "A" schools are in Pensacola...so maybe that is what led him to believe that. He was very nervous about going in undes, but from all I've read, I actually think it's the best thing for *him*. I would rather him have a chance to observe for a while, and make an informed choice, than to sign up for something he would not enjoy. Any input or previous experience info is greatly appreciated!
Hi, I'm new to this group and not even sure I'm in the right group!! My son's PIR was 6/3, and has remained in GL. He went in as a "Seaman's Apprentice"....but I think technically this is undesignated......anyone know??
It's always good to see & hug our boys! Glad you got that time together. My son & DIL's moving fiasco has finally come to an end. Now we'll see how long it takes the Navy to reimburse them for the move. They're just glad to be together as a family again - he hadn't seen his wife for a month or his little girl for 3 mos. He still doesn't know if he should take the rate exam or stay undes. Can't get any answers. Is the finest military in the world really this unorganized??? On a happier note - our 'surrogate' son is graduating from Army OCS tomorrow & coming home Mon. I get to pick him up at the airport!
WOW, Noni, and kk. It warms my heart when we get a chance to hug our strong, young men and women, so long away from us. My son flew home for his 20th birthday last month!!!! His 19th birthday he was in boot camp.
He is still undes airman but he is thinking about striking for a rate where he is just to move forward. I do not think there are many choices. He is doing well and is working toward his long term goals.
He has grown into an amazing young man. I am so very proud of all of our men in women in the service.
Noni, if I can stick my two cents in.....I think he should take the rate exam do to the fact that it is always better to be rated then undesignated, and even if he does not pass he will get points for the next time he takes a test.
My daughter went in undesignated and those are the things that I learned from her.
Yes, that's the test. What rate is he wanting? Most rates you cannot test into, most I believe you need to go to school for.
Good luck to him in his decission.
Moms, here's what I know & this is from a Navy wife whose husband chose not to take the test: you can strike for a rate, some rates require the test. You take the exam for a certain rate(job). If you pass then the Navy sends you to A school for that rate & you're locked into that job. If you're on a ship due for deployment you will complete your deploymt before they send you to A school. Now remember - this is the military(hurry up & wait). By the time you're back from deploymt & there's an opening in your A school it's now time for your tour to be done so guess what? You have to sign on for an extension! Example - my son's timeline: exam in Sept., results by Dec., A school starts March-April 2012, ship deploys June 2012 - wait on A school until return = Dec. 2012, A school March-April 2013. 1 yr left of tour = required extension! That required extension & locked job is what's making my son struggle with the testing question. Not sure this helps but I'd rather know than keep wondering. In the meantime, my son's best friend just graduated from Army OCS! We're so proud - he's like our "other" son.
wamom- thanks for the positive story. My son is at RTC and graduates July 8. I am nervous for him being undesignated, but he is a hard worker and has a determined mind.
My sailor is currently deployed, but said he was able to get AE. Does anyone know what this entails? Does he have to go to school when he gets back? It would have to require some kind of schooling, obviously, but I thought they couldn't pick a job while they were on deployment. Does he have to go thru ASchool now?
Interesting article kk. I know my son fully expects to be cut. For some reason they are having him test for Yeoman rate next month, but Yeoman rate is at 127% capacity. As he said, 'even if I ace the exam, there isn't a spot open'. His term of service is up in January and he's busy making plans for the future. He wanted a career in the Navy, it's just not going to work out it looks like.
My daughter went in undesignated 4 years ago this August and is going to reenlist very soon. She is a 3rd class boatswain mate. I realize it's not the same for those who were not expecting to be undesignated. But when she was on deployment she got to see what the navy and the jobs were like, some of them she considered pursuing, but after talking and observing she could tell that they were not for her.
My point is this, maybe it's best that they found out that the rate they wanted was not really for them, and now they can find something that is better suited fir them.
It may not be a smooth road, but if they continue work hard and do what is ask of them with no complaints, and to talk with their counselor they will figure it out. Just be patient with your sailors and give them plenty of support. Every job no matter how small is an integral part of the Navy.
Hi kk, interesting article! Definitely wonder what it means for our Undes. sailors. My son is still struggling with taking the rate exam in Sept. or not. A buddy is willing to help him get a CTN job - anybody know about CTN? His ship is scheduled to be decommissioned next yr after deploymt - what then? So many questions - so few answers!
Hello everyone. My sailor just graduated 7/8/11 and is undes. I have read up on your posts to see what to expect. He is currently at GL for Seaman School. Don't know much more about any of this. He didn't realize he was an undes until a little of a week ago when he received his orders. Hope you all can help me half understand this and what he will be doing? Thanks
Mommabee - enjoy your time with your son! Get in LOTS of hugs. Make sure you guys set up skype -it helps, but nothing's better than a hug from your boy!
GoMahvelous-I hope it works out for your son. Seems everyone has a different opinion of Undes.
kk-tell your son to start asking his CC or detailer or Master Chief about the exam NOW. Last week my son was told he had until Aug.1 to decide which rate to strike for, then yesterday his CC came & told him to decide that day because they needed to order the tests. When he & his fellow Undes. shipmates sought help from their Mstr Chf they were given until today to decide. Unbelievable! So here we go......
so if an undesignated sailor is on an aircraft carrier and it stops at a port in japan or italy, they can have time off the ship to hang out? or they just have to stay on the ship the whole time its in dock? i enlisted under this program because it was the only job open and my seinor year was coming to an end, thus i had to pick something fast.
Tabetha, my daughter went in undesignated four years ago, she is ready to reenlist at the end of this month. She is a 3rd class Petty Officer Boatswain mate now. It has been a great experience for her, and obviously she likes it or I'm sure she would not be reenlisting.
As far as getting off the ship during port calls......yes they can get off. Sometimes they have group tours set up for sightseeing. At times they can get hotels and stay for a few days. It all depends on the ship, where they port and circumstances at the time.
It's not a vacation of course but there is time to go and explore a little. Keep in mind there needs to be sailors manning the ship at all times, so there may be times that you may not be able to get off with everyone.
For instance my son was just in Japan, and he did not get to climb Mt Fuji due to the fact that he had duty that day.......bummer, but it is all part of the job.
Angie - you mean they can request to test for a certain rate & be turned down? How does the approval system work - approvals granted based on what criteria?
Thanks.
Yes, Noni that is correct. My daughter was turned down a few times. It has a lot to do with numbers. Angie can explain it better then I, but it has to do with the needs of the navy and scores and percentages. But the answer to the question is yes.
Hi Everyone - I'm new to this group and was directed here from another in hopes that maybe some questions I have will be answered. I read through some of this and it seems evne more confusing then before...
Shannon Navy Mom
So many of your posts ring true with me..and could actually be my words (and have been). My son was enlisted with a SWCC contract. Crushed his elbow week one not during training..went w/o any medical attention and eventually had to DOR. Since then it has been the same story no rates or jobs for you. He has been to career counseling many times, asked anyone with a pulse for advice and is still UNDES and last I heard from him (on deployment) still no goal or direction. We have been the full gambit or he has...Culinary, Gunner mate, Seebee, Rescue swimmer, the list goes on...he swabs decks, chips paint, garbage duty, steer the helm, works the ropes, stands on watch a lot. This is a young mature, level headed very independent adult who graduated from HS in 3 yrs. while working 2 part time jobs, marathon runner, Capt. of the swim team, track team capt. Jui Jitz Zu wrestler, well read, well spoken, impeccable manners, keeps his word, trustworthy ahaggg...enough you get the picture. I would think that someone would not just let him waste 4 years of his life this way. It has already been almost one full year. I put a lot of blame his recruiter, who was not honest and informative with him about a lot that he /we should have been informed of. I pray for him everyday and never in a million years would have wanted this for him after what the two of us have been through for the last 19 years together. I do not want to sound like a "Debbie Downer" at all. He was so excited to leave and start his NAVY career, we just never imagined this. As far as "seeing" the world...he has seen nothing but gray on the ship, the have pulled into 2 ports in 4 months and each sailor might get ONE day off the ship, some have to be back in a few hours...that is hardly seeing anything. They are in the middle of an ocean and rarely ever even spotting land, let alone have a few days a week to really experience anything there. My heart just aches for him and all others in the same boat (no pun intended).
May 11, 2011
TropikalParadize
May 11, 2011
Shannon Navy Mom
May 11, 2011
Noni
May 12, 2011
Noni
May 14, 2011
Noni
Angie, who would my son talk to about moving accommodations/necessities for his family? Noni
May 16, 2011
Noni
Thanks Angie!
May 18, 2011
Noni
May 19, 2011
Noni
May 19, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Hey Sheila, long time no is right, I have also been missing lately.
Congratulations to your sailor on the BM 2nd class. My son Aaron also advanced and is now an ET 1st class. Tara will have to wait till next time. She passed but did not advance. BM is a tough one to advance in, so you and your sailor should be very proud.
Welcome to all the new members, this is the best place to be to get your undesignated questions answered. All you can do is be patient and supportive it will all work out the way it is meant to.
Remember.....”Small skill is gained by those who cling to ease; The hardy Sailor hails from stormy seas”
May 24, 2011
Noni
May 24, 2011
Carol in fla
May 24, 2011
Noni
ProudNavyBoatswainsmate - Thanks for info & positive opinion of the Curts. I'll pass it on.
May 26, 2011
TropikalParadize
May 31, 2011
Noni
Angie - what do you suggest my son does to "get" a new sponsor? His assigned 1 never responds, not even to calls/e-mails from his CPO.
Jun 1, 2011
TropikalParadize
Hey Noni -
Undes school is the school they go to right after they complete boot camp...they get bussed there from across the street at RTC to the "normal" GL base...I believe its a week of indoctrination and then another two weeks of a class called Surface Common Core, or something like that. They learn basic stuff there, then get shipped out to the fleet!
I'm not sure if DOR's go there or not...but I know they do if they initially signed up for undes in the beginning.
Jun 1, 2011
EllieHZ
Jun 2, 2011
CrackerjackMom
You can check this out. I assume that is what you are asking.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/guardandreserve/a/fts.htm
Jun 5, 2011
nursememrie
Jun 12, 2011
nursememrie
Jun 12, 2011
Tiffsmom
Jun 12, 2011
Noni
Jun 15, 2011
south mississippi mom
WOW, Noni, and kk. It warms my heart when we get a chance to hug our strong, young men and women, so long away from us. My son flew home for his 20th birthday last month!!!! His 19th birthday he was in boot camp.
He is still undes airman but he is thinking about striking for a rate where he is just to move forward. I do not think there are many choices. He is doing well and is working toward his long term goals.
He has grown into an amazing young man. I am so very proud of all of our men in women in the service.
Kathy
Jun 17, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Noni, if I can stick my two cents in.....I think he should take the rate exam do to the fact that it is always better to be rated then undesignated, and even if he does not pass he will get points for the next time he takes a test.
My daughter went in undesignated and those are the things that I learned from her.
Jun 17, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Good luck to him in his decission.
Jun 18, 2011
Noni
Jun 18, 2011
south mississippi mom
Jun 24, 2011
The Momma
wamom- thanks for the positive story. My son is at RTC and graduates July 8. I am nervous for him being undesignated, but he is a hard worker and has a determined mind.
Jun 25, 2011
Carol in fla
Jun 27, 2011
Carol in fla
Jun 29, 2011
ILNavyMom
Jul 9, 2011
ILNavyMom
Jul 9, 2011
LynB
Jul 9, 2011
ILNavyMom
Jul 10, 2011
Noni
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/droponrequest
Hold on tight - you & your son are in for a rough ride on the Undesignated Navy roller coaster. Good Luck & best wishes!
Jul 10, 2011
CrackerjackMom
My point is this, maybe it's best that they found out that the rate they wanted was not really for them, and now they can find something that is better suited fir them.
It may not be a smooth road, but if they continue work hard and do what is ask of them with no complaints, and to talk with their counselor they will figure it out. Just be patient with your sailors and give them plenty of support. Every job no matter how small is an integral part of the Navy.
Jul 10, 2011
ILNavyMom
Jul 11, 2011
Noni
Jul 11, 2011
Susie2916
Jul 11, 2011
Mommabee2
Jul 12, 2011
Noni
GoMahvelous-I hope it works out for your son. Seems everyone has a different opinion of Undes.
Jul 13, 2011
tabetha2011
Jul 13, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Jul 14, 2011
Noni
Jul 14, 2011
tabetha2011
Jul 15, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Tabetha, my daughter went in undesignated four years ago, she is ready to reenlist at the end of this month. She is a 3rd class Petty Officer Boatswain mate now. It has been a great experience for her, and obviously she likes it or I'm sure she would not be reenlisting.
As far as getting off the ship during port calls......yes they can get off. Sometimes they have group tours set up for sightseeing. At times they can get hotels and stay for a few days. It all depends on the ship, where they port and circumstances at the time.
It's not a vacation of course but there is time to go and explore a little. Keep in mind there needs to be sailors manning the ship at all times, so there may be times that you may not be able to get off with everyone.
For instance my son was just in Japan, and he did not get to climb Mt Fuji due to the fact that he had duty that day.......bummer, but it is all part of the job.
Jul 15, 2011
Noni
Thanks.
Jul 15, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Jul 16, 2011
proudmama123
Jul 16, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Jul 20, 2011