Undesignated...What's Up With That?

He everyone once again:
1st question...In a nutshell...like everyone in the civilian world knows and the military...A recruit is basically told whatever sounds good with a 'twist' of words to make the potential recruit think that they are getting a 'deal' when they are getting...well....you fill in the blank...?
Sounds like going in undesignated is not as 'great' as my son seemed to think it might be...All the hopla about having a high score and the field being wide open to chose your rate??? Blah Blah Blah....I think that is what they are all told?
So, anyway...though my son 'thought' that he would go in undesignated and could choose a location and chose a rate....and then would get to A school and be there the particular amount of time that he was told (2-4) weeks...he might be there much longer? And he might not school for the rate he wanted?
2nd questions? The sailors only take tests a couple times a years to determine if they pass what they studied for and then still might not pass or school for their preferred rate? I'm sooooooooooooooo confused...
Can anyone help clarify? My son had PIR 7/1...got to FL 7/4...had not classed up by 7/11 (not sure if he has yet either), though he expressed his orders stated he should had began 7/5 or 7/6.
He of course went in undes. but is consiring a rate as AO - What is the next step if he would like to do this? If indeed he has any choice at all? Welcome to Big Government to the max (military)..Please don't get me wrong--I am so so grateful for the young men and young women who chose to defend and protect our country and consitution...I am anger about the consent disception as it would seem??? Anybody out there??
3rd question - What is command? And can my son be sent to his duty station as undes.? What will that mean for him if he can?
This all sounds so different then what my son has expressed the way he was related the info....BUT should that surprise me...wait! Let me put on my surprise face ;0..........Thanks to anyone that can help me

Hi KK - thanks for clarifying. I finally got to take to my son alittle today via text. He hasn't begun classes other then the basics of aviation - He is getting upset that he hasn't begun any rate classes which he said he won't until he gets to duty station and makes E3....which will be a minimum of 6 months if what he was told is correct...
Oh inflated is not even the word...:) Thanks again

Welcome Lovemynavyson,

My son went in rated and my daughter chose undesignated. Form my experience with my kids, and it's my opinion..... if someone can go in rated I believe it is a better choice. But with that being said, my daughter has since become rated and plans to reenlist at the end of the month.

 

That is correct, Lovemynavyson, undesignated can be Seaman or Aviation.

Each of those classes are just basic Seaman or Aviation  classes. They are usually 3-4 weeks long, they should get leave before going to their duty station. Then yes, after six months he should automatically become an E3, then he can start looking into testing or an A school for a rate.

 

Welcome Mary, not sure about the 12 months, unless that is strictly for A school. 

Angie can shed some light I'm sure about the overmanned rates.

Thanks so much - I really appreciate your sharing this with me Crakerjackmom...

Again thanks...He did mention that he can't advance to E-3 for at least 6 months and then would head back to FL for A school...Is it true that if he graduates top 10% of his class that he could advance to E-4 before leaving A school?
I will mention to him to be 'BF' with his counselor! :)

As far as the top 10% I have no idea on that. 

I can tell you that my son advanced to E4 upon completion of nuke school.

So I suppose there could be something like that in other schools, I  don't know about that.  

Angie-I meant DC damage control, lol. Good to know your a CCC........=}
Thanks for the info.

Question Angie - I saw you said they can test for any rate.  My son is with the Seabees - ACB-1- and has been told he can't test for any rate that they can't use there in his immediate command.  True?  He's taking the exam for Yeoman in Sept I think.

Hi LynB - Whoa....one can test for Yeoman after BC...It's not a position exclusive to BC...My son was yeoman for his division and we had a good chuckle with him after he related his story! He said if he'd known what was involved when he was handed the stack, he would've thrown it back!' hehheheh....well, we know he wouldn't have but it was funny to hear him say that because of the stress related to it! He did eventually grow to like it....
Angie - So if my son is in FL studying basic aviation, what will be the next step? What is the 'A' in A school and if he won't actually study for a rate because he is undesignated...why is he there? I'm somewhat confused about it all....Any help will be helpful - Thanks a bunch!

Lovemynavyson-my son is undes airman & went to GL for basic training & then was assigned to the RR in SD. The RR was out on deployment when he got there end of May. He lived in THU (temp holding unit) on base then joined the RR on July 5th. It has been a bumpy road. He was told he would not be joining his fleet then one day he was on a flight out of the country!

I know the Navy is the best thing for my son @ the time but I hate not knowing what lies ahead for my son.

Good Luck!

Oh forgot to mention during his time in SD, he worked in maintenance & had him painting.

Mama - Yea, it is hard not knowing --- Is RR the ship he was assigned to? So, they flew him out to sea?? My sons assigned ship is in port and most likely won't be going out until next year or so....Looks like he will possibily only do one deployment this enlistment..After first that sounded good to him...but now I think it will be disappointing as he wants to be on the fligth deck if I'm correct - We will see...And that is if he gets his rate??
So many questions? So little answers??
Not only is his plans in limbo...but ours also...We have plans for vacation mid. Aug. because he was to be here an gone by then...but now we just don't know...I NEED a vacation as it is LONG overdue...None in 5 years!!! Suppose to go to SC Hilton Head for a week...I love the beach. I
'm not so sure I'm going to care for living like this the next four years..or does it get alittle more stable after they reach their duty station??

Lovemynavyson- RR is his ship, three hours away from home.....=}
They flew him out to sea....he really loved that! My son is assignrg to the flight deck & so far he loves it. My sons ship gets dry docked mid Jan to Bremerton WA so I think this will be his only deployment. Thiings can change especially if he rates & gets into an A school then he can go wherever the Navy sends him based on their needs.

When my son was in GL he was there for 3 weeks. I really hope you get your well deserved vacation!

Lovemynavyson:  Yep - my kiddo was assigned as Yeoman in BC too so knows what it's all about.  He is not exactly thrilled that he's been told to take the Yeoman exam.  :-)  Still, he'll give it his all. He got "expedite/early promotion" on his latest eval, but will be surprised if he gets a rate before his commitment is up in January.

Lyn - Your son is being told to take the exam for Yeoman? When did he graduated? Poor guys...hehehehhe...Oh, your son is already up for reenlistment?
Mama - thanks...I really am hoping to get the vacation too! If its not SC next month...maybe it will be my other son in Tampa (he wants us to come down for Christmas--not sure how that will work)???

my grandson is going in undesignated fireman, he was told that there was no jobs open. He was told he had to go in undesignated or not go at all.

Hi Dakotas, It could be that the jobs he was interested in were not open. Also keep in mind it also goes by ASVAB score, the higher the score means you qualify for more jobs,  if you have a lower score then there are less jobs to pick from.

But yes a lot of rates are overmanned now.

Hi Angie - When you mentioned about a waiver needed for a rate that isn't at a command...do you mean that if a sailor wants a particular job that isn't available where they are stationed that they can request a waiver to be somewhere else that has that rate or job?

Angie - So what happens then after the sailor takes the exam and passes it? Using your example...Say the sailor passes the exam for OS...what then? If there is no OS opening at his particular command, what is the advantage of the sailor taking the exam for OS if it is not available at his command? I'm confused as to why, can you help clarify? Thanks so much....

Thanks Angie - yep, they've told him to take the YN exam (he didn't request it), because it's one that in theory they could use him in.  It's not a role he'd prefer, but what the heck, he'll go for it.  He's learned many valuable lessons about going with the flow in the last couple of years :)

Hi Angie - I think I understand...If a sailor passes their exams for a particular rate, even if their duty station does have an opening another command might, so he could be sent there???

Call me 'thick' but this is all new!!!!!

LOL! That is funny...thanks you have really helped clarify things....I really appreciate your being on here and interacting with us moms -

Thanks cracker jackMom, his score was an 82, but I,m ok with the undesignated now thanks to this group. Do you have any ides where his homeport will be?

Your are such a help...Thanks again Angie -

My Dakota is still waiting for bootcamp, They told him aug 30th but now they are saying anywhere between aug 30 th and sept. 2. He has dep meeting aug 11th so maybe we will know something for sure then.

Sorry to those of you who are on several of the same groups that I am...but I'm posting my news on them ALL -
YIPPEE!! Heard from my son today --- He classed up today and will be home August 10th!! Now, my husband and I's along waited vacation (w/ no kids) after 25 1/2 years of marriage and raising four kids will have to be postponed -- or we all meet there.....LOL! We are to be leaving for Hilton Head in SC Aug. 13-20th for a week at the beach....I'm excited to get to see my son instead...The Lord only knows when we will see him again-

So happy that you heard from your son and he is finally starting classes. Best of luck to him. And glad you can  make you plans for vacation. I know you will enjoy it.

My daughter is leaving for bootcamp on August 1 and I am a nervous wreck.  Trying not to show it to her of course but I am a basket case.  She is my "baby" and now my nest is empty.  I am trying not to show her what a wreck I am!!! Of course her father isn't such a basket case because he is not a MOM!!!!  Most of my friends can't relate because they all either have small children or no children.  We are going to watch her swear in on Tuesday, is this a good idea? 

Yeah, I think it is always a good idea to spend as much time as you can with her before she leaves. My son left last Dec and we went and video taped. They welcome families. I know where you are and it is not easy! My son left us right before Christmas and he was our last...It was a tough Dec.but you will get through it. Just look forward to the little things like the 2 second phone call when they get there.The moms really help and there is a site for bootcamp moms you should join.They are great and are in the same boat..Good luck to your daughter and remember this too shall pass..

Kmartin, yes by all means go when she swears in. We went to both mesons and daughters. Show them that us supportthem all the way. And by all means try to keep a stiff upper lip. Of course it was hard for me, but my thoughts were I didn't want them to worry about "ol mom" crying at home. I wanted them to know I am strong, I didn't want them to worry about me. ( I don't know if they really would have lol!) but that's what got me through, did I fall apart in the car? Well maybe, but they didn'tknow that.

Your daughter will be fine. Keep yourself busy writing letters, and keep the phone by your side at all times. Once boot camp is over the communication
will open up.

And by all means attend graduation, it is the best feeling of pride you will have.

Sorry about the typos, fat fingers on the phone.

I feel like such a big baby lately.  I cry all the time!!!! (not around her)  I only have 2 children and my oldest left 4 years ago for college in Vermont and right after moved to Boston.  They are very close and my little one just came back from visiting her sister.  I think that i will be very lonely!!!! Men don't understand! lol my husband is great he is just not a mush like me.  I can't wait for graduation and we are definately going both took our vacations at the time she should graduate if not we will change them.  I already feel so much pride and can't imagine how i will feel next week when she goes.  Looking forward to the future with my sailor girl!!!!!

Your not a baby. It is an adjustment for all. It is not just your daughter going in the Navy, your going to be an empty nester. That will take time to, but it is all good things. Hang out here with us, someone is always around.

I'm not mushy either, but when my son left for the Navy, he was the youngest, I found myself crying at the drop of a hat.  He's through bc, been home for a short leave, and is now off to join his ship.  I'm able to communicate regularly with him since bc, so I've been less emotional.  I suspect while he's on the ship I'll have some days where I feel down because I won't have as much contact with him.  Hang in there we're just adjusting to life changes.  Also once she leaves join the PIR group she is in.  I found the ladies there to be so helpful during bootcamp.  Our PIR group has a facebook page and stays in contact that way.  Don't be afraid to let us know how you're feeling.  I bet some or all on this site have been there.

I've found this group to be helpful for me to understand the undesignated classification.  I'd been concerned choosing undesignated may have been a bad idea, but so far(only 3.5 months) I think it was a good choice for my son. 

KMartin-enjoy these last days with your girl! Definitely go to the swearing in & the airport too, if you can. Your daughter will let you know when it's time to say "so long". Agree on 1 phone # before she leaves & live with that phone 24/7 until after the 1st call(s). Letter writing is a great outlet - they love to hear the latest that's going on at home -takes their mind off BC. Don't let your husband fool you-Dad's cry too! Lean on each other, this helped us with our empty nest. Remember-the tears of sadness when she leaves will be NOTHING compared to the tears of pride at graduation! Best wishes to you all!

I have been the strong one all throught dep, but he is leaving on aug 30th. its getting harder to be strong,althought this is what i want for him.I call it his chance, We cannot afford to send him to collage,so this is his chance.

Thank you all for the words of encouragement!!!! I really appreciate them all.   Does anyone know anything about PACT program? That is what they put my daughter in I think.

Hi Undes mom's ! My daughter is on the USS Ronald Reagan and has to do the craziest jobs! She is doing well though. She wants to stricj Yeoman when she get s off the ship and when she is out go to school for Law! Everything will work out for you sailors but it is best to have a rate before you go in!

Jensensmom-Lesli I saw your daughter is on the USS Ronald Reagan and thought this story might interest you.  I'm sure the atmosphere on the ships involved is very tense.

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. Navy ships and aircraft are searching for a Sailor from USS Boxer (LHD 4) who went missing while the ship was conducting maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden today.

The Sailor did not report to watch and after a search of the ship, man overboard was called away.

Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from Boxer, fixed-wing aircraft from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), as well as a P-3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, are conducting an airborne search while Boxer, USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) and USS Mitscher (DDG 57) conduct a surface search.

The Sailor's name is being withheld while the search is ongoing.

That is such a sad story, my daughter was on the Boxer two years ago on deployment. She is not this time but knows a lot of Sailors and Marines on that ship. I have not talked with her about it. I saw that article last night.I wonder if they have released the name yet. 

 

Many thoughts going out to Boxer Sailors and their families.

Thank you for the story about the sailor. That is so sad. I get google alerts so I knew about it. My daughter has not mesntioned it though. How is everyone!

This is really sad...I've haven't been on the computer for 2-3 days and don't really watch tv so I'm just hearing about this --- Sad Sad Sad...I just can't imagine first off this sailors mind

Jenseson - Did you your daughter happen to be yeoman in BC? Just wondering...my son was and he said it was so stressful...had he known what it was about when they assigned him the position...he jokingly told us he would have thrown the satchel back at them....LOL!

Wow - this group is 'quite' LOL! Anybody out there? Just checking in and saying 'hello'...My sailor will be home tonight!! YIPEE

Hey Navymomx3 - I'm taking that is mom of 3 sailors? Always good to be reassured all is well! And no news is good news too -

Where you all from? I'm in PA -

We just got back from attending Tara's reenlistment ceremony. We were so glad that we could be there to watch her, and of course so very proud of her.

It is hard to believe that 4 years have gone by, yes there were a few bumpy roads from when she first went in as undesignated, but it all has come together and worked out for her enough to raise her right hand and stay for another 4 years. 

We spent a long 5 day weekend with her and her boyfriend just enjoying being together. 

Congrats, Crackerjackmom - I hope all works out well for my son too!

Wow NM3, that is wild! Have a great trip celebrating...waiting for mine to come home on leave before his first duty station...he's delayed in P'cola! Bummer... :(