You mentioned your daughter had a few bumps in the road going in as undesignated. My duaghter is doing that as well. Could you tell me what the bumbs were and any advise you could give to pass on to my duaghter?
Hey Crackerjackmom (and Holly) - I'd be interested to know also - My son, told me while in P'cola that he was told he can do (try) any job while undesignated at his command and not to let anyone tell him that he can't do something he wants to try????? How true is that? Or that he shouldn't be 'pushed' into doing a job he really doens't want to do??? Agains, how true is that???
We were told basically the same, that while she is not assinged a job, she can "choose" to any job she wants, she will train, and then test into the job. However, I am worried, its not all a bed of roses. Another recruter told me he is 90% sure she wont be getting the job she wants, its never open. So I am worried she end up cleaning toilets or something like that. She would hate that!
I am still worried how undesignated will work out. My son is very new to the Navy and went in as undesignated because he didn't want to wait for a job he wanted and the ones he thought he wanted didn't have openings. He also didn't want to spend his 1st year in the Navy sitting in a classroom. One of his reasons for joining the Navy was to get out and see the world. He is currently assigned to a ship that is in port in the Middle East. Yes he does scrap paint, grind rust, paint, and clean. He doesn't have an actual job assigned to him. Being assigned to a Destroyer he is also getting to shadow people. Overall he seems to be happy with the way it is working out and as long as he is fulfilling his goals thats what I think is important.
I'm being very long winded today. I meant to include that my son has also started considering other jobs that didn't interest him before. Some of them he has discovered are another way to get into doing what he thinks he really wants to do.
I think the jobs they do are all on an as needed bases. If there is job they would like to try, I believe they would still have to wait till there is an need or opening at the time. But they need to take that up with probably their Lead Petty Officers or Chief.
I would think the best thing to do at the beginning is do what you are told and watch and talk to sailors in a rate that they are interested in. My daughter did that and after watching and talking decided that she would't like that rate anyway.
I believe there is a time period that they are to remain undesingnated before they can test or go to school.
Yes our Princess has been a 3rd class BM since May of 2010. She is ready to take the test for 2nd this month. And.......she may be headed to Japan in Oct. Yikes!! On pins and needles waiting for that order.
Good for Tucker, and wising him all the luck in the world. What is he putting in for? How does he like Japan?
Great news for your son as well homer64. Best of luck to him also.
Navymomx3, I do agree that you can't believe to much of what the recruiters says, of course, they want recruits!!! : ( - My son just got home on leave Friday and he does seem to like it, but he hasn't been to his command yet (his PIR was 7/1/2011)
He said he likes the structure and order...I'm that way too! Want to know what needs done, how it needs done and who is to do what needs done---I just don't like all the other uncertain stuff...which I know is just part of it.
I hope he gets the rate he want's, he mentioned last night poss. corpman now - thinking long term...though he already talked about reenlistment (hehheh)...he is also thinking off what he would do if he doesn't reenlist ---what can he use in the 'real' world - I'm glad he is thinking about those kind of things as orginally he was considering AO which would be messing with bombs and what not...
Navymomx3, I do agree that you can't believe to much of what the recruiters says, of course, they want recruits!!! : ( - My son just got home on leave Friday and he does seem to like it, but he hasn't been to his command yet (his PIR was 7/1/2011)
He said he likes the structure and order...I'm that way too! Want to know what needs done, how it needs done and who is to do what needs done---I just don't like all the other uncertain stuff...which I know is just part of it.
I hope he gets the rate he want's, he mentioned last night poss. corpman now - thinking long term...though he already talked about reenlistment (hehheh)...he is also thinking off what he would do if he doesn't reenlist ---what can he use in the 'real' world - I'm glad he is thinking about those kind of things as orginally he was considering AO which would be messing with bombs and what not...
For those moms with new Sailors and might be feeling concerned about the UD rating I'm sharing what my son just posted on facebook today. He is undesignated, PIR was 6/10/2011. He met his ship in Bahrain and was in port for a couple of weeks. They are now out to sea, his first cruise. He said he is doing many different things that he can't talk about, but he did mention he "got to steer a multi-billion dollar war ship". Now I'm sure it depends on each Sailor, but the variety and getting hands on before picking a rate is perfect for him. Just thought I'd let you know they do have opportunities to do other things than clean, and paint. Its a long journey and I'll be interested to see where it leads. I am actually much less anxious about his future than I have been. Hearing the different paths that have worked out has been a tremendouse help and hearing from my son what he can talk about and he is happy is helping also. Hope your Sailors have a good experience with Undesignated.
Tucker will do it. Tara got her ESWS while on deployment back in 09.
If she goes to Japan it will be Yokosuka, she will still be with Assault Craft Unit 5, but it will be the Western Pacific Detachment.
She has spent her whole 4 years in Pendleton with the LCAC's. Her undesignated experience has been a little different due to the fact that she was not assigned to a ship. She has had many different jobs there, its a small command I think she could probably run the place. LOL!
She will be going to school at the end of the month for loadmaster for the LCAC's. Then Japan in Oct, if it works out that way. She was suppose to get orders a while ago, but was on LLD. So we will see.
If she gets there we should see if they can met up. Or maybe you and I can meet up in Japan!!!!
Well, had an IM conversation with my sailor today--out at sea in the Pacific Ocean. He went in under the PACT program, which the recruiter said he could strike for a job after about 6 months and be able to then go to A school. Not the case--was just told today that he will be "learning on the job"--totally not what the recuiter said. He is stationed in Japan, and we were hoping he would strike and be able to come back to the states---nope--stationed in Japan for 3 years and has to pay about 1800 for a flight if he wants to come back in visit---not real happy right now to say the least.
Actually Mommabee, I know you don't want to hear it but, the recruiter was right. It's just that it's a very broad statement. That is how it works. But everything has to be submitted and approved, if there are no openings in the A school, or the job is overmanned then he will have to submit again. And on the job training was always an option for undesignated. Actually that could be a good thing if it is the job he ultimately wants.
I know that won't help because I think your more frustrated with the fact of him being in Japan. And I do understand that. Just be supportive, thats what they need to hear from us. It will all work out.
Angie - I appreciate your input...it is benefical knowing these things (at least for me as a mom). I relate to my son the info. I learn on here and many times, he's already aware of it... so it is comforting to know that so far he has known what to expect even with the 'broad' statements...
I was talking to him about stiking a rate and then possibly not getting it for various reasons and he was well informed - Again, I was glad to know he had an understanding of this..
I am not sure this will help at all... but flying space A or hopping could help reduce the cost. Have your look for flights are out of Mephis..they ususally make a trip around the twice a month. They will hit all the spots...Guam, Hawaii, japan, and then state side. Flying space A out of the country is all free. However, once he reaches state side, his Space A flight is over, and will then have to find another way of transperation. Sometime the Mephis hop will land briefly in California as well. However, it is space available, and he will have to play the hopping game at each places he lands. But if I recall right all active duty members have the first seat options..whereas, all retired military have to go last in the line. And sometimes the line has a 100 or more people waiting to get out and only 20 seats. I hopped one summer and it was the best adventure I took around the world with my four kids without my military spouse. But, I had the whole summer to get to the states and back Guam. In any case its always something you can have your son look into. But the key is looking for a Memphis route, (best kept little secret) and Oh yeah, the plane will pretty much have a "Breakdown" in Hawaii over night..wink wink..never fails. lol. You would have to talk to the crew members on that. lol.
mommabee--i thought i recognized your name. think our sons PIRd together. 6/17 anyway, hunter is due to be on a ship in japan too. he is an undesignated fireman. it's very frustrating not knowing, after they had orders and then changed them. he had dates, then a-school paperwork got messed up, delaying his start, then changing his leave dates and ship out dates. anyway, we hope we will be able to see him (w/ some kind of advanced notice) before he ships out. i don't really know if he knows how long he is to be in japan, but anyway, we have learned to be patient, not always easy. i just want him to know we support him all the way, and as long as he is ok with everything, it makes it better for us. :)
Thank you for your post. I will pass it to my daughter. She is on her first ship as an undesignated E3 and is miserable. She is painting everyday. I will tell her there is hope!
USS Essex. Sasebo, Japan. He passed final exam today and gets to start leave next wed! So excited to see him! He said he still doesn't have orders as when he ships out, though.
My son seems to be doing okay with it, but of course, he hasn't been to his first command yet either. Maybe he will think differently then, I don't know. He is looking forward to checking out and seeing what's out there, though he did recently mention Corpsman. He was considering AO, but has since ruled that out. He is looking long term and when/if he leaves the Navy someday. I think that is wise, but we will have to wait an see.
I'll keep you all updated once he gets there and has had a chance to settle in. I know he is already missing the routine/order of things...as he is allot like me. We like order to our lives.
sbenfamily and others - I was pondering the undesignated. No matter what rate they have they are all new. The Sailors with rates are spending their first 6 -18 months in school. Several of the moms from my sons PIR post about the frustration their Sailors experience because of delays in the beginning of their training so they are cleaning, waxing floors, in general grunt work. I don't think the Undesignated Sailors realize even the rated Sailors have frustrations, just different. By the time rated Sailors actually join a ship they are partially settled in, but the undesignated Sailors are very new and still adjusting. I realize when the rated Sailors join the fleet they have a specific job, but I've seen some pictures on the internet that lead me to believe that some of the "grunt" work especially when a ship in underway is shared by many of the "new" Sailors so the "grunt" work the undesignated Sailors are doing may not be limited to the fact they are undesignated, but that they are new. In the civilian world often times new employees get the less desirable tasks assigned to them and they become frustrated too. The desire to contribute in what we perceive as a meaningful way is probably at the root of the frustration. My family owns and operates a small business. If you consider us the owners and perceive we are at the top of the food chain you wouldn't expect us to be cleaning the bathrooms and taking out the trash which I do, but those jobs are as important as selling the product or servicing the product because if the store isn't clean and presentable customers don't want to shop with us. I don't know if this type of perspective will help with the frustration but I thought I'd offer it.
I feel the same. If my son was home he would be going to school and working whatever undesireable job he could find to pay his bills. With this job he is getting an education and most of his bills paid. I'm pretty lucky. My son does his job everyday and keeps the communication with his counselor open to make sure he knows all the options. He knows that without a college education he would be doing "grunt work" somewhere near home anyway.
It's such a boost for me to see the silver lining perspective here because that's exactly how my son and our family are viewing the Undes job--as the light at the end of our tunnel. My son has been in the Navy for 9 months and has had some frustrations (this is my 3rd "job" group on N4Ms, I'll leave it at that). But our last two phone calls have been more upbeat than any so far in the whole experience. All because he's finally on-the-way to a ship. He's so excited to be doing SOMETHING or heading SOMEWHERE -- it doesn't matter to him that he might end up cleaning toilets or doing laundry . . . he just wants to be getting on with it, y'know? So for us, the Undes job is a Godsend.
Good "Son"day morning, all. I guess the frustrating part for me is more of the delay/changing of dates than being undes in his job. We look forward to a start/end date only to be told not going to be then. That is from swearing in to his leave after he finished A-school. We support him in whatever he chooses and where he will go. We just want him to be happy and do the best at whatever his job is, as we know he will. :)
I will share, with our son, about talking with a counselor and checking online for helpful information.
Yes, I agree they are "newbies" and I work for the military as a civilian contractor and absolutely have experienced the same thing. It is like that at any job! I have tried to explain that to her.
And yes, I am thankful she has a job, wonderful pay, health insurance, and other benefits. However, my daughter is being subjected to lots of "hazing" at work, which may also be normal for newbies. I won't say on here what is being said to her as she is worried it will only make it worse. I understand the Navy has a Zero Tolerance for hazing policy, yet as my daughter says she would be seen as a snitch, it would only get worse, and she has to be on the ship for a deployment with these shipmates. If I told you the things being said to her though by her colleagues, you wold be appalled. She is in tears daily and it breaks my heart.
Good idea Julie. I was told she should go to the CMEO on the ship, but I think chain of command is the way to go. I think if we all remember she is young and doesn't want to "rock the boat," no pun intended, it is understandable. She doesn't want to cause more problems for herself. All I can do is pray she does go to the Chain of Command and gets help some how or someone in the Command notices. My fear is it is getting too much too handle for her.
This is a girl who loved the Navy, loves the military, was so proud of passing boot camp, made great friends there and at the "A" school they go to in Great Lakes.
JoJo - Your son is probably with my son in Ship 5 THU. He is waiting on paperwork that an RDC didn't get sent over (medical clearance papers) so that he can start his basic seamanship training. He does have his orders, however. Now it is just wait wait wait. He anticipates starting training next week.
jojo - They told us about three weeks, and his official orders reflect that as well. He likes Ship 5, not much for him to do.He has stood several watches, and has some time off duty tomorrow, so he will take care of personal business on base. He is anxious to get to his training!
If when they test and don't pass, or pass and not advance they get (don't know how many) but they will get points toward the next time they test. Which is a good thing. Every point helps.
JoJo, don't know about that, as far as I know you are undesignated till you get a rate, by testing or school. There are many things that factor in to one being approved to take a test or even A school.
If a job is not available then they try for another or wait. If they are not approved then they wait or again try for another next cycle.
oops-didn't mean to delete my comment--thought i could edit. sorry
anyway, it said my son is in the e-pact program. he is undes right now. he has to wait so long to try for the job he wants. don't know how long he has to wait. don't know what the status is on his paperwork, either. he has orders to board a ship in japan. he knows he might have to clean, paint, do misc. detail, so he's ok with that. i think if our sailors are prepared for that, they might do ok.
he was on ship 5, bummed at first, got used to it, started a-school, got used to it, now to a ship, a little nervous, but excited, too. :)
hope all our guys and gals are doing well. thanks for commenting on here and helping with info and sharing.
you are welcome, jojo, i am so glad to have people on here who are going through and who have been through the same stuff we are dealing with. hunter was delayed starting a-school at great lakes for a couple weeks, then didn't have a graduation ceremony because he's undes (i was sad about that). then he didn't find out when he was to go to japan for about a week after his final exam. i did find out stuff on the TSC facebook site, too. they are helpful. sometimes, i feel i learn more on FB or here than my son shares. :( i agree, with God's help, we all will get through this, actually anything. :)
@Angie... that is already happening up in my neck of the woods. Sailors having to find work in the civillian world with young families. Hard adjustment for some.
No jobs equals more joining the Military equals overmanning. So they weed out.
Probably people who are stuck not advancing, not productive, any excuse they wanna use. And this way they can bring in new blood, don't forget that with all the new technology fewer people are needed.
Those 7 to 10 year Sailors are doing jobs that pehaps they can get newbies trained to do, with a lot less pay. Also I was told by an RDC that when it comes to transferring Sailors and their families for jobs, they prefer to look at the younger, single or "no kids" sailors. Less expensive to move, less housing allowance, etc. I haven't told my kiddo this. He has plans to be a "mustang" like his grandpa, and start at the bottom then work towards a retirement as an officer.
This is NOT fair and it is NOT right...they are becoming no different then Wal-Mart and the recycling of employees. Soon, men and women won't be joining the military???? Wonder how that will go????
I don't remember, I believe they are only given a set amount of days to start. And if they choose to use it all then they will have to earn days for the next leave.
My son is UNDESIG and is at GL waiting for his training. He accumulates 2 days per month in leave. If he takes the entire 11 days between training and his report date to the Vinson, then he will be in a "negative leave balance". He has been delayed, through no fault of his own, in getting his three week training underway, however that does not change his orders. Therefore, he may not have as many days "off duty" before reporting.
I think the time off between GL and reporting to Command depends on when the Command is ready to receive our Sailors. That is the impression I am getting.
My son's PIR was 6/10, he did the GL school, came home on leave, went to Norfolk for a couple weeks. His ship, he is on a destroyer, was already deployed so he joined it in Bahrain. He told me another Sailor from his division in bootcamp was joining the same ship as he was at the same time. The ship is now back out to sea, so I think it is pretty common to have undesignated join ships soon after completing school.
While they were in port he did general duties like cleaning , scrapping paint, and painting. Once they left port it sounds like he is getting to dabble in a little of several things. I saw some pictures from his ship posted on an official military site where the Sailors were practicing search and rescue. I asked my son if he got to participate in the drills and he said yes because his division is responsible for launching the boats the rescue Sailors go out in. It may not be glamorous, but it sounds better than cleaning to me.
CrackerjackMom
I second that WOW! How proud of all them you must be.
And how wonderful to be as close as you are to them all.
Aug 11, 2011
holly0171
Crackerjackmom...
You mentioned your daughter had a few bumps in the road going in as undesignated. My duaghter is doing that as well. Could you tell me what the bumbs were and any advise you could give to pass on to my duaghter?
Aug 12, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Aug 14, 2011
holly0171
Lovemynavyson..
We were told basically the same, that while she is not assinged a job, she can "choose" to any job she wants, she will train, and then test into the job. However, I am worried, its not all a bed of roses. Another recruter told me he is 90% sure she wont be getting the job she wants, its never open. So I am worried she end up cleaning toilets or something like that. She would hate that!
Aug 14, 2011
reignbowtopia
Aug 14, 2011
reignbowtopia
Aug 14, 2011
CrackerjackMom
I think the jobs they do are all on an as needed bases. If there is job they would like to try, I believe they would still have to wait till there is an need or opening at the time. But they need to take that up with probably their Lead Petty Officers or Chief.
I would think the best thing to do at the beginning is do what you are told and watch and talk to sailors in a rate that they are interested in. My daughter did that and after watching and talking decided that she would't like that rate anyway.
I believe there is a time period that they are to remain undesingnated before they can test or go to school.
Aug 14, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Oh my Molly it has been a while. LOL!
Yes our Princess has been a 3rd class BM since May of 2010. She is ready to take the test for 2nd this month. And.......she may be headed to Japan in Oct. Yikes!! On pins and needles waiting for that order.
Good for Tucker, and wising him all the luck in the world. What is he putting in for? How does he like Japan?
Great news for your son as well homer64. Best of luck to him also.
Aug 15, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Navymomx3, I do agree that you can't believe to much of what the recruiters says, of course, they want recruits!!! : ( - My son just got home on leave Friday and he does seem to like it, but he hasn't been to his command yet (his PIR was 7/1/2011)
He said he likes the structure and order...I'm that way too! Want to know what needs done, how it needs done and who is to do what needs done---I just don't like all the other uncertain stuff...which I know is just part of it.
I hope he gets the rate he want's, he mentioned last night poss. corpman now - thinking long term...though he already talked about reenlistment (hehheh)...he is also thinking off what he would do if he doesn't reenlist ---what can he use in the 'real' world - I'm glad he is thinking about those kind of things as orginally he was considering AO which would be messing with bombs and what not...
Aug 15, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Navymomx3, I do agree that you can't believe to much of what the recruiters says, of course, they want recruits!!! : ( - My son just got home on leave Friday and he does seem to like it, but he hasn't been to his command yet (his PIR was 7/1/2011)
He said he likes the structure and order...I'm that way too! Want to know what needs done, how it needs done and who is to do what needs done---I just don't like all the other uncertain stuff...which I know is just part of it.
I hope he gets the rate he want's, he mentioned last night poss. corpman now - thinking long term...though he already talked about reenlistment (hehheh)...he is also thinking off what he would do if he doesn't reenlist ---what can he use in the 'real' world - I'm glad he is thinking about those kind of things as orginally he was considering AO which would be messing with bombs and what not...
Aug 15, 2011
reignbowtopia
Aug 15, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Tucker will do it. Tara got her ESWS while on deployment back in 09.
If she goes to Japan it will be Yokosuka, she will still be with Assault Craft Unit 5, but it will be the Western Pacific Detachment.
She has spent her whole 4 years in Pendleton with the LCAC's. Her undesignated experience has been a little different due to the fact that she was not assigned to a ship. She has had many different jobs there, its a small command I think she could probably run the place. LOL!
She will be going to school at the end of the month for loadmaster for the LCAC's. Then Japan in Oct, if it works out that way. She was suppose to get orders a while ago, but was on LLD. So we will see.
If she gets there we should see if they can met up. Or maybe you and I can meet up in Japan!!!!
Aug 15, 2011
1stlove (02/946)
Aug 15, 2011
CrackerjackMom
It depends if they are a Undesignated Seaman or Airman.
Seaman will stay at Great Lakes for Basic Seamanship classes, Airman go to Pensacola Fla for Basic Airman classes.
Aug 15, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Hey Julie good to hear from you, and glad Cory is doing well.
Yes the Military in general can only help weather in or out, it is all good.
Try to keep cool.
Aug 16, 2011
Mommabee2
Aug 17, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Actually Mommabee, I know you don't want to hear it but, the recruiter was right. It's just that it's a very broad statement. That is how it works. But everything has to be submitted and approved, if there are no openings in the A school, or the job is overmanned then he will have to submit again. And on the job training was always an option for undesignated. Actually that could be a good thing if it is the job he ultimately wants.
I know that won't help because I think your more frustrated with the fact of him being in Japan. And I do understand that. Just be supportive, thats what they need to hear from us. It will all work out.
Aug 17, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Angie - I appreciate your input...it is benefical knowing these things (at least for me as a mom). I relate to my son the info. I learn on here and many times, he's already aware of it... so it is comforting to know that so far he has known what to expect even with the 'broad' statements...
I was talking to him about stiking a rate and then possibly not getting it for various reasons and he was well informed - Again, I was glad to know he had an understanding of this..
Aug 17, 2011
holly0171
Mamabee2
I am not sure this will help at all... but flying space A or hopping could help reduce the cost. Have your look for flights are out of Mephis..they ususally make a trip around the twice a month. They will hit all the spots...Guam, Hawaii, japan, and then state side. Flying space A out of the country is all free. However, once he reaches state side, his Space A flight is over, and will then have to find another way of transperation. Sometime the Mephis hop will land briefly in California as well. However, it is space available, and he will have to play the hopping game at each places he lands. But if I recall right all active duty members have the first seat options..whereas, all retired military have to go last in the line. And sometimes the line has a 100 or more people waiting to get out and only 20 seats. I hopped one summer and it was the best adventure I took around the world with my four kids without my military spouse. But, I had the whole summer to get to the states and back Guam. In any case its always something you can have your son look into. But the key is looking for a Memphis route, (best kept little secret) and Oh yeah, the plane will pretty much have a "Breakdown" in Hawaii over night..wink wink..never fails. lol. You would have to talk to the crew members on that. lol.
Aug 18, 2011
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
Aug 18, 2011
sbenfamily
Reignbowtopia,
Thank you for your post. I will pass it to my daughter. She is on her first ship as an undesignated E3 and is miserable. She is painting everyday. I will tell her there is hope!
Aug 18, 2011
Mommabee2
Mom2srmhsm--what ship will your so be on?
Aug 18, 2011
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
Aug 18, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
My son seems to be doing okay with it, but of course, he hasn't been to his first command yet either. Maybe he will think differently then, I don't know. He is looking forward to checking out and seeing what's out there, though he did recently mention Corpsman. He was considering AO, but has since ruled that out. He is looking long term and when/if he leaves the Navy someday. I think that is wise, but we will have to wait an see.
I'll keep you all updated once he gets there and has had a chance to settle in. I know he is already missing the routine/order of things...as he is allot like me. We like order to our lives.
Aug 19, 2011
reignbowtopia
Aug 20, 2011
AnG
I feel the same. If my son was home he would be going to school and working whatever undesireable job he could find to pay his bills. With this job he is getting an education and most of his bills paid. I'm pretty lucky. My son does his job everyday and keeps the communication with his counselor open to make sure he knows all the options. He knows that without a college education he would be doing "grunt work" somewhere near home anyway.
Aug 21, 2011
exxie
Good Morning and Happy Sunday!
It's such a boost for me to see the silver lining perspective here because that's exactly how my son and our family are viewing the Undes job--as the light at the end of our tunnel. My son has been in the Navy for 9 months and has had some frustrations (this is my 3rd "job" group on N4Ms, I'll leave it at that). But our last two phone calls have been more upbeat than any so far in the whole experience. All because he's finally on-the-way to a ship. He's so excited to be doing SOMETHING or heading SOMEWHERE -- it doesn't matter to him that he might end up cleaning toilets or doing laundry . . . he just wants to be getting on with it, y'know? So for us, the Undes job is a Godsend.
Aug 21, 2011
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
I will share, with our son, about talking with a counselor and checking online for helpful information.
Thanks for sharing!
Aug 21, 2011
sbenfamily
Reignbowtopia,
Yes, I agree they are "newbies" and I work for the military as a civilian contractor and absolutely have experienced the same thing. It is like that at any job! I have tried to explain that to her.
And yes, I am thankful she has a job, wonderful pay, health insurance, and other benefits. However, my daughter is being subjected to lots of "hazing" at work, which may also be normal for newbies. I won't say on here what is being said to her as she is worried it will only make it worse. I understand the Navy has a Zero Tolerance for hazing policy, yet as my daughter says she would be seen as a snitch, it would only get worse, and she has to be on the ship for a deployment with these shipmates. If I told you the things being said to her though by her colleagues, you wold be appalled. She is in tears daily and it breaks my heart.
Aug 21, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Aug 21, 2011
K2011
Hello my daughter is undesignated too. Her PIR date is coming up and wondering what we might expect after PIR.
Aug 21, 2011
sbenfamily
Aug 21, 2011
sbenfamily
Good idea Julie. I was told she should go to the CMEO on the ship, but I think chain of command is the way to go. I think if we all remember she is young and doesn't want to "rock the boat," no pun intended, it is understandable. She doesn't want to cause more problems for herself. All I can do is pray she does go to the Chain of Command and gets help some how or someone in the Command notices. My fear is it is getting too much too handle for her.
This is a girl who loved the Navy, loves the military, was so proud of passing boot camp, made great friends there and at the "A" school they go to in Great Lakes.
Thank you all for the advice.
Sandi
Aug 21, 2011
kathyann
JoJo - Your son is probably with my son in Ship 5 THU. He is waiting on paperwork that an RDC didn't get sent over (medical clearance papers) so that he can start his basic seamanship training. He does have his orders, however. Now it is just wait wait wait. He anticipates starting training next week.
Aug 24, 2011
kathyann
jojo - They told us about three weeks, and his official orders reflect that as well. He likes Ship 5, not much for him to do.He has stood several watches, and has some time off duty tomorrow, so he will take care of personal business on base. He is anxious to get to his training!
Where will your Sailor be stationed?
Aug 25, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Aug 25, 2011
CrackerjackMom
JoJo, don't know about that, as far as I know you are undesignated till you get a rate, by testing or school. There are many things that factor in to one being approved to take a test or even A school.
If a job is not available then they try for another or wait. If they are not approved then they wait or again try for another next cycle.
Angie I'm sure will step in to clarify that.
Aug 25, 2011
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
oops-didn't mean to delete my comment--thought i could edit. sorry
anyway, it said my son is in the e-pact program. he is undes right now. he has to wait so long to try for the job he wants. don't know how long he has to wait. don't know what the status is on his paperwork, either. he has orders to board a ship in japan. he knows he might have to clean, paint, do misc. detail, so he's ok with that. i think if our sailors are prepared for that, they might do ok.
he was on ship 5, bummed at first, got used to it, started a-school, got used to it, now to a ship, a little nervous, but excited, too. :)
hope all our guys and gals are doing well. thanks for commenting on here and helping with info and sharing.
Aug 25, 2011
hunter's mom kyann HOOYAH
you are welcome, jojo, i am so glad to have people on here who are going through and who have been through the same stuff we are dealing with. hunter was delayed starting a-school at great lakes for a couple weeks, then didn't have a graduation ceremony because he's undes (i was sad about that). then he didn't find out when he was to go to japan for about a week after his final exam. i did find out stuff on the TSC facebook site, too. they are helpful. sometimes, i feel i learn more on FB or here than my son shares. :( i agree, with God's help, we all will get through this, actually anything. :)
praying here, too!
kyann
Aug 25, 2011
kathyann
@Angie... that is already happening up in my neck of the woods. Sailors having to find work in the civillian world with young families. Hard adjustment for some.
Aug 25, 2011
CrackerjackMom
No jobs equals more joining the Military equals overmanning. So they weed out.
Probably people who are stuck not advancing, not productive, any excuse they wanna use. And this way they can bring in new blood, don't forget that with all the new technology fewer people are needed.
That would be my guess.
Aug 26, 2011
kathyann
Those 7 to 10 year Sailors are doing jobs that pehaps they can get newbies trained to do, with a lot less pay. Also I was told by an RDC that when it comes to transferring Sailors and their families for jobs, they prefer to look at the younger, single or "no kids" sailors. Less expensive to move, less housing allowance, etc. I haven't told my kiddo this. He has plans to be a "mustang" like his grandpa, and start at the bottom then work towards a retirement as an officer.
Aug 26, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Aug 26, 2011
tabetha2011
Aug 27, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Tabetha, yes they do usually get leave before reporting to their duty stations.
Maybe 10 days give or take.
Aug 27, 2011
Lovemynavyson (Ship02/DIV933)
Aug 27, 2011
awife (Ship 11 Div 313)
Aug 27, 2011
CrackerjackMom
Aug 27, 2011
kathyann
@tabetha:
My son is UNDESIG and is at GL waiting for his training. He accumulates 2 days per month in leave. If he takes the entire 11 days between training and his report date to the Vinson, then he will be in a "negative leave balance". He has been delayed, through no fault of his own, in getting his three week training underway, however that does not change his orders. Therefore, he may not have as many days "off duty" before reporting.
I think the time off between GL and reporting to Command depends on when the Command is ready to receive our Sailors. That is the impression I am getting.
Aug 27, 2011
reignbowtopia
My son's PIR was 6/10, he did the GL school, came home on leave, went to Norfolk for a couple weeks. His ship, he is on a destroyer, was already deployed so he joined it in Bahrain. He told me another Sailor from his division in bootcamp was joining the same ship as he was at the same time. The ship is now back out to sea, so I think it is pretty common to have undesignated join ships soon after completing school.
While they were in port he did general duties like cleaning , scrapping paint, and painting. Once they left port it sounds like he is getting to dabble in a little of several things. I saw some pictures from his ship posted on an official military site where the Sailors were practicing search and rescue. I asked my son if he got to participate in the drills and he said yes because his division is responsible for launching the boats the rescue Sailors go out in. It may not be glamorous, but it sounds better than cleaning to me.
Aug 28, 2011