Undesignated...What's Up With That?

Angie - I will see what I can do about your laundry - LOL.  He is coming home for his first leave in October.  I will let him practice on mine!

I guess it's a right of passage - I got the same "you gotta let me go" speech a few months after Jake left for the Navy.  I have spent the better part of this year "letting go".  I had all 5 kids move out of the house in a span of 2 months last year (November and December) and my husband and I were empty nesters for the first time in 24 years!  Letting go is a process, not something you do in a day.

But - "always a mom" is so true.  Being mom just changes faces a lot!  They will be fine and better in the long run.  Support your Sailors and come to N4M for support for you!

 Misty from MN - Hi there, thank you for the welcome. I am concerned about my daughter got the 3rd letter from her today. Since she is gone for BC I been writing one letter a day. She said that she did not get any letter or maybe nobody has send her one. Are they holding the letters or what? this is her 3rd week at RTC seems like it depends with the RDC I guess. She need some letters from me to make her keep going, the been home sick lately now she is getting better but what happened to the letter that I send? She never call me yet when are they going to call? She said on the second letter maybe the 3rd week. I guess I need patience. Just wait for them to let her call. I talk to her recruiter he said that he will let me know something tomorrow. He will check with them, It is difficult being a Mom but with the help of the other Moms here I survive hah hah hah. Thank you for all your support ladies. :-) China

Dont look for the recruiter to be any help, they are so busy lying to other recruits , Im sorry I dont mean to be negative but its so true, A letter maybe in 3-4 weeks , a phone call well ummm dont count on it till towards the end of BC , and always remember no news is good news. Hang in there !

Hi Chinadoll

Hey Chinadoll19....My son's PIR was just a few weeks ago. The mail will catch up. Don't worry. It takes longer for incoming mail to be processed than outgoing mail. I would get my son's letters within 3 days but it seemed to take him @ 8-10 days atleast to get ours. They do explain that in the packet sent home early in BC with the PIR info. She will likely get a batch load of letters at once - what a awesome gift! Just keep writing and stay encouraged. I agree with Iamuptolate.. no news is good news! My son left for BC without any calling cards (LOL). He blow off his family for his girlfriend and the movies the night before leaving. He was disorganized and an emotional wreck from being up  so late the night before he left, so he couldn't even call home for the five seconds to say he had arrived - because he had no calling card! My husband I assumed he arrived to GL safely because his grandmother dropped him off at the recruiter station as scheduled and no one from the Navy called to say anything otherwise.  He was able to call somewhere near week 4-5. Both my husband and myself missed the calls, so we heard his pitiful voice mail message. We did not speak to him again until he completed Battlestations and was an official "Navy Sailor"which was the final week of BC! Keep praying, wriiting and  stay encouraged. Your recruit will/is doing great!

China -

Once your SR goes to boot camp the recruiter is finished with them.  My sis-in-law called her son's recruiter while he was in BC and my nephew got IT for it.  Don't do anything to draw attention to you recruit!

If you haven't already, run (don't walk) and join the discussion group for your daughters PIR group (by PIR date).  ALL of your questions (and so many that you didn't know you had) are answered there by the veteran moms.  It is the single greatest thing you can do for yourself while she is in BC.  They babysit you every step of the way and you know pretty much what your recruit is doing at boot camp.  If you don't know how - friend me and I will help you.

LoL iamuptolate....so true!! 

Sorry been at the lake for a few day... Here is my two cents worth... JOIN A GROUP WITH THE PIR GRADUATION DATE!!  I can not say that enough.. It truly saved me.. All you moms are in the same "boat" so we all lived through eachother's sailors...  Also agree with the others.. our first offical letter from Mitch was week 4.. it is soooo hard to wait but will regular once they do start writing..., Mitch told me that it is sooo sad when someone does not get a letter so keep writing!! Our family took a day of the week and wrote one letter a week and my husband and I took turns writing everyother day.. he got a letter every day that they were able to get mail.. We only got one phone call during the entire 8 weeks other then the "I'm a sailor call".  It was very hard but you too will make it though this.. Again look for your sons/daughters PIR date and join the group!

My son will be leaving on July 25th for GL, he is going in as a PACT seaman, with no rating, he now is telling me that he can get a rating in BC, is that true?

Mitch was told the same thing that he could strike for a job in bootcamp.. As Angie stated... that is not true.. as I would agree the odds are less than 1%.

I thought I would chime in.  New to NFM, but I was in the Marines. My son is joining soon and is undecided on IS or one of the CT rates. When we first talked to the recruiter he said all of the CT rates were 6 year obligations. They are in fact not; you can join for 4 yrs, you will go to "A" school but not "C" school after bootcamp, but some get lucky and do get to go anyways.  I did tons and tons of research (google navy recruit command and you will find all of the recruiters official manuals. Call another recruiter and pose general questions to fact check. Google "live Navy chat" and talk to a recruiter online. Ask questions on here! But overall your son/daughter needs to be prepared when they go to MEPS for rate selection and contract time.  Tell him/her that they can take as LONG as they like to read the contract. If they signed up for 4 yrs, make sure it says that! If they are going in guaranteed job it has to say that too. I don't believe they can take an active duty sailor and just randomly make him a reservist. But if your contract says FTS, then I believe that means reserve.  Overall, it makes sense to go guaranteed job (so score high on the ASVAB). That's my two cents worth from a mom who wants her son to pick a rate he loves so he can have a great and fun career. Knowledge is Power!  Hey, and if I am wrong on stuff, please correct me, so I know before the son signs his paperwork. Go Navy!

Mitch did well on his ASVAB but did not know what he wanted to do so that is why he went in as UNDIES.. He has now decided that he is going for GM and will be able to test in September as he went in as an E3.  I will chime in to say as you stated that just be sure you totally understand and read what you are signing. On Mitchell's contract is states 6 years with 4 being active duity and 2 Reserve.

I have been reading several other forum on undes sailors. From all the talk they are saying it is not that bad of a way to join.  IDK. It would be okay to do all the basic work party jobs and what not, but it is a little worrisome to think that you may not get a rate that you are interested in.  Is there anyone on here who has some additional scoop on that?  It does sound cool that you may get to go to lots of cool ports though.

CEL - my son is undes and it has been really good for him.  His attitude is that if you go in with a rate, how do you know you are going to like that job?  He likes that he is doing different things and then he can decide what to try for.  At first, I read so much negative about being undes that I was just devastated.  It isn't a bad thing at all.  And as I keep saying in past posts - in this economy - it is a great thing to have a job at all.  And my sailor's goal is to be the best undes on his ship.  He has already gotten a Letter of Commendation for it.  He loves the different jobs and the different ports.

One of the misconceptions is that they are the "paint chippers" and the "deck swabbers" and the "trash guys" and "crankers" - the list goes on.  All sailors have to do those things.  Being happy at undes (as with any job) is all about attitude!

Jansu831 - I googled the UNDES a lot and got both the good and bad about it. Personally the more I read about it, it doesn't sound too bad.  Sure you do a bunch of jobs that no one is that excited about doing, but at the same time you get to see what other sailors are doing and get first hand knowledge about what you might be interested in.  And it sure wouldn't hurt my son to learn to clean in a proper manner either. You should see his room!  I was in the Marines and picked aircraft firefighter because i didn't know what most of the jobs were. While I liked it, there were other jobs I would have liked to do more after seeing what was going on in the fleet. All I will say on that is don't pick you job based on the recruiter showing you a list with job names with no explanation of what they are!  Talk about a BAD recruiter.  He even wrote me a letter in BC asking me out!  That is oh so wrong in so many ways!  I suppose you could also say UNDES sailor is like "undecided" in college.

Thank you to the moms that provided info from their own Undesignated Sailors. I feel so much better knowing that my son was not being fed wrong info.

Please do read other info posted on this site as all Rates need to test for their job.  As some have stated they can evern test for multipule rates.  Mitch got a recommendation and thinks he will have a good chance to get GM and at this point is the only rate he is trying for at this testing.  He is a Law Enf. College Grad and want soooo bad to get GM so we all are hoping and praying it happens but if not this time then he will keep trying.  Mitch as an UNDIES is currently studying anything and everything he can and is sooo happy with his choices and joining the Navy in general... As he has stated so many times what other job is going to pay you to see the world and pay you to see it and learn it...  

Jansu831- What is a "cranker" 

CEL - LOL!  Cranking is when they work in the kitchen (or galley) on their ship.  ALL sailors have to crank - regardless of their rate.  I think it's like a 3 month assignment and they all hate it.

Sailors are undesignated for a LOT of different reasons.  Some enlist that way on purpose, some don't pass their requirements for a job, some get in trouble - the list goes on.  Somehow along the way, undesignated got a bad name and like anything else in society the stigma goes with the name.  That is why you will read from some undes sailors (or their families) how horrible it is.  They could have gone in thinking they were going to be a Seal and didn't make the cut.  If you enlist to try for Seals, you have to enlist as undes.  And the percentage of those that actually make it is very small.  So, they go from thinking they are going to be the elite to not having a rate.  Again - it's all about attitude.

Our recruiter is the reason my son is undes - don't even get me started on that!  HA! (So did you go out with him???  LOLOLOL)   Seriously, in the long run it has been a positive experience so far.

Misty - my son has his eye on GM as well.  He got to do that in boot camp and has worked with them on his ship.  Good luck to Mitch - I hope he gets it! 

OH!  So slang for a job most people hate.  I did do mess duty (as they call it in the Marines), but i thought it was a nice break from the regular job. I guess on a ship it would be different. You are right that whatever job you do you just have to make the best of it and have a good attitude. The higher ups do notice.  And NO I did not go out with him.  Ha Ha! He was an E-6 and since I was an E-2 right out of boot camp they had drilled into our heads No Fraternization with Non-Commissioned officers (E-4 and above, but esp. E-6s and above). I did not want to get in trouble and plus he seemed ancient at the time!  I will let you know which rate my son goes after. He still has to do MEPS and all that and then the word is the wait to even go to BC is January. Personally I don't think UNDES would be bad, but I know some people like to have the certainty of having their rates lined up.

Thanks Jansu831... I hope and pray that he gets GM but we will have to wait and see..  He has his heart set on it, with being a LE college grad he is hoping it will help his chance but says it is all in the testing numbers...  He will do his best and study as much as possible and see if it pays off on the 1st try.  Mitch says being a "UNDIES" is not all bad as many have stated and is totally enjoying it all!!

Does undesignated mean the same as Apprentice?   My daughter sign up as a Seaman's Apprentice, I think that's what it was called. 

Angie - you teach me something new every day!  Thanks for the info - I stand corrected!

It is really too bad people give Undes a bad name. My daughter tested high enough to go for many different great jobs. She went with undesignated because she wanted to leave for BC at a certain time. It has been so great for her, she initally thought she wanted to go into Corpsman. Lately she is not so sure. She has had great opprotunities to try so many different things and loves every bit of it. I say what a great chance to get a feel for things and really see what you want to do.

Mitch did the same as he tested high enough for many jobs but wanted to leave for BC also and not wait over a year to go in.. He said that some of the jobs are crappy but what job is not?.. He has a plan to test for a Rate in September and hope and pray it all happens.  If not will wait and retest again.  So far to date the experience has been unbelievable!

So glad for moms to share good undes experiences.  Ours has been very positive - I talked to my sailor from Japan last night and he still loves his job.  He didn't go in as undes on purpose - the recruiter was not completely forthcoming with all the information we needed.  But, after all is said and done, I don't think he would change it if he could.

Hi everyone, glad to find this group, things are finally making some sense to me after reading some of your comments. Our son ran into the same situation when he enlisted but is finding his experiences to be very positive for him too. He is on the USS Enterprise and loves what he is doing. I do agree with what some have said about not playing it straight with those joining, why they can not be straight forward with the recruit especially when honesty and integrity is instilled through out their service in the Navy. I know some may have been lost in the translation since so much is covered and it is all new to our sons, daughters, wives, husbands and significant others. I look forward to the comments and updates on our love ones. Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa - read Angie's discussion above about How Can My Undes Get a Rate.  If that doesn't answer all of your questions, ask on here and someone (Angie) will help you out!

Lisa - does it depend on whether or not the new rate requires A school? My understanding (from reading Angie's posts above...so Angie correct me if I'm wrong!) is that he has to have been there a full year IF the new rate requires A school, but just has to be eligible for E-4 to take the test and strike. I think they have to be E-3 for a certain amount of time to be eligible for E-4, but I"m not sure how long. Hope you get things clarified...SO frustrating to get different answers to the same question!!

Angie, his E3 anniversary is Sept. does the actual date matter?  Thanks for help everyone!

Lisa, Our son Scott has been in 18 months this month and will receive his E-3 and has just gotten rated but will not be able to test until March since his E-3 and the next testing time were too close for registering. And again, it must be from a position which is open at the time and need to qualify.) I am not really clear but at one point someone stated to our son that you can test if you qualify even if there are no openings at the time but whether that is true I do not know.  But as Angie states he needs to speak with his CCC. 

You may find these pages helpful http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=66633

http://bluejacket.com/usn_ratings.html 

Have a great day! 

My son also chose Undes so he could leave.  There are so many trying to join due to the lack of civilian jobs, that even with an 80 asvab, he couldn't get a school for 9-12 months.  He didn't want to sit around and wait and take general classes at college or continue to work in fast food...

I'm proud of him for taking the Seaman PACT.  he's a hard working kid who wants to serve, which is what he's wanted since he was little....He left for boot 8/8 and I got his box yesterday......

Skippy - be sure and join the group for your SR's PIR date.  They will be your lifeline during boot camp! 

Undes are the only ones who know during boot camp where they will be stationed.  My son found out about 3 weeks before graduation that he was going to Japan. I think that was his second choice.

I am new to NFM...my daughter graduated BC on 03AUG2012, she is UNDES as well, finishes A school next Friday and will be home for 10 days....already knows she will be in VA., and which ship...she is excited, thanks to lots of support by her RDC's at BC and the people she has contact with at A school she has a pride in her UNDES status....sees it as a brotherhood of sorts and is looking forward to the challenge! I am SO proud of her!

Arielle's Proud Mom...My son is also "Undes" and will graduate 8/24/12 and will be stationed in VA.  Have you joined the Facebook page "Navy Moms of Norfolk"?  Great source of information .

Proudcomom....thanks for the heads up on the facebook page, i will look for it right now...so nice to have other moms out there who know exactly how it all feels. i talked to my daughter a bit ago....she still hasn't received a sponsor from VA....so even once she grads from A School next week she will not be allowed to come home until she gets that all straight. :( 

Thanks for the info Angie!  I was wondering about the travel arrangements. 

Proudcomom - about a week before their school is finished, they will get an appointment with SATO to get their flights to their duty station.  Your sailor will tell them at SATO at that time where he wants to go first and they will reroute his ticket for him and charge him the difference.  You don't have to make those travel arrangements.  The fares that I know about are very good when SATA does it.  My son only paid $180 to come home to Dallas before leaving for Japan.

Thanks jansu831!  Wow only $180 to Japan that's a steal...have you gone there to visit him yet?

The $180 was his part to come from Great Lakes after boot camp to Dallas on leave before he shipped out to Japan.  The Navy paid for his flight to Japan. 

We have not been to Japan - his ship has been deployed a great deal of the time since he got there.  He is supposed to be there for another 2-3 years so we might try to go in 2014.

Thanks Angie, i didn't know she wouldn't go to A school...i just assumed since she calls it school....hahaha, you know what they say about assuming, huh? thanks!

my son is leaving soon as undes.  i am feeling better about it since reading this, but just wondering what and where he will be after bc, and can your first assignment be japan or abroad?

my son is leaving soon as undes.  i am feeling better about it since reading this, but just wondering what and where he will be after bc, and can your first assignment be japan or abroad?

dannysmom - my son went to boot camp as undes and we had no idea that he would be going to Japan.  It actually never occurred to me that it was a possibility that he would go overseas as his first permanent duty station until we go the phone call on Christmas day.  And then, I didn't believe him.  Well, it was true.  His PIR (graduation from boot camp) was January 6 and he left for Japan on February 15.

Does he like Japan?  My son is undes and is curently in Norfolk.  Japan is on the top of his list of places he wants to go.

JodyT - he loves Japan.  He got homesick a few months in but they were working 18 hour days for 21 days straight getting ready for insurv at the time.  Once they finally got a day off, that was the end of his slump.  He is going on a 2 day climb to Mount Fuji tomorrow and is loving the culture there.  It's a big adventure to him.  A little too far away and inaccessible for me but I don't think he would change it if he could.

Mitch also has Japan on his list as well.  He is also a Undies and in Norfolk..  Jody T.  Kind of makes me wonder who your son is?  When was his PIR.. Mitch was on May 18th..  He is sooo ready to test for his Rate but is being told that it may be delayed and he may not be able to test for it come Sept.  I think his mood would be lifted if he had a job unstead of NKO's all day every day.. He needs something to look forward to as it is getting to be the same day, everyday same old thing...