Undesignated...What's Up With That?

Kevin's PIR was 6/29. He's only been in Norfolk for a couple of weeks.

Mitch will be leaving VA on September 8th to Mississippi... He is looking forward to leaving as it is such a big base and such a hassle with no car...  He also is looking forward to being able to test for a rate on September 30th.

Thanks Angie... I will have him check on the date to be sure..as refering to him as not knowing what is goin on is not a reflection on who he is...I understand that you are very wise on the happenings with the Navy and am greatful for your wisdom however we are not there in VA and don't know all the details.  He has mentioned that there was a set back or delay in testing and deployment to a new location due to a mold issue on the ship and some other issues.. He DOES know what rate he is testing for... No question there... He is testing for GM, but will email him to check with the CCC forsure.  Thanks for all your help! :)

Kevin actually went from GL to Pensacola and was there for a few weeks.  He then got a week leave and after reported to VA.

Mitch also stayed about 3 weeks then went to VA.

No he did not request VA at all! So a request can be made but the Navy is the decider on location in the end. Keep inmind that the submit a "request" only.

Mikey's Mom - where in Japan is he going to be?  Do you know the name of his ship yet?  You are going to PIR - right?

The location is across the street from bootcamp, my  son was able to have his phone when we picked him up that afternoon after PIR.  He didn't have a laptop so I'm not sure about that.  I believe they have to use the buddy system when they go off base on their own, unless a parent or such signs them out, they have to sign out with another sailor.

That is true.  You have to have a buddy or a parent must sign him/her out.  They are allowed to have their electonics with no limit providing they have the storage space as it is very limited.  Mitch took his phone and his laptop.

Yes, those calls are better than gold.. Enjoy your moments of happiness!

HI Everyone, my son is undesignated on the USS Essex, patiently waiting for a rate.  He is looking to lease a car.Does anyone have any info on leasing a car in that area? Is there a place that Navy can go? I would appreciate any help  that can be thrown my way.  

JMom - Try the San Diego moms group or the USS Essex moms group. They probably have a lot more information about the area.

I've only read a few post on here but glad to see some positive post.  My son has wanted to go into the Military for years.  He wanted something to do with either Intel or MAA.  He too chose the S 'PACT' program which when I was in the Navy was where anyone went who kind of wouldn't fit into anything else.  I was really disappointed but he seemed happy with it.  He seems excited to be open to some different experiences. I think he has enough determination that when he does find what he likes, he won't let up till he gets it.

Hi, my son is in week 4 of BC right now. He also is Seaman PACT. from the beginning i had a bad feeling about this and now since he has been in BC, 2 things have been said to him that are making me even more uncomfortable. First, he was disqualified for spec ops because of the Seaman PACT, he passed physical fitness in BC though. Second came in his most recent letter....After his appointment with career counslor he was told by one classifier that Seaman Pact could not choose a rate that required security clearance, another classifier told him that that is not true. He is confused and not getting any answers, just wondering what anyone can tell me about this..... thanks in advance!

Kevsmom, when my husband was in, that is what he thought too. Kyle chose it because there was not a rate he wanted but was ready to go.... ugh

Let me just say that Mitch just took the "test" to strike for Bosmanmate which is in many sailors eyes a dooms day rate.. Well let me just share what has happened with this... Mitch was all for trying to strike for a rate other than UNDIES but after he was asked to come to the commanders office personally his mind has been changed.  unknown to him they had been watching him and two others within the division.  They hand picked him and 2 other sailors to talk to the commander.  Over the course of several months in addition to watching him and his test scores and other leaders writing letters of recomandation has was chosen to stay on and strike for bosmanmate.  He has been asked to lead the others with the rate and a rank up to be the crane operaters on the new ship with the other 2 men,  He was honored that he was picked and was so happy that he will be able to do this job at least one year.  After that year if he wants to change jobs the commander will personally move him to the job he is wanting no matter if there is a slot open or now.  This story I share with everyone to say that if you apply yourself and try your best in everything you do you too will see that it is NOT the "kiss of death" and actually an honor to have served as an UNDIES Mitch too tested high and could have chosen a rate at the begining but didn't know what he want to do and wanted to serve as soon as he was able to ship out.. He didn't want to wait a year to go to BC.   Remember that all those letters of recommendation will NEVER be removed from your personel file and can only help you and your sailor.  Stay strong and don't second guess your decision!  If you continue to second guess you will never be able to move your life forward.. <3

Set your mind to MAKE it a good experience.  BC is hard at times and you will need to remind yourself that you can do it and to look to the "end prize".  Blessings.

The best advice anyone can give is to stay positive, and attitude is everything. And that goes for us on this end. I had many phone calls of frustration from my daughter over the years. She went in Undesignated 5 years ago. She had times she loved what she was doing and times she hated what she was doing. It's a job anyway you look at it. But she is now 3rd class BM, and reenlisted for 4 more. 

I'm sure her experience wasn't unique, but I believe every sailor will have a different journey on the way to being rated. So they along with us, need to be patient and positive. They will all do fine.

@ Always a Mom, my daughter is on the USS San Diego, is your son by chance on that ship? That date looked familiar. (just a word of caution...try to refrain from posting dates)  

kvece and Paula - If you have not joined the discussion group for your SR's PIR - do it as soon as possible.  The ladies that facilitate those groups know all the answers to all of your questions!.  They stopped overnight liberty after BC several years ago but other than if they have watch time - they pretty much only have to sleep at the A school base.  You get them during the day.  They can have their electronics once they move from RTC to the base.  Have fun at PIR - it's a great weekend!

in my sons first personal letter he says that his drill sergeant told him and a few others that he has connections and based on their performance he may be able to get them a rate in bc? do u think that is true?

I would not hold my breath that this will happen as it usually does not.  However telling your sailor and others this, may keep them focused and motivated, anything to keep them upbeat as it is a hard time in BC.  Be encouraging and trust that they will do their best anyway, rate or not.

Hi all. My son went in as undesignated so I am a little confused as to what the plan is with him after graduation. I am worried for him too. He graduates on Nov 21 and I guess he will be staying in Great Lakes or going to Pensacola. This is what I have heard regarding being undes. 

They will be staying in GL for another 3 weeks after PIR.  Then most likley go to Pescagouls MS not Pensacola.  Don't be worried no one will ever take away the training that they get along the year that they stay an Undies.  If you read past posts it is what he/she makes it and there is room for advance and great things to happen in that year.  Just stay positive. :)

Good morning ladies. Just wanted to say thank you for the info. Praying I hear from my son at some point this week. Have a great day, and thanks again.

Haven't been on the site lately.  My business has been keeping me busy.  My son joined as undesignated in April 2011.  He was assigned to operational division, ie deck crew.  Yesterday he called to tell me he had gotten his rate of Gunner's Mate.  This was one of the rates he originally wanted, but was not open when he joined.  He isn't sure whether he'll go to school or just learn on the job, but he is excited to have the rate he wanted.  For those with undes sailors there is a light at the end of the tunnel if they continue to work hard, take the initiative to talk to their career counselors, others doing the job, and those in their command chain.  Unfortunately there appears to be a "waiting period" before they get a rate which can be difficult to endure, but even the private sector has rules that we don't alwas like.  Keep encouraginig them through the bad times.  I don't really have any insight, but will drop in occassionally to see if I can offer support. 

I am sure it may not follow this way for your sailor butour son enlisted in 2/2011 after BC he spent a month in GL and then got assigned to the USS Enterprise in Norfolk. Before reporting he had leave for 12 day since the Enterprise was still deployed. He decided to live on the ship so he could save some money. In Mar. of this year they were deployed and have since been at sea. About 4 months ago he finally received his rate and got what he wanted. But since joining he has received awards and volunteers for special duty, (working when there are dignitaries coming on board, etc), he has moved up when the opportunity was offered and has received his Surface Warfare wings. all within 18 month. I would suggest to just keep encouraging your sailor to do whatever is requested and to be willing to volunteer when asked and to just give 110% and things will happen I know too that many of your sailors are young and for some the first time away from home so they want to spread their wings and BC is not the place they can do that, their days are dictated to them so for some this is going to be a test as to whether they can adjust or not.  And for some it will be a time where they will start to bloom and just thrive on it and find they feel they belong and are a part of something for the first time.

I hope this is some help to some of you.  Hang in there, I know not being able to pick up a phone to check in to see how they are or not hearing from them when they could call or write is nerve racking but it is all a part of our children becoming young man or women.  Take care, hang in there, Joyce

I will agree with Joyce.  Stay strong and continue to stay focused and it will just happen.

my son is going to Norfolk in Nov. does he need a vehicle at base

It is a large base.  Need a vehicle, no - recommend a vehicle, yes.  There is some public transportation in the form of bus service.  My son was 3 months without a car, but he enjoys the area much more now he has a way to go places.  The area around Norfolk has a lot of things for the Sailors to do, but getting to them is easier with a car.

Mitch stated that to even go to the post office to get a letter from grandma is several, several blocks away...  agreed...Vehicle not needed but recommended.  Taxi's to go any place is also a bit costly.  Often if you have a car there you can even get paid by another sailor to drive them to Walmart versis getting a cab.  A win, win for all parties.

Thanks to all of our sailors.  We are grateful.

Does anyone know when an airman finds out what his job is going to be and where he will get stationed?

Oh ok. He's already at boot camp so I didn't know how it worked. Just anxious to know where we are going to end up.

My boyfriend (who is S-PACT) just got his orders!!! He's going to the Nimitz in Washington. Will the navy pay to move his car from home to there?

Oh and as of last Thursday two or three other undesignated guys had their orders but my boyfriend didn't. He told me today when he called. He graduates this Friday.