I think so, but I could be wrong. I think he will go somewhere besides Great Lakes after boot camp for 3-4 weeks of training. I don't know that much honestly, lol. I just know that my boyfriend has 2 2 week training courses at Great Lakes after boot camp (so 4 weeks total) because that is what he told me today, but I think I've read that undesignated airmen go somewhere else
Yeah, he told me he goes to Pensacola, but I just want to get a better idea of when he finds out where he is going to be stationed. I am moving with him and want to get a head start on everything!
Thanks! That helps a lot :-) I can't wait to find out. I'm a water baby so I'll be happy to be moving from the desert in Vegas to anywhere by the water!
My son is S-PACT and is being stationed in Naples, Italy after training. He'll start training on 7 Jan. Does anyone have any info/or words of wisdom about NSA Naples??
My son goes to bc April 8th. When he went to MEPS he wanted telecommunications but they told him Spact was a great opportunity. I have heard and bad about pact, but not sure why they put him in that. He scored above average on the ASVAB. Confused.
I have a question and I hope that somebody here can answer for me.
My son has been in now for about a year, he is a E3 seaman. He is eligable to strike for a rate in March. He wants to be a MA, but he is telling me he can only put in for the package in March and cannot test till September. Is this true? He also is on deployment right now, and before he left he put in to switch to be airman, and was told he would find out on the 14th. Now he says the system is down and not even sure if anything went through. Sounds to me that he is very frustrated at the Navy right now and I do not knwo what answers to give him. I am stressing, help!
Angie, I think he wanted to change from being an undesignated seaman to an undesignated airman when he put in for I guess a package to do that. He was told that the system was down when he was suppossed to find out on the 14th if it got approved. So now I guess he is going to wait till March to strike for some rate. I am assuming this is what he's doing. I am very confussed.
My son perforated his eardrum while performing exercises for the basic enlisted submarine school. Therefore, he can no longer stay in the submarine program. He has been in the Navy for four months. After his submarine training, he was on track to do go to A school to become a sonar tech. After his injury, the navy offered him a medical discharge or an undesignated seaman position on a surface ship. He chose the latter. From what I have found on the web, this may be a very difficult path in the current Navy. Any advice you can give, will be appreciated.
Div912-altosax - I'm sorry to hear about your sailor! :( My sailor has been in since the end of Oct. He went in as an undesignated seaman. I had read a lot of unfavorable stuff about that position prior to him going in, but he wasn't given much to choose from, so he took it even though he had scored high on the ASVAB. We were somewhat frustrated, but figured it was meant to be. He spent 3 weeks in training after boot camp in Great Lakes, and then was assigned to his first duty station. He got shore duty in Naples, Italy! Not too shabby! He still had no idea what he'd be doing. Basically, the Navy puts them wherever they need them. My sailor is currently doing Port Operations and loves it so far! :) He found that out once he arrived and was informed. My understanding of undesignated is that it's sort of "luck of the draw" as to what they will be doing while they are an undesignated seaman. Hope that helps! I talk to my sailor almost everyday via FaceTime. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.
Hi Div912, I just want to put my two cents in.....
My son is an ET submariner, a few years back he was sent to become the subs diver. While in training he punctured his ear drum. After 6 months he was allowed to go back to dive school, and has had no problem with being on the sub or with his ear.
Please keep in mind that my son was already on the sub for a year, also I don't know the severity of your sons injury. But I just thought that if being on a sub is something that your son has his heart set on then he may still have a chance after a while. Tell him not to give up just yet.
I am looking to ship a car out to my son. He is stationed in Ca. Does anyone know of a company that transports cars? I live in NJ. Appreciate any help I can get.Thanks, JMom
@JMOM 04/812**** Bamamom know a trustworthy, wonderful auto transporter. He is my boyfriend and I have know his family since I was 9 yrs old. Let me check real quick with him and see if he is licensed to transport out of state. I will be right back with you. Thxs.
He is not licensed to ship out of state. He also said that if you go thru a typical transport company, you may be shocked at the charge to do that. He advised to check out www.uship.com . This is a real place to put something up for bid, just like the TV show. He said make sure they are bonded and insured. Check how many miles it needs to go and figure at least $4.50 per mile charge.
Chissybear - Yes, SPact = Seaman. My son found out where he'd be stationed one week before boot camp graduation/PIR. (That was in Dec '12) He spent 3 weeks in Great Lakes at TSC for training and then was sent to his duty station.
My son's eardrum perforated during submarine school. He was given a choice to wait for a year and a half to resume his submarine training or to go undesignated on the surface. He chose the latter. Now he's waiting for his orders. Did any of your sailors change to undesignated rating during their training? If so, how long did they wait to get their orders?
div912-altosax -- It didn't take long. It took about 10 days from the time we knew my sailer was going undes until he got orders. He then had 10 days of leave before reporting to his ship.
Hello everyone, my hubby is currently in BC and his PIR is May 24..so excited!! He is in the A-Pact program (Undesignated Airman) and will be in Florida for a month following his completion of BC. My question is, when will he know where he will be stationed after training? Also, he was planning on only taking a week of leave after training (in case he is granted more) but a friend suggested that IF he is given 1 1/2 or 2 weeks that he take it all because the date will be set for training to start on a certain day and will not begin earlier for him (which makes lots of sense). My friend advised me to tell him that he will earn holiday leave (and that it is automatic) so he should not worry about saving days for the holidays....I have not spoken to my SR at all since he arrived at BC so he is still planning on saving days....can someone advise me on this??
@Angie thanks for the info. Guess I should've been more specific. When I said "holiday" I was referring to Christmas, so my friend told me the same thing you did in reference to the Christmas holiday. Thank you for everything else. I appreciate the advise!
I have a question, I have been reading about the moving process for a sailor's first duty station. I have already been told that sailors in the PACT program receive their first orders a week before PIR, but I was wondering (since they don't go to "A" school, but do training for a few weeks) how long the moving process will take for his dependents, that being our daughter and me. I read that sailors who go in with a job have to complete BESS (basic enlisted submarine school) upon arriving at their first duty station before their family can move with them. Is this the case with ALL sailors, including those in PACT?
My son is in BC as of May 15th. I have really struggled with his undesignated rating because he got a 73 on the ASVAB and it seemed that there was so much he could do. He was told, though, at his first trip to MEPS that nothing he was interested had anything available. He did not want to wait to leave so chose the undes route. Like I said, I struggled with this for quite a while.
But... The more I think and pray and just breathe, I realize it's what's best right now. He was in college for the last year and not doing well. Though smart, he's not the greatest student because he doesn't want to be there because he doesn't know what he wants to do.
I so hope that he can travel and have exposure to different jobs so that he can find something that is a good fit. I know he'll be happier with the hands on learning than he would be in a classroom at this point... Even if he's chipping paint! :).
Reading all of the comments here, good and not so good, has been helpful!
Kpbmamma- very similar situation for my son. Had some college credits struggled in college, scored well on his ASVAB but since he didn't want to wait an additional 6 months to ship out he went ahead and chose undes and shipped out within a few months. Does he regret it? No, probably one of the best decisions that he could have made. Is he happy no so much but he know he has made the right decision. His plan is to change his rate when can. You are are already doing what I was gonna suggest and that is to pray and stay positive. I could not be anymore proud of my son and his choice to serve our awesome country, regardless of the direction your son or mine goes in, it will be a win win either way.
Lori and kpbmamma - my son went in undes 18 months ago (for different reasons than yours) and I was very upset. However, it has been the best thing for him ever. If they go in with a job and it isn't a fit, they are stuck until they jump through all the hoops to change it. The Navy works hard to put those that are undes where they are needed the most and where their strengths and talents are most used. He has been in Japan for 15 months and 8 days :) and he loves it and loves what he is doing. He has already seen many countries and gained valuable experiences and skills. It's a great thing and you should be so proud of them!
Found out today that my son did strike for the LS rate and will not be undes. as of June. He's been in the fleet since last October, so the wait was not too long. Have heart - if your sailor wants to move on - it can be done!
Maybe someone can help us out! My sailor is undes and currently @ GL for another week. He has is orders already to San Diego and to be with the group ACB-1. He hasnt heard back from his sponsor yet and no one (not even his instructors on base) know any info about the unit ACB-1. Does anyone here have any info about it ? Or a sailor with them ? He's confused because when he does research ACB-1 isnt technically on a "ship" and they usually are on land. So while he is at schooling right now he's learning about stuff on ship but most likely he will be on land when he reports to san diego will they give him more training ? Sorry if that sounds confusing but we are confused too haha!
Hi Ellen,
My son is going in as an undes FN in August. I haven't found any specific group for that. But this group has a lot of good info.
Would love to hear how your son is doing. I'm a little hesitant of my sons choice.
Hi Kadikaboom626, my son just left for boot camp last Wednesday, we've received his 'box' and the form letter just today, so no news is good news they say. I wondered about my sons choice too, but I think they just didn't have anything that he wanted to commit to. The FN was in the area that interested him though, so I hope it works out well... for both of them.
I my son is joining the Navy as an undesignated FN. I have concerns with this as I have heard they do whatever the needs of the ship are. I've also heard from LCPO's that they are the ships "ginnea pigs" since they didn't attend "A" School. He wants to be a DC. Anybody out there with information that can help me out and put my mind at ease, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Angie. The LCPO was on one of the threads online that I read where he stated that. I will see if I can relocate it again, and post it for you to see.
Ellen- my son is also fireman a apprentice. His pir is this Friday. He will then go to a school in Great Lakes for eight weeks. I sent you a friend request! He got his orders and will be stationed in San Diego.
Hello!, my SR is in the SPACT program, his PIR. Will be on 8/9. I'm pretty sure he will stay in GL for more training. But for PIR weekend do you think I'll be able to spend the whole weekend with him or does he have to report back every night?
Meli_gz, my son PIR'd on 5/24 and was SPACT. He was with us for about 45 minutes after graduation, then had to report back to move across the street. He called us (someone else's phone) right before they marched to the Main Gate. It was around 2:30p, but really depends on each situation. When they meet you at the Main Gate on Friday, they are free for the afternoon, but have to be back earlier than the rest of the weekend. We were all nervous about it, and he was tired, so I think we had him back by about 8/8:30p,. It is a long walk back to their ship. The rest of the weekend (ours was a holiday weekend, so a bit different) family has to sign them out. They are Phase I, so they either have to sign our with 2 other sailors or by the family. They will meet you at the Main Gate, then you go back to his ship, sign him out and go back out. If you have a car, this is where it is most important to download the Gate Pass! It is a VERY LONG WALK back to the Ship! On Saturday night, we had him back around 9p. They are up and out early. We picked our sailor up Saturday and Sunday around 6/6:30a. Hope this helps.
Hi I have another question: Since he stays in GL, when do I give him his cellphone and laptop? Right after PIR when he goes to TSC? Or once we return him to the base that night , or Sunday before we say goodbye ? He asked for a backpack too, and I'm thinking of putting all of that there plus civilian clothing, if permitted
Hello, my son is signed up for E-Pact Fireman apprentice, his PIR is 9/27. I'm just trying to find out a little bit more about it and what kind of training they will have. Just want him to have a great future:)
pbarb62 - My son PIR'd on 8/2 and is in E-PACT also. So, for the three days he's been in class, it's included indoctrination classes, personal finance/insurance is all he's mentioned. He does seem to be busy otherwise and I haven't heard much from him. I hope someone here can fill us in more too.
Don't forget you will have to sign him in on Friday night and out on Saturday and Sunday. But when he's in the car with you going back, you can drive back to his barracks. Don't park and walk when. He's with you!!
pbarb62 My son doesn't have any real dates yet. He did say that today is his final day of indoctrination, so, five days of indoctrination classes, then he will get the date that his E-PACT training will start, so I don't know how long the actual training is. Before he went, I found an Excel document here that said nine weeks, but I don't know if that's total or just for the E-PACT. Will you be able to travel to your son's PIR? It's worth the trip! Since my son was staying at GL for training, he had liberty Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, so we stayed through Monday morning.
Eryn
Nov 27, 2012
Rickysgirl23
Yeah, he told me he goes to Pensacola, but I just want to get a better idea of when he finds out where he is going to be stationed. I am moving with him and want to get a head start on everything!
Nov 27, 2012
Eryn
Nov 28, 2012
Rickysgirl23
Thanks! That helps a lot :-) I can't wait to find out. I'm a water baby so I'll be happy to be moving from the desert in Vegas to anywhere by the water!
Nov 28, 2012
Eryn
Nov 28, 2012
Rickysgirl23
Yay! Count them down girl! :-)
Nov 28, 2012
collinsnavygirlsmomSHIP14,DIV013
Rickysgirl23: my daughter is A-PACT in P'cola right now. She received her orders for her first duty station immediately after her PIR.
Nov 30, 2012
Rickysgirl23
Thank you so much. That is what I am hoping for! He said they don't really tell them anything about when but it's nice to have an idea!
Nov 30, 2012
PaulaKylesMom (JapanNavyMom)
Nov 30, 2012
Rickysgirl23
ok, that seems like most get it within the last couple weeks. Something to look forward to and then graduation!
Nov 30, 2012
Zman'smom
Jan 2, 2013
wfindley
Jan 13, 2013
Annie
My son has been in now for about a year, he is a E3 seaman. He is eligable to strike for a rate in March. He wants to be a MA, but he is telling me he can only put in for the package in March and cannot test till September. Is this true? He also is on deployment right now, and before he left he put in to switch to be airman, and was told he would find out on the 14th. Now he says the system is down and not even sure if anything went through. Sounds to me that he is very frustrated at the Navy right now and I do not knwo what answers to give him. I am stressing, help!
Jan 18, 2013
Annie
Angie, I think he wanted to change from being an undesignated seaman to an undesignated airman when he put in for I guess a package to do that. He was told that the system was down when he was suppossed to find out on the 14th if it got approved. So now I guess he is going to wait till March to strike for some rate. I am assuming this is what he's doing. I am very confussed.
Jan 18, 2013
JAS-WA
My son perforated his eardrum while performing exercises for the basic enlisted submarine school. Therefore, he can no longer stay in the submarine program. He has been in the Navy for four months. After his submarine training, he was on track to do go to A school to become a sonar tech. After his injury, the navy offered him a medical discharge or an undesignated seaman position on a surface ship. He chose the latter. From what I have found on the web, this may be a very difficult path in the current Navy. Any advice you can give, will be appreciated.
Mar 24, 2013
Zman'smom
Mar 24, 2013
CrackerjackMom
Hi Div912, I just want to put my two cents in.....
My son is an ET submariner, a few years back he was sent to become the subs diver. While in training he punctured his ear drum. After 6 months he was allowed to go back to dive school, and has had no problem with being on the sub or with his ear.
Please keep in mind that my son was already on the sub for a year, also I don't know the severity of your sons injury. But I just thought that if being on a sub is something that your son has his heart set on then he may still have a chance after a while. Tell him not to give up just yet.
Mar 24, 2013
JMom 04/812
Good morning,
I am looking to ship a car out to my son. He is stationed in Ca. Does anyone know of a company that transports cars? I live in NJ. Appreciate any help I can get.Thanks, JMom
Mar 25, 2013
bama mom
@JMOM 04/812**** Bamamom know a trustworthy, wonderful auto transporter. He is my boyfriend and I have know his family since I was 9 yrs old. Let me check real quick with him and see if he is licensed to transport out of state. I will be right back with you. Thxs.
Mar 25, 2013
bama mom
He is not licensed to ship out of state. He also said that if you go thru a typical transport company, you may be shocked at the charge to do that. He advised to check out www.uship.com . This is a real place to put something up for bid, just like the TV show. He said make sure they are bonded and insured. Check how many miles it needs to go and figure at least $4.50 per mile charge.
I hope this helps. Sorry he could not do it.
Momofasailor***Alabama Navy Mom
Mar 25, 2013
Zman'smom
Mar 26, 2013
JAS-WA
My son's eardrum perforated during submarine school. He was given a choice to wait for a year and a half to resume his submarine training or to go undesignated on the surface. He chose the latter. Now he's waiting for his orders. Did any of your sailors change to undesignated rating during their training? If so, how long did they wait to get their orders?
Mar 29, 2013
Texas Valley Mom
div912-altosax -- It didn't take long. It took about 10 days from the time we knew my sailer was going undes until he got orders. He then had 10 days of leave before reporting to his ship.
Mar 29, 2013
Maria Villa
Thanks
Mar 29, 2013
xoxo_mariana
Hello everyone, my hubby is currently in BC and his PIR is May 24..so excited!! He is in the A-Pact program (Undesignated Airman) and will be in Florida for a month following his completion of BC. My question is, when will he know where he will be stationed after training? Also, he was planning on only taking a week of leave after training (in case he is granted more) but a friend suggested that IF he is given 1 1/2 or 2 weeks that he take it all because the date will be set for training to start on a certain day and will not begin earlier for him (which makes lots of sense). My friend advised me to tell him that he will earn holiday leave (and that it is automatic) so he should not worry about saving days for the holidays....I have not spoken to my SR at all since he arrived at BC so he is still planning on saving days....can someone advise me on this??
Apr 11, 2013
xoxo_mariana
Apr 11, 2013
xoxo_mariana
May 8, 2013
kpbmamma
But... The more I think and pray and just breathe, I realize it's what's best right now. He was in college for the last year and not doing well. Though smart, he's not the greatest student because he doesn't want to be there because he doesn't know what he wants to do.
I so hope that he can travel and have exposure to different jobs so that he can find something that is a good fit. I know he'll be happier with the hands on learning than he would be in a classroom at this point... Even if he's chipping paint! :).
Reading all of the comments here, good and not so good, has been helpful!
May 22, 2013
Ellenelle
May 22, 2013
jansu831
Lori and kpbmamma - my son went in undes 18 months ago (for different reasons than yours) and I was very upset. However, it has been the best thing for him ever. If they go in with a job and it isn't a fit, they are stuck until they jump through all the hoops to change it. The Navy works hard to put those that are undes where they are needed the most and where their strengths and talents are most used. He has been in Japan for 15 months and 8 days :) and he loves it and loves what he is doing. He has already seen many countries and gained valuable experiences and skills. It's a great thing and you should be so proud of them!
May 23, 2013
kpbmamma
May 23, 2013
Suwigg (Mom - LS2/Italy)
Found out today that my son did strike for the LS rate and will not be undes. as of June. He's been in the fleet since last October, so the wait was not too long. Have heart - if your sailor wants to move on - it can be done!
May 23, 2013
ljoyce
Maybe someone can help us out! My sailor is undes and currently @ GL for another week. He has is orders already to San Diego and to be with the group ACB-1. He hasnt heard back from his sponsor yet and no one (not even his instructors on base) know any info about the unit ACB-1. Does anyone here have any info about it ? Or a sailor with them ? He's confused because when he does research ACB-1 isnt technically on a "ship" and they usually are on land. So while he is at schooling right now he's learning about stuff on ship but most likely he will be on land when he reports to san diego will they give him more training ? Sorry if that sounds confusing but we are confused too haha!
May 28, 2013
MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)
Any undesignated airmen moms here?
May 29, 2013
JodyT
Yes, I've got an airman. My son is undes and currently assigned to a helicopter squadron in Norfolk.
Jun 1, 2013
Ellen65
My son went in as FN Apprentice (Fireman Apprentice). Is there a group for that? I haven't found one yet.
Jun 11, 2013
kadikaboom626
My son is going in as an undes FN in August. I haven't found any specific group for that. But this group has a lot of good info.
Would love to hear how your son is doing. I'm a little hesitant of my sons choice.
Jun 13, 2013
Ellen65
Hi Kadikaboom626, my son just left for boot camp last Wednesday, we've received his 'box' and the form letter just today, so no news is good news they say. I wondered about my sons choice too, but I think they just didn't have anything that he wanted to commit to. The FN was in the area that interested him though, so I hope it works out well... for both of them.
Jun 14, 2013
Patti
I my son is joining the Navy as an undesignated FN. I have concerns with this as I have heard they do whatever the needs of the ship are. I've also heard from LCPO's that they are the ships "ginnea pigs" since they didn't attend "A" School. He wants to be a DC. Anybody out there with information that can help me out and put my mind at ease, would be greatly appreciated.
Jun 20, 2013
Patti
Thanks Angie. The LCPO was on one of the threads online that I read where he stated that. I will see if I can relocate it again, and post it for you to see.
Jun 20, 2013
rws9d245
Jun 24, 2013
meli_gz
Jul 12, 2013
MAG
Meli_gz, my son PIR'd on 5/24 and was SPACT. He was with us for about 45 minutes after graduation, then had to report back to move across the street. He called us (someone else's phone) right before they marched to the Main Gate. It was around 2:30p, but really depends on each situation. When they meet you at the Main Gate on Friday, they are free for the afternoon, but have to be back earlier than the rest of the weekend. We were all nervous about it, and he was tired, so I think we had him back by about 8/8:30p,. It is a long walk back to their ship. The rest of the weekend (ours was a holiday weekend, so a bit different) family has to sign them out. They are Phase I, so they either have to sign our with 2 other sailors or by the family. They will meet you at the Main Gate, then you go back to his ship, sign him out and go back out. If you have a car, this is where it is most important to download the Gate Pass! It is a VERY LONG WALK back to the Ship! On Saturday night, we had him back around 9p. They are up and out early. We picked our sailor up Saturday and Sunday around 6/6:30a. Hope this helps.
Jul 13, 2013
meli_gz
Yes it is great info, thank you Chissybear & MAG :)
Jul 14, 2013
meli_gz
Hi I have another question: Since he stays in GL, when do I give him his cellphone and laptop? Right after PIR when he goes to TSC? Or once we return him to the base that night , or Sunday before we say goodbye ? He asked for a backpack too, and I'm thinking of putting all of that there plus civilian clothing, if permitted
Jul 31, 2013
pbarb62
Hello, my son is signed up for E-Pact Fireman apprentice, his PIR is 9/27. I'm just trying to find out a little bit more about it and what kind of training they will have. Just want him to have a great future:)
Aug 8, 2013
Ellen65
pbarb62 - My son PIR'd on 8/2 and is in E-PACT also. So, for the three days he's been in class, it's included indoctrination classes, personal finance/insurance is all he's mentioned. He does seem to be busy otherwise and I haven't heard much from him. I hope someone here can fill us in more too.
Aug 8, 2013
Skippy
Aug 8, 2013
pbarb62
Thank you Ellen65, how long is he in training in GL? 9 weeks?
Aug 8, 2013
Ellen65
pbarb62 My son doesn't have any real dates yet. He did say that today is his final day of indoctrination, so, five days of indoctrination classes, then he will get the date that his E-PACT training will start, so I don't know how long the actual training is. Before he went, I found an Excel document here that said nine weeks, but I don't know if that's total or just for the E-PACT. Will you be able to travel to your son's PIR? It's worth the trip! Since my son was staying at GL for training, he had liberty Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, so we stayed through Monday morning.
Aug 9, 2013