As a non-rate (fleet term for non-designated sailors), your son or daughter will learn some of the most valuable lessons in life. First and foremost, never hate a moron back; the only thing you accomplish by hating someone back is making yourself miserable.
Second, when you keep your head high and don't hate them back no matter what they say or do to you, you make them angry and miserable.
The best revenge your enemies will inflict upon themselves.
My boyfriend is being stationed in Little Creek, VA as a new E3 undesignated sailor. He and I have heard/ read many conflicting statements. Will he be allowed to strike for a rate or is it a hard and fast rule that he must be stationed for a year before that happens? Will this slow down his chances of moving up to E4? Will going in as a more mature (26 yr old) E3 help him along this undes path? Thank you for your advice in advance.
hello all! My son has just been told he is now undesignated after being dropped from the aircew. What is he to expect? How long does he need to be undes until he can try for something else?
@Bears'Mom, not all. We are station in San Diego California. I guess it depends in what kind of ship,or part of the country he has chosen to work after bootcamp
My son is a undesignated fireman. He is stationed in Norfolk. He has only been in for 6 months. You hear many different stories on being undesignated. I told him to work hard and keep fighting for the job he truly wants. His goal since joining has been to be an MA. I am sure it is going to be a long road to get there. He is willing to do it though because he would like to stay in for 20 years. He couldn't have a cleaner record and is very disciplined. I would think he would be just what they are looking for. He also scored high on his ASVAB. He is only 19 so he is learning many things since he has left home. Patience might be the biggest thing for him to learn now, and to make the best of your job whatever it is.
My son has been in the Navy since December of 2012. He went in A-PACT (undesignated) He was sent to 3 weeks school in Pensacola and has spent the last year in San Diego. He leaves here in about a week headed to Mississippi to board the new ship USS America. He is an E3 and was picked up to take the petty officer test that was just given. He was told about 3 weeks before the test he was on the list but could not take the test due to not being rated. His career Counselor told him he scored to high on the ASVAB to be an ABH. He scored an 89. Now his counselor is telling him if he doesn't get picked up and rated before the next test he may get separated by the Navy after the commissioning of his ship in the fall. He is devastated and getting the I don't care attitude about the Navy. He has the highest qualifications of his group of airmen and said he will be running the flight deck. Now everyone in his group has taken the Petty Officer test but him and another undesignated sailor that is in the same situation as he is. He joined the Navy on a whim and wanted to go so badly that he wouldn't wait in DEP until a job he wanted opened up. They offered him this and he took it. The counselor is trying to get him to go in a different direction but time is not on his side from what I am hearing and that could cause him to be separated. I am worried and need some advice. Thank you for listening and I hope I didn't confuse you all too much.
Lisa, I am not sure why your son would get separated for not getting a rate after only being in for a little over a year. I will tell you from expire cue that these young men do get frustrated with they way they Navy does things. Hopefully your son will stay focused on what he really wants to do. My son has been in for 2 years and has given up on an "A" school. His plan is to just spend the time he has left then get out. I wish your son the very best...
My understanding on taking the advancement test was that you needed to be on the list - my son took it in March and has never been told if he doesn't strike a rate he will be separated. The tests are scored and depending on the rate they want to strike, allows for a percentage to be advanced to that rate. If he wants MA and they take 10%, he needs to be in the 10%. It can also depend on if that rate is available for advancement on his ship or duty station. Mine went S-Pact 8/12 - and in Norfolk - he has a regular job, watch and duty times, and does what he can to continue to advance on his ship, which helps him in the long run when he took the test back in September and again in March. In Sept. his scores were fine - but the rate was not available. give it time and your son will advance - he needs to work it and not be complaisant with his work as many undes get when frustrated with their jobs.
Looking for positive experiences with E-pact. Most of what I am reading is very worrisome. I feel like my son is doomed for being undesignated. He is a master marine diesel mechanic and did very well on electronic and mechanic line scores on ASVAB. His goal is MM. I'm not sure what to think since joining this group, he was so excited about the opportunities of being E-PACT. Need encouragement...thanks :)
Momof3, my daughter went in in 2007 undesignated she is now a 2nd class PO, studying for her 1st class test, and is sure she will reenlist next year.
As with any job......she had her ups and down but over all it wasn't bad, I kept telling her she is getting paid, has a place to live, and food, all while learning the ways of life. Just be patient, some have to work a little harder for things, that is not always a bad thing.
My son went in rated as a ET Nuke, wanting to stay as a career submariner.........As my daughter says he is a "Push Button Sailor", he has been in 8 years and will NOT reenlist.
My daughter just wanted to do 4 years, now she is talking career. So you never how how these things will turn out.
Majorityrules and CrackerjackMom thanks so much for the positive insight. We all were very excited about his enlistment choice and it seems a great option for him. I appreciate your input so much. I just need to focus on the fact that this was the right choice for him. Do you know if there are any groups specific to EPACT? I haven't found anyone in his division group that has an RS doing it.Thanks again
My son is E3 going into EPACT program after RTC. Will he be a fireman apprentice? Does it make a difference in the EPACT program that he will be an E3? So much to learn for us moms and I just want to understand what he is doing. Also, I have read that EPACT training is 9 weeks of training after RTC but we were told that it is 3 weeks. Does anyone know for sure?
My son went in as a fireman apprentice. I am not sure how that will work for your son. My son actually picked that job at MEPS because they told him there were not anymore master of arms spots left that day. I really wish his recruiter would have told him if he didn't get the job he wanted, then don't sign up. He would have waited and tried again. Fireman apprentice is not what he wants to do even though he likes the guys he is working with. Now I think it might be a long process for him to get out of that and try for MA. My son did 3 weeks of training for the fireman apprentice. He has to be able to switch over to seaman before he can even think about MA is what I have been told.
Thanks huffymom23. He also enlisted at MEPS for the EPACT because there were no machinist mate jobs to sign for. He is wanting to stay in engineering career path so at least he is in the right apprenticeship. I heard that he can strike for a job after a year if it's available and the A school has an opening. I believe machinist mate can be tested for though but not positive.
My bf is an 'Undesignated Airman'. He kept telling me this but I still (assumed) he meant AM. Anyhow, his A school was fast, he didn't get time off afterward and is now going to Japan! Anyhow, looking forward to connecting with others going through the same or similar things. Thanks for this group!
Hi popeyesgirl - Thanks for your message. Yeah, I hear that the sailors just love it there. I'm happy for my bf but sad for me since he's so far away. I can't wait to visit. ;-) It looks we do have a lot in common. Keep in touch!
I was looking for something else, and found this very detailed "Plain Talk" for PACT sailors. It may answer some questions, or it may make you more confused. :)
My Sailor has painted all week. Is this typically what Undes. Sailors do? She is in Norfolk. So far, she is having a hard time adjusting to staying on the ship at night because most of the time hardly anyone stays there. She says it is cold and she can't really sleep because she can't warm up. It's been a tough week for her :(
My son is a undes fireman. He does not complain to me that he feels like he isn't appreciated. He is trying to get picked as a EM, but this is where I think he is going to have a long wait. I think he really likes the guys he works with, and I feel like he gets praised for being a hard worker. He said somebody has to do the job, so he isn't going to let people make him feel like he isn't worth anything because he is undesignated.
My son dropped from spec forces and has been undes since Jan. along with 5 others. He's waiting for a Corpman opening which is what he originally signed up for before going spec. forces or going back sp. when the opportunity becomes available again, anything but Undes. He's avoided accepting Boatswainmate option since he doesn't want to make his Navy career out of chipping, painting and mopping and then advancing the ranks of chipping, painting and mopping. My job has been keeping his spirits up, a difficult task. He hasn't taken any online classes since none of them offered go toward his original career in nursing, he dropped out half way through to join the Navy. I'm encouraging taking any online classes offered and available just to keep his mind busy. He's been waiting since Jan for a room on base since the ship is unbearable and has been passed up on that request by sailors with job titles.
ML -My son is a undesignated fireman, and he got a room back in February or March on the base. He just happened to get a room with one of the guys in his engineering division. He really didn't seem like he had to wait for very long. Maybe he was just lucky at the right time.
I don't really understand why they even have a undesignated job. Why doesn't everyone have the option of a job, and do away with this undesignated thing. I don't think anyone truly signs up because they want to be designated. But that is just my opinion. I am sure there is some reason for it. Your son trying for spec forces and then being undesignated is probably a huge letdown for him. Hopefully things will turn out as he wants in the near future.
I am concerned about my son's decision for PACT Airmen, undesignated. He keeps telling me that this will all work out and that he will have the opportunity to strike for jobs after training. After reading some of these posts it concerns me that he will be "stuck" into something and just be shoved around for 4 years and come out with no real positive gain or with no real opportunity to reenlist. I hope that this does not happen.
ok I keep reading these! My son PIR's in January went to a school for training and has been in Japan since 4/2. He also is undesignated "MMFR".. I think he has settled just to be able to move forward with his life, he does nothing BUT paint all day and clean, And I hate it more than he probably does. He is right now on the GW deployed and really has no time off. I am so SORRY he joined the NAVY, so disappointed how these kids are bamboozled(not sure of spelling). I am beyond proud of his commitment, but not happy with his choice. I believe he is being taken advantage of. Just stating my opinion!
he is right now in Hong Kong and had appx 12 hours off the ship! I am so mad right now.. and he split a hotel room for 2 nights and can not be in it! Just truly a disgrace. I get that they have to work BUT they are paid less than anyone else on the ship.. They treat them like garbage . I say NO if you have a choice do not go undes!
djk's Mom, I know it's so frustrating, but tell your sailor to hang in there. My son was Undes. for a year and a half before he was able to get a job. He was undes. when he was on deployment also and had to stay and paint the ship while they were in port when everyone else got to go explore. I just kept telling him that this is just a small part of his life and he just needs to get through it day by day. Just give it time. Jobs do open up all the time with people leaving the Navy on a regular basis. I think it took my son 3 times to strike for a job before he got one. So, it will happen. Hang in there.
just disappointing and discouraging.. He is at port now been off ship for appx 12 hours in the last 48 hours, im pissed off! He does not know any better so he is accepting it.. BUT I do! And its a disgrace
From what I learned, they need all the support they can get. You need to stay positive for them. They know the job sucks and are trying to stay strong. We need to support them no matter what. I was also very pissed at both the Navy and the recruiting office for misleading my son, but in the end he got a job that is perfect for him. Please, please, please stay positive!!
My daughter went in Undesignated in 2007. It took her 2 years to become rated. It was not always easy but she is about to reenlist next year for the 2nd time.
MyLas, you need to know that everyone has to stand watch and do duty days. I can't say for sure but I find it hard to believe there are people only having duty once a month. It depends on the size of each section and each ship. My son was on a sub where they all had duty every 3 days, and he's a First Class, it's all part of being in the Navy.
This year has been terrible for my daughter her duty section seems to fall on every day they have off for a holiday. But next year it will work out differently. They may not ever like that part but they learn to live with the Navy life.
Just stay positive and tell your sailors to be patient and do the best they know how.
that is what happened to my Son! he was suppose to go in in March as DC.. came home from Meps Oct. 3rd and said Im leaving in 6 weeks and going undesig. and was all signed up! I was devastated. Now he is in Japan on a ship with NO A/C painting all day and cleaning. I wish they had like guidance councilors for them..
Shame on the other rated Sailors that treat the undes as shit.
I think that before anyone can strike for a rate that they need to be in undesignated territory for at least 6 months so that they will appreciate all that the undes do!!!!
Yes, unfortunatly there is favoritism in any job military or civilian.
My son did every 3 days because there are less people on a sub so the rotation comes quicker. My daughter does every 6 due to the amount of people in her department & section. When she was at Pendleton she had it every 13 days. Duty depends on numbers. Certain watches you must be qualified for before you can stand them. So possibly the ones that anyone can do may have worse hours.
This what happens when our kids take a job that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and then some.
Hello again, Up&Down! Soo sorry we lost touch! We were moving, and I would LOVE to catch up with you, because once again, I TOTALLY agree with your last post!!!
Haven't been on here in a while, but I have to say, my husband has experienced the same exact thing! He spent an entire 8 month deployment as an undes and he says that was the worst time in his entire life....he has multiple degrees, the CAPTAIN KNEW ABOUT IT, and still had him chipping paint and sweeping decks when he could have made such a difference in other areas....now my husband is out of the navy, thank God, and we are both sooo thankful that he is out...sorry to be somewhat "negative" however this is the honest truth and I can't lie....they do get treated like garbage, fed garbage, and that's the thanks they get for serving their country
Listen, I spoke with my Son last night he is on deployment and he is fine with being undesignated. Me as his Mother think he deserves better. On the other hand working for better will make him a better person. He is loving the Navy life. Its me who thinks they (Navy) take advantage ! he is in port and spent most of the time on the ship on watch since he is undes. BUT he is new and low man on the roster, so I guess that is that! He is ok with it and that is what counts. I am overwhelmed with pride .
NavyBrat
As a non-rate (fleet term for non-designated sailors), your son or daughter will learn some of the most valuable lessons in life. First and foremost, never hate a moron back; the only thing you accomplish by hating someone back is making yourself miserable.
Second, when you keep your head high and don't hate them back no matter what they say or do to you, you make them angry and miserable.
The best revenge your enemies will inflict upon themselves.
Don't let anyone get you down.
Feb 15, 2014
colorfulmonkey
My boyfriend is being stationed in Little Creek, VA as a new E3 undesignated sailor. He and I have heard/ read many conflicting statements. Will he be allowed to strike for a rate or is it a hard and fast rule that he must be stationed for a year before that happens? Will this slow down his chances of moving up to E4? Will going in as a more mature (26 yr old) E3 help him along this undes path? Thank you for your advice in advance.
Feb 27, 2014
nancy611
hello all! My son has just been told he is now undesignated after being dropped from the aircew. What is he to expect? How long does he need to be undes until he can try for something else?
Mar 15, 2014
meli_gz
@Bears'Mom, not all. We are station in San Diego California. I guess it depends in what kind of ship,or part of the country he has chosen to work after bootcamp
Mar 18, 2014
HuffyMom23
My son is a undesignated fireman. He is stationed in Norfolk. He has only been in for 6 months. You hear many different stories on being undesignated. I told him to work hard and keep fighting for the job he truly wants. His goal since joining has been to be an MA. I am sure it is going to be a long road to get there. He is willing to do it though because he would like to stay in for 20 years. He couldn't have a cleaner record and is very disciplined. I would think he would be just what they are looking for. He also scored high on his ASVAB. He is only 19 so he is learning many things since he has left home. Patience might be the biggest thing for him to learn now, and to make the best of your job whatever it is.
Mar 20, 2014
Lisa
Good Morning,
My son has been in the Navy since December of 2012. He went in A-PACT (undesignated) He was sent to 3 weeks school in Pensacola and has spent the last year in San Diego. He leaves here in about a week headed to Mississippi to board the new ship USS America. He is an E3 and was picked up to take the petty officer test that was just given. He was told about 3 weeks before the test he was on the list but could not take the test due to not being rated. His career Counselor told him he scored to high on the ASVAB to be an ABH. He scored an 89. Now his counselor is telling him if he doesn't get picked up and rated before the next test he may get separated by the Navy after the commissioning of his ship in the fall. He is devastated and getting the I don't care attitude about the Navy. He has the highest qualifications of his group of airmen and said he will be running the flight deck. Now everyone in his group has taken the Petty Officer test but him and another undesignated sailor that is in the same situation as he is. He joined the Navy on a whim and wanted to go so badly that he wouldn't wait in DEP until a job he wanted opened up. They offered him this and he took it. The counselor is trying to get him to go in a different direction but time is not on his side from what I am hearing and that could cause him to be separated. I am worried and need some advice. Thank you for listening and I hope I didn't confuse you all too much.
Mar 26, 2014
Dmaeship12div410
My son is A PACT also. He's hoping to get AM in the future he's been in since September 3rd, 2013.
Mar 26, 2014
cutepups DIV 146 SHIP 09
Mar 27, 2014
Skippy
My understanding on taking the advancement test was that you needed to be on the list - my son took it in March and has never been told if he doesn't strike a rate he will be separated. The tests are scored and depending on the rate they want to strike, allows for a percentage to be advanced to that rate.
If he wants MA and they take 10%, he needs to be in the 10%. It can also depend on if that rate is available for advancement on his ship or duty station.
Mine went S-Pact 8/12 - and in Norfolk - he has a regular job, watch and duty times, and does what he can to continue to advance on his ship, which helps him in the long run when he took the test back in September and again in March. In Sept. his scores were fine - but the rate was not available.
give it time and your son will advance - he needs to work it and not be complaisant with his work as many undes get when frustrated with their jobs.
Mar 29, 2014
Momof3
Apr 3, 2014
Majorityrulz
Apr 3, 2014
CrackerjackMom
Momof3, my daughter went in in 2007 undesignated she is now a 2nd class PO, studying for her 1st class test, and is sure she will reenlist next year.
As with any job......she had her ups and down but over all it wasn't bad, I kept telling her she is getting paid, has a place to live, and food, all while learning the ways of life. Just be patient, some have to work a little harder for things, that is not always a bad thing.
My son went in rated as a ET Nuke, wanting to stay as a career submariner.........As my daughter says he is a "Push Button Sailor", he has been in 8 years and will NOT reenlist.
My daughter just wanted to do 4 years, now she is talking career. So you never how how these things will turn out.
Everyone just needs to keep a positive attitude.
Apr 4, 2014
Momof3
Apr 8, 2014
Momof3
Apr 15, 2014
HuffyMom23
My son went in as a fireman apprentice. I am not sure how that will work for your son. My son actually picked that job at MEPS because they told him there were not anymore master of arms spots left that day. I really wish his recruiter would have told him if he didn't get the job he wanted, then don't sign up. He would have waited and tried again. Fireman apprentice is not what he wants to do even though he likes the guys he is working with. Now I think it might be a long process for him to get out of that and try for MA. My son did 3 weeks of training for the fireman apprentice. He has to be able to switch over to seaman before he can even think about MA is what I have been told.
Apr 17, 2014
Momof3
Apr 17, 2014
Leach73
Bears'Mom - i believe they all stay at Great Lakes for about 3 -4 weeks for additional training and then get their orders.
My daughter is Pact Seaman and graduated last friday and is at Great Lakes now and will be leaving in 3 weeks.
Apr 24, 2014
Leach73
Bears'Mom - She has been at Great Lakes for a week now but I am not sure if she will get the 10 days of leave yet.
Apr 25, 2014
Leach73
My Sailor graduated 04/18, stayed at GL up until last Friday and is home now for 10 days leave. She will fly out to her next assignment next week.
May 13, 2014
e_dub
My bf is an 'Undesignated Airman'. He kept telling me this but I still (assumed) he meant AM. Anyhow, his A school was fast, he didn't get time off afterward and is now going to Japan! Anyhow, looking forward to connecting with others going through the same or similar things. Thanks for this group!
May 22, 2014
popeyesgirl
Hi e_dub - My son is also an Undesignated Airman - he's in Japan (loving it) - and we're from Georgia! Seems like we have a lot in common! : )
May 22, 2014
e_dub
Hi popeyesgirl - Thanks for your message. Yeah, I hear that the sailors just love it there. I'm happy for my bf but sad for me since he's so far away. I can't wait to visit. ;-) It looks we do have a lot in common. Keep in touch!
May 22, 2014
Leach73
anyone here have an Undes. Sailor in Norfolk?
Mine just arrived on Tuesday and is on the Porter.
May 23, 2014
Valtameri
I was looking for something else, and found this very detailed "Plain Talk" for PACT sailors. It may answer some questions, or it may make you more confused. :)
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/toolbox/Documents/Plai...
May 24, 2014
e_dub
Thanks Valtameri! So helpful...not confusing at all.
May 24, 2014
Leach73
My Sailor has painted all week. Is this typically what Undes. Sailors do? She is in Norfolk. So far, she is having a hard time adjusting to staying on the ship at night because most of the time hardly anyone stays there. She says it is cold and she can't really sleep because she can't warm up. It's been a tough week for her :(
May 30, 2014
Up&Down
Leach73.....for the most part Undes do chip & paint. They can mop the decks or clean toilets.
Tell her to hang in there and be the best painter there ever was! Hopefully at some point she can "strike" for a rate.
I understand that Undes are not respected....but once they make it big.....they'll appreciate all the other Undes that they'll pass along the way.
Attitude is everything. A positive attitude will get her farther than a negative one.
Good Luck to your Sailor.
May 30, 2014
HuffyMom23
My son is a undes fireman. He does not complain to me that he feels like he isn't appreciated. He is trying to get picked as a EM, but this is where I think he is going to have a long wait. I think he really likes the guys he works with, and I feel like he gets praised for being a hard worker. He said somebody has to do the job, so he isn't going to let people make him feel like he isn't worth anything because he is undesignated.
Jun 1, 2014
ML
My son dropped from spec forces and has been undes since Jan. along with 5 others. He's waiting for a Corpman opening which is what he originally signed up for before going spec. forces or going back sp. when the opportunity becomes available again, anything but Undes. He's avoided accepting Boatswainmate option since he doesn't want to make his Navy career out of chipping, painting and mopping and then advancing the ranks of chipping, painting and mopping. My job has been keeping his spirits up, a difficult task. He hasn't taken any online classes since none of them offered go toward his original career in nursing, he dropped out half way through to join the Navy. I'm encouraging taking any online classes offered and available just to keep his mind busy. He's been waiting since Jan for a room on base since the ship is unbearable and has been passed up on that request by sailors with job titles.
Jun 9, 2014
HuffyMom23
ML -My son is a undesignated fireman, and he got a room back in February or March on the base. He just happened to get a room with one of the guys in his engineering division. He really didn't seem like he had to wait for very long. Maybe he was just lucky at the right time.
I don't really understand why they even have a undesignated job. Why doesn't everyone have the option of a job, and do away with this undesignated thing. I don't think anyone truly signs up because they want to be designated. But that is just my opinion. I am sure there is some reason for it. Your son trying for spec forces and then being undesignated is probably a huge letdown for him. Hopefully things will turn out as he wants in the near future.
Jun 9, 2014
HuffyMom23
I meant to say I don't think anyone truly signs up because they want to be undesignated. ha
Jun 9, 2014
Leach73
ML - my undes. Sailor also wanted Corpsman. What are the online courses that you mention? Are they offered by the Navy?
Jun 16, 2014
Emi - #proudofmysailor
I am concerned about my son's decision for PACT Airmen, undesignated. He keeps telling me that this will all work out and that he will have the opportunity to strike for jobs after training. After reading some of these posts it concerns me that he will be "stuck" into something and just be shoved around for 4 years and come out with no real positive gain or with no real opportunity to reenlist. I hope that this does not happen.
Jun 18, 2014
djk's Mom
ok I keep reading these! My son PIR's in January went to a school for training and has been in Japan since 4/2. He also is undesignated "MMFR".. I think he has settled just to be able to move forward with his life, he does nothing BUT paint all day and clean, And I hate it more than he probably does. He is right now on the GW deployed and really has no time off. I am so SORRY he joined the NAVY, so disappointed how these kids are bamboozled(not sure of spelling). I am beyond proud of his commitment, but not happy with his choice. I believe he is being taken advantage of. Just stating my opinion!
Jun 18, 2014
djk's Mom
he is right now in Hong Kong and had appx 12 hours off the ship! I am so mad right now.. and he split a hotel room for 2 nights and can not be in it! Just truly a disgrace. I get that they have to work BUT they are paid less than anyone else on the ship.. They treat them like garbage . I say NO if you have a choice do not go undes!
Jun 18, 2014
Proudcomom
djk's Mom, I know it's so frustrating, but tell your sailor to hang in there. My son was Undes. for a year and a half before he was able to get a job. He was undes. when he was on deployment also and had to stay and paint the ship while they were in port when everyone else got to go explore. I just kept telling him that this is just a small part of his life and he just needs to get through it day by day. Just give it time. Jobs do open up all the time with people leaving the Navy on a regular basis. I think it took my son 3 times to strike for a job before he got one. So, it will happen. Hang in there.
Jun 18, 2014
djk's Mom
he is good its me who is discouraged.. Thank you!!
Jun 18, 2014
Proudcomom
I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way. It is very discouraging.
Jun 18, 2014
djk's Mom
just disappointing and discouraging.. He is at port now been off ship for appx 12 hours in the last 48 hours, im pissed off! He does not know any better so he is accepting it.. BUT I do! And its a disgrace
Jun 18, 2014
Proudcomom
From what I learned, they need all the support they can get. You need to stay positive for them. They know the job sucks and are trying to stay strong. We need to support them no matter what. I was also very pissed at both the Navy and the recruiting office for misleading my son, but in the end he got a job that is perfect for him. Please, please, please stay positive!!
Jun 18, 2014
djk's Mom
me too Mama!!
Jun 18, 2014
Navy mom 49
Jun 18, 2014
CrackerjackMom
My daughter went in Undesignated in 2007. It took her 2 years to become rated. It was not always easy but she is about to reenlist next year for the 2nd time.
MyLas, you need to know that everyone has to stand watch and do duty days. I can't say for sure but I find it hard to believe there are people only having duty once a month. It depends on the size of each section and each ship. My son was on a sub where they all had duty every 3 days, and he's a First Class, it's all part of being in the Navy.
This year has been terrible for my daughter her duty section seems to fall on every day they have off for a holiday. But next year it will work out differently. They may not ever like that part but they learn to live with the Navy life.
Just stay positive and tell your sailors to be patient and do the best they know how.
Jun 18, 2014
djk's Mom
that is what happened to my Son! he was suppose to go in in March as DC.. came home from Meps Oct. 3rd and said Im leaving in 6 weeks and going undesig. and was all signed up! I was devastated. Now he is in Japan on a ship with NO A/C painting all day and cleaning. I wish they had like guidance councilors for them..
Jun 18, 2014
Up&Down
Shame on the other rated Sailors that treat the undes as shit.
I think that before anyone can strike for a rate that they need to be in undesignated territory for at least 6 months so that they will appreciate all that the undes do!!!!
Yeah....I think undesignated is a shit hole.
Jun 18, 2014
CrackerjackMom
Yes, unfortunatly there is favoritism in any job military or civilian.
My son did every 3 days because there are less people on a sub so the rotation comes quicker. My daughter does every 6 due to the amount of people in her department & section. When she was at Pendleton she had it every 13 days. Duty depends on numbers. Certain watches you must be qualified for before you can stand them. So possibly the ones that anyone can do may have worse hours.
This what happens when our kids take a job that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and then some.
Jun 18, 2014
TropikalParadize
Hello again, Up&Down! Soo sorry we lost touch! We were moving, and I would LOVE to catch up with you, because once again, I TOTALLY agree with your last post!!!
Jun 18, 2014
TropikalParadize
Haven't been on here in a while, but I have to say, my husband has experienced the same exact thing! He spent an entire 8 month deployment as an undes and he says that was the worst time in his entire life....he has multiple degrees, the CAPTAIN KNEW ABOUT IT, and still had him chipping paint and sweeping decks when he could have made such a difference in other areas....now my husband is out of the navy, thank God, and we are both sooo thankful that he is out...sorry to be somewhat "negative" however this is the honest truth and I can't lie....they do get treated like garbage, fed garbage, and that's the thanks they get for serving their country
Jun 18, 2014
djk's Mom
Listen, I spoke with my Son last night he is on deployment and he is fine with being undesignated. Me as his Mother think he deserves better. On the other hand working for better will make him a better person. He is loving the Navy life. Its me who thinks they (Navy) take advantage ! he is in port and spent most of the time on the ship on watch since he is undes. BUT he is new and low man on the roster, so I guess that is that! He is ok with it and that is what counts. I am overwhelmed with pride .
Jun 19, 2014
baseballmom2817
Jun 23, 2014