I just had a chance to catch up on some of the most recent posts and so I just had to add another two cents of mine....
I've said it before and I'll say it again. We are all here for support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How simple is that? We should support moms that have something to brag about and we should embrace our moms that are going through a hard time because their Sailor isn't as fortunate as the rest to advance.
MYLAS has been bashed due to her sounding negative. I feel for her. Is this a reason to leave the group? Then shame on you.
The moms that move over to the new PACT group are moms whose kids are still in boot camp or just PIR'd. So of course they don't want to hear or listen to what might just happen to their sailor while in the Navy.
Once their "LALA Land" comes crashing down because some of their sailors were overlooked for a rate.....they'll be coming back to us here to vent or cry.
And you know what.....I hope we will all embrace them with open arms and give them empathy.
There is no easy, positive way to tell moms their non-rate is the designated gopher and scape-goat of the fleet.
In some ways the non-rates have two sometimes three designations. I won't mention the third designation here, but moms of female sailors will know what it is quickly enough. Some of the male non-rates experience the third as well.
There really is no way to put a positive spin on going undesignated without lying.
I'm so sorry that some of the undes sailors have had such a negative experience. I feel grateful that that has not been true of my son's time as an undes. He has loved it up to this point and works with some great individuals. He will be leaving for A school soon as his rate will be CTR. Reading about PACT freaked me out when I first joined, but realized I had to leave it in God's hands and knew I raised my son to do his best. Either way it turned out, he would grow as a man from the experience. None of us are exempt from going through tough times in life. It really sucks to go through, but even harder to watch our kids go through it. You just never know where the roads will take you. I hope the sailors that have had a bad experience will only have it lead to greater things. Best of luck to all of you!
My son shipped on 1/7/15 and is in SHIP 03 DIV 102, PIR 03-06-2015. I really would have preferred him to have "waited" to have picked an actual rating/job, but he was just wanting to join and start BC and of course was told this was a good option as he would have the opportunity to get a "feel" for something and then be able to go that route. I have a older son in the military (ARMY) and do know that that when you are enlisting and the jobs you want are not available, the recruiters will still try to get you to sign up. I am just hoping that choosing the S-PACT program for my son will be a good experience for him and that he and others who joined this program will truly be given the opportunity to choose a specific rating.
Viv, there is also another group you may want to join "PACT Moms" I think it is good to get both perspectives. My son was in the same position as yours. He graduated in September of last year. Honestly he is loving the Navy. Not in the position what he wants to do forever, however getting alot of recognition and rewards. My suggestion is to tell him to work hard. Luckily my son has a great CO and it is being recognized.
The Command makes all the difference! I do apologize my my negative comments when I joined this group. My sailor has a VERY BAD command and consequently this experience really clouded my views. I wish the best for all of your undes and hope they are not assigned to ships where commands need investigation.
Hello to all!
I don't post often but I do read the comments.
Good news to share!!
My prayers have been answered and my sailor has been picked up for the rate she struck for! Her experience as an Undesignated had Highs and lows...mostly lows but she kept pushing forward and made the best out of it as best as she could.
Just a quick overview so that you all know the timeline...she left for bootcamp in Feb. 2014, PIR'd in April, got assigned to a ship in Norfolk in May, worked, lived, and slept there til Sept. (she hated it), got her PPV housing in Sept. (she loved it). We went to visit her in Oct. and got a tour of her ship and met some of her shipmates. That was a great experience! Everytime she was able to, she put in her choice to strike for Yeoman...last week, SHE GOT IT!!!! Praise the Lord! Halleluyah! SO HAPPY FOR HER! needless to say, she is very happy too!!
She is looking forward to this new opportunity and ready to give it her all and be the best Yeoman she can be!
Almost a year to the day that she left for Bootcamp that she got her rate! Last year at this time I was a mess...dreading the day for her to leave to bootcamp. My how time has flown by and all of this has been a life changing experience!
I hope that all of your Sailors are well and that they too strike and get picked up for the rate that they choose! Best of luck!!
I know what you mean about our kids getting frustrated when we ask too many questions...or the same question over again! lol! I'll pray that his LASIK surgery goes well for him and that he continues on to do what he wants. Being Undes. was not easy for my daughter but she did learn a lot and now she has to learn a lot of more new stuff and is also studying for an advancement exam and then getting ready to deploy. Best thing we can do for our Sailors is to stay in their corner and cheer them on. Best of luck to your Sailor!
Hello! I'm a mom frustrating my kid with too many questions over here so I'm glad I found this group! :) my son was in A school for AE / FC but really disliked it and decided to go undes. Now he's gotten orders to ship to the USS Ashland in Japan! He gets his 10 days at home (we're not sure when yet) but has to do 5 days of RAP to take it (which is fine - I'll take it!) We're saving up to be able to visit Japan once while he's still there. How has PACT and being u designated worked out for other seamen? I want to know all about it but I don't think my son knows himself! Thanks all!
My son is still in BC, but I am just as confused as the last two comments as to the details of these Undesignated placements. Hope someone can direct as in the right direction.
To the new comments posted... You might also post the comments in the group PACT moms... I think that group is a little more active at this time. My son is APACT and graduated bootcamp in January. He got his orders the last week of boot camp. He went to Florida until the end of March, then came home for 10 days and went to his duty station. He will deploy soon. He didn't get assigned to the area that he wants to strike a rate in but he is hopeful he can study on his off time and go spend some time in that area as well.
I was happy to have a page that supported my son's position. After 16 months and 2 deployments, he was given the opportunity to strike for a rating and finally attained one. We are very excited for his new rating/position. He worked hard and stayed positive. He served his deck department well and made a lot of great friends.
Runforlife14USSAZ400- my son is in Boot Camp as we speak and is in the E-PACT program. Thank-you for the update. I have been so worried about him being undesignated.
I am always happy to hear your sailor has succeeded when your sailor has succeeded.
Likewise, I am annoyed when I hear your sailor is unhappy.
While some of you have been annoyed with some of the things I've written, I'm not willing to sugarcoat things for you.
I don't think making an example out of a recruiter is the way to proceed in this matter. While there is always more than enough evidence to prosecute the case, there is already too much of that wrong mentality happening in the chain of command.
I guess the most annoying thing to me though, is I think the Navy needs to recognize that the contract is null and void if based upon a lie.
Hello everyone. I haven't posted in a while. My son is APACT and has been in the Navy since January 2014. He has recently been able to strike for a rate. Since that time he rarely calls us, or answers his phone or our texts. He will be 22 in a few weeks and is here in the states. Anyone have any insights on his behavior? His sisters tell us not to worry. But me and his dad are concerned.
Angelmomma12, my son went in undesignated July of last year. He is doing great and enjoys learning new and different things. He decided what he wants to strike for and is studying for that job. He is currently deployed and made sailor of the month last month. Everyone's experience is different. I think a good attitude and hard work goes a long way
@CumberLA My son just finished his BECC training in Great Lakes and he did get his 10 day leave to come home. Your son needs to let them know where he wants to visit so they can adjust his itinerary. My son is E-PACT and he is now in San Diego. They can receive packages in Great Lakes. If you are on FaceBook they have a group for family members who have sailors in GL. So far my son is happy with his choice to join E-PACT. He moves along much faster and is able to learn hands on. I believe with hard work and determination they can eventually be where they want. At least that is my hope for my son as well.
My husband is A-pact and he got his orders for San Diego. Are we able to go with him as a family. Also once he finishes his month training do they go straight to Where his orders are?
@jyssicarm after my son finished his month of school he came home for 10 days then went on to San Diego. He has been there since Sept. He does have to let them know he wants to come home so they can change his flight info. Hope that helps.
my son will soon be in japan he just finished aschool he is excited to get to japan to get started he will be in atsugi I like to be friends with parents who has a sailor over there best of luck to all new sailors where ever you are
My son waited a little over two years to strike for a rate. He wanted to wait for the job that he really wanted and it was worth it. He was picked up as a Cryptology Technician, went to A School, and is currently in C School. He told me that he is glad that he went in undesignated because it gave him time to learn a lot and that he wouldn't have chosen this job when he first signed up. This job really fits his strengths from what I can tell, but I don't know much about it because it is a highly classified position and he can tell me very little. I am so happy for him with how everything has worked out. He has grown so much from this experience. Best of luck to your sailors!
Just joined this group and I'm looking for all the support and advice I can get! My son leaves tomorrow for MEPS and will leave for GL Wednesday as Undesignated / S-PACT. The PACT Moms group has been a big help but I'm looking for all that I can get as I worry my way through the the next 48 hours!! :(
Hello. Our second son is scheduled to leave Dec. 5th for boot camp after being put on hold from his original ship out date of July 19th . He was part of the group that was told their prospective rates were overmanned/realigned so he had to pick another one. He was only given one rate, HM which he did not want. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago . Our son told his recruiter he was done waiting and wanted to cut his contract. Now he will be going in S-PACT. Ive read a little about it but still having trouble wrapping my brain around it all. Our main worry is that our son will get "caught" in a rate that he does not want. Our oldest son is currently stationed at Kings Bay, GA as a MM on a sub.
any additional information anyone has to help ease this worried mama will be MOST welcomed and appreciated!
My son shipped out December of 2014. He was A-PACT. I was very worried. He immediately was deployed after joining his ship in March of 2015. He had wanted to try for AM, but as A-PACT, was put with the AO where he was needed. After several months on the ship he realized he really wanted AD. He worked hard and asked to be transferred to AD. He was able to transfer and realized that is the rate he wanted. He was able to strike this last March and got it. This month he took the test to rank up and now he is a petty officer 3rd class. He is now AD3. It turned out good for him.
Vickie360, thanks for your info. I will keep it in mind as our son heads out to boot camp. Whatever is in the works for him will be and Im sure he will work hard for whatever job he has in mind. He is just ready to get started.
My son joined as undesignated and I am worried for him. I am prior Navy so I know what that can mean for his career. I could use some positive storied from other undesignated families
My son is currently at RTC but he is going into the Seaman Pact program after he graduates. He signed his contract a year ago, before his senior year, and there weren't any jobs available so this is what he got stuck with. Of course his recruiter played it up like it was a grand opportunity but my husband is former Navy and knows exactly what going to the fleet undesignated can mean. We are afraid that our son is going to regret joining the Navy and we don't want that for him. He's a hard worker and respectful so I know he will do whatever task is given to him and put his all into it.
raising3247 - My son and I have the same concerns. His PIR is July 21st and then he goes into A-Pact. He was not completely sure what he wanted to do so the recruiter really talked up the PACT Program. He is not hearing anything positive from others regarding the program. We are both hoping he did not make a mistake by enlisting this way. He was so excited to join the Navy but his experiences so far have not been good. It's a good thing this is only boot camp. :-)
Raising3247- stop look my husband is FN-PACT and he is so happy he went that route he got to see many different jobs and do them and he is. Ring given his rate next week as a MM and they and punching him NUKE it took him a year to get it but he busted his ass off and I mean busted his ass off. Worked 12 hours a day everyone of his chiefs knows to go to him to get work done right the first time as he has made his name known for that. He also just got a EP for all his hard work. Just tell him to do his job work hard learn as much stuff as possible do as many quals as he can and shine he will get noticed. We know other undes that have been on the ship for 2 years with no rate and it's because they are lazy and I hear about from other sailors and I am not even on the ship. So just tell him to work hard my husband said he made the best choice.
I have heard good and bad things about the PACT program. My son thinks it's going to be good for him because he can try different things. He is a hard worker and I'm not saying that because I am his mom, I have heard others say the same about him. We raised him to give whatever he does his best effort. My husband told him if he has a good attitude and does what he is asked to do he will get noticed and his superiors will reward him for it. I think it will be good for him because he is more of a hands on learner than a book learner. I am hearing more of the good stories on here than I have anywhere else.
raising3247 and Michael - thank you so much for those encouraging words. I will definitely pass them on to my son. He is a hard worker and takes pride in work well done the first time. Sounds like he will do just fine in the PACT program. Thanks again!
MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)
My sincere apologies if my last comment was interpreted as negativity.
Dec 13, 2014
BunkerQB
MyLas, I didn't think your last comment was negative at all. I just sent you a friend request. Would love to find out how your son is doing.
Dec 13, 2014
BunkerQB
Dec 25, 2014
Up&Down
Happy New Year Everyone!
I just had a chance to catch up on some of the most recent posts and so I just had to add another two cents of mine....
I've said it before and I'll say it again. We are all here for support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How simple is that? We should support moms that have something to brag about and we should embrace our moms that are going through a hard time because their Sailor isn't as fortunate as the rest to advance.
MYLAS has been bashed due to her sounding negative. I feel for her. Is this a reason to leave the group? Then shame on you.
The moms that move over to the new PACT group are moms whose kids are still in boot camp or just PIR'd. So of course they don't want to hear or listen to what might just happen to their sailor while in the Navy.
Once their "LALA Land" comes crashing down because some of their sailors were overlooked for a rate.....they'll be coming back to us here to vent or cry.
And you know what.....I hope we will all embrace them with open arms and give them empathy.
Jan 3, 2015
NavyBrat
There is no easy, positive way to tell moms their non-rate is the designated gopher and scape-goat of the fleet.
In some ways the non-rates have two sometimes three designations. I won't mention the third designation here, but moms of female sailors will know what it is quickly enough. Some of the male non-rates experience the third as well.
There really is no way to put a positive spin on going undesignated without lying.
Jan 4, 2015
MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)
Brat, My son calls it the Whipping Boys
Jan 5, 2015
Zman'smom
Jan 13, 2015
MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)
Zman's mom. I am so glad your son sailor has had a great experience. Some commands are better than others. We just got a terrible one :(
Jan 13, 2015
Up&Down
Kaina.....I read your post earlier and now it's deleted.
Are you ok????????
We are here for you.
Jan 15, 2015
Viv
Hello Everyone,
My son shipped on 1/7/15 and is in SHIP 03 DIV 102, PIR 03-06-2015. I really would have preferred him to have "waited" to have picked an actual rating/job, but he was just wanting to join and start BC and of course was told this was a good option as he would have the opportunity to get a "feel" for something and then be able to go that route. I have a older son in the military (ARMY) and do know that that when you are enlisting and the jobs you want are not available, the recruiters will still try to get you to sign up. I am just hoping that choosing the S-PACT program for my son will be a good experience for him and that he and others who joined this program will truly be given the opportunity to choose a specific rating.
Jan 20, 2015
nvduhmom.
Viv, there is also another group you may want to join "PACT Moms" I think it is good to get both perspectives. My son was in the same position as yours. He graduated in September of last year. Honestly he is loving the Navy. Not in the position what he wants to do forever, however getting alot of recognition and rewards. My suggestion is to tell him to work hard. Luckily my son has a great CO and it is being recognized.
Jan 21, 2015
MyLAS (My Lips are SEALed)
The Command makes all the difference! I do apologize my my negative comments when I joined this group. My sailor has a VERY BAD command and consequently this experience really clouded my views. I wish the best for all of your undes and hope they are not assigned to ships where commands need investigation.
Jan 24, 2015
Kaina
This sight has help me understand a lot.
Im grateful.
Feb 2, 2015
Leach73
I don't post often but I do read the comments.
Good news to share!!
My prayers have been answered and my sailor has been picked up for the rate she struck for! Her experience as an Undesignated had Highs and lows...mostly lows but she kept pushing forward and made the best out of it as best as she could.
Just a quick overview so that you all know the timeline...she left for bootcamp in Feb. 2014, PIR'd in April, got assigned to a ship in Norfolk in May, worked, lived, and slept there til Sept. (she hated it), got her PPV housing in Sept. (she loved it). We went to visit her in Oct. and got a tour of her ship and met some of her shipmates. That was a great experience! Everytime she was able to, she put in her choice to strike for Yeoman...last week, SHE GOT IT!!!! Praise the Lord! Halleluyah! SO HAPPY FOR HER! needless to say, she is very happy too!!
She is looking forward to this new opportunity and ready to give it her all and be the best Yeoman she can be!
Almost a year to the day that she left for Bootcamp that she got her rate! Last year at this time I was a mess...dreading the day for her to leave to bootcamp. My how time has flown by and all of this has been a life changing experience!
I hope that all of your Sailors are well and that they too strike and get picked up for the rate that they choose! Best of luck!!
Feb 17, 2015
Leach73
thank you Dilian!
how's your sailor doing? has he been striking for a rate?
Feb 23, 2015
Kaina
Feb 24, 2015
Leach73
Hi Dilian
I know what you mean about our kids getting frustrated when we ask too many questions...or the same question over again! lol! I'll pray that his LASIK surgery goes well for him and that he continues on to do what he wants. Being Undes. was not easy for my daughter but she did learn a lot and now she has to learn a lot of more new stuff and is also studying for an advancement exam and then getting ready to deploy. Best thing we can do for our Sailors is to stay in their corner and cheer them on. Best of luck to your Sailor!
Feb 25, 2015
Katie.courtney
Apr 13, 2015
Michelle
Apr 13, 2015
Vickie360
Apr 13, 2015
Runforlife14USSAZ400
I was happy to have a page that supported my son's position. After 16 months and 2 deployments, he was given the opportunity to strike for a rating and finally attained one. We are very excited for his new rating/position. He worked hard and stayed positive. He served his deck department well and made a lot of great friends.
Apr 28, 2015
Mommamac
Runforlife14USSAZ400- my son is in Boot Camp as we speak and is in the E-PACT program. Thank-you for the update. I have been so worried about him being undesignated.
Apr 28, 2015
NavyBrat
Moms;
I am always happy to hear your sailor has succeeded when your sailor has succeeded.
Likewise, I am annoyed when I hear your sailor is unhappy.
While some of you have been annoyed with some of the things I've written, I'm not willing to sugarcoat things for you.
I don't think making an example out of a recruiter is the way to proceed in this matter. While there is always more than enough evidence to prosecute the case, there is already too much of that wrong mentality happening in the chain of command.
I guess the most annoying thing to me though, is I think the Navy needs to recognize that the contract is null and void if based upon a lie.
The Navy is better than that.
The sailors deserve better than that too.
A descendent of Admiral George Dewey.
May 3, 2015
Up&Down
I'm looking to connect with moms with Sailors on the USS Anchorage LPD 23....anyone out there??????!!!!!!!
May 13, 2015
ML
May 13, 2015
Up&Down
Hi ML....I sent you a friend request. My son just got back from deployment in February and is deployed again!!!!
May 13, 2015
Carol65
Hello everyone. I haven't posted in a while. My son is APACT and has been in the Navy since January 2014. He has recently been able to strike for a rate. Since that time he rarely calls us, or answers his phone or our texts. He will be 22 in a few weeks and is here in the states. Anyone have any insights on his behavior? His sisters tell us not to worry. But me and his dad are concerned.
Jun 3, 2015
Leach73
Hi Carol65 - have you heard from you son?
Sometimes they just get very busy and from that very tired.
hopefully all is well and he was picked up for the rate.
Jun 26, 2015
angelmomma12
Hi, I'm a mom of a recruit that chose to be PACT, I hope she did not make the wrong decision. She's currently in BC day 9.
Aug 19, 2015
nvduhmom.
Aug 19, 2015
nvduhmom.
Aug 19, 2015
angelmomma12
Thank you for sharing that. I feel that she will make the best out of it too. Good to hear1
Aug 19, 2015
angelmomma12
Thanks!!!
Aug 19, 2015
jojosmom
@CumberLA My son just finished his BECC training in Great Lakes and he did get his 10 day leave to come home. Your son needs to let them know where he wants to visit so they can adjust his itinerary. My son is E-PACT and he is now in San Diego. They can receive packages in Great Lakes. If you are on FaceBook they have a group for family members who have sailors in GL. So far my son is happy with his choice to join E-PACT. He moves along much faster and is able to learn hands on. I believe with hard work and determination they can eventually be where they want. At least that is my hope for my son as well.
Oct 3, 2015
jojosmom
also @CumberLA check out the PACT moms group it is more active then this one.
Oct 3, 2015
Jyssicarm
Hello,
My husband is A-pact and he got his orders for San Diego. Are we able to go with him as a family. Also once he finishes his month training do they go straight to Where his orders are?
Oct 31, 2015
jojosmom
@jyssicarm after my son finished his month of school he came home for 10 days then went on to San Diego. He has been there since Sept. He does have to let them know he wants to come home so they can change his flight info. Hope that helps.
Nov 1, 2015
Jyssicarm
Thank you @jojosmom
Nov 2, 2015
tnmom50
my son will soon be in japan he just finished aschool he is excited to get to japan to get started he will be in atsugi I like to be friends with parents who has a sailor over there best of luck to all new sailors where ever you are
Feb 12, 2016
Zman'smom
Apr 22, 2016
ChristinaMarie (Ship 14/Div 298)
Jun 27, 2016
fayegirrl4*
Hello. Our second son is scheduled to leave Dec. 5th for boot camp after being put on hold from his original ship out date of July 19th . He was part of the group that was told their prospective rates were overmanned/realigned so he had to pick another one. He was only given one rate, HM which he did not want. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago . Our son told his recruiter he was done waiting and wanted to cut his contract. Now he will be going in S-PACT. Ive read a little about it but still having trouble wrapping my brain around it all. Our main worry is that our son will get "caught" in a rate that he does not want. Our oldest son is currently stationed at Kings Bay, GA as a MM on a sub.
any additional information anyone has to help ease this worried mama will be MOST welcomed and appreciated!
Nov 25, 2016
Vickie360
Nov 26, 2016
fayegirrl4*
Vickie360, thanks for your info. I will keep it in mind as our son heads out to boot camp. Whatever is in the works for him will be and Im sure he will work hard for whatever job he has in mind. He is just ready to get started.
Dec 2, 2016
misisu
My son joined as undesignated and I am worried for him. I am prior Navy so I know what that can mean for his career. I could use some positive storied from other undesignated families
May 21, 2017
raising3247
Jul 13, 2017
PatriotMom2
Jul 14, 2017
Michael
Jul 14, 2017
raising3247
I have heard good and bad things about the PACT program. My son thinks it's going to be good for him because he can try different things. He is a hard worker and I'm not saying that because I am his mom, I have heard others say the same about him. We raised him to give whatever he does his best effort. My husband told him if he has a good attitude and does what he is asked to do he will get noticed and his superiors will reward him for it. I think it will be good for him because he is more of a hands on learner than a book learner. I am hearing more of the good stories on here than I have anywhere else.
Jul 14, 2017
PatriotMom2
Jul 15, 2017